I don't have a specific recommendation but having been an
alterations at a wedding shop I have some tips.
Make sure you can see the dress in good lighting, I know Walker's and
others have 'romantic' lighting. Make sure to ask to see it in better
lighting, sunlight if possible. A lot of little flaws can hide if not
looked at properly.
Watch the refund policy. I know that David's Bridal will not refund
you your dress, even if you ordered it in and it hasn't left the
store, this can get really sticky. The floor models (especially
Satin) can stretch from being tried on so often and the sales reps
will order the size the dress says, when the dress has in fact
stretched to a full size or more up. Go off of measurements, and make
sure the sales rep does as well.
Don't fall in love with the price tag, almost everyone has to have
alterations and they can be more than the dress. Make sure to ask for
pricing on the alterations before buying the dress. Just the hem
alone can start at $100. Always ask to talk to the alterationist
before purchasing. They can give you an idea of any problem areas you
may have, what the pricing will be to have it fixed and so forth.
Look for wrinkles in the dress, loose folds mean the dress is too big
(easier to fix than letting it out), and tight stretching wrinkles
mean its too small. If you have to let it out, go a size up if
possible. Many times letting it out will leave a stitch line where
the old side seam was. Luckily it can mostly steam out and your arms
will be in the way to notice it, but it is still there.
Look around for the undergarments. Many places will try to sell you
on the corset and the slip because it helps the dress hold a better
shape. They will also claim to have the best price, which may be true
but many times they won't let you return it. While going elsewhere
you can return it if you do decide against it. To make sure the
undergarments do fit look for wrinkles again. There should not be any
wrinkles of any kind. These are made to fit perfectly and smoothly.
The corset especially is not made to fit every body shape. If you see
any horizontal wrinkles RUN!
Any way I think I've been enough of a know it all. I hope some of
this will help!
Jenn
