House of "No"

Posted Thursday, December 04, 2008 3:03 PM

It seems to me that I have read/seen/heard several ideas that I wanted to use in our wedding that just don't have the support of professionals:

Tulips - they open throughout the day.  Okay I get that, so lets start with tulips that are tightly closed so they make it through the ceremony and pictures before they have "blown out".  Really? Closed tulips? 

Wedding band - I want an all metal band in a style that I usually see made for men but in a 3mm band that is feminine.  Well we have this one plain band .... Are you sure you don't want more diamonds?

And then there is the "House of No" - my bridal shop.  Initially I thought they were great.  Close to my home, their location was great and the dress I loved would even cost less there, too.  Super !  But over time, they told me a few things ...

I wanted to dye my crinoline.  No, that's a terrible idea - nylon will not take color and that is all anyone will see so don't bother.

I wanted to feel free and comfortable in my dress.  I'm small enough and the dress structured well enough that I thought bra cups would be enough.  No, that's a terrible idea - you'll look flat. 

Well at least I can choose a strapless bra that isn't also backless.  No, yet another terrible idea - I'll need one of those or at least some sort of corset to keep my dress from creasing in the wrong place.  It's better to be constricted.

I wanted to wear heels for my ceremony and flats for my reception.  No, that's a terrible idea - the dress will drag and people will step on it.   

Despite the negativity I felt around my "learning" experience - I still wanted the dress, so I bought it here anyway.  And in doing so I get a discount on Bridesmaid dresses.  So I looked up the designers they carry and we picked one out.  I called ahead to ask about prices, colors etc.  I wasn't sure which color I would think looked best and wanted to see the dress and the designer's colors in person - on dresses.  When I got there, No - we don't have that dress (the sample has been ordered but hasn't arrived) and, No - I don't have the colors you wanted to see.  Didn't I call ahead?  Were we not participating in the same conversation?  

Granted, some of the disappoint and frustration I have experienced is my own fault for not knowing a few things ahead of time. Like the shoe thing.  And the fact that I couldn't just pick a pair of shoes I liked. I need to pick a heel height first so they can measure me for the custom hem to hollow order but I can't buy any until the dress is in because the measurement only guarantees to within a half inch so I the height of the heel needed could change.  Then when the dress comes they suggested (of course) that I pick out a pair of heels there. 

Do you sell anything besides dyeable shoes (I hate dyeable shoes)?  No.  So all you sell are overpriced shoes that I will only wear once? 

Ahhh, finally - my first "Yes."

- Bride