2020 brought a ton of changes to our business and the way we help brides find their dream dress. One of the big changes that we implemented was to add the option for brides to tip their stylists. Let us emphasize right off the bat- this is NOT mandatory or expected, but it is ALWAYS appreciated!
Tipping is not new to the bridal store setting. Many stores across the nation have moved to this model. We have resisted this change for as long as we felt we could. Because we pride ourselves on being transparent and open with our brides, we wanted to sit down and give you some insight into this change.
The reason for this change is money. Duh, right? The independent bridal boutique will never be a multi-million dollar industry. We (not just Celebrations but all bridal boutiques) just cannot sell enough wedding dresses to cover the rising cost of gowns and to pay stylists what they deserve. There just aren't that many people buying wedding gowns in any given year.
Celebrations' stylists aren't here for a quick paycheck (although we do enjoy making money)-this is a career for us. We have the most amazing stylists in the area. Our ladies aren't your typical pushy sales people. They are well trained, knowledgeable and dedicated to making sure YOU feel amazing. Our staff is comprised of people with college degrees, people with years of customer service experience, mothers putting food on the table, and newlyweds trying to build their lives. We aren't teenagers at their first job with zero experience. And part of how we have built and retained this amazing team is by paying them what they are worth.
But the cost of bridal gowns keeps rising. Most of them are made overseas and the cost of shipping is rising as well. We were faced with a dilemma. Do we increase the price of our gowns to cover our rising costs, or do we add a tip line to our credit card receipts to help our stylists make more money? Rather than raise the cost of a wedding gown for our brides, we chose to add tips because it motivates our stylists to give you the best customer service experience possible. Much like a server, tipping is dependent on quality of service. Even though we already think we have the best team around, it never hurts to have a bit more motivation to excel!
So why should you tip your stylist? We aren't your typical retail workers. We KNOW our stuff! We know how things will fit you or what materials will work best for your body. We know our inventory and the modifications that are available. Each stylist knows every area of the business so that we can help you find the perfect wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses, as well as tuxedos. The level of service you get at Celebrations is second to none!
From the time you walk in our doors to try on wedding gowns, until you pick up your dress altered and pressed to walk down the aisle- we are with you every step of the way. We build a relationship with you. We know when your mother is driving you crazy or how stressed you are about the first dance. In this respect, we are more similar to your hair dresser than we are to a retail associate. And much like you wouldn't want an untrained person cutting and coloring your hair, you want the best team to help you through the very special (and sometimes stressful) gown buying process!
So, you are probably doing some quick math and panicking about the idea of tipping 20% on a $1500 dress. This is NOT a 20% tip situation! (Although a $300 tip would definitely make that lucky stylist's month!) The average tip when buying a wedding gown is $20-$50. Honestly, any tip at all will make your stylists day, so don't stress about the amount too much!
