Bridezilla Ballot: The Bridal Boutique Cover Charge

post from BrideZilla on 30 June 2008 07:47:26 PM. © BrideZilla

Try this on for size-if you can afford it. In the past, bridal salons may have requested a modest, fully-refundable deposit for trying on gowns-similar to a damage deposit in a hotel. Now though, some bridal salons' business models are mirroring that of recent ludicrous airline restrictions instead. Look at a gown? Fine. Try it on? Oh, that will cost you.For example, one Australian store is currently charging $350 for bridal shop two-visit "consultation." That's more than the average psychiatrist, just for being able to try on bridal gowns! Then again, trying on a really, really pretty Vera wang A-line sheath could beat the mood boosting benefits of some shriveled old shrink any day....But do bridal salons really need bouncers? Are there really major problems with roving droves of un-engaged women hell bent on the high of bridal-gown dress-up? Or is the fee just a ploy to trap you into buying a gown from a certain vendor, since that's often the only way to get the deposit refunded? Bridezilla wants to know, is this bridal gown try-on fee a total rip-off? Or do bridal shops have a right to safeguard against tulle trespassers? Weigh in here!