I don't know if Belle Saison Bridal was having an off day, but I did not have a good experience at this bridal salon. Seeing that they carried Allure and Maggie Sottero, I was excited to visit the salon because those were my two favorite design...ers.
I went shopping with my mom and one of my bridesmaids, and the consultant did not ask for their names or introduce herself to them. She quickly flipped through the wedding dress images that I brought with, and sent us to the racks. She didn't ask my size or even what I was looking for (she didn't even ask my budget until almost the end of my appointment, which is a huge no no). After picking several dresses myself, we went into the changing room and started trying on dresses. A lot of the sample sizes on the floor ran in a size 10 or below. This was disappointing because I'm a tall girl and a size 14, so many of the dresses I loved in pictures, I couldn't even try on. When we came to the first dress that was too small, even after saying I don't think this will fit, the consultant continued to tug on the dress trying to make it work, and I got stuck in it. I was so humiliated, and my self confidence dropped to the floor. Finally I was able to wiggle out with her help, but it was tough trying to continue on with the appointment after that. She pulled some plus size dresses next, which was completely fine with me, but after making it clear I didn't like the mermaid shape she continued to pull them. After pulling a couple more dresses that she thought were my style she said, "that's all we have for you here." I left feeling disgusted with myself and completely disheartened about going out dress shopping again. The consultant was very nice, but she did not listen to what I liked in silhouettes, and she definitely did not ask the questions that should be standard right from the bat of any bridal appointment.
I am happy to say that I had a wonderful experience at another bridal salon, and purchased a beautiful Maggie Sottero dress. I don't know that my experience with Belle Saison Bridal is typical (it got good reviews on The Knot), but it definitely was not what I was expecting.