dress shopping questions

sandmamm

Any suggestions for shopping?? I have found a dress I love at Fabulous Bridal (only place I have been so far) but I feel like I need to look around more, especially for financial reasons. If it helps, I am looking for more of a lace-style dress. I was thinking of going to Madison Ave Bridal?!? Any comments about this place? Is it only high-end? I am budgeting 1000-1500. I was a little overwhelmed with how expensive the dresses were at Fabulous Bridal.

HSchall

I know this isn't exactly Cincinnati advice but I feel compelled to weigh in.  I was married about 10 years ago and was obsessed with finding a fantastic silk dress (no polyester, etc.).  I did find a dress and spent a ton on it.  This time around I am completely amazed at how many fantastic dresses there are in your price range.  They might not be super high-end designers or all natural fabrics but who will notice anyway?  I am not all that familiar with the shops in Cinncinnati (I live in Chicago but am getting married in Cincinnati) but check out the House of Brides website just to see what is available in your price range (it is a Chicago store but they sell online and have the same designers you can find elsewhere).  I have seen these dresses in person and believe me they look amazing and I typically have pretty expensive tastes.  My advice would be to look for the stores that carry gowns in your price range and then go in asking for those designers. Hope this helps.

mrspanzica

Definitely go to Madison Bridal.  Everything is under $800 and they are more than willing to custom make just about anything for you!!  They were a breath of fresh air after going to the bridal disctrict in Reading.  And they have sample sizes that are larger than a size 2 so you have a better idea of how they will actually look.   

girlinaveil

My suggestion would be to ask Fabulous-Bridal for a discount. I heard on the radio today they are having a clearance sale this weekend...might be a good weekend to bargain. They helped me out w/ my budget!   Good Luck!

kelklump

Shop around for what you want. I started there as well. I found plenty I loved, but decided on a dress at Bridal and Formal. I am glad I found something half the price and I love just as much. Even if you end up back with that dress, you will know what you are looking for.

jeremy.teresa

Have you tried going to Bridal and Formal yet?  It might not be a bad idea to see if they have a similar or same dress.  They generally offer 20% off every dress right off the bat and like pp said, if you find it cheaper online and print the price, style #, etc. and show it to them, they generally honor it.  I didn't even have to say anything about budget or price and my sales consultant at B&F gave me an immediate 20% off.  I also got my bm dresses there and I found them much less expensive online and they price matched w/ no questions.  HTH!

LES8419

You could also check out Special Occasions in Amelia. I purchased my dress there for well below what I had budgeted. Also, my dress was a Mori Lee and was $200 more at another bridal store in Kenwood. It is a very small store but their prices are incredible (and alterations are included in the price as long as they aren't drastic). I ended up saving close to $350 by buying my dress through them. My dress hasn't come in yet so I can't speak to their service or alterations yet, but I have been very happy so far.

mrswalters515

I liked Cincinnati Bride! I am a very average sized bride and was able to find one I loved off the rack. The price tag was $1200 but because I was presistant and bought off rack I got it down to $400 plus tax. It never hurts to bargain with them they usually are willing to work with you.