Wedding Dress Shopping

jaylii9 · August 2009

So I have started dress shopping! Went to Catans and our sales person Alex, was awesome (highly reccomend her!). I tried on a lot of dresses, but didn't completely fall for one dress. I also went to Galleria gowns this past week and did not find anything great. I am now considering going to Demetrios (Legacy Village), Leonardos (Rocky River) and The Perfect Bride (Rocky River). Anyone have opinions on these salons? Are they out of my price range ($1000 or under)? I think I have done my homework, but wanted to here your opinions!Also, if you have any idea where I can find a elegant, classic lace dress let me know!TIA!P.S. I have considered the idea of going to David's bridal and want to continue looking elsewhere for my dress:)

l337Jacqui · August 2009

i haven't been to any of those places, but i got mine at annabelle bridal in solon

found the perfect one there! cute little bridal shop with very nice ladies working there

starshine985 · August 2009

I've only been to one of those places - Demetrios in Legacy Village. Although they have beautiful gowns and dresses, they are terrible in the service department. I was a bridesmaids and had to travel 45 minutes to get there every time we had a fitting. I made an appointment to come in and when I got there, they hadn't even started the alterations (and yes, they did know I had a drive to get there)! That, among other issues I had, makes me strongly dislike that store. The bride for that same wedding also had alteration problems. Perhaps they're good for buying dresses, but get alterations elsewhere!

jefisher05 · August 2009

Seriously, the running of the brides is coming up in the Warrensville Heights Filene's and it might be something to consider if you want to save on a dress-my dress is apparently the edgy couture-like line for Provinias (sp?) and I got it for 1/12 of the price. Granted there is a bit of digging that goes along with that but they had all sorts of stuff!

devinandheidi · August 2009

When going to the Perfect Bride, request Renee or Carly and you've have a wondeful time. If you get Carly's mom, the owner, you'll hate it. I hear this time and time again. You should be able to find things in the $1000 range at both TPB and Leonardos, but I have to guess you'll find a few more in your range at Leonardo's. I haven't been there since they changed ownership, but liked the store a lot before that. No advice on Demetrios. Brides by the Falls told me they were getting some more around $1000 dresses in at their store in the spring. I wouldn't count them out if you are striking out else where. They have a wonderful selection of elegant dresses. I would also suggest Dora's Bridal & Formal, they have a few lace dresses last I knew!All Brides Beautiful may have what you're looking for as well in Hudson.IMHO: Skip DB at all costs just so you stay off their phone calling chain.GOOD LUCK. HAVE FUN!!!

lpallad · August 2009

Hello!

I got my dress from Brides by Demetrios and had a wonderful experience with Lottie!

Thanks pp for advice not to get my alterations done there!!! But I love their dresses!!! They may be out of your price range though - as with what Heidi said - Dora's in Fairview Park has some great dresses! they will def be in your price range and I loved the service there!!!!

katyj112 · August 2009

I missed the ROB in Cleveland and ended up driving to Columbus for it, didn't find a dress there but there was a TON to choose from and we got there early afternoon. Add that to your list if you can!I went to Demitrios for my first time trying them on and it was great. I picked it for location and variety, I knew I couldn't afford their dresses so honestly barely looked at price tags! I really liked the service there, but was just shopping, not sure how they are for purchase/alterations. Brides by the falls was an awesome experience as well. I ended up purchasing in Cincinatti while traveling for work, but if you're down there at all (haha) def check out Bridal and Formal!!

mocklerja · August 2009

I went to Dora's Bridal for my dress and it was about $500 (not including alterations). I would suggest going during the week...things were very busy there on the weekends even if you make an appointment. I had lots of people to help me so I did not really care. My mom did, but I wasn't going to sweat it!

They have alot of selections for under $1000.

KayH23 · August 2009

I second Annabelle Bridal in Solon (I got my dress there, as did Jacqui!) Very helpful, nice selection, don't let the strip mall that it sits in scare you away! I also looked at All Brides Beautiful in Hudson. They definitely have some dresses in your price range and they will even e-mail you when a specific item goes on sale. Demetrios in Legacy would have been my next stop, I have heard really good reviews. Good luck and happy dress shopping!!

Kerribr86 · August 2009

I actually did really well at TPB by purchasing a sample gown. I want to say it was October-ish and most were in great/perfect condition. Just another way to get the designer feel for about 1/3 of the price.

aswoap · August 2009

My first trip was to Leonardos and I didn't find much I liked under $1,000. I think they are trying to have higher designers now.

pickedflower · August 2009

I've heard good things about Demetrios. If you end up checking out David's Bridal, I would recommend the one in North Olmsted. I had a great experience there and haven't had any annoying phone calls (emails, yes, but I gave them my spam account). My budget was 500 so that's why I chose David's Bridal, but the service was a lot better than I had expected.

ayamm1123 · August 2009

Also - if you are still hunting in Jan-March – catans does a sample sale that has done well for a number of people I know. Every year I go with a new friend- B2B and they always walk out with a dress!

photobride724 · August 2009

When I was looking for my dress, I went to Leonardos first and then The Perfect Bride (it's right across the street). I ending up ordering my Enzoani dress from Leonardos. I love them! The girls were so helpful and very accommodating. I wanted custom alterations and they were very happy to help. When I went to The Perfect Bride, it was completely different. I couldn't find anything I liked, and they kept bringing things in for me to try that were not very flattering on me. The owner seemed kind of annoyed when I was asking questions, too. Even though Leonardos is a little pricey, there service is great.

rinea25 · August 2009

I went to Alfred Angelo in Boardman, Ohio They have a huge selection and the service was incredible. Did alterations at TPB. The seamstress is awesome! The owner and other workers are not that friendly. Heidi is right though. Carly is great. The dresses I saw there were in the 3K-5K range.

klockerc · August 2009

I tried on dresses at Demetrios in Legacy and wasn't thrilled with their service. There were several other girls there though at the same time which made it pretty crazy and I think the woman who was helping me was pretty new (she was constantly asking her supervisors for advice and her supervisor was watching her like a hawk.) I think most of their dresses were above $1000 but I know of girls who have gone when they have floor sales and have had great service and got a great bargain for their dress.I had a great experience at Galleria Gowns in Willoughby Hills and they had several gorgeous dresses at $1000 or less. I ultimately got my dress at Catan's but almost picked a dress at Galleria.

klockerc · August 2009

Oh yeah... I forgot. I also tried on dresses at Davids bridal. I went to the one on Mayfield Road and had a really good experience I just wasn't impressed by the look of the lace there (I also was looking for a lace dress in the same price range.) I think you will still be able to find a beautiful lace dress in your price range elsewhere.

italianteach21 · August 2009

I don't know how far you're willing to go but I got my dress at Doreen Leaf Designs in Hartville. They were so nice to work with and I got an amazing deal on my dress (it was $1,010 but I got it for $699). David's Bridal was the worst to go to. When I didn't find a dress that I liked she looked at me and said "Well, what exactly are you going to do then?" My response...."umm, I have until next September, I'm pretty sure that I'll be ok".Good Luck!

LaBelleFemme · August 2009

To jump on the "I don't know how far you want to drive" bandwagon, Doreen Leaf is good. I bought my dress at Lavender Bridal in Dover. I am going to warn you, it will seem like you have driven to West Virginia before you get there, but it really isn't that far. They have a TON of dresses. Check out their website and see if they have any designers that you are considering. They will also give you 20% off most gowns that they order (some designers are not eligible). I got my dress there and I could not be happier. Good luck!

lilsunshine214 · August 2009

I had a pretty good experience at Wishes and Whims Bridal in Cuyahoga Falls. It's a smaller shop. I went alone and the daughter of the owner waited on me and she was really nice.I ended up buying my dress at David's Bridal in Dublin, Ohio (my hometown). I really liked how unique the design was and got tons of compliments on it.

jaylii9 · August 2009

Thanks everyone for the advice! I will have to consider all of my store options before heading out for more shopping. Like I said before I am not going to look at David's bridal. The running of the brides and sample sale idea may not work for me because I am a size 12 (street size) and sample sizes are usually smaller.

knightskeye · August 2009

I had a great experience at TPB and found two great dresses for under $1000. Their price includes all alterations (3 fittings) and storage. Some of their gowns can be pricey, but I would just go in and tell them your budget. I ended up buying a gown from a not-so-known designer that mostly does modesty gowns but also has some desinger looks. The detail of my gown is amazing for the price. Similar dresses I saw cost double at other stores (without alterations included). Plus, the saleswoman was the one who ended up picking out the gown for me.

katyms7 · August 2009

I got my dress from Dora's Bridal and Formal in Fairview 2 weeks ago. I had a great experience and received a wonderful price on my dress. I also really liked the lace effect and I started looking at Mori Lee gowns. It has lace at the bottom half of the dress and then had a ruffle at the bottom. I loved it! It has such a timeless look. Also Dora's is having a sale on Mori Lee gowns until the end of August. Have fun dress shopping!

anabel421 · August 2009

I just wanted to recommend when you do find your dress, check with Anything Bridal. They are a mother daughter business that can most often get bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, mob, etc. etc. at a lower price (they don't have any overhead cost). I went through them and got my dress $600 less than I found it at Catans. Also, I got my bridesmaid dresses for $50 less. The are super friendly and reliable. Seriously, check them out!! anythingbridal dot com.

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