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After finally realizing that the cheapest option for purchasing my dress was the boutique where I originally found it, I was ready to place the order. The only problem was the fact that I was now in Vermont with Mr. Pudding, and a trip to the Greater Toronto Area was not in our plans. I figured that since the store already had my measurements, it was safe to send Mama Pudding to place the order by herself.
Now, let me tell you something about Mama Pudding: She is an expert negotiator (maybe haggler is a better term). She truly tries to talk herself into a discount on EVERYTHING. This is not a skill that was passed on to me, so even though it can get embarrassing at times, I am happy to have Mama Pudding in my corner.
So of course when it came time to place the order on the dress, Mama Pudding went in with a plan.
She could have placed the order over the phone, since that’s what we were originally told to do. Instead, she decided that face to face would lend itself to a better negotiation. She drove the hour it takes to get to the boutique from her house, and ended up getting 10% off the dress, 50% off the veil, and 30% off of the custom cut costs (my dress can’t be hemmed and the standard size is too long (even in heels) - being 5’9, this was a surprise). Mama Pudding did good, and I was once again happy that she was on my side.
Did you manage to get a discount on your dress? Do you have any negotiating tips to share with the hive?
How did she do this?? Please enlighten us to her secrets!!
That’s amazing!
After buying my dress, the shop I puchased it from sent an email blast out offering $150 off accessories if you purchase a dress from them. Of course, it says not valid with prior purchases.
I called up and politely asked if they would grant me the discount since I bought a dress from them 2 weeks ago. I explained there was a $250 headband I wanted to buy but couldn’t afford with out the discount. The woman told me she would have to talk to the owner and call me back.
An hour later she called and told me she was mailing me a gift certificate for the $150 discount. I was so thrilled! And it worked well for them because while I loved them before, now I am enthralled with this shop, and will recommend them to anyone getting married!
Wow, good for her—and for you. I suck at negotiating.
i didnt even think to negotiate!
good job getting such a deal!
Wow, Mama did good! You should rent her out to other brides, it could be a whole side business for her…
Yes! I tried negotiating - I was only buying my dress (no accessories) and ended up getting 10% off, which was hard-fought battle for me because I hate bringing up price! Totally worth it, though.
I just asked the store politely if there was “anything they could do for me” and they threw in 25% off accessories and $500 towards alterations. This was at a pretty nice boutique so I would definitely recommend that others ask, even if you don’t think it’s very likely. I felt weird negotiating but FMIL told me that a family friend who worked in bridal strongly suggested always trying to negotiate, so I gave it a weak try and it worked out!
Do you mind sharing the name of the store. I am from Durham Region, and would be interested in checking this store out.
@MandyW: From what I understand, she used the other (much cheaper) dress that we had found as leverage: She did the whole “we really love this dress, but found one almost as nice for a 1/4 of the price” thing. It worked!
Yep, totally got a discount. I explained (very nicely) that another shop was offering me the dress at a discount, which was true. They couldn’t match the price, but they discounted it enough to get it in the ballpark. Then they discounted my veil and took off sales tax, since the person who was buying it was my mom and she lived in a different state! All I had to do was provide them with her address.
All in all, the whole wedding combo cost me the same as if I had bought the dress from one place and had paid full price for the veil at the other. Moral of the story: Be nice, but don’t be afraid to ask.
And they got something out of it too - they were so great to work with, I’ve referred two brides to them already.
wow! that’s impressive! my mom is like that and i’m always kind of embarrassed but impressed that she usually gets her way. if only i were that bold.
that’s really impressive! i wish i had those skills…
way to go mama pudding!! I got a discount at Kleinfelds and didn’t even ask, just told my consultant it was my birthday!!! It really was though - I didn’t lie!
@DeeDee: Not at all! I got the dress from Bridal Depot. http://www.bridal-depot.com/
The name is horrible, but the store was great! The sales associates give you just the right balance of help without being overbearing! I worked with the owner of the store….I think that her name was Amy, but I’m not sure. She was fabulous, and had great taste!
That’s great that she was able to get you such good deals! 
That is amazing that she would be able to get you a deal like that! Go moms! I didn’t even think about trying to negotiate for my dress price, but the sales girl offered right up if we wanted her to go see what type of discount they could offer. And 15% off was pretty good, but I would have taken it for the full price as well.
I absolutely suck at negotiating. No discounts on my dress. Mr. N, on the other hand, loves to negotiate, which is why I took him with me when I was car shopping.
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Mrs. Pudding, Greater Toronto Area/Vermont Age and Occupation: 26, High School Teacher Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Computer Engineer Engagement Date: August 2008 Wedding Date: July 2010 Venue: Catholic Ceremony, Cultural Hall Reception About Me: Quite literally a citizen of the world, I was born in Poland, grew up in Canada, and now live in the beautiful state of Vermont. I love reading historical biographies, multi-tasking, teasing my hair, and, despite my height, wearing high heeled shoes. I am the ultimate klutz with an uncanny ability to put on a graceful front. Mr. Pudding and I have been dating for over six years, and are very excited to finally merge our (very large) families. We are planning a traditional Polish-Catholic wedding that is anything but predictable.
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