Let me preface by saying I paid $150 for the VIP experience just so I could bring my mom, MIL, and…read more3 bridesmaids. You need to pay that much to bring up to 5 people. I thought since it was my first time trying on dresses, and I knew I wouldn't be buying today, sure, I can pay them for their time and service. But seems like they knew I wouldn't be buying, since they treated me like crap. And if I had found a dress, I was definitely ready to buy that day.
Since I bought the VIP experience, we had the center area for me to walk out and look in the mirror. There was a bench for everyone to sit on. In the corner there was a cart full of snacks, drinks, and a whole bottle of champagne. At no point did any of the staff indicate we could touch the cart. So really, the only thing I got out of paying $150 was some chocolates I told one of my bridesmaid to take. It felt like stealing since, again, none of the stylists mentioned it. Even worse, exactly when my appointment time ended, another stylist took the cart away without saying a word. The bottle of champagne that came with this $150 appointment - poof, gone. Felt like a "please get out" kind of gesture.
Additionally, I picked Melange since they're the only store in Austin to participate in the national bridal sale. They never mentioned the sales rack. They really never mentioned... well, anything! We had to ask how the store was organized just so we could know where to look for what.
My stylist felt like she couldn't care less about being there. Sure, she waited outside my dressing room in cases I needed help and helped me into the dresses when needed. And I really tried to have a fun time, making jokes and being lighthearted, but she wasn't giving any of the energy back. I'm not sure if she was having a bad day, and I'm sorry if she was, but it might as well have been a Target fitting room.
Sure, the dresses are pretty and I think the other 2 brides I saw trying on at the same time found their dress. So, I guess their dress selection isn't bad. But it wasn't my cup of tea nor was the service top-notch. If you're a good salesperson and put in that work and give good customer service (I've worked in customer service/retail before, I know how hard it is), I try my hardest to buy from you. But we just didn't agree.