Is it ok to take pictures during a bridal appointment?

Question

I am going for a bridal appointment next week. I wonder if it is ok to take pictures of gowns I try on so that I can compare later on which one I would pick.

Answer 1

I own a bridal salon.

Honestly, we're not worried about you having a seamstress copy a dress. There aren't many seamstresses that have the skill to make the dress look exact, and to be blunt, you get what you pay for.

What we are worried about is that 99 times out of 100, the brides who insist on taking photos are internet shoppers. They come in and dirty up the dresses, never intending to buy from a store. Not only is the practice extremely rude, you are taking money out of your local economy doing that.

The dresses are not free to the stores, nor are their rents, salaries, and operating expenses. A considerable amount of money goes into the operation of the store. If all we get are time wasters, stores close.

The most often used comeback is "well, if you bridal shops weren't ripping off brides, and you matched internet prices, we wouldn't buy online". Sounds good in theory- here's the truth. We have signed agreements with the designers that we cannot go below a certain price.

Most of the internet dealers do not have direct accounts with the designers for this reason. They rely on a "friend in the business" to order your dress for them. If that friend gets caught by the designer, or worse yet...they close their store...you will not get your dress.

Answer 2

It completely depends on the store and their policies. Some are very anti cameras and others do not care. Call ahead of time and ask.  

Answer 3

I've seen pictures of my friends trying gowns on, so it should be. But make sure you ask for permission when you first get there. they probably will be ok with it.

Answer 4

The stores get burned by brides-to-be trying on gowns, taking photos, and then getting a dressmaker to copy it. It is generally accepted that you may take a photo of you in your gown only AFTER you have placed a 50% non-refundable deposit on your choice. Think about it. It's only fair. Now, I do know of some shops that keep a digital camera of their own on hand, take snaps and show you at the time what you look like in photos as you try gowns on. This can be very helpful. Then, once your appointment is done, they can erase the photos. If you do, in fact, place a deposit on your choice, they can email you the photo of your chosen gown.

Answer 5

Ask (in advance would be best).  Some will let you, others will not.

Answer 6

Before I went to some salons, I was told from former brides that a lot of them don't allow pictures until you've purchased the dress for fear that you'll just take it to a seamstress to have it custom made for you for less money. However, when I went to Saks, they allowed me to click away. It will depend. If you're worried about it, call ahead of time and ask what their policy is. Bring a camera anyway and play it by ear.

Answer 7

I went wedding gown shopping with my niece. The shops would not allow photos. We could not take a photo of the dress we chose - to show to Grandmmother - until we paid for it.

Answer 8

Usually you are allowed once you buy a dress and sometimes during try-on sessions. Just call and ask ahead of time to be sure, it never hurts to ask! ( =

Answer 9

When i tired on dresses and when my friends did, they let us take pictures. That way you can remember later which ones you liked the best.

Answer 10

call ahead but i think that you shoud lbe allowed to....i took pictures of all the gowns i tried on. not only did it help me decide but it was fun to look back at all the fun gowns!  

Answer 11

I actually think that is a great idea! I do not think it will be an issue for you to do that. Congrats!!!!

Answer 12

You'll have to ask at the shop.  They might say no because they don't want you taking pictures of all the different gowns, then going to a dressmaker and saying stuff like "Oh, I want this neckline from dress A and the sleeves from dress b, etc".  

Once you have chosen a dress and put the deposit down, they probably won't have a problem with it.

Answer 13

It all depends on the store. Some allow it, some don't. If there are no pictures online point that out, because otherwise you have no pictures, let alone pictures of the dress on you.

Answer 14

I would talk to the bridal store. They might or might not let you. But you are under their rules while you are in there, sorry.