Bridal Mega Mall - FAQ Answers

BRIDES ASK...
The most frequently asked questions from 6,000 brides
50 bridal experts summarize their answers and opinions

I found a dress I love, then found it at another shop for $100 less. Is there a quality difference?

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Not always. Fabric & design upgrades are found on copies of most styles. A unique shop scours the world for quality and price then passes savings on. The DISCOUNT SUPERSTORES will astound you. Because of their sources, size and expert choices they resemble America’s mart-type stores. They pride themselves at not duplicating the same gowns over and over.

I wear a plus size. I am embarrassed when a size 8 sample is shown to me suggesting I order in a larger size.

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You cannot truly judge a gown unless you try it on, but most shops have a limited large size stock. Ordering from a small-size sample is chancy. Find a shop with gowns in your size in stock or larger size samples. The DISCOUNT SUPERSTORES have 500 larger sizes. Select a gown that flatters you, put $100 down storage or pay & take it home.

A large shop advertising ‘caring consultants’ gave little help. What should I expect in customer service?

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Most shops take pride in their complete service. Expect a consultant always at your side with guidance and assistance in the dressing area; privacy arrangement; often try-on shoes; always a try-on bra and slip; headpiece choices (not brought 1 at a time) and always friendly courtesy. Find a SUPERSTORE, their stock and best service is famous.

I found a dress I like in a magazine. Should I look for it?

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Sure, but never be single minded about a pictured gown. Ask for ‘similar’ styles. Few brides buy ‘that’ magazine dress but find one they like better, so try others. Flatter your figure. Look within your budget. Watch time frames for ordering, buy from stock if you can. Will your guests see your gown coming down another aisle? If a shop features the same styles in all sizes you may become another one of the city’s tearful copycats. A small shop with 150 styles to order has a better selection than a giant store with thousands of gowns but limited to repeating styles. How many branches does the store have that carry all the same styles? On this day you should be unique, distinct and proud of your choice. Countless copies of your T shirt may be O.K. but not your gown. The DISCOUNT SUPERSTORES have 2500 different styles, many one of a kind or exclusive.

A shop insists that I make an appointment. Should I?

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Why? Appointments give a bride the illusion of selection, exclusiveness and help waiting. All brides think they will be on time, and rarely are. Appointments create limits on time and assistance so lateness can be subtracted. It favors a shop with limited dressing rooms. It adds pressure and obligation for a bride to buy. For better service go to any shop at opening and avoid weekend crowds. The DISCOUNT SUPERSTORES don’t require appointments, are open 7 days a week. Call their phones below for open hours.

I am confused about gown payment plans. Explain.

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No adage is more applicable here than ‘read the small print”. All shops will give you printed information to study...few brides read the details, but you must. Most shops require ½ down to order, only some accept credit cards and checks when a gown is removed. If a gown is in stock, decide immediately, it may be gone on returning. Layaway rules differ with each shop. The most popular plan at the DISCOUNT SUPERSTORES is the storage plan available on 3,000 gowns in stock: everyone qualifies, $100 down, no interest, 6 months to pay, pickup at any time by credit card or check. You should know ‘same as cash’ was not acceptable to Bridal Mart Factory Outlet. Many retail bridal stores charge as much as 24.9% interest which accrues with late payments. Be sure to read the fine print on some of these "same-as-cash" contracts. Many include penalties and fees for returned checks, document & research, direct check, reissued card, overtime, collection costs, default terms, arbitration, negative credit reports, monitoring practices and ‘rights reserved to change any terms at any time?” Additionally, not everybody qualifies! Is it worth it?

Should I wait & have my gown cleaned locally?

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NO. Your gown deserves a future. Let a professional handle it. We have seen gowns destroyed by local cleaners. Superstores clean/preserve for $99 with gown purchase.

I know the style I want. Shall I order it on the web?

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Consultants share sad horror stories: gown arrived late, dirty, damaged, wrong size, wrong color, different style, web site gone... the bride thought she would get a bargain!

My budget is very limited. Any suggestions?

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You are the favorite customer for the DISCOUNT SUPERSTORES. There is an extensive collection of discount discontinued wedding gowns (all under $489) and closeout veils. Put both in storage for $100 down and take 6 months to pay. There are hundreds of elegant gowns and matching headpieces. You win.

I went to a shop to try on gowns. I could only see them if I went outside my room. Is this standard?

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No it is not. A survey shows, the majority of brides demand dignity and privacy, not possible when friends, family, children...and men are allowed proximity and peeks around dressing areas. Most bridal shops are set up to allow privacy yet at one national shop a brides will step out of her dressing room to the storewide platform where stares, comments and giggles are standard. Few find this acceptable. You’ll love the DISCOUNT SUPERSTORES approach: dressing areas with limited guests and a unique completely separate show area for all brides who wish to show their gowns to their guests seated in the entertainment area.

I’ve heard good things about the Discount Superstores. I’m in school, working with little time.

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One of the industry’s finest publications, Wedding Trends News (the New American Trade Magazine for Wedding Fashion) heard about us too. Their article entitled “Off-the-Rack Bridal Superstores featured Bridal Mart Factory Outlet. The publication described us as “A cavernous store filled with thousands of wedding dresses, special occasion gowns, veils and other accessories. It’s the big box concept that’s been a success in industries ranging from hardware to software to toys....” The article goes on “...big box retailing is about supply and demand; supply means that the retailer has access to volume goods at factory-direct terms...With locations in both Sacramento and Fremont, Calif.” This access to "super-stock" translates to faster service for you. The article is extensive, but reading it you will know a visit is WORTH THE TRIP...open 7 days a week, call Fremont in the bay area 800-286-4512, or the mega mall in Sacramento 800-286-4514

I need advice and ideas about bridesmaid shopping.

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Have fun, be different, be cutting edge. Use one color, each girl in a different dress. Rainbow of colors in one style or different styles. It’s dynamite: your gown a touch of color; theirs all match that color. Be considerate, pick dresses they all can afford and wear later (they can be shortened). Be careful about order time. Better still, the Superstores have hundreds of today’s styles in stock starting at $99. An appropriate bridesmaid gift is jewelry (acceptable to all): a necklace, earrings, bracelet either color-matched or neutral silver/gold/rhinestone sets. Fantastic variety and budget prices are found in the Superstores.

Explain why I am finding so many sizing problems.

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Easy. Try street dresses in a single size; some fit some don’t. Same in bridal. Every supplier has a size chart, all different. Most gowns will need some alteration. Combinations of bust-waist-hip vary. Many brides order ahead then lose or gain weight, another problem. From this point of view, a gown in stock is ideal, see first-hand the fit and know alteration required. The Superstores use true sizing. All suppliers are fit into a single size chart. The 3000 gowns in stock will give you better choices, safety, security and convenience.

What is a couture gown?

Good question. Best answer: pricey. Gowns can cost $2500, even $10000. Are they better? Yes and no. Expensive gowns are often copied. The Superstores will show you couture copies starting at $899, some will save $1000’s of dollars.

What is a DISCOUNT SUPERSTORE?

A collection of thousands of bridal gowns, more styles and lower prices.

What is a mega mall?

Thousands of bridal gowns and many thousands of wedding accessories.