Wedding Dress Purchases Online...
Buyer Beware

  As you already know, the Internet has become a shopper´s paradise to quickly locate and purchase merchandise. Although this method of shopping may be appropriate for some purchases, it saddens me to see that some consumers are currently falling victim to some of the shortcomings that most often arise with purchasing bridal gowns and other bridal attire on the Internet..

1. COPIES! Even though some Internet sites link you directly to the manufacturer´s web site, don´t be fooled! In most cases, you will not be receiving an authentic gown from that manufacturer. You are simply viewing that manufacturer´s line for style #, colour, size, etc. When you make your selection and order your gown, you really can´t be sure of what you will be getting in relation to what you may have tried on in an authentic brick & mortar bridal store. The bridal gown copy that you receive may be poorly made from such poor quality fabrics that you would have been ashamed to wear to your prom, never mind to your wedding. The fit, feel, and quality of the copy can be completely dissimilar to the real thing that you tried on and fell in love with at the store.
2. SAMPLES! Another possible situation that you may find yourself in after ordering a bridal gown over the Internet is this; although you may actually receive a genuine gown from a genuine manufacturer, it may be a sample or a reject that they are selling off to the Internet store. It could be a return item that the manufacturer received from a brick & mortar store, because the reputable brick & mortar store was not willing to present the defective gown to their customer. Internet discounters may still call this a new gown, even though it is dirty or defective, because it was not worn by a bride on her wedding day.

  I, personally, am aware of customers who have come into my store after having ordered a bridal gown over the Internet. They were incredibly disappointed with what they received, and not all were able to get their money back. (Be sure to read the fine print). Some ended up buying two bridal gowns, one from the Internet, and finally the one they had their hearts set on from me.

  Here´s the real clincher. If these Internet sites were for real and could be trusted with what they provide, bridal store owners would likely be ordering from them too. I have seen prices posted on the Internet that are far cheaper than I can purchase my stock for at wholesale prices. Do you really think that reputable manufacturers would allow the public to purchase inventory at a lower price than their retailers can?

  Some reputable brick & mortar stores have ordered bridal gowns off the Internet, just to see for themselves what they would get. They reported that the gowns they received were so inferior to the real thing that they were selling in their stores, that they literally threw them away after receiving them. (Once again, they were not allowed to return them).

  As a reputable bridal store owner, I only want to sell top quality products from reputable manufacturers that I can count on. Ones that I know consistently ship on time, and consistently provide me with a beautiful garment time after time. After all, your wedding gown choice is far too important for me to take a chance on! Isn´t it at least that important to you ?

"Editors Note"

  In posting this article from one of our reputable wedding professionals, Niagara/Hamilton Wedding Helper.com firmly supports this article and the advise it conveys. We too have spoke with brides who were very distrait with the quality of their dress from online discounters.

  When purchasing your wedding dress, also consider the following. Real Bridal Boutiques offer personalized services to assure you receive your dream dress. They will be certain that your dress fits properly, is altered properly and that your bridal gown shopping experience is enjoyable and memorable.

  If it´s a discount wedding dress that you are looking for. Check the sale racks at a reputable Bridal Boutique.

  Niagara Wedding Helper.com / Hamilton Wedding Helper.com