La Sposa Bridal

If I could give this place no stars I would. Being greeted by the owner was an experience all its own, cranky and extremely unprofessional. All she wanted was to sell a dress, didn't matter how it looked; all we heard was that she can fix anything in alterations. Believe me, most of these dresses needed a lot of help too! The prices are very cheap. but so are the dresses. Some of the worst manufacturing I have seen in a very long time. As soon as she knew this was only the second store we had been to and probably not making a decision then, we were left to our own devices. One other thing ladies, the store is not well kept and there were many pins on the floor in the fitting room. Save your money...go someplace else!

Pros: Great Irish pub across the way

Cons: Worst service I have ever encountered

Posted 10/12/09

While the price was right, Margarita (the shop owner and main seamstress) needs to learn some customer service skills. I brought my mom and MIL in for the first fitting and she was curt to both them when we had suggestions on how to make straps for the dress. The top layer of the dress was chiffon and she put a hole in the front trying to make a sweetheart neckline (which really didn't turn out to be much of a sweetheart neckline).

When I showed up for my second fitting (a MONTH after my first fitting and just two weeks before my wedding), she had only finished trimming the length and nothing else.

She did a shoddy job and charged $350 (!) for the alterations.

Pros: price of the dress

Cons: price of alterations, job done on the alterations, attitude

Posted 10/04/09

I am truly shocked to read some of the negative comments posted about La Sposa and Margherita, the owner. I also stumbled into La Sposa after leaving Vows, which was truly a terrible experience. From the minute I walked in, Margarita told me what would look good on me and brought me out the most beautiful dresses to choose from...now, mind you, from the get go, I did NOT really love the ones she chose for me, but I humored her and tried them, and guess what? I loved one after the other, and fell in love with the final dress I tried as soon as I put it on. It was very different from what I ever imagined myself in, but I knew it was the one, as did my mother and sister. As for the no labels, over charging, and only accepting cash, I am not sure where that information came from...we charged the down payment on my dress and head piece, the samples I tried on did have labels, and the night after M ordered my dress for me, she called to let me know the exact style numbers, etc. so I could have a picture onlne. When I did my own search for it online, I typically found it to be at least $300-$400 more than what I paid. Trust me ladies...please do go to La Sposa bridal. You won't regret it!!

Pros: wonderful service; reasonably priced; knowledgable owner

Cons: sometimes crowded due to small size

Posted 05/06/09

I was thrilled to get my dress at La Sposa on my first trip there. Lisa was incredibly gracious and helpful, and assured me that my dress, which was floor sample would be in perfect condition once the alterations were made. When I went for my fittings, I confirmed with Margherita that she would be able to fix the flaws (torn stitches, stains etc). She was impatient with me, insisting that i needed to have confidence in her work. She made me feel very bad for asking what I thought were very simple questions in a VERY polite way. When I finally came to pick up my dress, none of the things had been fixed. I asked her again to do them, and she did--grumbling, complaining, and yelling at me the whole time. It took a good 45 min to do everything--things she GUARANTEED would be done before I got there.

When I first met Margherita I thought she was just quirky. After that experience, I think she is lazy, and absolutely lacking integrity. She overcharged me for alterations and under-did the work. It was a totally appalling experience I would not wish on any bride.

Pros: my dress is beautiful and inexpensive

Cons: service was HORRENDOUS

Posted 03/07/09

I went to this shop twice. First, in search of my bridal dress and again for the maids. My bridal dress experience went just fine, not really finding anything in my style, but that's not to say their collection wasn't lovely. As I was leaving, on my high of my first day of dress shopping, the owner caught me on my way out. She began to basically interrogate me, asking me where I was going next, and proceeded to talk trash about the other shops and advise me that 'dress shopping is not all fun, its very serious'. She simply continued to rattle on and on about how its a very serious thing. How lovely!

I went back again, in the middle of a snow storm, at night, to search for my maids dresses. I had called ahead and spoke to a friendly woman (not the owner) and gave her some specific style numbers I was looking for. When I arrived, all was going well, until, yet again, the shop owner stopped over and started the grilling again. 'where are your maids, are they everywhere or here', 'where did you get your dress', etc. I escaped relatively unscathed but a bit offput and began to try on the maid dresses. While looking at one, she came again. This time, asking me 'are you picking the dress' and 'are you getting the dress here'. I told her i didn't know (as I hadn't found one I liked yet). The owner proceeded to lecture me on how she is trying to run a business and they are a small boutique and that i should appreciate and understand that for her and her staff to spend time and energy assisting me, is not just for free and she's trying to run a business (she said that a lot). Now, I had basically asked for NO help yet, i helped myself. She was just simply horrible, pushy and rude.

Now I understand there are people out there that spend time in shops and then just order on line, but them's the brakes! There is NO NEED to accost people that come into your store.

Posted 02/05/09

I had a FABULOUS experience with La Sposa Bridal. I had actually picked out a Demetrios dress out of a magazine and could not find one single bridal shop who either had the dress or was willing to purchase a sample dress for me without actually purchasing the dress before I saw it, until I met Margherita!

She ordered the dress as a sample dress and I loved it so she ordered the dress for me right away. She is a woman who really knows her alterations and her work is wonderful, everything was perfect, I only needed 1 fitting and when i picked up my dress i could not have been more happy.

Margherita is an honest, talented woman who was a pleasure to work with, she was professional and was very friendly to both me and my family. I completely trusted her and she gave me the dress of my dreams. Thank you Margherita!!

Posted 01/21/09

After reading all the previous great reviews, I'm convinced people are on something! This place was horrible! When the owner asked when my wedding was, I told her and considering it is over a year away she replied "Wow, isn't it kinda early to start looking?" From that comment, I should have said "Well clearly you don't think I'm that serious and don't want to make a sale!" and I should have walked right out and saved myself a half hour. When the owner asked what I was looking for I told her and she brought out these ridiculous dresses that were nothing like I asked to see. Finally her assistant showed up and took over. This wasn't much better. Finally I just asked if I could just look through the dresses myself, because it would go a lot faster. That was the only good thing they did. After looking through the dresses (and there weren't that many), I decided to browse the bridesmaid dresses. Mistake! All of the tags have been removed so you can't tell what designer makes what! And because I've been looking, they were sooooo overpriced! A dress I saw at Yolanda's for $190 was $240 at La Sposa! Even Yolanda's is cheaper and they at least tell you who makes it! When I asked who made this one dress, they refused to tell me. Bottom line: don't waste your time girls!

Pros: I only wasted a half hour of my day

Cons: Everything!

Posted 01/19/09

I just wanted to say that I am very disheartened after reading the poor reviews that were posted for La Sposa. My experience has been nothing but positive since the day I walked in and met Margherita...Whoever said she was rude and pushy must not have given her the chance to know her. She's got her opionions and she's not afraid to share them, but she's earned it after the years she's been running Las Sposa. I too, was caught a little off guard when I first went to try dresses on at her store. She told me that she "knows brides" and that I had to try a dress that was nothing like the ones I was trying or liking. But, kudos to her for pushing me to try it because the second I put it on, that was it...Done. It was the one. And, I couldn't be more in love with my dress. She also picked out, and held onto a Mother of the Bride dress that she knew would be perfect for my mother...And, bullseye again because my mother bought that dress the same day she went to try it on. She also helped me pick the perfect color for my bridesmaids dresses, ordered swatches so I could include them in the cards I was sending them with dress and shoe info., & said she'd make sashes herself for my girls to add the finishing touch to the dresses. She's definitely an excentric woman who isn't aftraid to speak her mind, but she's right when she says she knows what she's doing. Not to mention she's got a heart of gold & cares about every bride to be who walks in that door. Sooo...just wanted to say to anyone who reads those ugly postings, I hope you read this one after because I've had nothing but wonderful experiences everytime I've stepped foot in the door. So, believe what you'd like, but I say she and the girls, Maria and Lisa who work with her, are fabulous. So, to all brides to be out there, I say you'd be lucky to have the experience I've had had doing business at La Sposa for what's going to be a year in February. Overall, I give La Sposa a 5 star rating no questions asked.

Posted 01/10/09

I was married in October and had am amazingly supportive and postive experience with Margharita at this very nice shop. I ended up buying my dress, jewelry and shoes here all within a few hours. I thought that she was extremely generous with her time with me, she was also very kind. My dress was ready in a timely fashion and my dress was taken in perfectly to fit me. I highly recommend this shop. I am very surprised to have read anything negative on this site about experiences here as my mom and I are very picky with high expectations and we had a very easy pleasant experience here.

Posted 01/08/09

Like the 2 bries that posted just before me, I dont understand the negitive remarks some girls have said about La Sposa. I was married in late fall 2007 and just recently remembered to come and post my experience on here. I delt mostly with the owner of La Sposa, Margherita who honestly is about the sweetest, most honest woman out there, and I could tell right away that she was totaly commmited to her shop, and "her brides" as she calls them. She puts her all into making sure she takes care of anyone who is in the store. When I was looking for my dress I wasnt worried about who made the dress, I just was trying to find a certian look, and when I did, La Sposa was more then happy to rush order the dress for me since I kind of dragged my feet and only had around 4 months till my wedding date! (eek!) The dress came in with tons of time to spare, and by adding a fuller pettycoat (which I wanted anyhow), I didnt even need the length done on my gown! The price was the best I could find (I called around after ordering and hearing from a friend that the shop she used in NH for her dress jacked up the price) and I was shocked to find that every other store in all of MA and NH was quoting me $300-$500 more then what I paid INCLUDING my rush charge! I also got my bridesmaids dresses there and my flower girls', and they all looked fabulous! Last May my friend got married in VT and I had La Sposa order my gown for her wedding, it was perfect and while other girls had alteration issues from the shop they used, my dress had none! The price for alteration was very fair as well! The service I got and the warmth and connection I felt while at La Sposa was amazing. This is a small boutique shop, not a chain store like Davids Bridal, so its much more personal of an experience, I loved it. Now my husband and I are expecting our first baby in Feb and La Sposa is handling the ordering of my baby's Baptism gown. I will continue to go to La Sposa and Margherita for any future events!

Pros: good selection, quality items, FABULOUS service, awesome knowledgable staff, free parking, easy to get to

Posted 11/23/08

I had the most wonderful experience at La Sposa. I met the owner and she helped me to find the dress of my dreams. I am appalled at how many negative things I have read on here, but some people are just never happy. Me...I am so happy!!!! I ordered my bridal gown and 8 bridesmaid dresses for my summer 2009 wedding. Since I didn't have my mom to help me with this special decision, the owner really helped me feel special and she felt like a mother to me. I gave her the biggest hug I could. I hope other brides will get that special feeling when they look for the dress of their dreams at La Sposa.

Maryann

Pros: special feeling

Posted 11/16/08

I am shocked at the horrible reviews La Sposa has received on this site. From the second I walked in I instantly felt welcome. I was amazed at how much time Donatella had spent with me trying to find the perfect dress. She looked at all the pictures I had torn out of magazines, and from there determined some dresses that would fit what I was looking for, and one particular dress she had in mind for me ended up being my dream dress.They have the incredible ability to visualize the whole event and coordinate the style and look you want. I was so thrilled with my dress and the service I received from the shop that I got the bridesmaid dresses there, my mom got her dress there, and we all had our alterations done there as well. The prices were reasonable and everything went smoothly. When my dress arrived, the size they ordered for me fit so perfectly that I hardly had to have any alterations made (except to the length). Margarita, the owner, was absolutely wonderful to us, and my mom and I really felt like part of her family by the end of our whole experience. I can't say enough wonderful things about this place and about Margarita and the entire La Sposa staff. I hope that you won't be scared off by reading the nasty reviews on this site, because if you are you will seriously be missing out.

Pros: excellent customer service, knowledgeable and accommodating staff, great selection of dresses

Cons: None! I had a great experience here and would recommend it to anyone.

Posted 11/16/08

The saleswoman, and the owner were very patient, kind and understanding. They really helped me out. the owner knows what she's talking about, and is very experienced. she does all the alterations which makes knowing what will work soo easy. Other dress shops were uninterested with helping me add sleeves to my dress. not only was she willing she didn't seem put off, and had ideas on how to do it to make it look nice

Pros: service, knowledge, onsite alterations

Posted 07/06/08

Margarita (the owner) is a nice Italian lady who will work with yout on finding your dream gown. Personally, I wanted a non-traditional dress (red) from a Maggy Sottero catalog that wasn't in stock in any of the Boston area bridals. However, Margarita found it and ordered it from the Maggie Sottero rep and got it within 2 weeks! (normally it takes at least twice as longer). Highly recommended!

Posted 06/03/08

I went to La Sposa because, to my knowledge, it is the only store in the boston area that carries the La Sposa line (also carries other designers). It doesn't look like much from the outside but Margarita, the owner, was great and I tried on some very beautiful dresses. I ultimately went with a gown from a different store (it was a tough choice) but I had a great experience at La Sposa. I thought her prices were very reasonable, certainly comparable to other bridal stores... as other reviewers pointed out, you can often find things cheaper online but who knows what you're going to wind up with fit-wise/condition and what guarantees you'll receive. Because I didn't buy my dress there, I can't comment on the alterations service. However, I definitely recommend visiting La Sposa when wedding dress shopping the greater Boston area.

Posted 05/27/08

NEW: I just needed to update my review, given that someone accused me of not being myself. The reviewer above claims that I am probably the owner of the shop. I am not Margarita. I am a bride who is thrilled with her dress. Others may have a different opinion than me, but that does not make my experience any less valid. I love La Sposa Bridal and, judging by the thank you cards and photographs at the salon, I am not the only one. ORIGINAL REVIEW: The La Sposa Bridal staff and Margarita, have been kind, generous, and helpful every step of the way in preparing for my wedding. I stumbled across the shop after I had gone down the street to Vows, a place I can only refer to as a disappointment. After having tried on a million dresses elsewhere, I wandered into La Sposa Bridal. The staff there was helpful and kind. Their approach of asking questions, presenting a dress, asking more questions and presenting a dress WORKS. Instead of trying on a million more gowns, I tried on one, then two, then the third was the charm. They listened to me and pulled out THE dress...one I didn't even know I wanted. Even though the dress was too small (because it was the sample), I felt like the most beautiful woman in the world...even with the dress only zipped 1/2 way up. To top everything off, they sold me the sample at a great price and Margarita herself altered it for me. The dress was so beautifully done, you would NEVER KNOW it had been altered. She used extra fabric from the train to let out the dress and her work was impeccable. I believe she cares about what she does and how a bride feels.

Regarding what others have said...Margarita does not break the law, as she leaves the fabric information tags in the dresses. Besides, I can only imagine one reason the missing designer tags would bother you...If you wanted to steal the wonderful customer service from this shop then order the dress online - a very unethical practice indeed.

Pros: Parking, Service, Selection, Attention to detail, Professionalism, "Family" feel

Posted 04/17/08

La Sposa bridal is a small bridal store that has been around FOREVER! Margarita and her employee's are helpful and have the eye for what the bride wants. I do not understand whay some people have written such awful reviews. Some brides think the world revolves around them.

When looking for the right dress, a bride needs to take her time. Margarita knows all there is to know about bridal gowns, bridesmaid dress, etc. Not only have I purchased my wedding dress there but my bridsmaids dress' too. If you tell Margarita what style you are looking to achieve on your wedding day, she guides you in the direction of your dream day.

I highly recommend La Sposa Bridal. If you can make an appointment during the week, it will not be as busy as a saturday appointment.

Happy Shopping!

Posted 03/18/08

This is a great place to start (and, I'm sure, a great place if you're seasoned, too - but I started there!) Staff is very knowedgeable. Advice: be specific when you tell them what you think will look good on you and/or what you're drawn to. I was very clear about what I was sure I did and didn't like, and she brought me a FANTASTIC dress to begin with! Another huge plus: this isn't a terribly expensive store (the fantastic dress was ~$1700) - a much more modest place to go than, say, a store on Newbury. It's also a quick stop - they'll usually only suggest you try on 4-5 dresses, so you don't get burned out - we were in and out in 30 minutes. Check it out.

Posted 02/22/08

This Bridal shop is excellent. It is a small boutique type bridal shop in Newton. The sales woman is wonderful. The woman who does a lot of the alterations also comes out a lot and comments and provides suggestions while you are trying on. They were not pushy by any means. I thought that their prices were great.
Once I am ready to narrow down on bridesmaids dresses I will definitely be back.

I am updating my review to say that I continue to be highly satisfied with the service that I receive at La Sposa. I have gotten my bridesmaid dresses and my alterations done there. Everyone is wonderful and so personal that despite all of the brides that they have, they still seem to remember my name. I recommend this shop to everyone who is looking for a bridal gown and likes personal service.

Pros: customer service

Posted 09/27/07

I bought almost all the wedding outfits from La Sposa. I love it cuz it's a one-to-one service. And they can always make you a brand-new one. It's not like some other places that you can only buy the sample dress. The owner has good eyes, good taste. I only told them what I'm looking for, and they found me what I want. In terms of the price, you need to bargain with the owner a little bit for a better discount. I don't expect them to put the designer's tag on the dress. That way people would just walk in, use the store as a springboard and then order the dress online by themselves. You can find every single dress in the store online as long as you know who the designer is. La Sposa is not a tailorshop. They will certainly need to earn commission. You might be able to get a lower price online. But please don't forget that you need to pay shipping and alteration fee afterwards.

Posted 02/12/07

I got married two months ago and I bought my dress at La Sposa Bridal. Since the first day I entered the store they made me feel special. They told me that they prefered not to let me try on too many dresses otherwise it would be mass confusion. Ecatly what I have experienced until that day. They asked me to describe a little what I liked. They listened and brought out three dresses that fit my discription. We connected right away and after I tried the three dresses Marguerite the owner told me that she had the perfect dress for me. It was very different from what I had been looking for but she thought it fit my personality. And sure enough that was the dress. My mom and I fell in love not only with the dress but with the service and the knowledge of everyone that worked there.
We bought my bridal gown, my mother's dress, my mother in law's dress, my 5 bridsmaids and the 3 flowergirl. We had a connection and the entire time I felt I could trust her.
Marguerite and her staff know what they can offer and they do not like to play. With their expertice they made my wedding extra special. The alterations were perfect on all of us, I had a strapless dress and not once I had to pull up my dress. It is absolutly not true that she only accepts cash. I paid with credit card and checks all the time. She only asks for cash when there is a balance and you are taking something out of the store but you are always reminded that if you don't want to pay cash that last day you can pay with anything else before then.

Pros: customer service, big selection and knowledge

Cons: a little small, and very crowded on weekends

Posted 11/12/06

I'm so surprised by the negative reviews written here about Margarita's wonderful shop. I can only imagine that those brides were rushed, unreasonable or rude.

My sister and many friends have had wonderful experiences with La Sposa, and I have too! Her dresses are reasonably priced (much more so than neighboring Vows or La Reine) and varied in style. The detail on her dresses surpasses chains. Really, I found her shop to be just right. The service is great - she has an eye for matching dresses, veils, etc. and also does all the alterations on-site - not like so many other shops these days.

Do recommend making an appointment (she's busy with alterations and the shop is small). Agree it is a little crazy she only accepts cash, but imagine she's been burned by crazy brides in the past. Bring just one or two people with you and you will love shopping there.

Pros: Great service, reasonably priced, good selection

Cons: cash only, selection could be larger

Posted 09/23/06

I went here to try on my first dress and loved it. The staff was wonderful and very helpful. Today I decided to order the dress so my mom and I went back to do so. I tried on the dress again and I asked the owner Margarita what type of veil or tiara should be worn with the dress. She came out with a perfect veil/tiara that looked great. Margarita has the experience and is definitely willing to give you her full attention for picking out your wedding dress. This store is not going to give discounts but their dresses are definitely not overpriced and you pay for what you get and I would recommend this store to anyone.

Posted 05/24/06

I had the most wonderful experience buying my gown from La Sposa! Marguerite has a gift for matching the girl with THE gown and then making her look and feel like a queen. I went to her after having an unpleasant experience at another bridal salon. She found me the perfect dress for half the cost and also outfitted my mom and bridesmaids. The service at La Sposa is impeccable and the staff is friendly and they really are the BEST at what they do! I will say, though that if you're trying to use La Sposa as a springboard for an internet search for your wedding dress or accessories- don't bother. This is a class act from start to finish and the ladies at this store are too busy helping their many sincere shoppers to spend time with people who are only there to comparison shop.

Pros: knowledgeable, nice, reasonably priced

Posted 04/05/06

I got my wedding dress at La Sposa and i would recomend it to others Margarett is very helpful and very nice. There was a problem with my dress and she fixed it right away and was not rude or anything. La sposa is a wounderful place and the staff is very nice.

Posted 03/30/06

It was horrabe she lies, no tags
over priced no help
pushy the dress was not ready on the wedding day
no buttons i had to not get my nailes done to wait to have the buttons put on the dress she never put back on after alteratins that she put used straps, asnd buttons from another dress
it was the worse!!!!!!!!!!
please dont go
had to pay in cash
and she was so rude after the picking the dress
after i was hocked she did not care

Pros: none

Cons: runined dress, over priced, rude

Posted 12/26/05

I bought my wedding gown here, which I did like but the rest of the experience was terrible. I bought the dress and then found it for hundreds of dollars cheaper on the internet. There are no tags on the gowns to let you know who makes them. The owner applies high pressure which can lead to a stressful experience AND THE WORST part is they only accept cash for many things. I didn't even have enough money for a few months to pick up my dress because they don't accept credit cards even when your going to be paying hundreds of dollars.

Cons: Cash only, No tags on dresses, Stressful environment

Posted 02/02/05