I've been meaning to post for a while but work has been keeping me busy. Two weeks ago, I was in Toronto and I wanted to explore the wedding dress rental option. There are a whole slew of stores that offer this option in Richmond Hill, along West Beaver Creek. Not exactly TTC-accessible. So, I got Colin to drive (but not go into the stores). I was also accompanied by my cousin and bridesmaid, Florence, who offered her advice and opinion on wedding gowns.
We went to two stores only: Vivi Bridal and Taipei Love Forever Bridal Studio (We would have gone to more except trying on wedding gowns can be quite tiring!). We inquired about the types of wedding packages they offer and learned that they not only had a wide range of rental packages but also make-up/hair and photography packages. I told the sales assistants at both stores that I was strictly interested in the wedding dress rental only. It actually seems like a very cost-effective option; on average, you could rent 3 gowns (white dress, Chinese dress, and evening gown) for about $1000. Plus, they would do alterations and look after cleaning.
So, I tried on several gowns at both stores. Now, I have already been to other wedding dress shops. However, my previous dress-shopping experience did not prepare me for what happened at these stores. I was in the changeroom getting ready to step into a gown when a sales assistant entered my changeroom, where she could see me in my underwear (flab hanging out and all!). I wasn't exactly comfortable but I guess this was just the store's way of ensuring the dresses don't rip etc. All of the dresses that I tried on were not bad. It was interesting because usually wedding dress samples are too big for me. However, the majority of the dresses I tried on were the perfect length. In fact, some were too small for me!
When I first heard about the price, I thought I might go for the gown rental option. However, after this trip, I think I've decided against it for a couple of different reasons.
1) All of the wedding dresses were quite traditional-looking. Most of the dresses had a lot of beadery and detail. Not exactly my style.
2) The sales assistants did not seem to understand what my style was or my concerns. For example, I tried on a dress that was a bit too tight on me. It was hard to breathe and you could see my little tummy bulge. But the sales assistant kept insisting that it was my size and that I would actually want it to be tighter!!!
3) I am worried about whether the alterations would be good enough. Since my wedding is not until late in the summer, several other brides could be wearing the same rental dress that I pick. Plus, Florence experienced a terrible alteration job for her wedding dress. Alterations are important!
Well, it was an option worth exploring. Too bad it didn't work out. Thanks Florence for coming out with me!
