Minnesota-Minneapolis and St. Paul

Wedding Dresses - Where to Look?

Hi All, I want to start looking for my dress in a few weeks, but would love to get some real recommendations of where to look. I need a dress under $500 and I am petite, any good ideas for places around here? I've already got the Wedding Shoppe on my list, but any hidden treasures to look at?
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Re: Wedding Dresses - Where to Look?

  • kristigileskristigiles member
    Seventh Anniversary 500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I loved Heartstrings Bridal in Hopkins.  I went there 3 times!  I loved the way it was organized.  You walk around and tag the dresses that interest you and they pull them for you.  They have pictures of the dresses on the front of each bag so you can easily see what it looks like as well as a clear price.  I always made an apointment and i was always the only bride up there.  Plus, I love the designers they have there.  I ended up finding my dress there during my second visit!
    August 14, 2010 image*PLANNING* *MARRIED*
  • KittE7KittE7 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I also think it's worth checking out David's Bridal - either to just try on a lot of styles at the beginning of your search, or maybe to find a less expensive version of a style you liked at a boutique.  I saw gowns there between $200 and 950.

    I started at Brides of France (found my dream dress), did a consult at Macy's Bridal ($800 seems to be their low point), and then hit DB to see if they'd have a gown within my budget.  Bingo! Found a similar style made with less expensive fabric. Of course, then I found the dream dress on oncewed.com.  LOVE IT!

    The negative is that it's very big, and they don't always have the labor-power to consult with you & pull what you want... BUT, I had a very nice & attentive gal for my visit, and that's why I'm recommending that you give them a shot!

    Plus, they have a great cache of bridesmaids dresses - short- long, cotton sateen - taffeta in like 50 colors!
    eight twenty-seven ten
    reviews to come, i promise
  • edited December 2011
    I second David's Bridal.  They have a really large variety of dresses at very reasonable prices.  I got mine on sale, so it was only $250!!! 

    The other advantage in my opinion is that they have more than one size of each dress.  I have a small frame, so it was really difficult for me to visualize what a dress would look like at other shops when they had to clip it up in the back. At David's, they had the dresses I liked in my size (or 1 size larger).  It was great to be able to see what they would actually look like on me.
  • Bimbi284Bimbi284 member
    Ninth Anniversary 1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Mestad's in Rochester FOR SURE!!! They do have a location in St. Cloud, but I don't know too much about that one. I do know that in Rochester they are FABULOUS! They have such a wide selection in any price range, so it should be at the top of your list! 
  • juliels53juliels53 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I second Mestads, but the St. Cloud location. I loved them, basically the same reasons Bimbi did Rochester. Have fun shopping!
    In story books marriage is a happy ending. In real life it's a happy beginning. Living my happy beginning since September 18, 2010! Planning Bio & Vendor Reviews
  • kkaew816kkaew816 member
    Eighth Anniversary 1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    You could check out Rush's, they have a nice sample selection there too, I also liked Napier Bridal
  • KatiemahlerKatiemahler member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Thanks All, I am really excited, I'll check them out!
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  • edited December 2011

    My favorite was Bella Bridal in Woodbury with a large price range of dresses and fabulous service.

    I bought my dress at Dena Marie Bridal in Roseville.  When it's busy in there, it is crazy.  However, when it's slower you get fabulous service from ladies who have been donig it for such a long time.

    I liked HeartString Bridal in Hopkins.  It felt nice and relaxing.  It was the first place I went and it was a nice way to ease into the whole dress shopping experience since it's a smaller shop.

    I didn't care for the Wedding Shoppe because it was so packed in there.  I didn't really have room to think.

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