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Dress shopping in Charlottesville/Staunton/Richmond

scpalmtree06scpalmtree06 member
100 Comments
in Virginia
Hello all,

Although I've been a member of theknot.com since getting engaged in January, I've just discovered the message boards and am so excited to be able to participate!

Fiancé and I have planned our wedding for November 21 in Charlottesville.  We've booked the UVa chapel for our ceremony and a small ballroom at the Charlottesville Omni for our reception.  Planning on having 35-50 guests, all of whom will be from out of town.

My present concerns are about finding a dress.  My budget is $350, which I know is tight, and I'm willing to buy a pre-owned gown from eBay or one of the other consignment gown websites (NetBride, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, etc.)  However, I definitely also want to try on gowns in a bridal salon.  I'm planning on making an appointment at David's Bridal in Richmond (and recent experiences there?) and Amanda's Touch in Verona (Augusta County).  I've considered making an appointment at Main Street Bridal in Charlottesville, but when I spoke to a consultant over the phone a few weeks ago, she really gave me the impression that they would not be able to meet my budgeting needs.  I don't want to find myself in a salon trying on gowns that I definitely cannot afford, KWIM?

Any suggestions for other salons to consider?  I'm willing to travel within Charlottesville, Staunton, Richmond, etc.
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Re: Dress shopping in Charlottesville/Staunton/Richmond

  • zaneopalzaneopal member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I've heard pretty bad things about the Richmond DB, to be honest. My friend got hers at Bella Rosa in Richmond -- maybe give them a look? It's off of Broad Street in the Short Pump area.

    If you find anything in the Augusta Co area, let me know. I'm in the process of moving there (will be fully moved in less than 2 weeks--excited!!), and, while I'm not engaged at the moment, I like to know where stuff is.
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  • enewell1982enewell1982
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Bella Rosa is way too expensive!!  I have had mixed experiences with DB in Richmond, however I will tell you that they have Special Value dresses that would be within your price range.  I got my dress at Alfred Angelo in Richmond, however it was $750.00.  I think for the price range that your looking at, David's Bridal is the best bet for the Richmond area.
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  • zaneopalzaneopal member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    OK I didn't know how expensive they were, I've just seen the store front. It's not very far from BF's parents.
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  • JustCherryJustCherry
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm planning on going to Alfred Angelo in Short Pump when I start shopping for my dress. I too have heard really bad things about DB in Richmond, mostly having to do with my future sister-in-law's bridesmaid's dress at for her brother's wedding earlier this year. Shipped the wrong size!!
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  • ladydi31ladydi31 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I went to DB and had a very Meh experience but also know people who had good experiences there.
    I had a GREAT experience at Alfred Angelo on Broad (it is right next to Trader Joe's and Ulta- right near Bella Rosa) and they are wonderful! You can get coupons online and they have great consultants! Call and make an appointment and they can totally work with your budget. 
    Going there totally turned around teh experience I had at DB!
    Bridal Elegance is also very good and they are also in Short Pump and very nice with lots of different dresses!
    Good luck!
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  • SariePSarieP member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Bridal Elegance is ok.  They have great customer service.  Bella Rosa will be completely out of your price range.  They actually ask you what your price range is when you go in and they only show you those dresses you can afford.  They have nothing priced that low.    Richmond DB has a few consultants that are outstanding and some that are not.  I am overall very pleased with my experience there because they worked quickly to resolve any issues I had.  For example, after my BM dresses had been ordered, my MOH got pregnant.  The dresses came in and hers did not fit anymore.  DB reordered the dress (at no cost)  in a bigger size and put a rush on it so she could have her dress in time for alterations for my wedding. 
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  • scpalmtree06scpalmtree06 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Ok, I've made appointments at the following stores:

    David's Bridal in Richmond (Broad St.)
    Amanda's Touch in Verona (Augusta County)
    Bridal Impressions in Harrisonburg (Rockingham County)
    Reflections Bridal in Harrisonburg (Rockingham County)

    Hopefully I'll have positive experiences!  Will definitely report back.
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  • SariePSarieP member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    One small tip, if you get Marge as your consultant at DB, ask for someone else.  TRUST ME.  She was horrible.  If Ryan still works there, he is the best one to work with.  He is great.  I actually went to school with him.
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  • MandiandDanTriple10MandiandDanTriple10
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Hey-I live in Staunton, are you willing to go to Bridal Impressions in Harrisonburg? They were wonderful! You dont have to even disclose your budget to them but use it as an opportunity to try on dresses in different styles. I worked with Nicole she was really helpful and put no pressure on me to buy. A lot of the styles from Maggie Sotero and Allure which are $$$ can be found at David's Bridal online boutique for less than $250.
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  • scpalmtree06scpalmtree06 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_virginia_dress-shopping-charlottesvillestauntonrichmond?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:236Discussion:a1773f4e-4161-48ce-97b3-e80bf6442a41Post:a3e67f7f-a418-4729-8979-41dee16cdff3">Re: Dress shopping in Charlottesville/Staunton/Richmond</a>:
    [QUOTE]Hey-I live in Staunton, are you willing to go to Bridal Impressions in Harrisonburg? They were wonderful! You dont have to even disclose your budget to them but use it as an opportunity to try on dresses in different styles. I worked with Nicole she was really helpful and put no pressure on me to buy. A lot of the styles from Maggie Sotero and Allure which are $$$ can be found at David's Bridal online boutique for less than $250.
    Posted by MandiandDanTriple10[/QUOTE]

    Thanks for the tip!  I do have an appointment scheduled for Bridal Impressions.  I will be sure to let you guys know how it goes, along with my other appointments!
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