How far in advance to make bridal appointments? Affordable quality botiques?

ymw6110

Dress shopping in about 6 weeks!  My mother is flying into town, so it’s important that I find a dress in the weekend she’ll be here. Ill probably line up 3 appointments.  How far in advance do I need to make an appointment?

So far I’ve selected Sweet Elegance (Decatur) and Brides by Demetrios as potential stores.  J Andrews in Peachtree city also carries several of the designers I love but, I’d prefer not to drive all over Atlanta.  Does anyone have any other suggestions of bridal salons that offer a wide selection of dresses around 1500?  The aura and experience of the salon is also important. I envisioned a champagne toast once we find "the dress" but maybe places don't do that anymore lol

I know several local brides do Brides by Lori, but based on reviews I doubt Ill be able to find anything there and I don't like that they charge extra for alterations.  I’ve recently had an epiphany about the wedding industry and cut my dress budget in half, so I’m hoping to stick to that!

mandyandmike2009

 but based on reviews I doubt Ill be able to find anything there and I don't like that they charge extra for alterations. !
Posted by ymw6110[/QUOTE]

I don't know of any place that doesn't charge for alterations to a wedding dress.

I bought my wedding dress at A Formal Occasion in Kennesaw on Bells Ferry Rd. Great selection and not expensive. I had to pay for alterations as well.

ymw6110

Didn't know that...well I guess that's even more reason for me to drive my budget down!

annetastic071710

I went to Bridals by Lori one time as a BM and it was terrible. They were really snobby and we (the bride and I) felt like we were disrespected. But it does seem like the kind of place that would sell you champane.

I got mine at Bride Beautiful. They are kind of a bridal factory, but they took care of me just fine and were reasonably priced.

I also went to Kelly's Closet (LOVED them but didn't find a dress there). Le Dress Botique in Buckhead sells high end dreses on consignment...not sure if you care about that but you can find amazing things there. South of the city I went to J.Andrews.. its reaaaaally far from my house so I found my dress there and went to Bride Beautiful to buy it.

Another peice of advice... you probably won't find your dress on the first trip. What I THOUGHT I wanted looked horrible! Before my parents flew in to look for dresses with me, I went with one of my BMs. I narrowed down exactly what I wanted so when my parents came I could actually go and purchase something. Just something to think about...GL!  

belletop

I agree with PP that what you think you want based on browsing photos may look terrible on you.  After the first set of dresses you will probably completely change your idea of what you're looking for. 

I had a really low budget ($300) but I looked at Bridal Sense & Bride Beautiful.  In the end I got a bridesmaid's dress that had a train & corset back and came in ivory.  The alterations were still $180 for that.

Meaganethomas

I agree with Bride Beautiful! They had a lot of selection in my price range ($1000-$1500) but if you buy from them, I would get your dress altered somewhere else...they're a smidge on the expensive side.

Meagan O'Neal

meaganophotography.com

ymw6110

Thanks for the suggestions! Bride Beautiful carries several of the designers I'm interested in.  Ill also look into making a shopping trip before my mother flies into town to narrow down my options and ensure she can take part in the final selection.

taddeogriffith

Make your appointments about two weeks in advance. All bridal salons charge extra for alterations. I second the advice about pre-shopping-- I tried to squeeze it into one weekend, made an impulse decision and really regretted it. J. Andrews does have a very good selection--ask for Theresa if you go. Bride Beautiful (ask for Crystal) and Wedding Angels (ask for Sonya) in Roswell carry many of the same designers. None of these are the champagne type of places. If you can wear a sample size, check with Priscilla of Boston (Abrielle) to see if they have any sample dresses for sale. They don't advertise it but they are sometimes available. I think la raine in Virginia-highlands may carry some designers in that price range.