David's Bridal Question

[Mermaid_Ariel]

Do I need to make an appointment to just have two of my bridesmaids try on dresses? We don't really need any help or anything but my FSIL is saying that I do. On their website, it's making it sound like I have to give them a bunch of personal info in order to register for an appointment. Which I'm totally not doing that. We haven't even bought anything and I have to give them all of that? Say it isn't so! LOL!

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

Actually, I just found this on a David's Bridal FAQ.

Do I need an appointment?

We encourage you to make an appointment so that we can provide a more personal service experience. However, we occasionally run behind during busy times. If this occurs, we'll do everything possible to make your wait a short one. Here's a tip: if your schedule permits, make an appointment for a weekday or evening. Since we are less busy during those hours, we'll have more time to help you find everything you need for your dream wedding. Walk-in customers are always welcome.

So, I guess that answers my question but have any of you NOT made an appointment?

 

[hmgolden]

I've gone without making an appointment. And its always been fine - as long as there are dressing rooms. If there is a line, brides with appointments get first dibs on them. And if you don't have an appointment and its busy, its often hard to get anyone to help you.

 

[Plaid Princess]

I have not had a good experience the few times since purchasing my gown that I have dropped in without an appointment. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure that DB sold my information because the only other place that has it is Disney and I keep getting calls from Wedding Planners, DJ's etc.

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

I have not had a good experience the few times since purchasing my gown that I have dropped in without an appointment. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure that DB sold my information because the only other place that has it is Disney and I keep getting calls from Wedding Planners, DJ's etc.

That's EXACTLY what I'm afraid of!! My FSIL told me to give fake info because I am sooooooooooooo nutty when it comes to privacy stuff. I hardly ever sign up for any reward cards, mailing lists, catalogs, etc. My DF and I got into a spat with a Borders cashier a few weeks ago about her being pushy about the "free" Borders Rewards card. I'm like, c'mon, why would they offer FREE discounts if they're not getting kickbacks from third-parties who want to buy your information? It's in the fine print!

 

[BaBeeCee14]

We went into our local DB one Saturday without an appointment so my BMs can try on dresses. It was very busy that day, but we were still able to get someone to help us.

 

[lpizzuro123]

I have gone to DB without an appointment and they were able to help me (of course it was a very rainy night - midweek - and they were all sitting around doing nothing. Generally most of the bridal salons I have called and gone to only want you to schedule an appointment for the bride. If you are just going in for your BM it is probably not necessary. If you have alot of BM you might want to consider making an appointment though. If you really want to go there why don't you call them and ask and make an appointment over the phone not online. I would imagine you would not have to release all your personal information over the phone before going in. Maybe just a phone number - if they ask for an email address just tell them you do not have email at home - only at work and you are not allowed to give that address out.

I am registered on DB website and I am always getting stuff from them about sales and invitation and other stuff. I generally do not mind this and I usually look at it and then delete it. I have signed up for a bunch of Bridal Showcases and I am always getting emails from different vendors - but I just delete them. As we are getting married in Disney, I don't think I want to use a DJ from my hometown area.

Linda

 

[hope1826]

During the week you should be fine without an appointment, but on weekends I've actually been turned away.

I gave them my info, but told them that I did not want any emails or mail for them or other vendors and I haven't gotten anything from anyone. I bought my wedding gown there and my BM dresses, so they have called me and emailed in regards to those dresses only.

 

[caryndisneydiva]

i think they sold my info too. there is no other reason that houston bridal places should have my info, because i never filled out anything anywhere else. i think it's so annoying when they do that.

my db is always crowded, so it's probably best to have an appt...

 

[SarahInMN]

I went in once without an appointment: it was mid-Sunday afternoon. I got a dressing room very easily but had to work a bit to catch a sales associate. If you're tight for time, then I'd get an appointment. Otherwise, I'd just wing it.

I am registered with DB and get emails from them but I have not been flooded with other wedding vendor emails, so I either unchecked a box saying to not share my info OR other people had their info sold by another corporation.

 

[cp_princess]

I know for a fact David's sold my information and some of the companies (ie After hours) literally hounded me till I threatened to call the BBB on them. So word of warning. However the second David's store I went into I told them I did not want my info sold again - since you have to re-register with each individual store - least that's what I was told - and I don't think they sold it.

I have a friend that used to work at Davids, and I know they prefer that you have an appointment. I know of, and have had personal experiences where David's salespeople have be a bit if I went in without one. My friend pretty much has said it all depends on the individual David's you go into. Even within the corporation this is a known issue. The people in Orlando warned her about how and rude certain stores in other cities were when she was considering working at David's when she moved home from Orlando.

Plus to me it seems like they are trying to just up-sell you on everything! And I didn't find the quality of a lot of their stuff to be up to snuff with some of the smaller local vendors. I think that's fine as long as you realize what you're in for. I came across a shop in S. NJ where the sweetest woman ran the store and gave me such wonderful service and the prices were only about $100 more then Davids for almost the same dress but in better quality. For all these reasons I went with her store to buy from, also her seamstress would make any of the changes I wanted, while Davids flat out refused to do anything but basically hem the dress. I will say Davids is a good idea for just going in and trying on dresses so that the girls can get an idea of dress shapes and colors they like. Plus because it's a large retailer they have a bigger variety of dress sizes which is helpful. Overall though I would personally rather give my business to a smaller local company in the end.

Sorry I know that was a bit of a long answer Hope it helps though,

Christine

 

[mermaidbride1108]

I actually just made an appt today for David's Bridal for myself. I going mid-week and the first appt time slot I wanted was taken It was a Thursday afternoon. So I got a Wednesday afternoon.

I went through their website and gave my info but unchecked the second box - that's the one that if its check they have the right to sell your info. If you only check the first box (usually reads Can Davids (or whichever company) send you mail, they legally can not sell it. I know this from working with promotions,marketing, and advertising for a local tv station. I worded alot of Opt-ins.

But just beware - it took David's five days to call me back for an appt. So allow time for call back

I actually haven't found anything at David's I really like from their site. I;m just going to get an idea of what I like on me. I'm actually going all alone this time because I'm sure I'll be dragging Mom and MOH to lots of other stores, I'm picky!

 

[mermaidbride1108]

Christine - What was the bridal shop in South Jersey? I'm in Philly and local for some Bridal store referrals. Thanks!

 

[cp_princess]

Mermaidbride,
Sent the dress shop info in a pm, if anyone else is interested just let me know.

Christine