Wedding Cakes in my area of New York

My doctor has told me, not to be so angry at BIG Bridal all the time. This stress of all the business that I have been ranting about have been hell for the past couple of years. They are all trying to tell me that everything I post is not true, but I only report it. All of the reviews, complaints and issues with BIG Bridal are from you, the readers. So please keep them coming.

Here is a FLUF piece on the local bridal cake makers in my area of New York and New Jersey which most are pretty good. I know that I have a national audience, but I can't make it to every place in the US with my health. You can have you cake and eat it too.

Cakes Directory:

Alice's Tea Cup
220 E. 81st St., nr. Third Ave. (various locations); 212-734-4832; alicesteacup.com
This relative newcomer to the scene (the cute salon is a great spot for bridal showers as well) specializes in imaginative designs featuring flowers, butterflies, or mod dots. Resident cake designer Collette Foley (who also has her own cake company) prepares bright, poppy creations that are in high demand. From $7.50 a slice.

Annwoodhandmade.com
If you’re looking for a unique cake topper, you’ll love Ann Wood’s handmade Sweetheart Birds—two twee birds crafted in Brooklyn and made of mostly antique fabrics. They are either one-of-a kind or made in small quantities.

April Reed Cake Design
917-716-5443; aprilreed.com

Stunningly elegant, Reed’s designs come with accents of Mokuba ribbon, handrolled truffles, and handmade flowers like sweet peas and magnolia blossoms. A true collaborator, Reed helps couples envision their ideal cake. Her process? She sketches; they taste. Order six months in advance; cakes start at $10 per slice, and there is an $800 minimum.

Bake and More, LLC.
104 S. Broadway, South Amboy, N.J.; 732-533-0334; bakeandmore.com

Beth Sullivan and Madalyn Purcell create elegant, upscale cakes with none of the pretension. They offer an array of designs and nearly 25 fillings. For couples seeking something beyond buttercream, they’re also known for their cheesecake in luscious specialty flavors like amaretto, mocha cream, and apple cinnamon. From $6 per serving.

Baked
359 Van Brunt St., nr. Coffey St., Red Hook; 718-222-0345; bakednyc.com
In the cutthroat world of New York cupcake purveyors, Baked has a devout following. And Baked Weddings can offer a tower of those famous cupcakes in lieu of the traditional cake. Then again, the colorful, whimsical (think tiers lined in retro candy) wedding cakes they design for couples here are anything but traditional.

Bijoux Doux Specialty Cakes
448 Atlantic Ave., nr. Nevins St., Boerum Hill, Brooklyn; 718-237-2271; bijouxdoux.com

Best known for her intricate, Victorian-style cakes, Ellen Baumwoll also produces more whimsical designs (think chocolate curls and valentine hearts). Cakes start at $10 per serving, and fillings run the gamut from traditional buttercream to hazelnut truffle; cakes can be covered in fondant, marzipan, buttercream, or ganache.

Cake Alchemy
805 Sixth Ave., nr. 28th St., fourth fl.; 212-255-0584; cakealchemy.com

Lauri Ditunno trained at the Culinary Institute of America and it paid off: Her “Orchid Ambiance” was named one of the “50 Most Beautiful Cakes” by Brides magazine. Cake Alchemy specializes in blending unique flavors to each couples’ taste. From $9 per serving.

Cakeline
220 Beach 132nd St., nr. Rockaway Beach Blvd., Belle Harbor, N.Y.; 718-634-5063; cakeline.com

Cynthia Peithman offers romantic styles with edible lace, flowers, pearls, and beading (in the usual flavors, plus almond génoise and lemon poppy seed). Fillings are flavored ganaches, mousses, or buttercreams ($8.50 to $16 per serving). By appointment only.

Cake Man Raven
708-A Fulton St., nr. Fort Greene Pl., Fort Greene, Brooklyn; 718-694-2253; cakemanraven.com
This Harlem-born baker and designer has built a reputation on confections like his famous red-velvet cake. Consultation fee is $50, and delivery charge is based on the wedding’s location. From $10 per serving.

The Cake Studio
718-938-0086; thecakestudionyc.com

Five years ago, Jill Adams set up her cozy cake shop in Williamsburg. She eschews traditional designs for imaginative cakes that often follow asymmetrical patterns, keeping details to a minimum. For weddings, her team will generally pair chocolate or vanilla batter with a more exotic dulce de leche or coconut filling. From $10 per guest.

Ceci-Cela Patisserie
55 Spring St., nr. Lafayette St.; 212-274-9179; ceci-celapatisserie.com

This Nolita café is renowned for its exquisite French delicacies. They’ll do anything from white buttercream confections to the French croquembouche, but the Pear William (a light sponge cake with alternating layers of vanilla genoise and sliced poached pears) is Ceci’s thing. From $7 per slice..

Cheryl Kleinman Cakes
448 Atlantic Ave., nr. Bond St., Boerum Hill, Brooklyn; 718-237-2271

Brides and grooms should expect streamlined shapes covered with smooth fondant or marzipan icing and adorned with sugar flowers. Cakes come in eleven flavors, from old-fashioned banana to hazelnut-almond, with assorted fillings ($10 and up per serving, though Kleinman will work with budgets as low as $250).

Colette's Cakes
681 Washington St., nr. Charles St.; 212-366-6530; colettescakes.com

Acclaimed baker Colette Peters will create a couple’s ideal wedding cake—even if that means something shaped like a skyscraper or gussied up with Swarovski crystals. Fillings include chocolate truffle and buttercream with jam (from $13 per serving; $1,000 minimum).

Confetti Cakes
102 W. 87th St., nr. Columbus Ave.; 212-877-9580; confetticakes.com
Elisa Strauss specializes in sculptural custom-designed cakes. A favorite among brides is an antique-rose fondant cake with chocolate piping and edible appliquéd chocolate leaves. Prices upon request; $1,000 minimum.

Elizabeth Hodes Custom Cakes and Sugar Art
212-942-6000; elizabethhodes.com
A Princeton and music-conservatory grad, Hodes now channels her creative energy into original, ¬detailed cakes, often with a Far East vibe. Her realistic decorations feature novel pairings of sugar-cast lime wedges with straw, roses with pepperberries, and water lilies with cattails. From $11 per serving.

Gail Watson Custom Cakes
335 W. 38th St., nr. Ninth Ave., eleventh fl.; 212-967-9167; gailwatsoncake.com
Watson serves up romantic cakes with icing flowers that complement a bride’s dress or bouquet. She offers ten flavors of cake and even more fillings, from lemon curd to chocolate hazelnut praline ($9 to $20 per serving). Wedding-themed sugar cookies with a couples’ monogram are also available as a perfect wedding favor. Watson also owns A Simple Cake, which offers budget options ($6.50 to $8 per serving).

JollyBe Bakery
718-965-1651; jollybebakery.com
Fans of intricate artistry will adore these creations by art conservator Ruth Seidler—she worked in the conservation labs of two major museums. Fondant is her canvas of choice for creating beautiful floral-design brushwork, marzipan elements, and “stained glass” geometrical designs. From $9 per serving.

Lady M Cake Boutique
41 E. 78th St., nr. Madison Ave.; 212-452-2222; ladymconfections.com
This divine gallery’s signature wedding cake, the Mille Crêpes, is a light-as-air pile of crêpes sandwiched between layers of cream custard with a hint of cherry liqueur, a caramelized top, and a garnish of gorgeous real and sugar flowers. $15 to $17 per serving.

Lovin Sullivan Cakes by Kate Sullivan
212-691-4330; cakepower.com
Fans of modern-with-a-touch-of-whimsy will love Sullivan’s funky but streamlined cakes. A former magazine photo editor, her attention to detail ensures that whatever a couple’s looking for—in particular stylized modern looks and bold graphics—it’ll be well-executed here. From $10 per serving.

Made in Heaven Cakes
530 Third Ave., nr. 13th St., Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-788-2727
Culinary prowess and art-school educations come together at this family-run bakery, owned by Lisa and Victor Zagami. Brides find favor with the golden-vanilla cake with lemon-chiffon mousse and raspberry filling; the shop owner’s signature flavor remains chocolate cake with cappuccino mousse. Cakes average $7 per serving. By appointment only.

Margaret Braun
212-929-1582; margaretbraun.com
Braun’s dazzling creations have a Baroque aesthetic; they’re perfect for those who like vibrant colors and ornate detailing. For chef Bobby Flay’s nuptials, the cake featured creamy orange and yellow stripes with a sugar chalice on top. Braun decorates each cake all by her lonesome, so expect prices to run into four figures. Prices upon request.

Mark Joseph Cakes
25 Jay St., nr. Plymouth St., Ste. 404; Dumbo, Brooklyn; 718-643-8216; markjosephcakes.com
A classically trained pastry chef and Culinary Institute of America grad, Mark Randazzo specializes in flavor alchemy; think raspberry, vanilla, and pistachio fillings combined with Valrhona chocolate. His wife, Leslie, ensures that clients’ visions are executed to perfection—whether it’s an intricately sculpted metallic cake or a straight-up vanilla beauty. From $8 to $15 per serving.

Michelle Doll Cakes
917-374-2791; michelledollcakes.com
Before becoming a sugar artist at the French Culinary Institute, Doll worked as a graphic designer—evident in her signature draping and intricate detailing. Doll is especially renowned for her red-velvet concoction, crowned with vanilla buttercream and Heath-bar frosting. She has even proved her baking aplomb on television—she beat Bobby Flay in a wedding-cake throwdown on the Food Network. From $10 to $15 a serving.

Pieces of Cake
917-767-0062; pieceofcakenyc.com
Cupcake Café alum Jennifer Chiang specializes in fusing Asian and Western styles. Her confections range from the immensely popular red-velvet cake with a coconut cream-cheese filling and icing, to a classic coconut-cream cake. She is also known for her decorative metallic painting on cakes and buttercream flowers. From $8 a serving.

Ron Ben-Israel Cakes
42 Greene St., nr. Grand St., fifth fl.; 212-625-3369; weddingcakes.com
This French Culinary Institute master-chef instructor deals in cake couture. Bold, realistic sugar blossoms adorn most cakes, which have included replications of an Art Deco building, a Russian church, and the Taj Mahal. His cakes and icing burst with flavors like crushed vanilla bean and blood orange ($12 to $15 per serving). Everything from the floral design to the ribbon decoration is 100 percent natural and edible.

Ruth Drennan Cakes
347-886-6606; ruthdrennancakes.com
For Ruth Drennan, every cake is a labor of love. Known for her extraordinary sugar flowers, Drennan can re-create a bridal bouquet on a cake—think 300 multicolored roses. She specializes in traditional flavors, but clients rave about her red-velvet cake with cream-cheese frosting. She suggests ordering at least six months in advance. From $10 per serving.

Sarabeth's Bakery
Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave., at 15th St. (various locations); 212-989-2424; sarabeth.com
The uptown crowd’s favorite bakery and brunch spot also does gorgeous, traditional wedding cakes designed by Sarabeth Levine herself. Her elegant creations generally use fresh flowers and white buttercream. It’s best to order six weeks in advance. From $11.50 per slice.

Sarah Magid Custom Organic Cakes
917-405-3022; sarahmagidcakes.com
After eight years living the jet-set life of a shoe and jewelry designer, Magid now stays closer to home for her small cake business. Loyal clients recognize her signature Goldies, an organic version of Twinkies dusted with edible gold powder. She frosts her wedding cakes with organic whipped buttercream icing. From $11 to $15 per slice.

Soutine Bakery
104 W. 70th St., nr. Columbus Ave.; 212-496-1450; soutine.com
A tiny, understated bakery that receives some of the highest accolades in the city, Soutine turns out sophisticated, refined wedding cakes. Soutine can make any cake a picture, from fondant-frosted beauties with sugar-coated fruit to chocolate ganache with butterflies on top ($7.50 per serving with less expensive options available).

Sugar Couture
917-992-4955; sugar-couture.com
Film producer turned confectionery artist Penny CM Stankiewicz culls most of her inspiration from the city she calls home. Sugar Couture can conjure up a variety of creative confections and cakes (including groom’s cakes!), and, should you develop a sudden interest in the pastry arts, Stankiewicz teaches classes at Sarah Lawrence and the 92nd Street Y.

Sugarflowershop.com
Sugar flowers have never tasted this good, or looked so freakishly realistic. With a selection of blooms that rivals your local flower store, sugarflowershop.com is the ultimate resource for those who would prefer to do the cake (or cupcake) decorating themselves.

Sugar Sweet Sunshine
126 Rivington St., nr. Essex St.; 212-995-1960; sugarsweetsunshine.com
This cozy bakery is becoming a neighborhood staple for its cupcakes (the pistachio variety will make anyone a regular), which they’ll assemble into cute trees for a minimal charge. Conventional buttercream-frosted cakes are also available. Cupcakes are $18 per dozen; layer cakes start at $5 per serving.

Sweet Element
201-315-4940; sweetelement.com
Sweet Element does not have a catalogue of cake styles to choose from. That’s because pastry chef and owner Jen Roberts prefers to create custom orders for her clients. She will work with you on the design, but the choice of flavor—she has a wide variety including a vegan chocolate and peanut-butter mousse filling—is up to you.

The Sweet Things Bake Shop
136 Avenue C, nr. 8th St.; 212-982-1714; girlsclub.org
A side project of the Lower East Side Girls Club, the Sweet Things Bake Shop offers homemade custom cookies and cupcakes (from $3) for any occasion, including weddings. For couples with a social conscience, all proceeds from the shop support Girls Club programs that teach youth culinary arts and business skills, as well as provide much-needed services like education, job training, and health care for girls and their families living in lower Manhattan.

Sylvia Weinstock Cakes
273 Church St., nr. Franklin St.; 212-925-6698; sylviaweinstock.com
Dubbed the “Queen of Cakes” by her peers, Weinstock creates elaborate, sugar-flower-studded cakes that many socialites wouldn’t do without. She uses buttercream instead of fondant, so air-conditioning is a must to ensure it won’t melt. Her cakes have been stars at the weddings of Donald Trump, Michael Douglas, and even members of the Saudi royal family. From $17 per serving.

William Greenberg Jr. Desserts
1100 Madison Ave., nr. 82nd St.; 212-861-1340; wmgreenbergdesserts.com
Since 1946, this bakery has been providing the Upper East Side with stunning, kosher white wedding cakes topped with homemade whipped cream, fresh flowers, and delicate icing designs. Greenberg is also up for the less traditional—he once made miniature individual wedding cakes for a client. From $8.50 per serving.



Read more: New York Wedding Guide - Cakes Directory http://nymag.com/weddings/listings/cakes/index2.html#ixzz0WO7VeC3x


Read more: New York Wedding Guide - Cakes Directory http://nymag.com/weddings/listings/cakes/index2.html#ixzz0WO7VeC3x


Read more: New York Wedding Guide - Cakes Directory http://nymag.com/weddings/listings/cakes/index2.html#ixzz0WO7VeC3x

Best Bridal Prices pushing Malware - Trojan Horse Virus found on Website

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Another Angry Bride caused by the RK Bridal

RK Bridal (aka T.V. Whores)
318 West 39th St. (Between 8th & 9th Ave.)
New York City, NY 10018

What good customer service. I guess this what happens when a store is more interested in being on T.V. than helping real people with their real weddings. Its seems that RK Bridal is letting the letting real paying customers suffer for their great television success on some third rate cable show. As a stunt for some paid for advertising, RK Bridal allowed themselves to be sold out to television due to their poor sales and sad business practices. Our insiders at the RK Bridal tell us that they are not doing the numbers expected. They have also cut back on some bridal lines. In the process, they are pissing off Brides like the one post below. Don't waste your time with these clowns, go to a store that cares about the bride and not TV ratings.

angrybride1 said...
Apr-17-09 2:28pm I sympathize with you. I am currently having a similar situation with a Scala wedding dress I purphased. I tried it on in store, ordered my dress, waited 7 months for it to come in, at which time it came in with a flaw-turned hole in the front, in addition to a finger smudge! I told the store i would not accept the dress and to pleae send it back to the manufacturer. The manufacturer, in the mean time, has brought out their '09 collection and has discontinued the dress and will not replace it! In the mean time, the store, without my permission, attempted to fix the flaws on their own, soiling the spot further by drycleaning the dress, which left a chemical ring bigger than the original spot, and stretching the silk around the hole as they tried to "press" it together! The store will not refund my money either, even though there was no concent to do that to my dress!! Im getting married in one month and am screwed and pissed. Dont know what to do about it either... Best of luck to you, and I guess all we can do is keep in mind that the dress is not the point of the wedding!

BestBridalPrices.com pulling some lies about Perimart.com

Bestbridalprices.com are a bunch of posers. On their website they state: BestBridalPrices.com is a registered trademark of Color Plus Inc. DBA Carole Frew's Bridal & Tuxedo DBA www.BestBridalPrices.com . Who are these clowns? It seems that they are playing all sides of the bridal world with a China connection and dealings with some knockoff dresses with Perimart.com .

Carole Frew's Bridal & Tuxedo is located at:
(618) 466-8820
200 W Homer M Adams Pkwy
Godfrey, IL 62035

This front has gotten some bad reviews. See a sample below from http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Carole+Frew%27s+Bridal+%26+Tuxedo&aq=f&oq=&aqi= :

Carole Frew's Bridal & Tuxedo Reviews:
Bad Experience 1
By Lea M. Carole Frew's Bridal & Tuxedo
I also had a bad experience the customer serverice was horrible. I did everything myself in that store. I picked out the two dresses I even considered with the bad selection and then I had to put them on myself and everything. No one would even speak to me the whole time I was there. I agree the customer service was horrible. I will not be going back there or recommending this store to anyone I know.

Nightmare was our experience. 1
By T. J. Carole Frew's Bridal & Tuxedo
This was the worst nightmare ever-from the very first visit and it never let up. If they make a mistake, they'll try to turn it around on you. I caught the manager herself in two lies and made sure I nipped it in the bud right then and there. I really had her backed in a corner that she couldn't lie her way out of and that's the only reason she has agreed to take care of the problem-free of charge. A few of the workers have HORRIBLE attitudes. I HIGHLY recommend not doing business there.

Bad Experience 2
By Taylor H. Carole Frew's Bridal & Tuxedo
I would never deal with this shop again. The sales clerk was very rude to me at least this one I was talking to in particular. She had better learn how to deal with customers.
I had a very unpleasant experience.

A post was made by the supposed owner of Best Bridal Prices dot com. It seems to be a cover post to protect themselves. You be the judge. Read below:

02/27/2009
liquiddi1
Newbie!
Peridress is a rip off
peridress, perimart, periwing .com's are all a rip off. Sorry to tell you people that purchased from them. They are located straight out of china. How do I know all of this? Because I own bestbridalprices.com. They have illegally stolen copy written pictures off of my site and houseofbrides. I'm in the process of dealing with the Chinese government to find and prosecute these people for stealing. The dresses are not authentic at all. They are not even close to the pictures. They don't have the same fabric and they don't have the patterns from these designers. What you will get in the mail is a shower curtain. It's funny that the prices are all right at $100 to $200 for these dresses. That's way below the cost that we(the legit stores) pay. If anyone has a question about this, give me a call at 877-274-3321 ext110. Like I said I am the owner of bestbridalprices.com which is located in Godfrey IL. We have been here doing legit business for over 30 years now. I hate rip offs!

We have heard the same complaints on very low priced gowns on both Perimart.com and Bestbridalprices.com

I would not trust your hard earned money to either of these sites.

RK Bridal - Complaints and Problems

RK BRIDAL...HORRIBLE..>WORST EVER...RIP OFF..UPDATE

RK BRIDAL was horrible.....A NIGHTMARE...Gilda was a nice salesperson, but they are very pushy...They pressured me into buying my gown. It was exactly what I wanted and they took advantage of that. She pressured me to get it too soon, and when I went home, I found it on HOUSE OF BRIDES.COM for $350.00...when I just bought it from RK BRIDAL for over $1200. Talk about a rip off....I called them immediately because of their no frills, will beat them by 5% policy...well that is only if you didn't purchase it already...they need the info ahead of time...they hadn't even processed order yet and they wouldn't budge....PLus they ordered my dress about 6 sizes too large, and then I found out that the minimum alterations is $350....they order TOO BIG on purpose to make money on the alterations...I will be pissed if the dress looks funny because they have to take it in..I even contemplated cancelling the order, eating the $500 deposit and ordering from houseofbrides, only to find out that if you cancel your order, they still charge the remaining balance of the dress to your credit card....what a RIP OFF...please save yourselves the trouble and go somewhere else...they aren't worth it....I feel horrible that I got taken advantage of. Since I wrote this I have picked up my dress. I had to wait 45minutes to be taken care of, only to find them searching for my dress.. AND IT WAS RIPPED....someone wore it, it was dirty, and the jacket that comes with it was sliced, torn, damaged.... Also I ordered 2 yards of satin fabric, to make a sash, and it wasn't two yards at all, and there were two huge chunks taken out of the fabric, like someone took fabric for a swatch. The owner REED, wasn't helpful and did nothing to rectify the situation. He won't replace the fabric, which they said was going to be $40, and was over $100, or the jacket to the gown. He was RIDICULOUS and NOT GOOD AT CUSTOMER SERVICE OR SATISFACTION. I froze my credit card payment and will not be paying them for the damaged merchandise. They have officially ruined my wedding!!!

Badddddddd

Pls alot of people have complained so there is obviously a problem with your service. Your customer service is horrible. Your employees and management are so rude and you all are liers. I'll never go there ever and I wouldn't recommend your store to anyone.

Spare yourself and shop somewhere else

I recently purchased my wedding dress from RK Bridal; My bridesmaids all purchased their dresses from there as well. A tip for all those looking for a pleasant shopping experience - DO NOT shop at RK Bridal. From the moment we stepped into their store, the entire staff had an attitude problem. If we showed up an hour before they closed, they made sure to tell us repeatedly that they were closing and that we needed to hurry up. If we showed up earlier, they ignored us. None of the attendents would answer any questions we had about dresses and actually rolled their eyes and walked away! Most of my bridesmaids were talked into purchasing dresses that were two sizes too big so that the store could then charge them for alterations. The bigger the dress-the more work needs to be done. When one bridesmaid went in for a fitting and needed to take in the dress further, they did not want to do the extra work. My wedding dress was so big, that I had to take it in almost a size and a half. The entire staff, except for Emily was rude, dismissive and hostile. If there had been another store that carried the wedding dress that I had wanted, I would never have bought it there. I wasn't asking for any special attention, just a little acknowledgment and friendliness.

Best Bridal in Cuba, "sorry", Miami Florida

I just flew into La Guardia and I am so glad to be back in the U.S.. Just came back from Miami a.k.a. Cuba North and found out how spoiled I am with the stores in Manhattan.

If you venture down to an area called Coral Gables and dare to shop for a wedding gown on Miracle Mile, leave your money at home. This place is rip-off central with stores ripping tags out of dresses, knockoff gowns and prices that will blow your socks off. Everyone of these stores, except for David's Bridal, plays games with prices and gown switching while you shop. Many will sell you the dirty sample dress off the rack and claim it to be new. The shop kepers are rude, hostile, very pushy and barely speak english. They act insulted if you walk out the door and some will even chase you down the street to get you to come back in. "Wait, wait, I give you better price", "You pay cash, I give deal better for you". I guess that is the way they operate in third world countries. Its like shopping in the islands, if you have ever been down there. The locals call it little Havana, but I just call it Cuba North. The local rag of a paper called the New Times states that the place is the Best Place to Buy Bridal Attire. Are they kidding? Is that all there is in Miami? I would check out other cities like Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton or Palm Beach. I did not get to go up there, but I am sure their must be some sort of civilization in the business. Here is a list of what I saw and what you should avoid. Also check to see if there are any complaints on these small con shops. They are all bad and way, way over priced.

J Del Olmo Bridal Gallery‎
Daisy Tarsi Boutique‎
Chic Parisien‎
Coral Gables Bridals Inc‎
Alegria's Brides
Bellissima Bridal Designs‎
Gabriella Arango Haute Couture‎‎
Merlili Brides‎
Affairs by Claudia‎
Carolina Boulton Bridal‎
Fascinating Fashion‎
Moshe Bridal‎
Priscilla-Boston Alterations‎
Leggenda Bridal Boutique‎
Martial Champs Elysees‎
Stanleigh's Weddings & Accessories‎
Brides of Florida Couture‎

David's Bridal and Alfred Angelo are located also on this strip. Why? They are junk store anyways that are already know for bad service and inferior product. I believe David's and Alfred Angelo bridals got their start in south florida.

You would be better off buying sight unseen on the internet. Hell, you would save more money just throwing it off the plane.

Here is the rag of a paper called the New Time "Best Of" piece. I think they must get a kickback by the bridal salons. What a joke...

"Best Place to Buy Bridal Attire
Miracle Mile
Coral Gables 33134
Drive down Miracle Mile and you'll begin to notice a subtle pattern. There's David's Bridal (39 Miracle Mile), Bridal City (326 Miracle Mile), and Coral Gables Bridal (141 Miracle Mile). There's Chic Parisien (118 Miracle Mile) -- specializing in, yes, bridal. Miracle Mile really should be renamed the Get Hitched Three-Quarter; all told, there are close to ten shops specializing in wares for the big day -- or days, if you're a multiple mater. (Plus the jewelry stories specializing in engagement rings.) So if you're about to tie the knot for the first, second, or fourth time and you need to bedeck bridesmaids or find a frock for a flower girl, there is no better place in Miami-Dade, or possibly the planet, than the Gables. And best yet, when all of your sartorial needs are met, you can take care of the icing on the cake, literally. Head to the Wedding Cake Gallery, conveniently located at 30 Miracle Mile."

More problems and complaints at the David's Bridal

Re: David's Bridal Refuses to Deliver
by Deanna W. Posted Thu May 7, 2009 @ 8:16 PM

On February 26th 2009 I didn't order my dresses but I ordered my ring
pillows, my book, my flower baskets, and my pen from David's Bridal in
Orem Utah. Well they said it would be here around April 20th. I went
in on April 27th and they said to give them another week and they
should be here. So I call today May 7th, Now I am told that they will
not be here til the end of May and my wedding is the begining of June.
The manager of the store proceeds to tell me that even though I
ordered my stuff early there were people that ordered after whos
weddiong was sooner so I was put on the back burner. Well when I
ordered my things I asked the girl, "These will be here the end of
April right because we are making the aprons for my servers and we
want them to match" Well needless to say I paid $175.00 for stuff that
I need for my wedding and it wont be done. Thank god I didn't order my
dresses from there, they probably wouldnt be done. Funny the little
dress shop where I did order my dresses from (my dress, 3 brides maids
dresses, and 4 flower girls dresses) all were done the begining of
April and I oredered everything the same day from each store. I am not
a spoiled brat or bridezilla I am a 30 year old single mom who works
for a living and I earn my money but when you are ripped off it doesnt
matter if you are spoiled or not companies have an obligation and if
they cannot meet that obligation they need to shut down or get new
people.

Re: David's Bridal Refuses to Deliver
by lmk52 Posted Fri August 1, 2008 @ 2:37 PM

I'm having problems with a David's Bridal in HAgerstown, Md. and I
called their corporate office and my call was returned the next day
and the problem is being taken care of. Nancy, the girl I spoke with
was very helpful.The corporate doesn't know what their stores are
doing until you let them know.

Re: David's Bridal Refuses to Deliver
by Michelle S. Posted Tue July 1, 2008 @ 7:16 PM

I agree that David's Bridal does not deliver. And, I have not even
used them. I have not had a chance to spend any money at their store.
My mother and I were in the store looking at dresses. They hound you
when you come in and leave you hanging. I asked if I could try on some
dresses that I had chosen. One of the girls (that work for $7.50, cuz
there are no other jobs in town, that Farrah previously mentioned),
said that she would get someone to help me try them on. We waited, and
waited, no one came to help. So, we left to look at another store. As
we were going out of the door, mom said this place doesn't feel right,
it is just weird. We went to the next store. I found my perfect dress
for $1000 on the rack at a small business. All four bridesmaids live
in other towns. I sent 2 of them to another David's Bridal that was
closer. They still had to drive 35 miles. I had set an appt. for them
a week earlier. I was told the whole day was open. My 2 bridesmaids
arrived. The sales person said, that she had to hurry and had to eat
before a bridal party came in. My friends could not find anything. No
one was there to help them. I am not picky, I said any style in the
canary color. I do not expect anything for free, just some common
courtesy. My mother has a small clothing a gift store in a town. So we
understand people do like things for free. However, this was NEVER the
case. They left, went to a department store called and asked if they
could buy one there. I said sure. (I am NOT a bridezilla, and I am
laid back.) None of the dresses needed to be matching anyway. I would
rather spend money somewhere else. I would think as a manager, owner
or someone would care about the type of service they provide. I don't
get it. I was planning to coordinate my whole wedding thru them. And,
it is scam for people win a free trip, just to sell cheap cookware. I
don't mind people selling cookware, just not in the way that they try
to sell it and promote them. I did look it up on line before I decided
to go. Who would give anything away for free? There is always a catch.

And I have not spent any money with them. They refuse to take my
money. And that is ok with me.

David's Bridal sells your personal information
by joana Posted Wed May 28, 2008 @ 11:57 PM

I recently recieved a phone call from an outside vendor of David's
Bridal. The lady told me I had one a free vacation. I don't EVER
sign up for any of these fake things so I sat there and wondered how
in the world they got my information. The only thing I could think of
was that I had seen an advertisement for DB online about a free
wedding dress drawing. So I signed up to have my name put in it. Two
weeks later is when I recieved this phone call. The lady said I had
one a three day two night stay in a variety of locations all over the
US and in the Bahamas. She gave me a confirmation number and said I
had to attend this presentation where they would urge you to buy
things there but you were not required to do so to get your vacation
package. You only had to sit through the presentation. So I was like
ok there's not harm in sitting through it and checking into the
situation. So my fiance and I went. It was a 90 minute presentation
and I'll admit the guy named Tommy was very good at his job. He was
Asian I think and the other guy was black. They were very friendly as
we sat through the presentation where they were trying to sell dishes
and cookware through Royal Prestige or American Prestige. These
dishes were thousands of dollars. Again they were very friendly
during the presentation but when it was done and you sat down to talk
to them about the vacation package and you turned down the dishes they
were very rude and pushy. They gave us the package but were very rude
and tried forcing us to buy dishes. They told us that we were unable
to buy these dishes at this price after that night, that we MUST get
them right then. We left without the dishes. We are going to ask a
travel agent about the trip because we still think it is fake. It's
not worth the hassle of even taking that trip. When we got back to
our hotel room that night we researched these people and found nothing
but bad information about them. They rip people off and the trip
supposedly is a fake or is a terrible experience. Also we realized
that the only people who were at this presentation were young people.
Why? Probably because they assume young people won't research this and
will be naive and just buy things because they make it look easy to
use. Also, the people who got the phone calls about this free trip
were the women. Why? Probably because they think it is the women who
jump and say "come on babe, why not?" It's free! No it's a
ridiculous scam. So don't sign up for anything through DB because
they sell your information and take advantage of people. Go to Google
and type in Royal Prestige Scam or Ripoff..you'll see all kinds of
reports about it. And it all starts with David's Bridal! Most of
these people who did order these dishes never saw them or ended up
paying way more in interest then what they were told they would be
paying..so don't be naive ladies! If you do go to a presentation
after reading this just make sure you go and show them up and ruin the
presentation by telling everyone that it is a scam! Hope this helps
some people!

Re: David's Bridal Refuses to Deliver
by KazperGal Posted Tue April 8, 2008 @ 11:39 PM

You know what you BRIDEZILLA's , you ALL want everything for NOTHING,
are spoiled brats who somehow think they are "entitled" to only the
best and you expect only the best service and WASTE the consultants
time by not having any idea of what style gown you want. Your
appointments are only to be one and a half hours in length as there
are other customers waiting and the consultants also need time to go
eat lunch, I bet you all get a lunch where you work because its the
law. Each and every one of you who has a complaint NEEDS to come try
and work at David's Bridal for at least a month. NONE of you would
survive...IMAGINE putting up with yourselves multiple times a day
while being paid $7.50 per hour and only if you are lucky and have
really sweet brides only then will you earn commission.....at most the
bridal consultants at David's Bridal average about $9/hr, how many of
you with College Degree;s are willing to work for those wages because
there are NO other jobs in your town?!!!! Instead of being rude,
obnoxious and unthankful you are lucky that David's Bridal even exists
and offers the selection that it does. My sister worked for them for a
total of three months when she was getting married and came home
crying everyday because people like you were so rude. Luckilly she
holds a Master's Degree and it was only temporary after a layoff for
her and now she is employed full time again and makes well over six
figures a year instead of putting up with your pathetic BS as a bunch
of spoiled brats. As I said NONE of you would survive as a wedding
consultant. Next time you go into David's try to have a little
compassion for those who are working there to assist you with your
wedding plans. By the way there is a place to send complaints to
Customer Service for legitimate complaints. Hello people......ALL
bridal shops are always updating styles every three months on average
so it is not uncommon for a gown or color to be discontinued. As for
Bridal Gowns on average if they are a close cut gown they do run two
sizes too small. Now I do agree their alterations costs are
OUTRAGEOUS....my sister wouldn't even have hers done there when she
worked for them. She found a seamstress who charged her 65% less than
David's....don't let them fool you on that one.

All Fake Dresses at Store of Dress

SOD - Store of Dress
Address: Unknown (May be located outside of the Unites States since they post their phone number with the long distance US 1 in front of it for the website)
Phone: 1-315-636-4517

Store of Dress is selling knockoff wedding dresses. As an example, they list Demetrios B149 at $299.99 and I know for a fact that it sells for $1500. From what I am told by a close bridal retail store, the wholesale cost of this dress is around $1200.

I have also noticed how they phrase the website. The english on this site is rough and shows that the company may not be in the United States but posing with a 315 area code. See the below sample from the site:

"Notice:
1. This item need 20 days to be produced.
2. This price has include the EMS shipping fee. (Shipping Method)
3. If you have some special demands,please fill in the customer note when you place the order, thanks.
4. More questions, you can refer:FAQ. "


So it is a fact that SOD - Store of Dress is selling fake dresses with stolen interenet pictures from the designers. We are looking for some complaints and problems with poor quality from customers that were taken by this fraud. These dresses must be made of some cheap polyester.

Please see the lie below. Make sure to check with a designers website before ever buying a wedding dress or bridesmaid dress from an internet store.

"About Store Of Dress

Store Of Dress has been operating in the bridal industry for more than 4 years. In recent years, the most part of our business practice is to manufacture bridal gowns for USA, UK, Germany, and others Europe areas. Our management theory in line with " paying attention to every minor matter, can accomplish the major issue ", Strict with oneself, adhere to the aim of the first of quality, make great efforts to serve customer. With our extensive collection of wedding gowns, from simple, clean lines to elaborately, luxuriously hand-beaded, there's sure to be a gown that would perfect the most important day of every bride! Many wholesalers from UK, US, Germany etc, they all approve of our wedding dress and made a long business with us, I can assure you that each our wedding dress has the high quality.

We offer a wide range of wedding gowns, evening/prom gowns, bridesmaid dresses, elegant flower girl dresses and related accessories in different styles. The fabrics used are satin, chiffon, organza, tulle, taffeta, georgette, polyester etc.

We also make wedding dresses, evening dresses, ect. according to customer's design requested.
We offer the special service of customer made wedding dresses, bridesmaid bresses, evening gown, Prom Dresses and so on. You can send us the pictures or tell us your own design ideas, we can make the unique dresses according to you requirements. Please contact us: designer@StoreOfDress.com.

Features:
1) supply bridal gown, evening dress, prom gown, flower girl dresses and wedding accessories.
2) different color and different size available
3) high quality
4) competitive price directly from factory quotation
5) customer's design is welcomed. No minimum order for you.
More info, please visit our website.


Our guarantee
We guarantee that we will make you satisfied with our products and services. We will try our best to do the order process wonderfully.


If you are looking for a particular gown that you do not see on our site. Please contact us as we can get many nationally advertised dresses for you at extremely discounted prices. If you haven't a slight stature, please don't worry. We can make the dress with plus size and hid your limitation. If you are in a hurry, we will make your dress overtime and send it to you in time.

More information, please feel free to contact us at sales@storeofdress.com. We will reply your questions and email you ASAP. Congratulations and much love and happiness for the many years to come in wedded bliss!"

No More Small Bridal Stores - Its Your Fault!

Bankruptcy - It is your fault.

As a bridal consultant, I get asked many questions that are all related: "Why don't more stores carry the brands I see in the magazines?" "Why is their only a David's Bridal or an Alfred Angelo?", "Why are the privatly owned stores going out of business?"

Here is your answer: "Its your fault for being so damn cheap."

David's Bridal get 1 in every 3 brides looking for a dress. The internet has now been getting 1 in every 10. David's Bridal offers "no name brand" dresses at bargain prices since they cut out the designers. Many of the internet stores, like House of Brides, Best Bridal Prices, RK Bridal and more have been selling seconds, knock-offs, floor samples and even used gowns. This would not be a problem and a great deal if they only informed you of this. Other websites that doe not have a physical store attached to them are just selling you cheap fakes. Always check the website for a physical store. No actual storefront, No Buy from here.

This is why the smaller stores are going out of business. Everyone is looking for the best deal no matter the quality, service or authenticity.

I am seeing this in my business too. Everyone is beating me up over prices. "Can I get that cheaper?", "Why do I have to pay for that?", "Can you give me a better deal now that the economy is bad?" The economy is bad because many brides have champagne taste on a beer budget.

I may sound a little bitter, I had a bad day. Otherwise, you know I still love you all. Best of luck out there and don't get taken.

Below is a case of yet another "out-of-business". I feel so bad for the brides.

Peggy's Bridal: A No-Show In Bankruptcy Court
Posted: May 20, 2009 6:53 PM EDT
Updated: May 20, 2009 8:01 PM EDT
I cannot believe that Orban Vannostran didn't show up for his own bankruptcy hearing. HE'S the one who filed it. It was to protect him. But now it's only complicated matters. Now brides can take him to civil court. But I know for many of them, time is of the essence. By the time it's heard in court, the wedding will probably have already happened. And then of course you'd have to serve him and finding him could be a challenge. We haven't been able to.

He's selling his home so you'd think his realtor would know where he's at - but no. He says Vannostran disconnected his phone and he can't get a hold of him.

And then what is really sad, is Vannostran has another daughter. Not Deborah who is the one accused of embezzling and running off to Florida. But this other daughter says she feels she's lost about everything. She can't reach her family either. She says both of their phones have been disconnected and no one's called her. You could hear her sincerity and sadness in her voice.

And then the landlord can't get ahold of them either. When we went to Peggy's Bridal today, we saw a new sign.

Click here to read it in its entirety.

It's by the landlord. We have a call into the landlord - his voicemail says he's out until the 28th. As soon as we hear from him, I'll let you know.

I've said it before, but I'll say it again. File a complaint with the attorney general's office. File a complaint with your credit card company to recoup costs made with a credit card. And TRY not to let what has happened tarnish what will be your happiest day.

Royal Prestige Bridal Fairs

I was working with a bride just last week and she gave me the skinny on the Royal Prestige Bridal Fairs. Her experience was very much the same as the stuff I found below. Don't fall victim to this scam.....

Cynthia of Syracuse NY (3/6/05):
I attended a bridal show in Syracuse, NY at the OnCenter. I am getting married and thought this would be a great place to get started with my wedding plans. I filled out numerous forms from vendors offering free honeymoon vacations. I was contacted by Royal Prestige informing me I won a all-inclusive package. The stipulation was I had to attend a show with my fiance. I went to the show and was scared to death about how unhealthy I was living and eating and about the diseases and cancer that I could get by using my pots.

Royal Prestige

News
• Hy Cite Settles California Consumer Charges ... Again
• Complaints Resolved, Company Claims
• Hy Cite Settles Calif. Suit
• Texas Settles with Royal Prestige

In-Depth Report: A Royal Rip-Off?
• Promises, Promises (Español)
• Complaints Resolved?
• States Take Action
• Tips From the Chef

Consumer Complaints
• General Complaints

Company Response
• A Message from Hy Cite Corp.

The Pitch
• Bridal Fairs
• Cookware "Party"
• "Free Prizes"
• "Free Trip"
• Longtime Owners

The Deal
• Cancellation Provisions
• Contract Language
• Returns Policy
• Repair Service
• Unauthorized Charges



I purchased the Royal Prestige pots and my fiance didn't want to have anything to do with it and said it was a scam. But, I didn't believe people could sell you a product that seemed to work so well and could in fact help your health. Needless to say, the pots do not work as demonstrated at the show and metal is cheap like my $80.00 pots. They discolor on the bottom indicating the metal is cheap and they burn the food.

I was pressured with the story of what my pots were doing to me and wanted to change my lifestyle. My fiance was billed $1,200.00 for these pots and he didn't sign for them. I did. No one will return our calls so we can send them back and we want to cancel this agreement.

Nadine of New York NY (2/28/05):
In March of 2004 I went along with my husband to be to a bridal show that we were invited to. The sales lady over the phone said that we would have a chance to win either a free trip or dishes. When we went to the hotel that the show was being held at there were about 4 other couples. the sales guy Vince Pinto went on and on about how the pots and dishes were the best that we could ever hope to own. He went on to tell us the list of health problems that other cookware causes. We felt scared to death to even try using any other cookware after hearing all he had to say.

My husband was on disability at the time ,not working and had recently been diagnosed with having Hyperthyroidism so we were very concerned that if we used any other cookware that it would make his health worse. Then the sales man said that he was going to give us a guess as to how much the cookware would sell for in the stores and whoever got the closest to the price would win a free trip. I got the closest and he told me that i had won the free trip. That we would be hearing from them more about that in the next two days. We would be contacted about it. We never were.

We thought then that we should try the cookware. My husband told him that even though we want to try them out that he was not working at the time. Vince said to him, "Oh don't worry about that we'll just put down that you are working and I'll make sure that you get aproved." He never said that we only had 3 days to cancel the order in writing. He even used my husband's bank card and then said that my husband had been aproved for the down payment even though he had no money in the bank at the time.

The next day after thinking about it and feeling that we had been had in so many ways. We tried to call and cancee but were told we could not. My husband at the time lived in New Jersey and I lived in New York. They shipped the dishes and pots to me in New York and I called them and said that I did not want them and if I could send them back. They told me that I could not! My husband called countless times and got nowhere with them.

My husband was admitted to hospital soon after as a result of his illness. He spent 8 days in there and we did not know if he would make it or not. The dishes and pots have not been opened and remain in the sealed box that they came in. We don't and have never wanted them. The price that they now want us to pay is a little over $2,200.

The latest thing that royal Prestige has done is they have put a levy on my husband's bank acount for $500.00. We have called and said that we can pay the $500.00 plus send back the dishes and pots with an extra $200.00; they have refused. We have two young children and a host of doctors bills. We are barely making ends meet as it is. We don't know what else to do. Should we starve our children so we can pay for dishes and pots? We won't have any food to cook or put in them.

Jennifer of Parkville MD (2/28/05):
I received a phone call after attending the Baltimore Bridal Show. The woman on the phone told me I "won" a free trip, a $500 gift certificate, and a 40% discount on Royal Prestige products. All I had to do was sit through a "hour and ten minutes" presentation at the Days Inn hotel in Timonium. She told me I was not obligated to buy anything and that I was a "lucky winner." My fiance and I are just starting our new life together and jumped at the opportunity to get some free gifts.

So we went to the presentation which lasted 2 hours. The salesman used scare tactics and told us that every pot and pan we owned was killing us and we HAD to buy these new pots for $1,300. I was very irate to begine with because the presentation was so long and frightning and it caused me to be late for dinner plans. The entire presentation was creepy, bizare, and a waste of time. After it FINALLY eneded, my finace and I went to collect our "free gifts" and chose not to buy the expensive pots. There was a couple before us who chose not to buy the pots as well, and the sales person began being very very rude towards them.

He told the couple "Oh, so you don't care about your health?" He was very loud and extremly rude to the point where my fiance and I went over to the other sales person (who looked equally as creepy.) We got our "gifts" and ran out of there. Come to find out, the $500 gift certificate was a complete scam. If you use the whole thing, you still have to pay $165. And who knows if the trip is good or a scam. I feel taken and furious. I have never seen anyone talk to that poor couple like this horrible man did.

Tom of Omaha NE (1/30/05):
My fiance and I went to a wedding fair a few weeks ago, and then were notified that we'd won a "free trip," and just needed to come to a short (about an hour and a half) informational seminar to claim it. We thought it sounded suspicious, and it certainly was. They tried to sell us Royal Prestige tableware and cookware. It looks like decent stuff, but is ridiculously overpriced. They had a pretty bizarre informational video on how other types of pots and pans contaminate what you eat.

When they found out that both my fiance and I are in law school, they cut the presentation short and we left after about 45 minutes. It seemed fishy, and we wondered if they had part of their sales pitch that they were afraid to give us. Once we got home we did a little research and found all of these complaints about this company.

Also, the "free trip" and other prizes we were given ended up being bogus and hokey, it's cheap stuff with enormous Processing and Delivery fees.

T

Christine of Maple Shade NJ writes (12/4/01):
My fiance and I were contacted by Royal Prestige stating that they had recieved our name from a drawing at Davids Bridal. That we won a free vaction and that all we needed to do was show up on Saturday at the Holiday Inn in Cherry Hill and attend a bridal show on the cookware. Also they stated that their was no obligation to buy to receive the free vaction. I inquired if the vacation included airfare they stated that it did not but they offer coupons towards discounted air travel.

When my fiance and I arrived at the showing we were both agreed that we would not be buying anything. Once Vince began showing the cookware he began playing on the young couples' insecurity by stating that other companies cookware leads to Alzheimers and that the cookware is endorsed by the Mayo Clinic.

He also stated that Macy's wanted to sell the cookware for $6500 but Royal Prestige would not allow them the contract because they would not allow their costumers to be charged that much for their superior product and that is why they do the private showings.

They also stated that if we buy today you and your family now and in the future would receive a 35-50% discount. He than stated that for the special time because he was trying to beat his district manager in sales that he would throw in a complete place setting for four of fine china or the set of cutlery.

Well my fiance and I agreed that it might not be that bad of a deal, and at the end of the showing we decieded that we would take the 12 complete set of cookware and receive the free china. What we did not know until contracts were signed that the "free" china was in lieu of the discount and there was an additonal $170 charge for delivery to ensure the products don't just get left at your door (which it did).

In the end we had a bill for $1700 and our heads were whirling. I called to complain about the cookware being left at my door and the sales rep denied that anyone ever told me that they would not leave it at the home. Also the free vacation is in no way free. I work special services for US Airways and when I read the hotel info it was not all inclusive, most of the hotels would not allow you to stay over a Saturday and with having to provide your own airfare if you do not stay over a Saturday you have to pay for two unrestricted tickets which can sometimes amount to about $1000 more than you would normally pay.

Also when I receive the china it was in no way a complete setting, it was missing bread plates and worse than that the silverware did not include a soup spoon or salad fork. That does not sound like a complete setting to me and the way it was presented at the front of the room Vince said you can have everything you see here. Well I didn't get everything.

Damage Resulting:
Well the first and largest consequence is the $1700 debt which could not come at a worse time with a wedding in four months and trying to save for a house. It would not be that bad if the products were half of what we were told they were. I'm laid off from my job at the airlines and this huge bill does not help me wuch while I am on unemployment.

When we had heard of the free vacation it got my hopes up. I thought, wow maybe we will be able to afford a honeymoon even with me being laid off. It is very wrong what has happened. I explained to the sales reps that I had just been laid off of my job and that times were tough, he assured me that it was worth it and even told me to put down my former job info on the application for the loan because I had only been laid off a couple days.

Tarcisio of Shaumberg IL writes (11/25/01):
My fiance received a phone call from a company called Royal Prestige, offering us a free trip in exchange for watching a presentation on their products. At the time of the phone call, we were told we would watch a presentation about cookware, and the demonstrator would cook for us. There was no obligation to buy any of the products and, in case we decided to do so, there would be a 40% discount on any item we decided to purchase.

We decided to attend the presentation on Sunday, November 25th of 2001. The sales person made the presentation and went on saying the the products they were selling were going to give us good health, etc. We decided to purchase the product at the time, understanding that there were three days to cancel the order if we decided to do so.

The presentation and the sale were made in a hotel. After arriving home a series of things called my attention. Firstly, I was charged a sales tax that was supposedly to be that of the city I live (Schaumburg). There were two different tax for Schaumburg, since it's located in two different counties. I mentioned to the lady that I lived in Cook County, but she wrote it as if I lived in Du Page county. This was particularly strange since the sale happened in a hotel in Chicago. My understanding is that the place of sale determines the sales tax to be applied, not the place of my residence.

Now I want to cancel the order and I'm concerned with some reports on the web site that say that I cannot return the product. There's a stamp on the front of the sales order, as well on the credit card slip that says "in-store credit only". I was asked to put my initials close to it and when I asked what it meant they told me it was only company bureaucracy. I'm concerned that this may limit my rights to return the product.

The three-day right to return the product applies only to in-home sales. Since Tarcisio signed the agreement in a public place, she is likely to encounter great resistance.

Jim of Fallbrook CA (8/25/01):
My wife and I were called and told we won a free trip to Cancun, all we had to do was attend a "Bridal Shower presentation." Little did we know that we would be sitting through a 2 hour long presentation at a hotel conference room in Anahiem, CA.

They told us how the pans were healthier and showed us a bottle of Gerber baby food and said how using their merchandise was better because of the rodent waste found in the baby food. At first we said we weren't intersted but they offered along with the "free" Cancun trip two more additional trips for free. All we had to do was purchase the pans and the trips were ours plus we were told that we could return the pans at anytime or exchange them if the became damaged.

Not true! They were the rduest people I have ever talked to on the phone. Not only did they refuse to exchange them but we never got our trips either.

We were stuck with a monthly payment of almost one hundred dollars a month and we were getting married in a month and were going to us the trip to Cancun as our honeymoon. We never got to take a honeymoon and I have had to take out two loans to pay for this.

Michael of El Paso TX (8/15/01):
My fiance and I were contacted by Royal Prestige stating that we had won a "3 night, 4 day" trip to the Bahamas, Mexico, or Hawaii. (We were selected from a bridal show) All we needed to do was participate in a product demonstration.

So we went to a local hotel and saw a "Royal Prestige Cookware" demonstration. During the cookware demonstration, Bruce claimed that NIH and Mayo Clinic fully supported the cookware and this cookware would save our lives. We were told other pots and pans cause certain diseases and many deaths throughout the US because of certain materials used to make cooking products.

He also went back and forth stating that there was no obligation to buy. But if we chose to buy, that we would never need cookware again due to the 50-year (100% free replacement) warranty on all Royal Prestige products (Pots and Pans, Crystal, China, and Flatware).

"Royal Prestige products will become family heirlooms, which you can pass onto your children", as Bruce put it. When it can time to meet the Bruce face to face, we told him we were not interested in and could not afford the cookware. But Bruce kept coming up with different "Cookware Packages". Still I stated we could not afford it, but Bruce always came back with a different "package". This went on for several minutes and the pressure never stopped, we finally caved in. We ended up purchasing the full package.

Not once did Bruce mention a 3 day cancellation policy. He stated that if we changed our minds before we recieved the cookware, all we had to do was call the number on the contract and cancel. But being the busy people we were, we never got around to canceling within the 3 day period. I only noticed the 3 day cancellation policy when I was looking for the number to call. So needless to say we are stuck with these below average pots and pans. Oh yeah, and the free trip, turns out we never had a chance to use it (if there was one) because you had to claim you certificate within a year.

Well having a family of 5 (one disabled with numerous hospital visits), and only one income, we fell behind in payments (but are caught up now). But if your payments are late by one day, Royal Prestige will not hesitate to tack on a $25.00 late fee. Which doesn't help when you are on a budget. But all I know is that I'm still paying for this below average cookware that I didn't really want (I have Tefal). And I know I could be spending that money on something more useful.

Sean of Vidor, TX, writes (4/23/01):
My ex-fiance and I went to a wedding shower in 1998 to a promotional deal that my ex had supposedly won. The rep suckered us in by telling us about the lifetime warranty and 3 free trips. The main reason why I went with the deal was that the rep told me if for any reason I didn't want the merchandise I could return it at any time with no problem. About a year later me and my ex split up and neither one of us wanted the stuff so I tried to return it -- no chance. The company told me that there was no way that the guy I dealt with would have told me that I could return the cookware, that it is not company policy and no one would help me.

I finally paid them off and still to this day I havent recieved my 3 "free" trip tickets.

The company states that a "resolution was reached."

Angie of Dallas, TX, writes:
Recently engaged, I have been glowing with excitement ... ready to marry the man of my dreams. I was enticed to a Royal Prestige show by a free trip and camera with no obligation to buy. Well, to be completely honest, the stuff impressed me. At least the cookware. The china was dated but ok. We went for the "package deal" where they "threw" the china, crystal, and tableware in for "free". My problem with this place is they misrepresented themselves completely!!

No one, at any time, told me there was no satisfaction gaurentee, no 48-72 hour window I had to make up my mind. It was just, NOW NOW NOW!!! After reading my contract, they say you can cancel your contract by writing the branch within 3 business days. No one told me that I could only cancel if I bought the merchandise off-site. Apparently, if you by the merchandise on-site (meaning their business) then you can't cancel. How convinent for them to get you to come to their site with a "free" vacation.

Not only was I screwed, contractually, I was mistreated when I went to the office to inquire. Yes, tempers rose but no customer service representative needs to shout at you. She wouldn't even give me her name ... she expected an appointment. She actually said to me "I'll rip up your telephone messages and you can start from there if you'd like". Nice, huh?

Now my fiancee and I are out $2500. I refuse to send out bridal registry cards to my friends, family because I am embarressed that this horrible company took my hard-earned money. The sad thing is I have to look at this cookware for the rest of my life and it breaks my heart.

Dawn of Doylestown, OH, writes:
I was a wide-eyed bride at the Bridal/Honeymoon package demonstation of Royal Prestige Cookware and was stupid enough to purchase the entire product for $2100. I charged it to my Discover and it is already going to go through. It has only been one day since the demonstration, and I wondered if any of the other naive couples had any luck with getting a refund if they called to cancel the order before the product was sent to them. Is there anything I can do without going to court?

Victoria of Frederick, MD, writes:
My fiance and I were contacted by 21st Century Concepts stating that we had one a "3 night, 4 day" trip to Orlando, Mexico, Las Vegas or Hawaii. (We were selected from a bridal show) All we needed to do was participate in a product demonstration. On 3/4/00 at 12:30pm, we went to a local hotel and saw a "Royal Prestige Cookware" demonstration.

The high pressure scare tactic played upon the fears of health and safety for your family. Worse than that, they claimed that NIH and Mayo Clinic fully supported the cookware! I told them that I wanted to see paperwork--and he said that he could not find the recommendation letter (When spending substantial money we usually research purchases).

We felt obligated to buy as we want safe cookware for our future family. I asked what the cancellation policy was (and reviewed the back of the contract) and was told I could cancel within 3 business days.

We signed up for $907 worth of cookware. When we got home that night, we got on-line and researched the company. We found that there were no endorsements from Mayo or NIH. Moreover, information on the internet (thanks to your site) showed the true value of the products. We tried to contact the e-mail address given us by our representative, and there was no such address. The number he gave us also just rang off the hook.

So, on 3/5/00 at 11:30am, my finance and I went back down to the hotel and asked to cancel the form. Candice said that Ray had already put the charge through. We were able to get the original credit card receipt and original form. I called my credit card company and put a hold on my account, so hopefully we will not see any charges.

Jennifer of Richardson, TX, writes:
I was going to wait until I got home and checked our contract but I'm so mad, I just couldn't wait. My fiance' and I attended a bridal show in Dallas September, 1999 (I believe) and gullibly registered to win a "free" vacation. We were subsequently contacted and told that we would receive free vacation certificates and all we had to do was attend a seminar demonstrating Royal Prestige cookware and that there was NO obligation to us. When we arrived at the seminar, I insisted to my fiance' that we leave our checkbooks in the car because we were NOT going to buy anything.

During the seminar, the group was told that, in addition to the cookware, anyone making a purchase would also receive 4 place settings of china, flatware, and crystal.

The only way to claim your "no obligation" vacation certificates was to talk to one of the reps there. I informed Bruce that we were not interested in buying cookware. He insisted that it was a fantastic deal because of everything else thrown in. I informed him that, not only did we already HAVE a vacation to the Bahamas, but we also already had crystal, weren't interested in flatware, and didn't like their china. He then told us that they only threw that in as an incentive because they knew that customers would ultimately need more than 4 placesettings and would have to come back and buy the rest from Royal Prestige. He then informed us that he would give us a "special" deal on a demo set of the cookware and knock the price down since we didn't want the other "incentives". He also informed us that anyone buying us a gift certificate on our "registry" would receive a 25% discount on the amount.

We insisted that we didn't make hasty decisions and would need to think about it overnight. He pulled out all the stops and let us have it - we eventually signed the contract. Later that weekend, we realized that we had been silly to sign on the line for $1500 worth of cookware and that we wanted to cancel our contract. When we called Bruce (yes, I know that we should have sent this in writing), he was rude and condescending, and informed us that there was no way to cancel the contract, even if we refused delivery. I asked my brother, who is an attorney, to look at the contract and see what we could do. He told me that the contract looked pretty airtight and that he had checked the legal information he could find on the company.

He said that there were numerous lawsuits against the Dallas-based company but that they seemed to always win, so there was probably nothing that we could do, other than to suck it up and pay for the cookware o' gold. We resigned ourselves to just pay for the cookware and never mention the price again, and we asked our family members to buy us the cookware on our registry so that they could get the 25% discount and it would reduce our debt. Today, when my brother called to apply an amount toward our registry he was told by Bruce himself that the 25% only applied to items in ADDITION to the cookware and that we had misunderstood him.

Bull crap.

By the way, the broccoli DOES burn if you only use the recommended amount of water! We are filing (as per my brother's recommendation) with the state attorney general and with the BBB, in hopes that this will stop! Young couples about to get married are in a fragile position to be taken advantage of and companies like this need to be stopped!

We have already sent them approximately $400 toward this #@@#^&* cookware and still owe $1100 on the contract. We didn't take the china, the crystal, etc so we didn't even get as much as some of the other people. My fiance and I have been totally traumAtized by this whole situation and, every time I think about how stupid this was, my chest feels hollow and I just want to cry. I am determined to do what I can to make sure this doesn't happen to any more people!

You always do better at David's Bridal? - Sure

Company information:
David's Bridal
3670 McKinley Pkwy
Blasdell, New York
United States
Phone: 716-822-2156

I went today for a fitting for a bridesmaid dress. the manager of the alterations dept wanted to charge me TWO times what I paid for my dress for alterations! She was rude and tried to convince me that the dress fit fine-EVEN though the sleeves fall down and it is aprox 2" to big in the waist hips bust and sides! She told me that its the brides' day anyway!!! I will NEVER go there again! AVOID at all costs! go to a real tailor!

Comment:
Amanda 0 Votes
We are in the same boat!! STAY AWAY FROM WILMINGTON NC LOCATION!! We we quoted $55 and when we picked up my dress...$320!! My mother almost fainted! My dress was only $199!! They said they had to alter the bodice which cost $250. NO WAY!! NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY A DRESS OR RECOMMEND THEM!!

Bridesave - Review and Complaints on Bridesave.com

BrideSave.com Complaints - Poor customer service and wouldn't uphold return policy
Review all BrideSave.com complaints
BrideSave.com
Posted: 2006-10-05 by Lorrie [send email]


Poor customer service and wouldn't uphold return policy

Complaint Rating:
I purchased a pink wedding gown and slip in late December 2005. After taking my measurements I called a service rep. to discuss the size of the dress since according to there size chart I would order a size 12 dress...I am a size 6. The service rep assured me that a size 12 would be the size I would order. However the dress didn't fit and was poorly sewn. The trim and bead work of the bodice were not even attached to the dress in some spots. Infact it was so large it would ruin the look of all the bead work if altered to fit my size 6 frame.

Plus, I had to pay an additional $65.00 shipping fee to put a rush on the dress since the expected ship date was mid March (my date was March 25, 2006). Paying the extra $65.00 made the rush delivery date mid February. I paid the extra $65.00 and to my surprise I received the dress within two weeks (late December). That tells me the dress was already hanging in the warehouse and didn't need the extra $65.00 rush delivery fee.

I contacted bridesave.com the evening I recieved the dress( within the return policy 2 business day time frame). They replied in a lengthy email and gave me options to look into and told me to let them know. I contacted dress shops in my hometwon and independant alteration locations. No one would touch the dress either because I purchased it online or because it was so large and needed to be taken in several sizes. I called bridesave.com and they wouldn't accept that I wanted to return the dress. I knew I would have a 15% restocking fee and that I couldn't return the slip. That wasn't a problem, but they wouldn't let me return the wedding dress since it was past 2 business days since I had recieved the dress even though I had contacted them the day I received the dress to let them know it was HUGE and I wasn't satisfied.

Buyer beware of bridesave.com. The merchandise was not in good quality and the company would not return the dress even though I was within the time period they state they will accept returns.

BRIDES...your day is too special to waste it on an unprofessional online company that does not provide excellent customer service and will scam the consumer.

A very unsatisfied customer,
Lorrie

RK Bridal Complaint - Not the first bad review

If you have had any bad experiences with RK Bridal in New York, please share your story with me. Your assistance is requested to help me resolve a very horrible experience. I recently discovered that they have had a number of complaints lodged against them with the Better Business Bureau. Although most of them were resolved, one has to wonder why a consumer would have to lodge a complaint with the Better Business Bureau before RK would resolve the issue?

The short version of my story is this, I ordered a dress from RK Bridal. The dress was sent to me with a number of flaws (I could not believe that the shop actually sent the dress to me the way that it was). I contacted the shop and stated my dissatisfaction with the dress and was told to return the dress along with a letter listing all of the flaws. I did so. After a number of follow-up calls, emails, etc., the shop stated that they had returned the dress to the manufacturer to fix all of the flaws. The dress was again sent to me, this time with all of the flaws remaining, but with an additional flaw. I called RK again and told them that I had returned the dress because the flaws remained. I was immediately told that they were not going to accept the dress back and that they were not going to give me my money back. I told them that I wanted my money back because time was running out on my wedding date. When RK received my dress the second time (by federal express), they initially accepted it and then refused it. Federal Express called me to tell me that they have my dress because RK ultimately refused the dress after an initial acceptance of it and wants to know what to do with the dress. The dress is now being held by federal express.

I intend to pursue every avenue that's available to me to resolve this issue (Consumer Affairs, Better Business Bureau, court, letter writing campaign to Bridal magazines, senators, congressmen, etc.), because it is so incredible and unbelievable that I would have to go through this during what should be such a happy time in my life. I refuse to accept a substandard dress when they informed and assured me that I was paying for a new designer dress. By the way, I tried on the dress at a store prior to ordering it, so I knew what the dress should have looked like. The dress that was sent to me didn't even come close to the same quality of workmanship. My seamstress refused to work on it and the store RK didn't want their seamstress to work on it either. Unfortunately, because time is running out, I had to find another dress. I want my money back and would hate for anyone to have to go through what I am, especially at a time like this. By the way, RK never initiated any communication with me during this whole ordeal. Any help/advice/stories that anyone can provide would be appreciated. You can post here or email me at edwardrown114@hotmail.com. Thanks.

Alfred Angelo - Review

Alfred Angelo
Posted: 2008-10-03 by Unhappy Bride [send email]

The worst customer service ever...

Complaint Rating: Poor
Company information:
Alfred Angelo Bridal
10515 N. Mopac Expressway
Austin, Texas
United States
Phone: (512) 342-2432
alfredangelostores.com

My fiance and I ordered a dress for our wedding. We paid the down payment upon placing the order. After recieving the dress (and paying the remaining balance), we noticed some chalk marks on the dress. We returned the dress to the store. The assistant store manager told us that it would need to be cleaned, they would call when it was ready. After a week, we called and they informed us that they were not able to clean it, so they had ordered a new one. We called back to get an ETA on the new dress. For 3 weeks no one was able to confirm the ETA. We picked out another dress. Now they will not refund our money and don't have a dress for us. I have left messages for the regional manager, Kelly Oliver, all week and have not received a call back.

House of Brides - Warning

For all you soon to be brides out there, a warning goes out to anyone shopping at any House Of Brides store in Chicago, IL. They also have a website, boasting "the world's largest bridal mall". Let me tell you that this was the absolute worst shopping experience I had ever had in my entire life! The website has very, very good prices on nearly all designer wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. I printed out a copy of the bridesmaid and flowergirl dress I intended to order and took it to the store in Schaumburg. I wanted five bridesmaid dresses and two FG. The snotty receptionist told me the dresses were ugly and gave me a quote $100 per dress higher than the website. She also could not guarantee me shipping, and told me that she had never even seen their very own website. Their wedding dresses were dirty, and the consultant offered me a slip so dirty I would not let it touch my skin. After an hour of being treated rudely, I left. The consultant never once attempted to help me with anything, even though I had made my appointment six weeks in advance. Everyone at the store was extremely rude and arrogant. Unfortunately I drove four hours to get to the store. The great thing is, I found my dress the same day at the BrideSmart across the street. When I got home, I looked on the Better Business Bureau's website and was appalled at all of the complaints all five stores had lodged against them. One store had even closed down after 111 complaints in 18 months!! So brides, beware of this store and their website! The website is merely a ploy to get you into the store where the dresses are much, much higher priced. And the way the consultants and other workers treat people while they shop for the "happiest day of their life" should not be tolerated. Good luck to all of you, and don't visit those stores!!

Pearls Place

This page is about bad experiences with the store pearl's place, in metairie, la.
In my opinion, the store has bad customer service and doesn't get alterations right very often. Additionally, their prices aren't all that great. For some reason, people flock to the store, when there are other alternatives. For example, my wife got her wedding dress at a store on Magazine Street for the same price as it would have been at Pearl's Place, minus the $600 "service fee" they charge you, for doing basically nothing.

I've looked around the internet, and from what i DO see, bad experiences are common. Pearl's place themselves even link to their page at the better business bureau. I was curious, so i looked at the list of all bridal shops in new orleans, to compare complaints (here) What i found was interesting. Most of the "complaints" against pearl's place had been resolved, but none of the other bridal shops had anything close to the number of complaints that pearl's place did.


I'm putting this page up to help people. Getting married should be a joy, and places like Pearl's Place really take away from that joy. If you have a choice, go someplace else. Stores on Magazine (especially Mimi) are NOT THAT EXPENSIVE. Don't let the location trick you into thinking you can't afford it. Instead of being in a crowd of people waiting 30 minutes for customer service, you'll end up with little wait, one-on-one attention, and alterations that are done on time, right the first time.

Help: If you want to help me, link to this page and spread the word.

RK Bridal Going out of Business ?

RK Bridal
318 West 39th St. (Between 8th & 9th Ave.)
New York City, NY 10018

Our sources have told us that the long standing RK Bridal is facing problems and may be on the brink of extinction. This going out of business will make a big impact on the internet bride looking for great deals. We have not heard many complaints about RK Bridal and it seems that most brides find the store fair with prices.

Please note that our sources on this matter need to be verified. We will update this post as soon as we hear the final answer of this.

Who is WeddingDressMart.com

Well hello again and here is an interesting web bridal store that should scare you to death if you do business with them.

First off the contact information is a gmail account and they use the international dialing code for the United States. This is rarely seen unless the company is overseas.

Email: weddingdressmart@gmail.com
Phone: +1 678 459 2677


We have also noticed that the story on their own website does not make sense. On the main page is states that they have been in business for over 8 years, but in the About section, they have only been making dresses for 4. Two things you get from the below information. One they cannot get timeframes down and that they make their own dresses. Yes, these are knockoffs. The site is ripping off the very expensive paid for images from the real designers websites and claiming that they sell the gowns, under the same names and style numbers. Have fun on this one.

(On the main page)

"We have been designer wedding dresses and other bridal dresses for over 8 years! Our online store have over 3,000 bridal dresses styles for sale including Couture Wedding Dresses,Plus Size Wedding Dresses,Informal Wedding Dresses,Bridesmaid Dresses, Flower Girl Dresses, Prom Dresses, Quinceanera Dresses,Mother of the Bride Dresses and Wedding Accessories."

(In the About section)

The History:We has been operating in the bridal industry for more than 4 years. In recent years, our business practice is to manufacture bridal gowns and prom dresses for worldwide.With our extensive collection of wedding gowns,bridesmaid dreses,prom dresses,evening dresses and quinceanera dresses, from simple, clean lines to elaborately, luxuriously hand-beaded, there's sure to be a dress that would perfect the most important day of every bride! We can design,manufacture wedding dresses,bridesmaid dresses,prom dresses and evening gowns following the customer's mind,accept customers' materials for processing ,and processing according to buyer's samples. Any enquiries or suggestions are welcome and will be considered seriously.
Features::1) supply bridal gown, evening dress, prom gown, flower girl dresses and wedding accessories;2) different color and different size available;3) high quality;4) competitive price directly from factory quotation;5) customer's design is welcomed. No minimum order for you.
What We Serve:We work hard to keep our overhead low and act as a direct link between you and the factory in order to guarantee you the lowest prices and high quality. We also work hard to provide you with as many payment options as possible in a way that you can make your payment conveniently and comfortably while your personal and financial information is well protected and handled securely.
Our Mission:Our mission is to provide our customers all over the world with the highest quality wedding dresses,bridesmaid dresses,prom gowns and quinceanerea dresses at the best price possible.
Our guarantee:''Best product & Best Service'' is our faith. We believe that we shall offer you the most satisfying products and service.We guarantee that we will make you satisfied with our services. We are in business to make you happy. We will go the extra mile for you. If that means working overtime, then it will be done! We will try our best to do the order process wonderfully.
If you are looking for a particular gown that you do not see on our site. Please contact us as we can get many nationally advertised dresses for you at extremely discounted prices. If you haven't a slight stature, please don't worry. We can make the dress with plus size and hid your limitation. If you are in a hurry, we will make your dress overtime and send it to you in time.
More information, please feel free to contact us by email of wedding dress facotry, weddingdressmart@gmail.com. We will reply your questions and email you ASAP. Congratulations and much love and happiness for the many years to come in wedded bliss!

Tie The Knot Bridal lies about shipping charges and dresses arrive TOO LATE!! Naples Florida

Tie The Knot Bridal
Phone: 239-591-1616

2700 Immokalee Rd # 9

Naples, Florida, 34110

U.S.A.

Tie the Knot promised my wedding dress in 3 months. My dress arrived in over 4 months, just 2 weeks before my wedding. Then the owner, Hilary, overcharged me. She had the nerve to tell me she charged me extra, over and above the price, because the dress was 'so beautiful.' Very unprofessional. I guess the owner expects you won't be returning because most people just marry once. I would not recommend this shop to anyone.

Anne Marie

Sarasota, Florida

U.S.A.

David's Bridal sold personal information Nashville Tennessee

I'm not sure how many companies they gave my phone number to, but to this day (two months after my wedding) I am still receiving calls. This infuriates me to no end because I specifically was informed that my phone number was private and they would only use it to contact me if need be. I've had the same phone number for ten years with no telemarketing!There are so many things that I could type here but most have already been said in the other complaints. Plus this is getting my blood boiling just to think of my experiences with this sorry company.It's truly too bad that they have no care for repeat customers. They are the wal mart of the wedding industry (hey the dresses are affordable, what can I say?) and treat people horribly.

Brandi

Nashville, Tennessee

U.S.A.