I just wanted to post my praises of the David's Bridal in Orland Park, IL! I can't write a review on weddingwire until after the wedding, so I thought this would be a great way to get the word out.
I had never intended to even set foot inside of a David's for my gown, mainly because of what I had read online. When I saw that they were having their annual $99 gown sale though, I decided to take a look. While I didn't end up trying those dresses on, they DID have all of the dresses in the store marked down $300-400 dollars each, so I went that route instead. Katie, my consultant, was AMAZING. She was so nice, knew my style immediately, and listened carefully to what my mother and I described in what we wanted from my dress. She did not push me into trying anything on, or even influence my decision in anyway. Actually, I am a teacher, and I felt that Katie approached me trying on gowns much like I would approach a student who was trying to figure out a problem in classfor - she asked me what I was thinking, why I felt one way or another, and made dress selections for me based on that. In the end, she chose 2 beautiful gowns for me that I had a hard time choosing between (from the Oleg line). She scheduled me for the following Friday (I came in on a Wednesday) so that I had time to think about which one I wanted.
The best part was that I never felt pressured to buy anything at all. At the other salons I had went to, I felt that mounting pressure toward the end of my appointment, which made me nervous. I went back the following Friday, tried the two gowns on that I loved, and decided on the first drop-waist A-line Katie had chosen for me (which was something I would have NEVER picked out by myself!!)
I got my gown 1 week from the day I ordered it. When I came in to pick it up, Katie checked the entire dress with me to be sure the bead work was done right, that the seams were sewn correctly, and that the dress fit me well. Not only this, but because Katie ordered me the correct size (I am 5'4'' and about 150 lbs), I don't need ANY alterations - hemming included! - at all. All I need is the bustle! I also received a Holiday gift of a $50 credit toward alterations because I bought my dress around Christmas.
I am so thrilled and just needed to share this with every South Suburban bride out there! If you go to David's in Orland, ask for Katie!