Your Bridal Gown is one of the most
important purchases you will make in your lifetime. With so many other
purchases to be made that are not quite as exciting as purchasing your special
gown should you consider purchasing your gown online?
Is it part of the wedding planning experience to visit a salon with your mother and girlfriends? Is there a special feeling that comes with selecting the perfect dress at a cozy, inviting salon? Is sharing this experience with family and friends part of the wedding plan? This is a personal choice for all brides.
What
are the differences? Should you buy your Bridesmaid dresses, Flower girl dresses
online? Should the Mother of the Bride and Groom buy online? Should you only
purchase in a salon?
The
dress manufacturers are not concerned about how or where you purchase your
dresses. They manufacture the same for full service salons and online stores.
Bridal dresses are generally made to order therefore you should allow about
four months for delivery.
There
are several reasons why Bridal dresses are made to order however the main
reason is because each and every dress must be in perfect condition when
delivered. Warehousing dresses can cause damage and adds to production costs.
Because
Bridal dresses are made to order the manufacturers and retailers have a very
strict all sales are final policy. There are exceptions if you
receive something you didn't order or if the dress arrives damaged. If you
receive something you didn't order or it is damaged the retailer you purchased
from must be notified immediately. The manufacturers will not allow returns
later than a week or so. This policy is strict to prevent wearers from using
dresses for an event with the intention to return it when the event is over.
Selecting
the style, size and color of your dresses is definitely easier to do when you
visit a salon. You will be able to try on dresses. A consultant will assist
with sizing, show you fabric swatches and make professional recommendations for
accessories. You will be paying a consultant fee in the salon as the
consultants receive commissions for their sales.
Ordering
dresses online does not offer the same services as a salon as it is impossible
to show you the actual dresses. Images, color samples and size charts are
provided. Colors especially will vary by computer monitor. Here lies the
problem with online shopping. You will save a lot of money but will it be worth
it to you? Can you risk purchasing sight unseen with a strict all sales
are final policy?
Some
consumers will visit a salon and try on a dress that they want to purchase and
then go research a better price online. They can and do purchase online when
they find the exact dress they have tried on in a salon. This type of shopping
can work without problems.
You
may find then when visiting a salon your consultant may not be as helpful as
you would like as online shopping has become so popular they are privy to the fact that
you may be using their services with no intention to purchase from them.
