Just want to share my gown hunting story in 168 mall. It's awful and lovely at the same time.Story time!
It was last year when I decided to look for a wedding gown, I was thinking na mas mura if last year ako makakakuha, kesa patagalin ko pa. I was engaged June last year, I booked my gown mga Oct-Nov of last year (atat noh?). Hindi lang 168 mall yung hinanapan ko, I also went to Fiesta mall since ang dami may recommendation sa Princess Kiesha, but I ended up booking my gown sa isang shop in 168 mall (basement). At that time I didn't know what I exactly want in a gown. I thought kahit ano would be ok, as long as it is white. I prefer to buy a ready-made dress, since ayoko na ng 2nd guesses pa sa kakalabasan ng gown ko. Gusto ko makita na as is. I saw this gown display in that shop, and quite liked it, we asked the price and it is a lot cheaper than I expected. So I fit it, maluwag sya sakin so they offered na they will do a custom-made one for me sa size ko, but the exact design will be followed. Natawaran namin ng bongga kasi on the spot na kami nagbook.
Come first fitting, NOPE DID NOT LIKE IT AT ALL. I had the skirt design changed, so we had to add 2k sa price. I said okay sige. They will make a totally new gown for me. I paid another deposit. So back to scratch yung gown.
2nd fitting: QUE HORROR! The fitting was awful. They kept saying: di pa naman po kasi yan tapos. So I believed them. 3rd fitting: I knew I was not really happy. I knew I did not like that dress. Whenever I browse Pinterest for wedding gowns and all I see are elegant and beautiful (even the simple ones) dresses, I feel this sadness knowing that my gown was ugly. And knowing that with that price (or add na lang konti), I could have gotten a more beautiful dress that I'd like.
I texted the staff from the shop the day after our 3rd fitting to tell her more of my comments. What I wanted was simple: to fit me well and follow the original design I approved/ booked. Nothing more.
Although I know deep inside I didn't like anymore the gown style / design, but there is nothing I can really do abt that at that point. Then the intervention happened, she called me and offered to just refund my full deposit. I felt a sudden gush of RELIEF! But a bit scared at the same time as I might be running out of time (4 months to go bef wedding). Nevertheless, I giddily accepted the offer and started Pinterest-ing more gowns. At this point, I just know exactly what I want!
I went to 168 immediately to look for a new gown, and to collect my refund from their shop. Until the last moment, the staff was nice to us and I would like to thank her for it. I was praying I’d find a gown that I would love and would fit me at the same time bec I had no time to have it custom-made, and I was a bit traumatized to go through that whole process again.
The very first gown I saw when I arrived the the Bridal section of the mall, was what I ended up buying! (As they say, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO LIKE THE FIRST GOWN.) Of course, I did canvass and fit other gowns the entire day. But I went back to that first gown and fit it again and ended up buying it. Reasons? It’s simple, looks delicate, romantic, so flattering on me, and fits me like a glove!!! The fit was awesome! No bulges or wrinkles whatsoever. It’s a sweetheart neckline, all lace, serpentine cut strapless gown. The price was not far from THAT first gown. We will have white small swarovksi crystals added on the entire gown for the subtle shine / glisten effect; for the “shine bright like a diamond” effect my mom was looking for, her words.
No to poofy gowns, no to heavy beadings that may look cheap, no to cheap tulles, no to fancy but not classy. Fit should be perfect. I did not spend too much on my dress, but it still looks so classy and elegant.
I know this time I love my gown. I can imagine myself walking down the aisle on it, and partying the night away. No need for 2nd dress! It's THE gown, and I said YES to the dress!
Moral lessons of the story: do not be too much of an eager beaver, know what you want, do not settle if it doesn’t make you happy.
Sorry it's too long, but I hope you picked up something from my experience. I just got lucky!
