Say Yes to the Dress: Part 1

Today I went for my first round of trying out wedding dresses. I went into the appointment, KNOWING we would not buy anything. Not that I have anything against David's Bridal, but I have my heart set on going to this shop in Metairie that several people have recommended.That being said, I believe my disappointing experience was half-my attitude and half-the terrible service and lack of dresses in stock.

I'd been a good girl and registered on their website online beforehand and saved a few gowns to "my favorites." Five dresses total, three were their Vera Wang line. We show up at the store. It's MADNESS. I'd forgotten it's prom season. Not to mention, countless last-minute-shopping spring brides. Even though I'd entered all of my information online, I had to shout it out above the noise to the hostess for her to re-enter it into the system. Strike one. On top of that, a terrible Nickelback song was playing on the store radio. Strike two. Then they immediately tell me that the three Vera Wang dresses I'd saved as favorites aren't in stock because their store doesn't carry them, but they recommend they could order one (after I pay for it) or I could go to Jackson if I wanted to try them on. Mmhmm. OKAY. Strike three.

And now, perhaps I'm at guilt here for having watched a few too many marathons of Say Yes to the Dress, but I was flat out heartbroken when my "bridal consultant" (I say it like that because you can hardly call her that, she's simply stuck in a retail job until she gets through school, OBVIOUSLY) had to go get something out of her car and sent my mom and I to look through the racks and pick out some I'd like to try. Bleh. I'm pretty much over it by now and we had just gotten there.

I grab a few. My consultant shows me to my fitting room, where another bride's entire family and bridesmaids are sitting outside of the door. She then hangs up the dresses and shuts the door saying, "You won't need any help putting these on, huh?" I just kind of mumbled, "Umm... I'll let you know if I do."

To save you all from the gory play-by-play, I'll conclude by saying it wasn't THAT terrible. I accomplished a little of what I'd wanted to, to try on different styles with my body type to see what I liked (not to mention added motivation to stay strong on my diet). The consultant had a nice personality but does not belong in that position. We left there and visited the next-door Men's Wearhouse (which had excellent service) and I found a groom/groomsmen look I really like. I just might need a little guidance on how much I can expect a groomsman to be willing to pay for a tux. I'm pretty desensitized to that since being a bridesmaid (x5) is not a cheap honor and it just comes with the territory that you're going to be forking over some money for a dress, shoes, jewelry, hair, gifts, showers, parties, traveling, hotels, etc. Disclaimer: I don't want to make them spend a ton, but I think under $200 for a tux is reasonable. Right?

Any advice from former or current brides would be a big help!