just engaged... where to start?

susieQpaul

hi. Just got engaged and no idea where to start... but I want to start trying on dresses here in DC.

I'm looking for suggestions of good places to start in order to get an idea about dress types/fabrics/prices/designs. I'm sort of no-frills tomboy type and never dreamed about my wedding, so I'm totally clueless about these things. Any tips for fairly low key, low pressure, but high quality places to look for dresses?

thanks!

LindsMullinix

theres a post just a few posts below this that has some suggestions of really good bridal salons - check it out

susieQpaul

thanks! will do

rfelix14

Congrats! This time will fly by fast. I had a great experience at Chevy Chase Bridal in Mazza Gallery (it used to be called Harriet Kassman). Also check out Le Star Bridal in Alexandria. Hannelore's in Alexandria had a very wide selection but the customer service was just ok.

The best piece of advice anyone has given me about wedding planning was to get a wedding planner and I'm so grateful that I did!!! My planner has been great, let me know if you want her contacts and I can post the for you. 

Have fun planning!!! 

fuccisphotos

Katherine's in Alexandria was good too.  Be sure to ask for Kathy.  Also, go through the dresses listed on the knot and mywedding.com get an idea of shapes you generally like.  Get some bridal magazines and tear out the ads of ones you like.  Then take those with you to the bridal shops.  Make sure to make an appointment in advance.  Don't let them push you into a dress that is WAY outside your budget.  I got a dress at Katherine's by Maggie Sottero that was $1300 that everyone thought was $20,000!  It was amazing.  You don't have to spend your life savings on a dress to get something fantastic.