Money Talks

It’s something we’re taught not to talk about. Something not polite to discuss among friends or family. It’s even considered rude to ask someone how much one paid for something. Unless you’re in the business of finance or money management, how much is not acceptable. Oddly you can’t win here. If you talk too much about money you’re boasting. If you don’t talk about it enough you’re naive.

When I was training to be a consultant/stylist, I was always reminded to be very sensitive to the money subject. If a bride was accompanied by friends and or family, I was told to make sure I was discreet in asking the bride’s budget as to not embarrass her in front of her guests. Many times I avoided the budget question altogether and waited until the opportune moment to approach mom or the bride herself privately to go there about money.

After doing this for a while, I realized how foolish it was. As I became more adept at my job, it was clear to me I needed that vital piece of information almost immediately after introductions. In fact, a stylist cannot do their job well or at all without talking money from the get go.

Well trained experienced stylists will ask you for a budget. It’s very important to establish this before your boutique appointment. It may or may not be a conversation you want to have with yourself or the one paying the bill, but it’s quite important so that you’re prepared when the stylist asks. Today designers accommodate many price points. Your choices will not be restricted based on budget. The industry prices are mostly based on designer, fabric and manufacturer location.

photo Glamour Magazine

When a bride is searching for her special dress, it’s understandable to get carried away with the excitement and glamour of the boutique’s lovely assortment of gowns. All brides should experience that moment of walking into a wedding shop filled with all things girly and romantic. The fantasy is in full force and the bride is a little girl again playing dress up. I never want to take that feeling away as she floats in dreamland, but finding that sweet spot in her budget is key.

The money talk could and sometimes does bring her back to earth, but it doesn’t have to. After the budget is ascertained, the floating can resume and the stylist can go to work. A good stylist will maintain the bride’s dreamy state with tact, product knowledge and a bit of magic :)

Finding the bride her gown, seeing her and her loved ones cry continues to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Plentiful tears are normal and beautiful when she finds the one dress she’ll remember for a lifetime. No stylist wants a bride to shed tears post appointment when she stares at her bank account in shock.

Keep floating, keep dreaming, keep smiling, but keep the money talking.