What You Need to Know About Shopping Online for Flower Girl Dresses, Christening Gowns and Communion Dresses?

Ask Julie:
Flower Girl Dress and Communion Dress Shopping Advice
What should a bride or mother know about purchasing children's formal attire online?

You should start by demanding the best in every aspect of the transaction. Here are ten requirements for a good online store:

1. Fast and friendly response. Great customer service starts with a great attitude. Fast and friendly responses to e-mails and telephone calls are a must. Your online store should offer you personal consultations. Only purchase from an online store that offers great customer service.
   
2. Broad product selection. You should be able to choose from a variety of designers, styles and price ranges. Make sure that the online store is an authorized dealer for the designers they sell.
   
3. Online purchasing. Many bridal stores have web sites, but few offer online purchasing. A good online store should let you complete the shopping experience right then and there. Buy what you want when you want it.
   
4. An up-to-date, current web site. An online store should update information on a daily basis, continuously adding new dresses and gowns and eliminating those that are discontinued.
   
5. Easy searching. You should be able to easily find the item, style or designer you are looking for and have convenient access to different departments in the online store.
   
6. Product information. A picture of the gown isn't enough. Your online store should provide you with accurate product information like designers size charts, fabric and color charts that can help you make the right dress or gown purchase.
   
7. Guaranteed delivery time. Your online store should give you a guaranteed delivery date and should back that delivery date with a commitment.
   
8. Shipping quality. Your online store should carefully inspect every item shipped. Sometimes there are imperfections in the gown and a good online store will catch those imperfections and remedy the situation with the designer before they ship the gown to you.
   
9. Clear return and cancellation policies. Your online store should clearly provide you with their return and cancellation policies before you buy.
   
10. No hidden charges. The price shown may not be the true price of the gown after you learn about hidden charges. Some questionable online stores tell you about their add on charges for shipping, handling, insurance, etc. after you purchase. Confirm the total cost before you buy.
    

How do you find online stores that meet this criteria? Talk to others who have shopped online for Flower Girl Dresses, Communion Dresses, or Christening Gowns, or visit popular message boards to see other people's experiences. Or, simply visit Little Girl Dresses.com to see how they meet all of these qualities desirable in shopping online today for children's formal wear.

Adapted from "The Trend" January 25, 2006.