What to expect at David’s Bridal

View Quoted Comment I’m about 99.9% sure of what I want so I think I’m good and I picked out 10 that I absolutely love in the pictures so I’m hoping that I have as good as an experience as I can have.

When I went to go get my dress I did have an appointment. I went during the week on one of my day's off with my grandparents, mother-in-law, both sister-in-laws (both bridesmaids) and my husband's cousin's wife (also a bridesmaid). We Facetimed my sister (MOH who lives in another state), and the other 2 bridesmaids in the wedding who were not able to make it.

When I got there and got checked in, I was told that I could start looking around. My consultant came over to my family and I and introduced herself. She asked me what styles I liked and a ton of other questions about the wedding and then asked if I saw any dresses I liked while I was waiting for her. I showed her the ones I liked and then she asked me if I knew my size. I did, but she wanted to measure me anyway to make sure it was correct. She pulled the dresses I showed her (because they were in my size) and walked me towards the back, put the dresses in the dressing room, came back measured me (I was the size I told her), and then she took my family and I over to the dressing room area. She was with me the entire time, as I was her only appointment. She helped me into dresses and out of them. She fixed the train of all of the dresses I tried on. Offered accessories like belts and veils on the dresses we liked but weren't sure if they were "the dress". She was fantastic and gave her honest opinions when I asked for them. The 1st dress I tried on was her suggestion. It was a style I told her from the beginning that I was not interested in trying on b/c I didn't think it would look right on me. Well, that was the dress I fell in love with and ended up getting, lol.

All I would say is everyone's experience is going to be different and to trust your consultant if you ask for their opinions or suggestions. Don't stress yourself out. Enjoy the experience and be open minded to try on dress styles you didn't think of trying on

Edit: My experiences were pre-covid. I did go in for a return once they opened again and you weren't allowed to touch the dresses when browsing. I assume this will also mean changes to how hands on the consultant is with helping you dress as well.

Don’t expect to be waited on hand and foot for sure. I went to DB 3 different times and had different experiences. None were very luxurious, but some better than others.

Prepare for a very independent experience of picking your own dresses and getting into the dress, even deciding if you need another size to try. You might get lucky with a really great consultant though that suggests other styles and helps out as a sounding board. I was zipped up when I needed help and clipped in - but how well varied quite a bit. Some consultants helped fan out the train and take photos. Others did not. (It is worth noting I was on my own all 3 times, so no entourage to help with these duties).

Oddly, I always had to ask for shoes - one lady brought me a freaking size 9 shoe when I’m a 5 (and told her that). You should also ask for shapewear and/or a strapless bra if you think you'll want one (and didn't bring your own). They also always offer to top the dress off with a belt or veil - very SYTTD to try to make the sale. Make sure you like the dress and accessorize later.

I didn't end up buying my dress there but it was a good way to try on a whole bunch of styles.

View Quoted Comment My consultants never measured me so I had some styles that looked terrible because of it. You got a good one!

View Quoted Comment Oh gosh! I’m so sorry you had different experiences. Im hoping for as good as possible of an experience. I know with COVID a bunch has changed and that understandable but pre-COVID there’s no excuse for that.

One thing I’d recommend, is try to make an appointment on a week day rather than a weekend. It’s far less busy and you’ll feel a lot less rushed. I went on Saturdays (twice.). My consultant was so busy both times. She really tried to help but she was spread thin. I went a third time after work one day, around 3:30 in the afternoon, and I was one of about 3 brides in the store? I was able to take my time and relax. This was all pre Covid, but I’d assume Saturday’s are still their busiest day.

View Quoted Comment I’m scheduled for a Sunday morning 10:30am with my best friend who also had a 10:30am appointment so I’m hoping it’s not to busy especially at that time in the morning but we’ll see.