My budget is only $500 for the dress (that's everything- alterations, etc), so David's is a logical choice. But I've read mixed things about them (Springfield is the closest).
Any tips on how to get the best service at David's?
Are there other wedding dress stores in my price range I should visit?
Thanks!
Re: Opinion about David's Bridal in Springfield VA
Have you looked at Alfred Angelo dresses? Unfortunately, there aren't any Alfred Angelo manufacturer stores in the area (closest one is Cumberland, MD) but there are other bridal salons that sell them in the area. Might want to look at their dresses - there are a lot in your price range and if you get them from an actual AA store, they run sales all the time. My dress ended up being around $600.
David's was the first place I tried on any dresses, as I wanted to get an idea of what looked good on my body. I made an appointment for a weeknight, as I heard it gets very crazy on the weekend. The consultant who helped me wasn't very enthusiastic and I don't think she did a good job of pulling dresses that flattered me. However, I pulled a few of my own that I liked and had better luck with that. So you should be able to find something in your budget there, as long as you don't mind self-service.
I also went to a shop called Bridals by Natalie in Alexandria, and I found a Mori Lee dress there that I really liked for $399, so that might be another option for you. I had attentive service there too.
Also - FYI - On a Saturday (but it might have just been because of the sale) consultants have two brides at once. I didn't mind since I liked keeping the dresses on a few minutes and talking with my mom/MOH to decide if I liked it
I'd go back to David's and recommend them - especially for the prices. If you can, try to go during the day when everyone is at work.
Good luck!
David's Bridal in Springfield is good just do NOT go on a weekend. It is a MAD HOUSE. I would def recommend a weekday/night. Good luck! Also, you should shop around and then check online for dresses you like. I found mine (not at Davids) at a shop in Fairfax and ordered it online, saved me more than $300. Just a thought. Good luck and have fun!
If you are looking for the attentive consultant experience you see on the show "Say Yes to the Dress" you will not get that at the David's Bridal in Springfield. But you will find a great dress within your budget. My budget was similar to yours and I bought my dress there and love it.
My consultant was very nice but she would only pull 1 or 2 dresses at a time and then disappear for a long time. My MOH ended up pulling most of the dresses that I tried on so be prepared to have whoever goes with you pull dresses.
I agree with everyone who said go on a weeknight. It is a madhouse on Saturday.
Good luck with your dress search.
My Planning Bio ** For Sale
UPDATED 1/5/11
FYI- the two consultants recommended in this thread- Jen W and Erica are no longer with David's Bridal in Springfield. I've been put with Jessica--anyone work with her?
Found a $250 dress that I love and it was suppose to take 3 months and it actually took 10 days---that's right 10 days!!
Here is a longer review of my experience...
(click below)
My experience at David’s Bridal in Springfield, VA