After reading almost a chapter's worth of warnings about Bridal Mart in the book Bridal Bargains, I was weary of shopping there, but I still wanted to give it a try since they had cheaper gowns (i.e. off-the-rack/tried on my 100's of brides, last years styles or older) in a good selection of plus sizes --and since my mom was buying my gown I didn't want to put her out. So, for our very first store in our bridal gown exploration, we arrived at Bridal Mart in Rancho Cordova without an appointment on a Saturday (I know, a major no-no) -- and we were escorted right in
for service! It appears that the plus-sized dresses and staff have a dedicated section of the store, so I had Danielle (her service was superb!!) all to myself. Danielle took my measurements and directed me to the section where I should begin browsing. I picked out about 10 dresses and Danielle helped me in and out of all of them. I couldn't believe that on my first shopping trip ever I found three dresses that were stylish and fit my form beautifully (slimming too) -- hard to choose! I didn't buy that day because I wanted to explore further. After visiting other stores it soon became apparent that I couldn't find the same selection and service as I had at Bridal Mart. David's Bridal had cheaper dresses, but a smaller selection of plus sizes and lousy service. So, my advice to other brides: if you are a bargain bride who is plus-sized, go to Bridal Mart for sure (and try on those strapless dresses -- you will be surprised!!). If you are looking for couture for a deal, and go to Bridal Mart expecting to find it -- shame on you for not doing your research. My advice about Bridal Mart: only buy off the rack and pay in full that day (you get a 10% discount for paying in full). After you get your dress cleaned by a cleaner you trust, get all alterations done by an independent seamstress you trust (it will be worth paying for). Pain in the ass things about Bridal Mart: no photography allowed (who are they kidding? All the dresses are knock-offs already); each dress has two prices (one is twice the other) - you have to buy a dorky membership for $30 to buy at the cheaper price (jeez, the cheap price is inflated already). Really bad thing about Bridal Mart: it is the Wal-Mart of bridal gown stores. All Bridal Mart dresses are made in China. This means that a poor underpaid Chinese laborer made your dress in horrible sweat shop working conditions for an inconceivably low low low how-can-they-survive-on-that wage.
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