Reviews of Helene's Bridal Salon - Appointments Required (Costumes)

Breanne Robertson

My First Experience with Helene's Bridal was in 2010 or 2011 When I ordered my grad dress from them. The lady I worked with is no longer there but she made my terrible day a million times better by listening to what I wanted and taking the time out of her busy day to make sure I left happy! I can assure you I left more than happy with my dress! My next was with my sister's Grad dress in 2013! The ladies are always helpful and go beyond the normal to help you out! Next was purchasing my sisters Dress last year for her wedding! Melissa and all the staff took time to help her! All the staff gave their honest opinion and made sure the she got what she wanted! Next I purchased 2 Bridesmaid dresses from them! Once again Melissa was a boat load of help! She is definately a part of the family at this point and we love seeing her while we are there! Finally last Friday it was my turn to head in and see Melissa for my Dress purchase! She was so excited to see us and recognized us instantly! She called us all by name and even managed to squeeze us into her schedule! Always reminding me to speak up for my self when purchasing a dress and even taking me into the room with just me to remind me that I have to wear the dress and if I don't love it there in the store I wont love it that day! Helene's has been very amazing to my family and I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a dress! Remember people always post the negitive experiences on here and rarely do you see a positive post! Helene's is definately worth the trip in! Thank you to not only the staff but the owners as well who always go above and beyond to help us!

Evan Nicholson

Went with my daughter to find a dress. Friendly knowledgeable staff and high quality dresses.

Don Turner

My bride to be went here this weekend from saskatchewan and had the worst experience ever! All of the dresses were small sizes that aren't representative of normal, healthy women. My lady had picked three dresses that she loved and was assured that she would fit however afterwards the associate said she would find a couple dresses that fit. As if a woman wants to pick a wedding dress just because it fits! She wants to feel beautiful, not like she's picking up sheets for a spare bed. My bride called me crying her eyes out. What a terrible way for her to start looking for a dress. Poor customer service as the associate just blamed the manager. I see some ladies have had great experiences here which is awesome, I am happy you did not have to suffer through what my lady did. With all the attention in the media regarding how our society pressures women to adhere to certain sizes in order to feel like they are beautiful... This store should be ashamed of itself. How dare you make women feel this way.

Laura Westwood (YunAngelz)

Great Service, Went there yesterday to have my costume dress taken in at the shoulders they said it be best to put an elastic in the inside instead which they did and then I went to pick it up today couldn't even tell until I put it on where it was and then they fixed it for me and said if I needed help putting it on for the day of to come on down and they would help me anytime as long as there open, Highly Recommended that you give the details you want and they will what the best thing is to do. .

Jennifer Riddell

I am so disappointed in my experience at Helen's. Bernie, the owner, totally ruined my experience in buying a wedding dress. After two girlfriends bought their wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses there, this salon came highly recommended. After purchasing my dress and bridesmaid dresses, they informed me a couple days later that the bridesmaid dresses needed to be rushed ordered and that the charge was an additional $75 per dress. Bernie, the owner, informed me he was going to pay $25 and that I needed to pay $50 per dress. When I went their to ask about if they would be willing to do anything about this charge since we had spent a lot of money there, he denied that this happened and said he didn't pay $25 and that the rush was only $50 per dress! Not only did he ruined my experience, he was calling me a liar. Please don't go here, order your dresses online, if I knew this was an option would have ordered all the dresses this way. The one positive note, the staff, other than Bernie, were very nice.

Kira Waterman

Very disappointed with the service received at Helene’s. Our consultant seemed to be a little scatter brained, and was never around when we needed her. Our bridesmaids took turns helping the bride in and out of the dresses because our consultant would drop the dress and run. This might be excusable if the store was full of brides, but we were the only party there. Certainly left a bad taste in our mouths and we purchased a wedding gown and three bridesmaids dresses at another store in town.

Adam Oates

Ladies, do not shop here if you want quality service. You really would be better off ordering online - you'll get your dresses cheaper & faster, and won't have to deal with the worst customer service experience that either my fiancé or I have ever encountered. 5 months ago my wife-to-be's brides maids ordered their dresses, but the staff somehow failed to process the third maid's order. A little over a month ago, having not heard anything about her order, the third maid called in to check on the status. The staff member said it would be in in about a week. Apparently that staff member didn't even look into the order properly because... A month later, after the other two dresses had arrived, the third maid called again but was told "we have no record of your order." The wedding is now less than a month away. I understand that mistakes happen, but the staff at Helene's has done absolutely nothing to make good on their glaring mistakes. They did not offer to order a dress and have it expedited. They did not even offer to help look for similar dresses that could be ordered in time. The buck has been unapologetically passed onto the customer. I am utterly shocked by the complete lack of professionalism shown by the staff, that they've shown no remorse for their poor service. UPDATE: The day after I posted this complaint, a very rude man named Bernie called my fiancé. Rather than admit their mistake and apologize, he instead decided to be confrontational and cast blame for their mistakes on the brides maid, saying "we don't chase girls." He was so rude that my fiancé - a lady who abhors confrontation - wound up yelling at him, and is now crying. I'm sorry, but what did the brides maid do wrong? She came in for measurements, she called in with her credit card info and placed the order, she even checked in when she hadn't heard anything. It was your staff, Bernie, who failed to place the order. It was your staff, Bernie, who failed to properly check the order a month ago when the brides maid called for an update. It your staff, Bernie, who failed abysmally to show an ounce of remorse or responsibility and try to fix the situation when the mistake was finally realized. Honestly, if this is indicative of the standard of customer service this shop provides, they most certainly deserve to go under. DO NOT SHOP HERE!!!

Leanndra Rajkumar

While shopping around at several different bridal shops trying to find a bridesmaid dress for a wedding I was apart of. This wedding was supposed to take place in December 2020 but due to the pandemic and provincial restrictions, it will be held at a later date. I had visited Helene's back in August and found a dress that I liked for the wedding. At this time, we thought that there was a possibility the wedding could still occur so decided to go through with the ordering just to be on the safe side. I was informed that the dress should arrive by November due to the delays in shippings (b/c of the pandemic). This was no issue, I paid my deposit and waited to receive calls. As time went on, and restrictions changed. The wedding was no longer being held in the year of 2020 and it did not occur to me that I still haven't received my dress as it was the last thing on my mind at the time. In December, I called Helene's to see where my dress is because I haven't heard any updates regarding if my dress has arrived, if the wedding is still happening, if there were any delays in shipment. I heard nothing. When I called, I was informed that my dress was supposed to come in November but did not get included in the shipment and an employee and written down that they had spoken with me. They did not. They informed me, "because the wedding was cancelled we figured that it was okay". They then told me that my dress should be coming in a shipment just after Christmas. They did not speak to anyone in the wedding to receive such information as far as a wedding cancellation. If this wedding was in fact happening in December, I would not have my dress. I understand that I do not need this dress right away but my issue with the bridal store is that they did not provide ANY customer service. They assumed that they spoke to me and informed me about the delays. They assumed the wedding was cancelled. They also mentioned that it was "kind of my fault" that I did not call earlier to see where my dress is. I understand this but I paid my deposit. As a store, they should be calling customers and leaving messages to inform customers of any delays that they are experiencing when it comes to dress orders especially when the deposit has been paid. I did finally receive my dress but there was never any accountable or clear answer about how I was the ONLY customer that they "accidentally" missed to call. This situation was very messy and it left a very bad taste in my mouth and the Bride's mouth. I know that the pandemic has created stress within stores but just own up to the mistakes. All in all, be accountable to your mistakes. I understand that mistakes happen but don't run around them and make up unclear excuses. If the employees were honest in the first place and I would not be as upset as I am.

Jennifer Adams

They found my perfect dress within minutes of me being in the shop. I gave Melissa (who was AMAZING) an incredibly vague and rambling description of my dream dress and she pulled out the perfect one, in my exact size. She even worked with me so the dress fell into my budget! I couldn't imagine saying "I Do" in another dress.

Rachel F

Shelly was amazing! I walked in expecting it to be like any other bridal experience, but was totally blown away. Shelly was personable, extremely helpful, and just so much fun! She really nailed it when pulling dresses for me, gave me a great deal, and we had a great experience overall! I'd highly recommend this store, and Shelly specifically, if you're looking for the perfect dress. Their collection is affordable and has a lot of variety, and I found a lot of very unique dresses here that were so different from everywhere else I had looked! I found my dress!

Ashley D

I went in for my appointment for a wedding gown, and was treated awesome! They weren't pushy at all, and were very informative. They made me feel very comfortable as well. The only downside was there was a crazy amount of girls there for grad dresses. My only suggestion would be to have a separate area for grads and brides. I would like to edit my review. When I went to pick up my dress, I was sent downstairs. I was pointed to an area where gowns were hanging and had to look for my dress. I asked the ladies working in basement (they do the alterations) area if I could try it on, they helped me, but didn't really want too. I was rushed out after. I was disappointed that one of the sales women didn't come and help me, or let me try on my wedding gown. I was super excited, but left with disappointment after spending money on a dress, but not being treated like so.

Danielle Bennett

Part one: I knew which dress that I wanted, I went down to Helene's bridal. I ordered from a lady named Dianne. (She was fantastic). May comes around and Dianne tells me the dress is in. I go to try it on. It had a hole in it. Near the bust line. I tell Dianne and she tells me she'll get it fixed. July rolls around and Dianne comes into where I work and she tells me she has two pieces of news for me. 1. That my dress has been in for over a week 2.That they fired her. She then tells me to go get my dress from them as soon as possible because she doesn't trust them. I call them Monday morning and ask about my dress. The lady on the phone (after asking my name) puts me on hold for 7 mins. Then the male owner of the store comes on and starts talking to me about liquor (my job). I say to him " I called about my dress, not about booze" he then tells me my dress won't be in until July 29th(11 days they would have had my dress)This is where I think they were letting other women try it on. My dress was fully paid for at this point. After I tell Bernie to double check for my dress because I was told they already had it, he said he would check an call me back. 2 hours later he calls and confirms its there. I said perfect I'll be down to pick it up. I go down to the shop after work, not a soul to be seen, I walk to the rack where my dress was hanging. I see mine, I pull it out, open it up, start to look for the first hole (it's been repaired). A lady behind me, rudely says "Excuse me, Can I help you?", I turn to her and say " not really, I'm just looking at MY dress" she says "oh Your Danielle" This makes me think that I've been the talk of shop all morning. She asks if I'd like to try it on. I said yes, try it on. I notice frayed lace pieces, more holes and some lace that's stretched beyond its actual pattern. I point this out to the woman and she's says she'll get Sheila. Sheila comes around the corner and tells me I look beautiful. I then tell her thank you, but do you see this part here and here and here (pointing out the inconsistencies) She says "that's just how the dresses come from the makers" I tell her "That's what you guys said the first time, I didn't accept that as an answer then, what makes you think I'll accept it again." She mumbled something then walks away. I take the dress off and she comes back... I tell her I'm not pleased with the dress. She doesn't say anything and just looks at me blankly. I turn around and start to hang the dress up and she tells me she's going to bag it up. I walk around front and she hands me my dress. Doesn't offer me any help to let me leave happy, basically made me feel like because I paid for the dress, they don't want to help me anymore.I walk out of the store and count down from 10 because I've got tears in my eyes already. I walk back in and the three ladies are now standing at the front of the shop behind the desk, I say loudly “Get Bernie or Dianne to call me", Sheila says "tell me what's wrong." I say "I showed you what was wrong in the change room" ( now there are other women in the store and they are hearing me yell) Sheila doesn't say anything in reply, so I say "NO ONE SPENDS ALMOST $2500 FOR A DRESS THEY WEAR FOR LESS THAN 15 HOURS TO WALK AWAY BEING UNHAPPY! GET BERNIE TO CALL ME!" It took 3 days for Bernie to call me. I tell him why I'm unhappy, he says he understands, he will try to fix it and he will call me back. No call back for a week. I start calling asking for Bernie and every time he was "busy" or he had left the shop and wouldn't return until the next day. A whole month goes by and no word from the bridal shop. So I posted a review on their Facebook page. No response, someone suggested I post photos, still no response. I contacted Paloma Blanca Canada via their Facebook page. It doesn't let me post anymore, Contact me for the rest of the story.

Jessica Lagimodiere

I just recently went to try on wedding dresses for the first time! I was not sure what to expect at all, but Helene's made it so easy and it was a great experience! I had the pleasure of being paired up with Melissa there and she was just amazing to deal with. Me and my bridal party were the only ones in the store during my appointment and she just gave us full run of everything and made me feel really at home. She put me in all sorts of different styles which I wasn't sure about at first, but ended up LOVING! The dress that I picked ended up being something completely opposite of what I went in wanting to find, and it was absolutely beautiful. Melissa made the whole day fun and I felt very special and taken care of. I will 100% recommend Helene's to anyone that is looking for a dress! Ask for Melissa too! She was great :)

Kristyne

Not much selection compared to other bridal stores in the area. Inside feels run down. Don't have this be your first bridal shopping experience

Pam Lowe

Excellent experience and great staff! They worked with my spontaneous wedding needs very efficiently. Shelia found a gorgeous dress off the rack requiring minimal alterations. Bernie, the owner, later recognized me on the street and took the time to genuinely congratulate me. Top notch service!

Stephanie Marcoux

Melissa is wonderful

Amy P

their boss, the old man is one of the rudest people i've ever met. would not go here simply because of him.

Nicole Lourenco

Although I did not get my dress from Helene's, I had a good experience. The woman assisting me, I believe it was Melissa, was amazing! She was so friendly and attentive, respected my budget, and gave good suggestions on gowns I was interested in. She did not make me feel pressured or rushed while I was shopping and trying on gowns. The only things that weren't so great was the shop itself, and selection. To be fair, the shop is old (and could use some renovations). The change rooms were very small and cramped, and for whatever reason they always had the lights dimmed in the change room section so it was pretty dark, hard to really view yourself in the gowns. Their plus size selection could be improved. I did have several gowns to try on that I could fit into, but was very limited in selection to choose from unfortunately. Otherwise, everything was to be as expected for a plus size woman going bridal gown shopping.

Ricki Turner

Worst experience in the world. If you are over a size 10 don't go as they legit will have no dresses to fit you. They made me cry. They where not helpful. If they knew what was good for them they would buy sizes that could fit all girls so all women looking for that special dress will have a wonderful experience. Try a different salon so you feel special. Do not go to there.

Meghan Stasiuk

Staff did not seem interested in helping out. Lots of selection though.

Helene's Alterations

We provide same day/next day alterations on many dresses for people who come from outside Winnipeg. We understand that the wedding day is the bride's most important day in her life. Everyone wants to wear the most perfect wedding dress, but many people have some misunderstandings about alterations. Alterations cannot make the dress absolutely perfect if there were imperfections in making the dress to start with or if the bride want major modifications such as turning a full back into a low back. In fact, alterations is making adjustments to a dress that is already made, and sometimes making a dress from scratch is easier than doing alterations. Two to three appointments are reasonable, our changes are to follow the design of the garment structure and the relationship between the body shape to be modified. And if the top has to be adjusted quite a bit, then the hem cannot be done until the top has been done simply because the length of the dress will change depending on how its worn on the body. It's best not to change the structure of the dress, much of the times it may look worse than if it was unchanged. If there are special requirements for a dress, for example, adding sleeves, covering an open back, please speak to us about it. Our professional seamstress have more than 20 years of experience. Alters hundreds of wedding dresses and evening gowns each year. However, with the development of fashion, style, fabric, production process are constantly changing, and the bride's requirements are also getting higher and sometimes even unexpected. As a seamstress we need continue to learn and study how these dresses are made. Please understand and respect each other. We promise to deliver the best service we can. Dear Karen: I'm sorry to hear your about this experience. However I did not find this in my record history. Please contact us and let us know.

Ian Elwood-Oates

I don't understand how this shop is still in business. 5 months ago my daughter in-law's brides maids ordered their dresses, but the staff somehow failed to process the third maid's order. A little over a month ago, having not heard anything about her order, the third maid called in to check on the status. The staff member said it would be in in about a week. Apparently that staff member didn't even look into the order properly because... A month later, after the other two dresses had arrived, the third maid called again but was told "we have no record of your order." The wedding is now less than a month away. I understand that mistakes happen, but the staff at Helene's has done absolutely nothing to make good on their glaring mistakes. They did not offer to order a dress and have it expedited. They did not even offer to help look for similar dresses that could be ordered in time. I am utterly shocked by the complete lack of professionalism shown by the staff, that they've shown no remorse for their poor service.

Jessica Yorga

I had such a great experience at Helene's. There were way more lace dresses under $2000/1500 dollars to choose from than any of the other places I went. The staff was enthusiastic and friendly. I found the perfect dress and didn't have to break the bank. Thank you Helene's for making saying yes to the dress a fond memory. Wish I would have started the dress hunt here!

Nikole Marie

The staff was extremely helpful and nice. They were accommodating and seemed happy and excited to help you find exactly what you want. I found the dress of my dreams there but when I was leaving the manager I believe it was the older man wearing a suit stood and watched all the girls and was extremely rude to me when I left the store commenting on how I'm supposed to be thankful to him and get some manners?? Loved the dress and the staff. Never want to go back because of him though.

Julia Bialas

After an awful and draining experience trying to find a wedding dress that I loved, but was in my budget I went to Helene's. I had such an amazing experience, the lady that helped me made me feel very comfortable by getting to know me a little before having me try on dresses. She then asked about my budget and did not bring me a single dress that would end up over my budget after taxes. She picked dresses for me based on what I liked and didn't like, when she finally brought me the last dress I knew it was the one as did she and everyone else. She let me stay in awh of the dress for as long as it took for me to decide what I wanted to do. She got me shoes and a veil to try as well to see what I would look like the day of. Helene's was relaxed, no pressure and just a loving family like environment. I will 100% reccomend any of my friends get their dresses here.

Michelle Vilness

I came out a year ago from saskatoon to find a dress. I had booked times at 3 bridal shops. Helenes was the first on the list and I found my dress! Dianne who has now retired was amazing and went the extra mile! I came out this weekend for my fitting and said I would take it back to saskatoon with me to get my alterations done because we are leaving Monday. The girl had them done the next morning! Very reasonably priced and great services! Highly recommend!

Marina Bergen

Very helpful, super friendly, and great selection ????

Ash *

5+++++....Thank you so much Helene's Bridal Salon for helping me choose my perfect wedding dress! I can't thank you enough for your expertise! On our first visit, everyone working made us feel like family. I appreciated how friendly, helpful and kind everyone was. When I tried on my dress, I just knew it was the one! Bernie, Sheila (x2), Shelly, Joanne, Melissa and all the other staff were great at accessorizing and making me feel special too! They also helped my bridesmaids get beautiful dresses. Everyone felt great and looked beautiful on our special day. Thank you Channy for the alterations. You made that dress fit just perfect! It was sooooo comfortable and I was able to dance all night long! It is easy to see why Helene's Bridal Salon has been around for all these years. Thank you to all the staff at Helene's for making this such a wonderful experience! I will not hesitate to tell everyone I know about this amazing Bridal Salon! Thank you for making us feel like family!!! I will come to visit soon! xoxo

Cassidy Staerk

My consultant seemed very pushy and I felt that I was getting forgotten about. My bridesmaids were lacing up dresses for me cause the consultant wasn’t around to do her job. The dresses are quite pricy as well.

Tammy Wasylowski

Wanted to buy a Maggie Sottero Esme dress and was told they have a cancelled order of that dress in size 8, the size I need!!! I was sooo excited. I was told that she would call me with the price of the dress and she didn't. So I stopped in a week later and she asked her manager and then told me it's not available. 20 minutes later, the manager said to me, if I want Esme I should just order it. That's ridiculous when they wouldn't sell me the one they have. A bride would have put a deposit on that dress and lost it when she cancelled it. It should be sold for a discounted price now, but instead they want me to "order" another Esme at full price. A total money grab. I will not shop there again and will tell everyone I know how we were treated. Not available, when you have it in the store in the right size! Extremely disappointed.

Rachel Alder

I have looked for dresses at Helene's multiple times for both my sister and my own wedding. I had fantastic service every time!

Bee

When you go in here expect to pay at least 500$ to make alterations to your dress they told me 170$ When I purchased the dress and when I came back to get altered they wanted to charge me 429.00$ dollars for the altering and started saying I don’t know why are staff would tell you 170$ ? I know why the told me 170$ so they can make the sale of the dress and then tell you pay the 429.00$ or take it else where to get altered like we did trust me don’t waste your time here it won’t be your best experience

Karen Dingman

I bought my daughter's wedding dress here. HUGE MISTAKE. Drove 4 hours three times for alterations. The seamstress was TERRIBLE. She RUINED the bodice on the dress. You can see the mess in every picture. I also bought my dress here without my daughter. The dress was in stock, bought off the hanger and left in the store for future alterations, paid in full. When my daughter saw it she disliked it. Asked if I could just pick out and switch to another dress. NO. They would give me a discount on ANOTHER dress. NO THANKS. I will never set foot in that store again. I work in a female dominated profession. Lots of engagements and weddings. I wouldn't want anyone to have this experience ....ever.

Triple Threat

Review was deleted when I decided to not follow up with owner after they replied. Do not recommend this store! I had a bad experience with a staff who had a bad attitude and little selection. I was literally only person in store and she was less than patient as I browsed. Save yourself the parking $ and time. Much better experiences and selections elsewhere!

Mia Ilao

AMAZING experience! I had went bridal shopping with my mother and mother in law for wedding gowns and I cannot justify how friendly and knowledgeable the staff were. I found the dress of my dreams and the ordering time was very reasonable. The actual owner of the store took the time to greet me and offered to put a rush on my dress just so I can have it earlier for alterations. I felt beautiful, the staff made me feel beautiful and I know I will have an amazing wedding. I cannot express how much I recommend this bridal salon!

Alana H

Unfortunately they did not have much within my price range but the staff was amazing, Shelly helped me. I was so nervous going wedding dress shopping but they put me at ease immediately and were so patient. As a plus size women I was hesitant but not once did I feel uncomfortable.

Natashia Viselli

Joanne is the most incredible consultant to work with! She is knowledgeable, supportive and not pushy at all. As a family we have gotten wedding gowns, grad gowns and other formal dresses. I proudly recommend Helene's to anyone who is looking for a spectacular dress and a memorable experience. Thank you to everyone at Helene's!

V V

AWFUL!!!!! Snooty workers!!!

kelli leveque

i bought my grad dress here and the ladies who helped me were so so nice! i can’t remember their names, but they even put my 3 year old niece in a little dress so she could feel included. they also brought me to a different area and dimmed the lights so i could see how my dress will look on my grad night too. i went to 4 different stores before helene’s and found the best quality dresses for the best price with the best employees! still waiting for it to come in though, it’s been 5-6 months

michaela tarbox

Very nice people ! Seemed to actually care about you. WOULD NOT let you buy a dress that didn't look good on you. Got my grad dress here!

Soles Wondering

Shabby space, tiny change rooms, very very disinterested consultant, dresses weren't anything special. Very limited plus sized dresses (anything above 14 was tough to find). Would not recommend at all.