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13 reviews for Winchester's Bridal & Formals
13 reviews in English
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Review from Jessica G.
Dartmouth, NS
1/31/2012
Winchesters was the last bridal shop I visited in the city, and I visited them all. There really isn't a comparison to the other shops, as Winchesters is in a category of its own. Winchesters has the largest selection in the city, and the most sale dresses. Although some people have complained about the system for browsing dresses, I really like the idea. When you enter you are greeted by the salesperson and given a number of coloured rings. You browse the shop at will, or if you need help, with the saleslady. When you find a dress that suits your fancy you place a coloured ring on the hanger. After you're done placing the rings and making your top choices the dresses are removed and you begin to try them on. I like this method because it means you have first dibs on the dress. In the thirty minutes it takes you to wander and pursue no other bride can sweep the dress out from under you.
I found the salespeople at Winchester to be the most friendly and helpful of any store I visited. They knew exactly what they were talking about, and in my case the lady handpicked my dress from a show in Barcelona where she met the designer and knew its history. You're not going to get cheap dresses here, the prices range from a couple hundred to $2000. Originally my dress was well over $2000 as it was brought over from Europe in a collection and it was the only one. When the season changed and new dresses were brought in I was able to snag it for well under $1000. There really isn't anywhere else in Halifax you can buy a designer dress. I tried on about fifteen dresses before I found the right one. The salespeople were friendly but down to business. They reminded me of TLC's Say Yes to the Dress. Quick and knowledgeable.
I wouldn't recommend Winchesters if you were looking for a wedding dress that is extremely unique or in a colour other than a shade of white. Although they did have a few Celtic themed dresses lined with red. They carry the Disney Collection and the Kate Middleton reproduction dress. As for style types they had a good collection of mermaid, a-line, ballgown, and goddess. I also saw every type of neckline, and tried on most of them.
When you buy a dress you also get to ring a ship's bell. Strange, but I like the tradition.
I'm not sure if they're aware but their website has been down for several months. -
Review from Heather L.
Halifax, NS
9/4/2011 ROTD 9/14/2011
When I got engaged a few months ago I started researching bridal stores in HRM and naturally gravitated towards YELP to see what other bride-to-be's thought about their experience.
To say I wasn't expecting much in terms of service when I went is an understatement but I have nothing but praise for the store and wonderful staff working on this beautiful Saturday morning.
I arrived with my eldest sister (who is also my unofficial stylist and all around super shopper extraordinaire) and was greeted immediately by a very friendly sales lady who asked if I had been there before. I said "no" and she explained the Winchester system.
1. Fill out a card with all of your details
2. Tour the dresses with four coloured rings and tag the dresses you want to try on
3. Let your consultant know you are ready
4. After trying on some gowns the consultant will pull a few based on your budget that she thinks you will look divine in.
So, my sister and I went off on our hunting adventure. I browsed through some of the sale gowns but since my wedding is a year away, I decided not to waste one of my four pics on a sale (aka-take as is) gown.
Now we had been shopping at a different bridal store the previous day (see my review of Felicity Bridal for that experience - also a good one) and knew that the chiffon gowns were very flattering on me so with laser like precision we were off searching for chiffon!
We flagged two gowns upstairs and two down and then let our consultant know we were ready to roll!
The very first dress I tried on was THE ONE! It flattered me in every which way and was about half of the price I had budgeted for, so SCORE!!!!
I did try on the other three gowns to be sure and another picked by our consultant but they did not come close to the perfection of the first one!
I have read a lot of reviews saying that Winchester's gowns are all over the top, expensive and the service stuffy and unfriendly but that was not my experience at all.
I had a great day, met a few wonderful consultants and found my dream dress (simple, romantic and uber flattering) at half the price I was prepared to shell out!
WIN -
Review from Lesley-Anne S.
Halifax, NS
5/8/2011
I have no problem with the dresses - the styles aren't for everyone and tend towards the bigger skirted, fancier variety, but that's a taste issue. My problem is with the service. I thought it might have gotten better over the past seven years, but after going in with a friend this past weekend, I'm sad to say it hasn't.
It often feels like Wichester's is doing you a favour by existing. Like Halifax is lucky to have such a store. You're supposed to know how their system works (FYI: find the desk in the middle of the room, fill out a card and wait your turn. remember where the dresses are, because you have to go back and put a marker on the hangers), but since a lot of us are doing this for the first (and hopefully) only time, we're not up on how a wedding dress store works. And when you get it wrong, they look at you like you're an idiot. And then they don't really follow their system, as I know our card got picked ahead of others.
Maybe just a sign explaining this at the door would be a help (right next to the one about the shoes). There often seems to be a lot of yelling back and forth between some of the sales people, which starts to become off putting when you're there for this really big deal purchase.
When we did finally get a consultant on our visit (Christine or Christina...possibly spelled wrong), she was lovely and helpful with the dress. She knew what she was talking about.
Anyway, the service felt much the same as when I went seven years ago. I felt like I was intruding on their time and like I wasn't wanted there (samesies for the first half of my recent visit). When I went back to take a second look later the same day, the dress had been sold off the rack and I couldn't see it again. They said they'd order it in, but a wedding dress isn't something you order/buy on a whim. Because, you know, it's your effing wedding dress (yes, I hold grudges). So I didn't buy my dress there.
My friend did buy her dress there and it is lovely and she's totally happy with it. I'm not saying you shouldn't go, I'm just saying that you shouldn't expect to feel treated all that well.Listed in: For those of you getting…
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Review from MJ C.
Timberlea, NS
4/19/2011
The only good thing I really have to say about Winchester's is that they have a huge selection. With that being said, a lot of the gowns I found were quite outdated and similiar. You are given 4 rings to put over the dresses of your choice, which I found was quite annoying and limiting. You could go back after and try more on, but because there were so many gowns, it was hard to remember where your favorites were located. There were a few beautiful gowns here however most of the really nice ones were on the high end, price wise.
The consultants... where do I start. We had been here a few times and both times, our experiences were the same. They acted like we were bothering them and they seemed pre-occupied with other matters. One consultant in particular I can only describe as crusty haha. She was abrupt, cranky, pushy and very impatient. We left with a sour taste in our mouth and the second time we gave it a chance, it wasn't much better.
It was my sister who was searching for a gown and I always envisioned this experience as being something fun and memorable. Winchester's totally missed the boat on the warm and fuzzies. -
Review from Erin P.
1/26/2011
Dont' go in expecting to be fussed over. It just won't happen. My first experience was a few years ago with a friend in search of her wedding dress. Because none of us are overly girly girls we were dressed comfortably, and apparently didn't look like we were there to spend money. We were ignored. We browsed, unassisted, through the racks. We ended up trying on one dress then left.
Recently I returned with another friend in search of her wedding dress. I didn't go in with high expectations. This time wasn't so bad. We were in the store with only 2 other people. The staff pointed us in the right direction and happily set us up with a changing room. She humoured us as we laughed and giggled our way through some dresses that were flattering on the hanger but not so flattering on her. She also helped when help was needed and let us alone when we both got teary eyed when she found THE dress. She let us try on all the hair pieces we wanted. It was great. My friend ended up purchasing her dress.
A few weeks later we returned to revisit the dress and try it on again (and were also on the hunt for bridesmaid dresses). When we asked if she could try it on again the lady rudely told us she couldn't help us because she had already had her lunch break interrupted once, and if we wanted to try it on we'd have to come back later. When we returned the girl helping us this time was pleasant, she knew were there to just try it on and left us to do our thing. She asked a consultant who was with another bride to just keep an eye on her. The one keeping an eye on us was also rude.
Overall, they need some serious help when it comes to customer experience. If you're expecting people to spend their money there you have to make them feel like they want to spend there. I dont' care if I go in dressed to the nines or if I'm wearing a hoodie and jogging pants. Every bride deserves the best of experiences. Winchester's lacks in providing that.
Update: returned a few days ago to pick up my friend's dress. We were in the store a good 20mins before anyone acknowledged we were even there. There was only one other bride in the store and every sales person was with her, while we stood and waited. Eventually we got someone's attention and she was quite pleasant, while another lady thought she'd throw in her rude two cents. Customer service majorly lacks. They desperately need a refresher course. -
Review from kristen l.
Dartmouth, NS
9/16/2011
I was just in Whinchesters this past Wednesday with my daughter. I was of course very apprehensive after reading all the poor reviews but went because I was told they have beautiful dresses .
There were two older women there who couldn't have been nicer. My daughter tried on several dresses until picking 3 that she really liked. One of the women wrote down the information on the dress's and told her she could come back anytime to try them on again to be sure.
Maybe going through the week is the way to go " less busy "...I don't know but I found the service wonderful. I have to highly recommend this shop for not only the large selection of dresses but the great customer service. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
3/20/2010 4 photos
Winchester's is one of the older stores for Bridal and Formal where there is always some pretty special dresses in the windows.
I did have a few friends who looked here for bridesmaid dresses.
I really can not comment on the wedding dresses, because we all have our own style. Some like the traditional, some modern and some completely out there.
Winchesters is not the 5 star for service as they seem to look down on you if you might not be dressed the part. Well we should all remember the movie "Pretty Woman" Big Mistake right! -
Review from Brittney K.
Halifax, NS
12/18/2010
Ahh...all the gorgeous dresses: a bride-to-be's dream!
The gowns at Winchester's mimic the traditional ornate white gowns that so many ladies have dreamed about wearing when they were little girls (in fact, one of the dresses. I liked here reminds me of one of my Barbies' gowns from back when I was little- sort of a traditional "fantasy" dress)
Since Winchester's features the largest supply of gowns in Atlantic Canada, there are a lot of dresses to explore here, the shelves are literally lined with haute collections of lovely white dresses (or ivory varieties for those so inclined for something different). A couple of them piqued my interest, but I'll have to drop by to get a second opinion from some of my entourage before I buy one.
One thing I will suggest about Winchester's is that it could do with a few tweaks in terms of service. The consultants came across as pretentious to me. For a good chunk of my appointment, I was left to my own devices while my consultant dealt with another client. I felt like things weren't totally productive, so I was getting ready to leave early with the hopes of returning later. The consultant saw me reaching for my car keys, and then she came over to assist me. The first few seconds she kept looking at the logo on my keys, which suggests to me that she was judging me (and my budget) based on my ride. I could be wrong, but it seemed that way.
Anyhoo, we looked at a few extra dresses, but they didn't inspire me as much as the two I looked at first- I tried those on and am seriously considering them for my wedding. We'll have to see what happens -
Review from Leslie F.
10/21/2011
I've heard mixed reviews of Winchester's over the years, but have never actually done any dress shopping myself in the store. However, someone near and dear to me recently got engaged and I was able to partake in the selection of the wedding dress. We were personally attended to by Elaine, the woman in charge of actually going all over the world to bring back dresses to Winchester's, and she was absolutely lovely and full of useful tips and hilarious anecdotes about wedding dresses. It felt like we were on an episode of "Say Yes to the Dress" (minus the drama), and with Elaine's help we were able to find a gorgeous dress for the bride-to-be. In terms of selection, there is no shortage of styles and sizes from everyone working while we were in seemed to be happy and helpful in their roles of Bridal Consultants. I don't personally have a wedding planned in my immediate future, but if I ever do I'll be sure to take a spin through Winchester's.
Listed in: Yelptober, Along the Garden Route
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Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
11/24/2009
I have often wandered past 'Winchester's Bridal and Formals' wondering: who buys these dresses!? Sorry to offend if you happen to be a Winchester's fan but their formal wear just really isn't my style. The wedding dresses in the window displays manage to be unintentionally dated, without managing to go so far as to qualify as unique/retro.
My presuppositions with regard to this store were correct. A friend of mine is getting married next summer and popped in with her bridal party/Mother of the bride last Saturday. The report could not have been worse! They were treated abysmally. They were initially totally ignored while the sales ladies opted to help women wearing fancy clothing/jewelry. Shouldn't you pretty much assume that anyone shopping in a bridal boutique is there with at least the potential to spend major coin? When my friend asked about the location of bird cage veils the sales lady simply pointed at a far wall saying: "They're over there." That wouldn't be acceptable service from your local gas station attendant let alone someone attempting to sell thousands of dollars worth of clothing/accessories.
Overall, there are other wedding boutiques in Nova Scotia. Unless you happen to dress like a millionaire, I wouldn't suggest bothering with 'Winchester's.' -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
3/9/2010
Although Winchesters is widely known as a bridal boutique my experience at this store was to accompany my friend on her search of a prom dress.
As you would expect from a store that sells dresses for prom (we're talking poofy ballgown numbers) everything is outrageously priced. Designs that are in season will put you back anywhere from $250-$500. If you are on a budget you can take a look at last seasons display dresses or the bridesmaid dresses on sale. The problem is that the sale dresses aren't carried in many sizes so it's hit or miss.
The accessories sold are Winchesters aren't quite as expensive as the dresses. Clutches, gloves, shoes and bras are all available for sale making this a one stop prom shop!
Hot Hint: Need time to think over a dress you've tried before you spend all that money? As long as the dress isn't on sale the staff will put dresses on hold for a deposit. -
Review from Krista L.
Westphal, NS
10/10/2009
Ask any girl from Nova Scotia, and they've probably heard of Winchester's.
Located in downtown Halifax, Winchester's is famous for it's huge selection of wedding gowns. The shop is specially laid out with all of their wedding gowns in one section, and the bridesmaid dresses, prom gowns and other formal wear in another section. The shop also specializes in many bridal and formal wear accessories.
Generally speaking, I've found the prices there to be steep and the level of service to be fair, considering the value of the purchase that is being made. It may be a good idea to go there first to find the dress you like, and then shop around to compare prices with other bridal and formal-wear boutiques. -
Review from Laura P.
6/30/2010 1 photo
With its dressed up decor and less than subtle overflow of white silk 'n' crinoline, Winchester's safely secures its rank as one of Halifax's premiere Bridal boutique.
The store opens up to a large open space with dresses upon dresses bordering all along its outer edgings. Clearly labeled rows run along the showroom in a plethora of styles and fits, and it seems as though every dress is its own.
I shudder at the thought of one day having to do this search myself, as such embellished gowns are not how I'd like to celebrate my undying love. As I combed through the selection, it became evident that Winchester's stays pretty traditional in styles and prefers the powder-puff bride to the simple 'n' sleek. None the less, these are high grade gowns and are offered by the plenty. Any bride-to-be would could benefit from a peek.
The showroom is huge and beautifully presented. Glass consultation tables with accents all the right accents, it all emits an era of importance. Large mirrors and platforms to for viewing are situated throughout the store, and there is not a detail left unnoticed.
Towards the back lies a separate room dedicated solely to couture dresses. Fancy, but nothing I could love as my own... there are other ladies who'd be in heaven. Winchesters is certainly plentiful.
An entirely new set of stairs takes visitors up towards the bridesmaids section, and oh boy... it sure is bright over here. I cannot imagine the market for these dresses, but apparently there is one. Well made, this offering is heavy on the add-ons and hard on the eyes. I shudder to think of a line of of bridesmaids in a dress of these sorts. Blinded by the light?
Overall, Winchester's is a huge housing of gowns for both brides and their friends. Don't mind me, as I just cannot get into the wedding apparel; I'm sure others will. This shop has high quality, variety and seems to be on the prestige end of bridal boutiques. Stop in if you're in the market.
