GOWN SHOPPING primer

Bridal SalonsIf you take the level of personal attention at a typical full-service bridal store several steps farther, you'll arrive at the bridal salon experience. (Don't be confused by the fact that many full-service bridal stores include the word 'salon' as part of their name - what we're referring to here is those stores that operate in the European tradition of couture salons.) Few true bridal salons exist in this country, though there usually is at least one in each major metropolitan area.
This is not a casual shopping experience. You'll be required to schedule an appointment in advance so you can meet with the salon’s consultant. Taking the term full-service to the highest level, the consultant will discuss your wedding plans with you in great detail. Based upon the information you provide, she'll help you to select a designer appropriate to your personal style and best suited to the type of wedding you’re planning.
Bridal salons do not display gowns on racks. Instead the salon consultant will pre-select gowns and bring them to you for consideration. The consultant also may suggest custom changes to the styles available at the salon. In addition to designers' dresses, custom design services are available through many salons, and some also offer bridesmaid dress styles for your review. Some engaged women thrive in the salon environment while others feel that it’s extremely frustrating.
Department StoresOnly a few major stores maintain full-service bridal departments. In essence, department stores that sell bridal gowns operate much like independently owned full-service bridal shops. Like other full-service bridal shops, some department store bridal shops offer custom-ordered gowns exclusively while others offer custom-ordered as well as off-the-rack merchandise for your consideration. The advantage of shopping at a department store is that you have the store’s reputation behind any purchase. Unlike shopping in the rest of the store, a prescheduled appointment often is necessary. Call ahead to make arrangements.