As if tying the knot wasn’t expensive enough — the latest cost to be added to the ever-growing list of wedding expenses is for trying on bridal dresses, a new measure being introduced by a number of high-end designers and boutique stores across Australia.
The charges, which have applied for some time in the UK and New Zealand, have been introduced as a means to deter single women from wasting store owners’ time, and ultimately costing them money. Shop owners and assistants have long been frustrated by the growing numbers of single women who enter their stores with no intention of buying, or brides-to-be who try on dresses that stretch way beyond their budget.
Alex Perry is one fashion designer who has begun charging clients for trying on his haute couture bridal dresses. Perry, who owns a store in Sydney’s Strand Arcade, offers a two-visit consultation priced at $350 which is deducted from the final purchase, however many consider this cost to be unreasonably high. Author of Wealthier Than you Think, Paul Squires, believes that “much smaller fees could be justified, but $350 is outrageous. A bond would be a more realistic idea and would encourage people to be careful when trying dresses on.”
Perry, however, defends his charges claiming they are a good way to determine whether a customer is serious about buying.
“It deters people who just want to come and pick my brain,” he said. “I’m at that stage in my career when it’s fine if you do that, but you’re going to have to pay me for it.”
News of the charges has certainly sparked outrage amongst Australian women, particularly amid recent reports indicating that wedding costs are spiralling out of control. The average Australian wedding currently costs approximately $35,000.
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