The larger, prestigious stores request a £25-£35 (non refundable) payment for appointments which I thought was a bit of a cheek. The smaller boutiques simply request your card details as security to hold the appoinment, payment would only be taken if you didn't turn up for your appointment, which I thought was totally reasonable.
The first store I went to was Pronovias and the "experience" was quite dissapointing. My Mother and I both agreed it wasn't the wonderful, enjoyable experience you see in films or hear people talk about. Forget the Champagne, we weren't even offered water and after looking through three books of dresses they only had two out of the eleven I had chosen to try on. Two weeks later I saw a dress in their window that wasn't available when I had visited previously, so I called to see if I could pop in (mid week) to try it on. I was told it was on display and would not be available to try on for another two weeks and that I would have to pay for another appointment. So it was goodbye Pronovias!
Caroline Castigliano was a better experience, but the range itself wasn't right for me. I was also "chased up" about five times after the initial appointment and felt a little harrassed.
Vera Wang was disapointing as the gown samples were filthy and in really bad condition. I was really suprised at how tatty the dresses were. There wasn't any book to look through so I rumaged through the rails of gowns and found three that I liked. The sales assistant was lovely and I did find a dress that was a"contender" but it was impossible to visualise as the front of the dress was ripped and there was also a piece missing.
Browns was a nice expereince, they had wonderful gowns and have fabolous designers (Reem Acra, Angel Sanchez, Monique Lhuillier and Oscar De La Renta to name a few) but by far my most amazing experience was at Rosa Clara (Libertys).
Rosa Clara dresses are amazing, there is something for everyone. Rosa Clara gowns are classic, chic, traditional, modern and feminine all at the same time. The samples are clean and perfect so immediately when you try them on you can imagine wearing it on your big day.
Trying on dresses is a brides special moment and not many of us want to share the mirror with two other brides so the private room you are given at Rosa Clara is exactly what you want for you and your entourage.
My sales assistant (Zineb) was amazing, patient and full of knowledge. I went back three times before placing my order and they always fitted me in free of charge. Rosa Clara was perfect for me because you received the treatment of a small independant boutique with a coture collection.
Rosa Clara must have been a "bride to be" when designing her collection and store because she has thought of everything. The "Compliments" range of head dresses, veils and accessories means your dress can be unique and if your looking for something more you can turn to Jesus del Pozo, Christian Lacroix or Karl Largerfeld as they all design exclusively for Rosa Clara.
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