Finnally ready to look for the dress - favorite shops?

SomethingBeautiful08

I'm almost at the six month mark (10/20/12!!), but for a few reasons I'm finnally ready to go try on wedding dresses.  My goal is to look at and hopefully order one in the next few weeks.  My FMIL has graciously offered to go with me, but logistically that means I need to go after work (I'm done by 3 pm) and probably stay local i.e. Livonia, Canton, Northville area. 
I have a feeling I'll end up at David's Bridal, but are there any favorite local shops that would be accomidating to a realitively tight timeline and small ish (less then $1k) budget?
Also, about how long do most people spend in appointments?

spartybride3

I went to Elizabeth's and they didn't have a big selection under $1,000. I had another appointment down the street from it (Bella Bridal??) but I canceled because I found my dress elsewhere. I ended up buying my dress at Gina's Bridal in Milford. They have a lot of dresses under $1,000 & its such a cute place. I ordered mine in January & its due to come in mid-may. If you are 6 months out, I would order relatively soon. My appointments were about an hour...I spent more time at Gina's, but they let you try on as many dresses as you want & don't pressure you to do anything. 

lovedbyzac

My sister had a similar budget and found a gorgeous dress at Diane's Dream Brides in Livonia on sale. She's had lots of good things to say about them! 

I bought my dress at Bella Bridal in West Bloomfield and have nothing but wonderful things to say. Not sure about the price range, though.

Good luck! Trying on dresses is always exciting.

SomethingBeautiful08

Thanks ladies... It has been fun and my FMIL that only has sons has been more then wonderful.  I ended up going to B Ella Bridal in Northville, Bridal Magic in Canton, and Moni's Bridal in Farmington. Honestly I wasn't wowed by any of the experience I had at any of the places.  Ulitmately I'm buying the dress, not the experiences,  but I've got in narrowed down to two different dresses at two different stores... T-minus six months and counting so I get to make the final desision this week.