I just purchased my dress after going to many local stores, and figured that I would share my experiences with any brides who have yet to shop for the dress!
David's Bridal-Nashua, NH: Although many people have bad experiences at DB, mine was great. I scheduled an appointment in advance during the week. The store was pretty dead. My consultant listened to everything I *thought* I wanted, and helped me to realize that I was wrong. She was patient, understanding, and very helpful. I found that they had a good selection of dresses at a variety of price points, and my consultant never pressured me to buy.
Rating: A-
Country Bridals-Jaffrey, NH: This store was recommended by a friend so I figured I should check it out. Physically, it is a small space, but they had numerous designers to choose from and a good range of prices as well. I found the consultant I worked with to not be very helpful. Although the store was dead, there were numerous times that she was MIA and my friends were lacing my dresses up. Dresses were great, but service was lacking.
Rating: B
Modern Bride-Bedford, NH: This was another store that came highly recommended, but I was leery because I figured the prices would be sky-high, and driving by the location seemed small to me. Boy was I wrong! This was by far the best selection of dresses, the nicest most relaxing atmosphere, and the widest range of prices. Plus they have a pretty substantial rack that has sample dresses for 80% off the original ticket price! Many of the new dresses include a bustle and press. My consultant was SO HELPFUL and down to earth. I felt so comfortable there. I think all brides in the NH area should check out Modern Bride!
Rating: A+
Marry & Tux-Nashua, NH: I had heard great things about this store, but was very disappointed. The website says dresses start at $600, but the consultant I worked with said they began at $800. I found the selection to be severely lacking. I had two friends with me, and in a matter of 10 minutes we had looked through all of the dresses with nothing that I even wanted to try on. Very disappointing. The service seemed okay for the 10 minutes we were there, but overall I don't really understand what people see in this place.
Rating: C
Chantilly Place-Lowell, MA: Another recommendation. Once again, I found that this location did not have a great variety of dresses, and this was a short trip. The girl downstairs was more than helpful with me and had a great, friendly personality. I knew what I wanted for a dress though, and although the consultant showed me some similar gowns, they weren't quiite right for me.
Rating: B
So those are my experiences. As you can imagine, I ended up purchasing my dress from Modern Bride. The staff there was amazing both times I went, and I really cannot say enough about the selection of dresses, the layout of the store, the prices for any budget, and the little extras offered by this store.
Good luck to all those who are still searching for their dress!