Is it appropriate to negotiate wedding dress price?

I feel like wedding dress shopping is different from any other kind of shopping. If it was a $2000 TV at Best Buy i wouldn't think twice about asking them to price match, but this feels different and I don't want to make any major faux pas, but I also don't want to miss an opportunity to save a few bucks if I can (who doesn't want to save a buck when you're spending all this cash on a wedding!?)

TIA for your experience and advice!

Yes, say exactly that. Let her know that you really enjoy working with her and want to give her the business, but another store is offering the dress less and giving a credit towards alterations and ask if she will do something comparable.

I don't think it would hurt to ask, however I do not know if that would be a faux pas...the worst they could say is no, so I vote yes.

Agree with earias. Tell this shop about the offer and ask if they will match since you prefer to work with them. If they won't negotiate, go with the other shop (assuming they have good reviews and good service). Don't worry about a faux pas, competition is part of the business.

Hmmmm this is a good question. I honestly don't have an answer for you but I'm in a similar situation where I saw the dress I'll most likely say yes to, at two different shops. The first one, the associate was WONDERFUL. The second one, closer to where my mom lives, not so much. I was actually very underwhelmed with my experience there and decided I'd rather get the dress from the first girl who actually was super helpful. I'm planning on going to the first shop during one of their trunk shows for this designer and getting it there. Since I'd get a small discount.

Maybe politely explain to them your situation, how you tried on the same dress at another shop for a little less. Or even ask about an upcoming trunk show or special event? You can tell them you really want to give them your business.

Normally I would say that trying to negotiate is tacky AF. However, in this situation, I think honesty with the consultant is a good idea. Explain that you had a great experience and really want to keep your business there, but that another salon is offering you the same dress for $2k with a $200 credit, and you are wondering if they would match that price. My guess is the manager will make that deal with you!

I negotiated my rent and got $100 off each month...Never hurts to try..All they can do is say no..

I would totally negotiate!

I would try to negotiate. Also ask what type of alterations are needed and how much they charge. That way it will help you negotiate and budget.

Usually I wouldn't, but in this case I would ask because you're not just haggling without a reason, you've done your research and found a shop that carries the exact dress you want at a cheaper price. Really, you're giving them the chance to keep your business or letting them know why they lost it. (I would go to the store with the lowest price unless they had really bad reviews)

Also, be certain the other shop has the dress in your size or can they order it in your size by a certain date first.

I used to be in sales so maybe I'm bias. I would negotiate. I would let her know you enjoyed your experience, and want to give her your business but found the same dress at a different salon for a lesser price, and ask if they can match it. As a saleswoman I would appreciate the customer coming back to me and giving me another chance to earn their business, the worst they could say is no- and you buy it at the other salon.

I would first get an idea of how much their alterations are first too before negotiating. If they are planning to give you a $200 credit they may just increase your alteration price $200 by overcharging you to compensate.

I told my salon I had a max budget of 2k. The dress they put me in and I fell in love with was 2.2k. I told them I just couldn't do it and she said I could have the dress for 1.8k (with tax it ended up being 2k anyway). I don't see a problem with telling them you can't afford it at the price it's at and asking them to work with you!

I would try to negotiate. Even if they say no, you tried, and if it is too much above your budget, you can try to find ways to save on other aspects so you can afford a little more for your dress, or you could try to find another one dress that is comparable to the one you like, but that is in your price range.

I agree with @FutureMrsE. Definitely try to negotiate!

You can definitely try to negotiate, you may or may not be successful

Ask if they're having a trunk show with that designer where you can get 10% off

My sister found her dress cheaper somewhere else so she went back to the original store to see if they would match the price and they did

Definitely try to negotiate

I had my appointment and I said YES to the dress! I told my stylist that I found the dress somewhere at the price i saw it, and told her I wanted to buy it from her and could they do anything to match that. She talked to her manager and matched the price! They couldn't offer the $200 credit, but did offer 25% off any accessories i buy from them. The price matching ended up being $200 off (it was more expensive than i remembered!) so i was totally happy with that. The shop is closer, and she spent much more time and effort with me than they did, so I was happy to spend the extra to buy from them and will hopefully be able to take advantage of the accessories discount

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions gals, you gave me the confidence to ask and it paid off!

Yay!! What a fabulous result!

Yay! Glad it worked out!

I would do it. I was going to negociate a dress price after I found that it was cheaper to order new than the sample price at a bridal store