dress shopping - gowns under 1K?

Original post by willow

Jul 23, 2002 12:06 PM

Hi everyone,

I just started calling around to make appointments to try on dresses. And after looking through several magazines and ripping out the dresses I liked, I found that most of the designer lines could be found at Paradise Bridal in Patchogue and Bridal Reflections in Massapequa.

Well Paradise Bridal was very polite and booked me right away. I know that they have dresses for under 1K b/c a couple of my friend's bought their dresses there.

However, when I called Bridal Reflections, the woman was very curt (she kept calling me honey! ) and more or less told me that she only has SIX gowns in that price range for me to try on. She then went on to say 'Well why don't you think about it and if these don't fit within your range, you should cancel the appt.' Yikes! Not only did i think she was rude, but she insulted me as well!

Has anyone been to either place? Have you tried on dresses for under 1K - and were they nice?

And does anyone have any other recommendations for shops that are PLEASANT and eager to please - and treat all brides equally?

I really appreciate this. My mother is a nurse and only has every other Saturday free, and I am a March bride, so I am cutting it close!

thanks a million!
willow

ss2002 Posted: Jul 23, 2002 02:41 PM

kimberly,

I'm 99% sure that the shop is called Brava Bridal. The owner was so nice to deal with-I was very sorry that I had to go elsewhere for my dress (she didn't carry the dress I decided on). She's a big fan of Mori Lee.

Let us know how you do!!

Jeanene Posted: Jul 23, 2002 02:51 PM

Re: dress shopping - gowns under 1K?

I just bought my gown last night (for under 1K) at Beautiful Bride in Lynbrook. They had a lot of beautiful gowns for reasonable prices and they were very helpful and patient as I went back three times before making a decision!

BRIDE-TO-BE Posted: Jul 23, 2002 02:55 PM

Re: dress shopping - gowns under 1K? Willow

I loved the ladies at Angel bridals and their prices were not bad at all. I would definitly recommend them to any bride! They do not have a huge selection but if you bring in a picture or know the designers they can order anything. I actually went to try on dresses at the Wedding Center in Commack first, then ordered from Angel's because they came highly recommended from the ladies at our church. They donate alot of dresses for different events. Also my cousin just bought her dress from them last week for her May wedding. Hope this helps :)

kittyke Posted: Jul 23, 2002 02:57 PM

Re: dress shopping - gowns under 1K?

I looked at Paradise Bridal for gowns, they had a large selection for under $1K, and the lady that helped me was very sweet, not pushy atall. Also a few doors down is Bridal Suite of patchogue, their prices are pretty good too. Best of Luck to you!!

Karen62794 Posted: Jul 23, 2002 03:19 PM

Re: dress shopping - gowns under 1K?

I would recommend the following:

Bonventure in Garden City
Bridal Garden in Bethpage
Princess Bridals in Farmingdale

I went to Bridal Reflections in Massapequa and they have a huge selection, but I think most are above the amount of money you want to spend.

You can also try Cathy's Bridal in Amityville.

michele31 Posted: Jul 23, 2002 03:55 PM

Re: dress shopping - gowns under 1K?

My Demetrois was almost $2K so I don't think many of his gowns are under $1K. He has 3 lines. I think Young Sophicates is the under $1K line. Just check before trying on.

Sasha96 Posted: Jul 23, 2002 03:58 PM

Re: dress shopping - gowns under 1K?

I'd also suggest Bonaventure as well as Flowerama in Elmont (a friend had very good service there and she only had about 3 months of planning!) and Lillette's

cormican Posted: Jul 23, 2002 04:26 PM

Re: ss2002

I got my dress from Bridal Suite in Patchogue for $750. Lee helped me she was so patient and wonderful. I didn't even have an appointment.

vamdep Posted: Jul 23, 2002 09:55 PM

Re: ss2002

Don't be upset - bridal reflections is known for being snotty - but they do good work.

There are a lot of good places listed but you could also try Macy's flowerama and Princess bridal, although both have been known to be a bit curt (I got mine at Princess Bridal in farmingdale).

yabbobay Posted: Jul 24, 2002 08:10 AM

Re: ss2002

I used Bridal Suite in Bayshore as well...like Kimberly they are far from me, but I called them for a specific dress and they had it in so I went and ended up getting it...

they are super nice...the dress and BM dresses were in well ahead of schedule...with the original BM dress I ordered...the manufacturer discontinued the color I wanted...they were able to work with me and gave me a more expensive dress at a bigger discount..to match the older price a little bit more...

jlabs Posted: Jul 24, 2002 08:25 AM

Re: ss2002

I got my dress from Macy's Flowerama in Manhasset but if you are closer there is also one in the Smith Haven Mall. They have plenty of dresses under 1k. They also have a cap on alterations of $175, it is a little more if you need a bustle.

phyl Posted: Jul 24, 2002 08:50 AM

my experience..

Hi! thought I'd add to the comments.
I was married 2 years ago and poured thru all the bridal mags in search of my dress.
The best experience I had by far was at DAvids Bridal.
Got my dress for under $500 including the crinoline.
Bought it during a promotion so there was an additional $75 off.
Recieved the gown in about 6 weeks...and had it for more than a yr b4 my wedding date.

do NOT give any bridal shop your true wedding date- give them a month earlier. This will insure that you def get your dress on time.

Had the alterations done by a seamstress recommended to me and it cost me about $50.

Bought the veil and headpiece that mastched my dress EXACTLY at Michaels craft store. MAybe cost me about $15.

Shop around...we paid for everything ourselves- inclduing the reception hall and photog...and Im a bargain hunter ( of quality products!)

Good luck

Cindy Posted: Jul 24, 2002 09:31 AM

Re: my experience..

I got my dress at Bridal Suite in Centereach. They had alot of dresses in the price range you are looking for. I just went for my first fitting there and have been very happy with the service. If you go, ask for Debbie. She really knows alot. Good luck!

luvleyles Posted: Jul 24, 2002 10:12 PM

Burton's for dresses

They have the best prices around - trust me - I am a bargain hunter - I found my dress elsewhere but ordered it through Burton's, and got it for almost 1/2 of several other places - and Carol at Burton's is amazing.

willow Posted: Jul 25, 2002 08:19 PM

Re: Burton's for dresses

Thanks everyone - I can't thank you all enough! I guess I have my work cut out for me!

I'll keep you posted.
willow!

JennK Posted: Jul 26, 2002 11:25 AM

Re: dress shopping - gowns under 1K?

I also am using Bridal Suite in Bayshore. They have been very good so far. My dress was $726.00 and I think it is beautiful!!

Here is a link if you want to see it:
http://www.morileeinc.com/catalog/bridals/901pix1.html

I had my first fitting on Wednesday and have been nothing but nice and helpful there!!