First visit to Bridal shop failure

[AccioCoffee]

Went for a first visit to a bridal shop today, have been putting it off because I was so nervous. My friend was not available to come, she is on holiday so I have to go alone.

My mother is died and I have no one else I'd want to come with me. I'm a size 16 but currently losing weight for the wedding next July.

Came out of the shop and just wanted to cry felt so uncomfortable in the dresses and the shop assistant staring at me the whole time, comments about oh it's her first fitting and she doesn't know what she wants because it's also a sample sale day so got the feeling they were annoyed I didn't know what I wanted.

Just feel so sad. Anyone else hate their first fitting but other were more positive.

[TheFlis12345]

Sounds like it was a crap shop assistant, not your fault at all. They are meant to help and encourage you in finding something you love, not criticise. Ask around for recommendations of shops with nicer staff!

[stayingaliveisawayoflife]

Definitely agree with the above. I went to one recommended by a friend. The assistant was amazing and I bought the first dress I tried on and it was on the sale take!

I was size 18.

[Scratchyfluffface]

Really sorry you had that experience, but that is entirely the shop's fault. I went to two shops on the same day - the first was awful and I left feeling like you. In that one they just chucked some tags at me and told me to put them on dresses which I would then try on - but having never shopped for a wedding dress before I had no idea where to start or what might suit or how dresses were sized or anything. The sales assistant had a face like a slapped arse the entire time and barely spoke to me.

The second one was an entirely different experience, we spent a good 10 minutes discussing options, then I went and looked for things I might like and most importantly so did she. I fell in love with one of the dresses she picked out and felt absolutely amazing.

I'm a couple of sizes bigger than you so please don't feel disheartened, you just need a different shop

[smartcarnotsosmartdriver]

Definitely not your fault, some shops are shit. I was a size 22 when I got married and one shop only held samples in a 12 so when I said I wasn't interested they said that they would "hold them up to me" and the one I liked best we could order in the right size.
The dress I bought came from another shop entirely and was a sample in my size in the sale.

[poptypingchef]

Yup crap shop!

I was like you and also went by myself as I was nervous. First one I went to told me ‘yeah that one won’t look right on you with your big arms and small bust (I’m a G 🙄). The second was much better and I was actually sad I didn’t find my dress there as they were lovely!

I later find out that no one I know had a good experience at that shop and they are now closed.

[poptypingchef]

Oh and don’t get hung up on sizing - wedding dress sizes are notoriously crap

[TheLovleyChebbyMcGee]

Yup, the first shop I went to, well, more of a dress maker, was fab. The 2nd was awful, asked if it was my second wedding, I was only 35 so not exactly ancient!

[FairfaxAikman]

Yep, another vote for crap shop assistant. It shouldn't matter that you don't know what you want because frequently people end up buying the opposite of what they originally wanted.
I wanted a plain satin A line and ended up with a lace ball gown and a friend wanted a t length and ended up with a floor length fit and flair.
What you like on the model may not be to your taste on yourself.

[CountingDownToBedtime]

Don't feel disheartened,sounds like a rubbish shop.Wait for your friend to come back off holiday,then try another shop with friendlier assistants.I was a size 16 when I got married,also went with a friend wedding dress shopping.xx

[AccioCoffee]

There is a big bridal shop not far that's been recommended, they are having a big sample sale tomorrow which I'm going to go to. I have to go alone again, would it be weird to take my 6 year old with me so I'm not alone, she would love to go and pretend to help pick it.

It's weird I just feel so sad and alone l guess it's just making me think of my mum. Thanks for all the replies, tomorrow's a new day

[Pinkblueberry]

Oh dear it sounds like you just were unlucky with the shop, the assistants should make you feel welcome and excited so they’re doing a crap job - I hope the next place is much better. Nothing wrong with going by yourself or taking your DC, but I agree with a PP it might be good to wait for your friend to be available if going by yourself is getting you down - it’s supposed to be a fun and exciting experience, you deserve to enjoy it!

[Notageek]

I went to a big shop, by myself first time..it was horrible and I came out feeling old (I was 35 but the shop was full of 20 something loud groups) short and fat ( ok probably am, but they did nothing to help me find a dress that flattered me or my skin tone).

I went to a number, mostly alone and found the best were the small shops (often in a small shopping parade on the edge of town) run by the owner as they had a real passion to take the time to find the right dress and help me choose. They didn’t do the glass of prosecco on arrival but they cared. I’d almost be inclined to visit first, without an appointment to see how they respond to you and your daughter and if you click then go back an make a proper appointment. You might be a bit more relaxed and enjoy it that way.

[ineedaholidaynow]

There are people on here who have volunteered to be witnesses at weddings, maybe there is someone near you who could come wedding dress shopping with you

[Comefromaway]

I would recommend making an appointment on a normal day for a first appointment Sample sales are great if you happen upon something but it’s often a bit of a free for all.

[sorrythisusernameistaken]

I live in Bristol if you ever want someone to go with you for company I'd be happy too! Dress shopping can be really overwhelming!

[AccioCoffee]

I got a last min appointment with the bigger bridal shop.

I got my dress

They were amazing, because I was on my own they said they would take good care of me and treated me like a sister.

Honestly so relieved and happy.

Thanks everyone for their comments and help

[smartcarnotsosmartdriver]

@AccioCoffee I'm so so happy for you, bridal shopping should be a pleasant experience at the very least! I'd love to own a bridal store if I had the money just to help make sure everyone has a lovely time picking their dress! I bet you'll look amazing!

[Bodear]

Aw Yeay. Happy for you op. Any chance of a pic?

[666onmyhead]

Ah so glad you got one. I was going to offer to go with you if you were near me !

[MrsRufusdog789]

So glad you had a lovely positive experience after the nasty one .

[AccioCoffee]

This is the dress on the model, it looks so good on because it's got bones through it so it holds you in, but they are waiting until December to take my official measurements to give me time to lose weight but it still looks great on.

Option to add a sparkly belt thing also which looks lovely.

[AccioCoffee]

It's off the shoulder

[WitchDancer]

It's beautiful 💕

[teachandsleep]

I went alone and was more than happy too. I didn't want the over the top idiocy.

[ineedaholidaynow]

Beautiful