Just be informed before you buy from this shop. Here’s my advice:
1. Inspect the dress YOURSELF before you buy. They may be “Brand New” dresses but they may not be “Like New” dresses. My consultant at the Barefoot Bride told me about the tea...r in the side (where it would be taken in so no big deal) and gave me $100 off because of it. After finding the tear, she inspected the dress and said there was nothing else wrong with it. I trusted her and did not look at it closely myself before leaving the store. When I got home, I noticed a tear in the tulle part of the illusion neck, three small holes in the netting that overlays the bodice, and the unraveling of at least a dozen of the appliques on the skirt. If you’re not a perfectionist, this will be no big deal.
2. Research the dress before you buy. The tag on the dress I bought claimed the retail price was $1999, so I thought I was getting 50% off. According to theKnot.com, this dress retailed for $1500-$1999 AND included a sash (it appears theKnot.com gets these descriptions STRAIGHT off the designer’s website). I questioned the Barefoot Bride about this because mine was sold with no sash, and the owner assured me it did not originally include the sash because Essence “generally sells sashes separately.” Since this dress is discontinued, it’s her word against my research, but curiously enough the Barefoot Bride did have this exact belt (retails $159) in stock and could sell it to me. My point is to not necessarily believe the discount.
3. Be confident in what you want, regardless of its popularity. For the most part, my appointment went really well. Out of the eight bridal consultants I’ve had, I’d rank her at 4. She listened and was very helpful with finding a dress. Looking for a veil was a different story. I was interested in a veil with a blusher but was hesitant to ask about it because I knew it was not all that common. When I asked my consultant about it, she questioned me, said it reminded her of a mosquito net, and laughed. Although she let me try on one, at that point I felt so self-conscious about it that I went with a single layer veil. Now I’m regretting letting her influence me. Just be confident in your opinions and let no one persuade you—it’s YOUR day.
I gave the Barefoot Bride 3 stars, not to be a bridezilla, but because I wish I had thought about these things prior to shopping. My experience here wasn’t all negative. They have beautiful dresses, give you their undivided attention, and really do want you to love your dress. After I decided against the dress I bought, the owner went above what was required to help me find another dress and I am really grateful for that.