Bridal salon recommendations?

alittleoaktree

I may be missing something really obvious, but I can't seem to find salons that stock much in an "in between" price point. That is, a step up from David's Bridal, but a step down from most of the dresses at Oak Street salons. The boutiques had dresses mostly in the $5,000 range on the lower end, some of which I loved, but ultimately I don't know if I can bring myself to spend that much. Any ideas on where I could find a decent selection of $1,000-$3,000 dresses?

MobKaz

If you are willing to take a trip to McHenry, I would recommend Kathryn's Bridal.  Their price point I belive begins at $400 and I think may max out at $5000.  They have an incredible selection in the range of $800-$3000.  Their sales staff and consultants are wonderful and browsing dresses is very consumer friendly.  My daughter and BM's were encouraged to look through the racks at their leisure.  The racks are set up in way that makes it easy.....the gowns are not squished together on long racks.

TEA&Co

I can't speak for the Chicago stores since I didn't visit any, but here are stores that I'd recommend if you can get out to the 'burbs:

-Crystal Bride in Geneva--HIGHLY recommend, where I got my dress.  I worked with Heather and she is fantastic.  Well within your price point.  Huge selection.
-White Satin Bridal in Plainfield--I had a good experience here.  Visited twice--worked with Robyn the first time and would highly recommend requesting her (she is one of the owners).
-Bella Bianca in Oakbrook Terrace is a little closer to the top of your price range, but gorgeous dresses.  Just make sure you are very clear and firm with what you're willing to spend.  I gave a ballpark figure and they put me in a dress that was close to twice what I told them.  But a lovely store.
-Veiled in Elegance in Geneva--down the street from Crystal Bride.  Never made it there because I found my dress at CB before my appointment at VIE. 

Have fun!

k9doc07

I second the Crystal Bride!  I also went to Veiled in Elegance, and Bella Bridals in St. Charles, all in the same day since they are very close.  They were all nice.  It is annoying to drive out to the burbs, especially when it comes time for all your fittings.  However, I agree that the city salons were either extremely low end or high end, and I couldn't find one that I wanted to visit either.  An added bonus to the suburbs is that your sales tax will be a little lower!

ProPlannerKyra

My dress and BM dresses came from Catherine Simms Bridal in Naperville and they were fantastic. I had BMs in 6 states and everyone's dresses were ordered and shipped perfectly. No complaints at all about service or selection. They're across from Fox Valley Mall.

alittleoaktree

Thanks for the suggestions. It's quite difficult for me to get out to the burbs (I don't own a car), but it looks like that may be my only option and after a depressing trip to a lower-priced chain this afternoon, I'm getting a bit desperate! Doesn't help that the turn around time on ordering/alteration is much longer than I thought it was, so I don't have too much time to fuss with this.

Time to see which of these stores stocks designers I might like and form a plan of attack

GinaK119

I got my dress at Kathryns Bridal in McHenry. My budget was 3,000 and I pretty much could try any dress on in the store and be in my budget. The dress I found was 1,500 so half my budget.

Abonsut

I would suggests Macy's bridal salon at State st.  The consultant that I had, Nan, only showed me dresses in or under my price range (between $3000 and $4000) and I found a stunning dress from Watters.  It was a really positive experience for me as I was really stressed out about the process for the same reasons.  Good luck and have fun shopping!

MrsPaps

Hey Veiledbychacha--NO VENDORS ALLOWED!!!

Veiledbychacha

I just signed on today and read it after I submitted.  I'm so sorry!  I will delete!!

[Deleted User]

I second Crystal Bride. Also A L'Amour in Barrington and Volle's in Lake Zurich!

vmoran32

Here Comes the Bride in Addison has amazing dresses that are under $1000. I got my Mori Lee dress from there. The designer (Madeline Gardner) designs a similar dress I saw on Say Yes to the Dress for $2500. My mom has very high end taste an loves my dress!

sjwolf66

I'm a city person too and was not keen on venturing into high end boutiques or the 'burbs to try on dresses.  Weddings 826 in Lincoln Park was my first stop...they have a good selection at $2,000 and below.  Although I didn't get a dress there, I purchased a gorgeous La Sposa tulle and lace jacket off-the-rack ($350). 

My second stop was Jenny Yoo, which is just off the Chicago Brown line stop.  The Tara style dress was perfect with the La Sposa tulle/lace jacket, and only $850 -- plus Jenny Yoo has a 15% sale the entire month of August! 

Hope this help!