Dress Shopping

janjan550

I NEED to get going on dress shopping.  We are getting married in a little over 6 months, and I know some places take longer than that just to get the dress in.  Any good recommendations for places that are affordable, and will work with my timeline? 
I have read the posts on here and sounds like I Do, I Do bridal gets bad reviews, Uptown Bridal gets good reviews but may be too expensive (not sure on their range exactly), I would like to avoid David's Bridal but may give in and go, Suzanne's Bridal in Gilbert is on my short list of places to go, and then there is Azteca (very mixed reviews), and Group USA (which is inexpensive, but not sure about the quality and styles).  Am I missing anywhere that I MUST go?

Thanks Ladies!

Celles

One of my bridesmaids swears by I Do, I Do -- but she bought her dress there in 2003 and was helped by the owner (Helen), so things may have changed since then.

My birth mom took my FSIL (little brother's fiancee) to the David's Bridal on Ray Road and said the saleswoman who assisted them was amazing. Apparently, she has a great eye -- she knows what styles flatter which figures -- and isn't shy about giving honest feedback.  David's seems hit and miss for most people, but I'll see if I can get the woman's name.  My b. mom raved about her so much I'm planning on making an appointment myself, even though I had initially planned to avoid David's Bridal, too.

Sorry I can't be of more help.  I haven't started dress shopping myself yet, but I have a little more time than you do and am desperately hoping to shed a few more pounds before I shove myself into a dress.

alschmid

I'm in the same position, almost 6 months out and just started shopping.

I went to Davids and had Jeannie as a consultant, who I thought was great.  She definitely had good recommendations.

I am heading to Suzanne's tonight for some dress shopping.  I spoke with Suzanne on the phone and she seemed really nice.

Interested in hearing about other places within a good price point (under $1000) for me.  I may check out group usa as well.  Considering going to azteca (they are having a Maggie Sottero trunck show this weekend, but don't think I will make it then).

sms274

What about Brides By Demetrios? I don't have experience with this place, but a friend got her dress there and loved it.

janjan550

Do you think the trunk show would work for my timeline?  I'm not exactly sure how it works, but I like Maggie Sottero dresses, I even found beautiful one with my same name   Maybe I should check it out.  Any idea on the price range of a Maggie Sottero dress?

alschmid

from what I've been seeing - Maggies are $800 up.  I think the trunk shows usually give you 10% off prices, but you guy then and are limited to the sizes they have there?  I'm not really sure if thats right though? 

I have a few Maggie dresses marked to try out at Suzanne's tonight - so can get back to you on what price range they are around.

Has anyone been to a trunk show before?

acnahm

Just a mention about I do I do, Azteca and pricing.  I went to Azteca where they were NOT having any sort of trunk shows etc and they had 15% off all of their Maggie, Casablanca (which is what I got) and some others.  I'm sure that sale has ended by now, but I do know that their prices are slightly lower than I do I do, at least on the dresses I tried on.  The Maggies that I was trying on were in the $800-1300 range at Azteca without a discount, but I only tried on a few.  I do I do told my very good friend that Maggie, Casablanca, etc don't give discounts ever.  This is obviously not true since they had discounts elsewhere, so I personally don't think I do I do is trustworthy, they just want your money.

Also, Azteca has a whole section of dresses under $800.  And I believe it takes just around 12 weeks to get dresses in there (but I would definitely ask them before you buy).

Hope that helps

Gogalina

Try Lillian Lottie in Old Town. My friend got engaged in August 2009, ordered her dress in September & got married in November. Everything fit beautifully, it was within her budget. Also, they're soo easy to work with & Jenny is a doll! I didn't buy my dress there, but that's only because they didn't carry it. It was probably my top bridal dress shop experience though.

alschmid

Does Lillian Lottie and Demetrios have much of a selection under $1000?  I was under the impression that most of their dresses were higher end, although I'm not sure where I have that impression from   Maybe just because they are in Scottsdale?

alschmid

why are all of my posts centered? 

jabeckner

I bought a Demetrios dress, it was $1800, but the ones I tried on were anywhere from $1500 - $2500.  Oh and a side note they say they take about 6 months to get in, unless maybe you can buy off the rack?

alschmid

Just a note that Lillian Lottie online says their dresses start at $850

abersweett

I purchased my dress at I Do I Do last month. It was a Maggie Sottero for about $1100, but the majority of the dresses I was looking at were around $700. My dress will come in around the beginning of July, so it's only taking four months to come in. My wedding is August 28th, so I was stressed about getting my dress in time as well. I LOVE I Do I Do....everyone was so nice and helpful! I would definitely give them a try.

janjan550

Thanks for all the info.  I made appointment for Saturday at Azteca and Suzanne's. I'm sure it won't be my only shopping trip, so I will probably hit up a couple more places.

belgirl

I got my dress at Suzanne's.  They have the biggest collection of Maggie Sottero's dresses in the Valley, so if that's what you are after. that's the place to go.  Plus from what I have heard, Suzanne is an alterations god. 

alschmid

good luck janjan!  I think I am going to see if I can get an appointment at Azteca this weekend.

Just back from Suzanne's and tried on a ton of dresses.  Found one I really like (but not liking the price as much), and also found a few more styles that I may try on. 

anyway, it seemed to me that most of the store was under 1K, it was just somewhat difficult to really get a feel for the dresses when they were all in bags and stuck together.  Also seemed that the service wasn't quite as personalized as I got at Davids.  Much bigger selection though...

JMejia1972

Although I haven't started dress shopping yet... I did "pop" into Azteca last week and was VERY impressed. HUGE selection of dresses including Maggie S. Regarding trunk show, I was told they only have size 8. So unless you're an 8 or smaller, probably won't do much good. When I drop at least 10 lbs. I plan on hitting up Azteca.