The number of Erie bridal boutiques can be counted on one hand. I wish that there was one gem that stood out as being an outstanding boutique. So far, I have not found it.Â
Over the weekend, I stopped by Bridal Elegance. They were having an Alfred Angelo trunk sale. The staff was super busy. I have never been greeted when I have been to Bridal Elegance. I always have to ask for help, if I can find someone to ask, and the staff is never friendly. In fact, the staff at the store is more accommodating to themselves than brides to be.Â
Customer Service is not Bridal Elegance strength. The experience of the customer is obviously not their priority. They have little rules that they like to stick to. One such rule is the “no photography rule.” There is a sign in the dressing rooms that say pictures must be approved by bridal consultants.  My consultant said that I could not take a picture of the dress I am considering (unless I was going to buy it!). I am not going to buy a dress unless I can see what it looks like in a picture. It’s just not going to happen. They said a consultant must help me. I could not try on gowns without their assistance. Because of this, and the continously unpleasant experiences I have had, I probably will not buy a dress from Bridal Elegance.Â
I have not been to LeeMar’s yet, but I hope they have better customer service than Bridal Elegance.
What are your experiences with Bridal Elegance or LeeMar’s? Let us know! Fair and balanced opinions mean a lot to us, so please leave your feedback!
Bridal Elegance
5640 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16565
March 4th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Dear Tough Review Customer,
As a Bridal Elegance co-owner and store manager I found your comments slightly off base, but still appreciated. I personally thank you for at least offering a review. However, as you have stated, during a busy trunk show weekend, it’s hard to recognize a customer who needs assistance from someone who is just with a party already being helped. It is suggested that you stop at the main desk and register to try on bridal gowns, or make an appointment. (as the sign by the wedding gowns suggests, as well as most salons require )
March 4th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Dear Tough Review Customer,
As a Bridal Elegance co-owner and store manager I found your comments slightly off base, but still appreciated. I personally thank you for at least offering a review. However, as you have stated, during a busy trunk show weekend, it’s hard to recognize a customer who needs assistance from someone who is just with a party already being helped. It is suggested that you stop at the main desk and register to try on bridal gowns, or make an appointment. (as the sign by the wedding gowns suggests, as well as most salons require )
It is store policy to require an attendant with you when trying on bridal gowns. I find it appalling that a salon wouldn’t!!! We are a full service salon here to help you, not throw you in a room to fend for yourself. Also, consider that these wedding gowns run from $600 each and up! That’s alot of delicate merchandise that must be handled appropriately.
Lastly, regarding the no photo policy. You are correct. Bridal Elegance does not allow pictures until your gown is purchased. You will find that to be the policy of most privately owned bridal salon.
I would like to invite you back in the store if you haven’t found your dream dress yet. I would love to help you personally and change your impression.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
March 11th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I’m so glad I came across this site! I’m recently engaged and hadn’t been able to find anything on Erie weddings. I am also a wedding photographer and was hoping we could swap links? Let me know!
Thanks!
PS - I went to Leemar’s with a friend who needed to try on a bridesmaid dress and they were NOT pleasant people there. My friend was 15 minutes early for an appointment and they pretty much asked us to leave. Maybe it was a bad day??
March 27th, 2008 at 11:35 am
I also had extremely poor experiences with Bridal Elegance.
To begin with, the consultant that helped me was — well, to put it nicely, not appropriately attired, nor was she professional. When I described the sort of dress I had in mind, she told me she new the EXACT dress for me and had me try it on, which was great — except when I walked out of the dressing room and expressed that it wasn’t at all what I had in mind, instead of suggesting a second dress, she ARGUED with me and tried to sell me the first dress. I never did get to try on a second or third option — and this was on a week day and I was one of only two brides in the store at the time (at least so far as I could see).
My mother in law bought her dress at Bridal Elegance and when my mother went in to shop for her dress, she asked the consultant if she could please know what dress my MIL picked out so that she wouldn’t pick the same one. The consultant refused to do this and became rude and snippy with my mother. My mom, who is typically quite level-headed and relaxed, walked out.
I’d never send anyone to Bridal Elegance. I’d say drive to Catan Bridal in Ohio before you went there.
On the other hand — LeeMars was WONDERFUL. I got an entire private room to myself and worked with an amazing consultant who had me in and out of about 25 dresses in 2 hours. I would have LOVED to have purchased my gown there because their service was amazing, but unfortunately being a small shop, they also have a limited selection. My mom purchased her wedding gown there in 1980 and their customer service is every bit as great as it was back then.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Suzanne-
Thank you for your responding. I have been in Bridal Elegance and never received service when it was not a truck show so I’m not sure that trying again would output a positive experience.
I still feel the customer service experience is lacking– and from your message, it sounds like you would rather be like other boutiques (that are not even in this market) than provide a great experience for brides.
If you appreciate constructive customer feedback– and I hope that you do because it’s important to put on your “customer hat.” I think that you should reconsider your photo policy. I understand that you may be worried that you will loose business if a bride takes her photo elsewhere (if that’s your reason).
Perhaps you can set up a digital kiosk in your own store where the attendant takes a bride’s picture and shows it to them as they are being helped. They would not need to take the picture with them but they would leave with the satisfaction of knowing their dress looks great.
For balanced criticim, I know people who have been satisfied with their purchases from your store.