Although the pay at the 'Bridal Barn' is less than ideal, there are some positives about the job. I'm able to work autonomously with my clients. I take my bride into a private and rather elaborate dressing room fully stocked with bustiers, slips, mirrors all around, veils, shoes, sashes and bows, and extra chairs for their entourage, i.e. mom, future mother-in-law, sisters, best friends and bridesmaids (not always one in the same). In there, she is able to sample bridal frocks to her heart's content, or at least up to two hours, the standard appointment time. We have a fabulous runway for the brides-to-be to strut their stuff and get an even better view of their favorite gowns. It's a professional environment without the 'corporate' feel.
She is my client, my bride. I can chat, joke and build rapport while I get to know her tastes and needs. No one is breathing down my neck or listening to my favorite lines which I tend to use over and over. "That silhouette is soooo flattering on you." "You have the perfect bridal dress figure. Everything looks great on you" (a real crowd pleaser). Or the ever popular response to brides droning on about how much weight they plan to lose before the big day, "oh now, that's no way to live. You look fabulous and your guy loves you just how you are. You want to be able to relax and enjoy your day, which includes eating and drinking champagne!" Everyone loves to hear that nonsense regardless of size.
But the best thing about the job is what a 'happy' place it is. Even now in these times of economic strife when all anyone can think of are their purse strings and the media reminding us daily of the doom and gloom of the world, our clients come in excited and happy to spend a grand or two...or three...on a silk white gown they'll wear once. It's amazing really. Many groups will bring champagne and make a real event of the bridal dress shopping experience.
Sometimes the happy factor can be a little tough even for this perpetually optimistic soul. Remember Cameron Diaz' character in "My Best Friend's Wedding" and all the squealing and carrying on she did throughout the movie? Well, she was my bride a few weeks ago. Even enclosed in our private dressing room, the consultants could hear her squeals of delight throughout the store. Once she found her dream dress (a Sally Crew Satin Ball Gown for $2200) she was so thrilled gazing at her view from the runway, even her friends warned me that she would do a cartwheel if she could. No doubt. I was actually getting ready to duck.
Yet another more subdued, but equally as excited bride expressed her gratitude for helping her find her special gown (another Sally Crew for $1900) by offering me a $20 tip. I wasn't sure if I was allowed to accept tips. But hell yeah, I took it and gave her a hug!
In any case, I have to admit that I don't dread going to work, the clients are happy, excited and generally eager to buy. I usually leave pretty beat, however. All that smiling, lifting heavy dresses and running for eight hours, and pretending to be sincerely interested in the details of an overpriced event is truly quite exhausting.
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5 comments:
You crack me up whenever I read your blog... Your sense of humor is amazing... Come down town for a drink with me soon... Or better yet, come to my house party next time.
I know you're a bit of a cynic when it comes to the whole "wedding" routine. I'm on that train too and like you, can't figure out why anyone would want to spend all that money on a wedding when you could use it to go to some amazing places in this world. That being said, I think you have found your niche, girlfriend. You do it well and although you may think the product is a bit silly and excessive, your sales skills in that environment seem to have blossomed. I do love your description of the people, it cracks me up when I visualize the "Cameron Diaz" character.
Recently a very close friend said to me "you should do it if you want to" so being a person that also hates getting caught up in the whole waste of it but still wants to buy that dress there still lies a certain need for the specialness and romantic aspect of the occasion.. Maybe you are drawn to this. Given the gift you have shown to be able to access both sides of the situation and express the humor in it is the real gift or “niche” you have. That’s how I see it anyway, thank you for your wonderful outlook and wit, it’s very refreshing!
Yes, LWC, a drink is in order!
KSM and Anon: Yes, there might be a "niche" factor here. Although, I do display a certain amount of cynicism in my blog, I am still a bit of a hopeless romantic and find joy in others' celebrations. I confess.
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