David's Bridal...?

Question

I purchased my dress from David's Bridal about 3 wks ago and they told me it will be in around 2/11/08 but it came in on 12/4/07, so I picked it up yesterday and it is gorgeous and perfect. I was told to make an appointment to see if I need any alterations but it seems all I will need is a little bit of a hem done to the dress once I have my shoes on. I know I have heard most of you on here with the horror stories with David's Bridal but my experience was a good one, so far.
My question today is does anyone know about David Bridals alterations and what were you experiences with alterations?

Answer 1

I bought my dress from David's Bridal and had a good experience. Actually, I thought I would need alterations until I changed undergarments and then poof!, didn't need any alterations after all.

Before spending $$, why not try different undergarments (they have them there) and see if that is sufficient??

Good luck.

Answer 2

During the first three months of the year, the wedding industry is in what is called Bridal Christmas. All the June and July brides start purchasing their items and so the lead time increases for orders and alterations. Normally during that time you can expect your alterations to take about 8-12 weeks, depending on the volume of the store. All alterations are guaranteed, so if they mess up (which the shouldn't) they will replace your dress.

A hem on a wedding gown will normally cost you $120 depending on your dress, the bottom detail, and if there is an over lap. Hem's are also done as a tapered hem, which means the train is not cut at all. If you do have a lot of intricate beading or lace appliques, the lace will be taken off and then resown on, and the same for your bead work. You will not loose any of the detail at the bottom.

I had my gown done there, and loved it. The motto at the store I went to was if somebody could tell it was altered, then they didn't do a good enough job. Everything was perfect and it fit fantastic.

Answer 3

You can try to talk to the manager or call the corporate office, but it probably won't do much good. They do not take exchanges, as most bridal salons or other high-end dressmakers and clothiers. You should have walked out the door once they refused to change consultants. I'd go to another bridal store/company and try on dresses. If I found one I liked better, I'd put the one from David's up for sale in the local paper or eBay. You are the bride, it is your day, and you should have exactly what you want. I ended up buying 4 pairs of shoes just to get the right ones, and about 6 different sets of jewelry. It's the one time us girls get to be really indulgent, so you should get your dream dress. Just be a lot more forceful with the next sales person or consultant and don't take something you don't absolutely love.

Answer 4

I was fine with David's Bridal UNTIL the alterations. At first things went fine for the first appointment. Then I went it to try it on again to make sure the alterations were okay, which they were, but some of the beading on the bodice was falling off. I told the woman about it and she said they'd fix it and to come back the following weekend. So I went back in and they gave me the dress. They tried to let me leave without looking at it, but I insisted. When they unzipped the dress bag, I saw that they hadn't fixed anything I pointed out to them. The woman was like "Oh, that?" I had to stand and wait twenty minutes while they fixed something they were supposed to do during the week. Besides all that, the women at the one I went to barely spoke english which made it very difficult to communicate with them. I love their dresses, but I would never suggest alterations through them. If there is somewhere else you can go I would definitely suggest it.

Answer 5

Good experience for me...and I've also heard the horror stories. Think of it this way...people who have had bad experiences are more likely to speak up. I bought my dress last February, and my wedding is next month. I lost a lot of weight in between, so I had to have more alterations done. I'd have to say the only bad part was the cost, but you will have that everywhere. I think David's did a great job!!

Answer 6

I had a great experience with David's Bridal. My dress came in when they said and they were great at guiding me on when I needed to get alterations done. I went for my first fitting and although the seamstress was extremely busy, she did a great job. I will say - don't go there if you want alot of personal attention or hand holding. The dress was ready for the 2nd fitting (if needed) when they said. Everything went very smoothly.

Answer 7

I have also had great experiences with David's Bridal. I ordered my bridesmaids' dresses there for them. They came in over a month early and they even let the girls exchange the sizes if they didn't fit right closer to the wedding. Sorry, I can't help you with alterations, I just wanted to let you know that other people have had good experiences too.

Just for comparison, at a bridal shop for my wedding gown alterations, I paid $140 for a hem, 1 point bustle and bra cups. I don't know what David's Bridal's price is...

Answer 8

I got my alterations done with David's Bridal despite the horror stories I have heard. I, personally, didn't have a problem with them (I got a small hem done and the bodice taken in about an inch) so it is all up to you. If you are hesitant about it, you can always take it to an outside seamstress and get it done since it's just a simple hem.

Congrats!

Answer 9

I am 5 ft. tall so you can imagine when I purchased my dress from David's Bridal I had to have major alterations done. Depending on when your wedding is and when you have your shoes picked out then have your alterations done. I bought my dress in June, picked up the dress in July and had the alterations done in Oct. for a Dec. wedding. Don't get them done to early if you plan on gaining or lossing weight. Also, have your shoes picked out before you first fitting so that it can be altered to the proper length. I spent about 250.00 on alterations to have the hem taken up about 6 inches and the bodice taken in about a 1/2 inch. The dress looked great but don't wait to the last minute the rush charges can get expensive.

Answer 10

I have heard that you may be better off to take your dress elsewhere for the alterations because they are quite overpriced and make a lot of money because brides don't know better. But I'm sure they do quality work and they are used to working with those specific dresses. So it's up you, if it's worth is to you to save some money. I also bought my dress from there a couple of weeks ago and was told it would come in Feb! How exciting! Congrats and best wishes.