Wedding Dress shops

Neverwhere · 12-01-2009 8:44pm

I am so completely clueless about weddings!

Can anyone tell me when you should start looking for a dress?

ecaf · 13-01-2009 10:28am

They say around 6 to 9 months before. Some shops take longer to order them in.
I'm just under 5 months away and I haven't started yet. Will be next week though.

julesdub · 14-01-2009 1:23pm

Hi neverwhere, it's never too early to start looking or your wedding dress!!!! I would not leave it any later than 6-9 months before your wedding date as ecaf said, most shops order then in and it does take about 6 months or so. Any ideas on where you will start looking? I bought mine in Vera Wang in BT and to be honest I didn't have a great experience with them. Another friend of mine got her dress in there too and she had the same experience as me. The service wasn't great for the money I paid for the dress. My best friend is getting her dress in Cathy de Stafford as so far they have been very good. When I was looking around for my dress I also tried Berkertex and was totally ignored when I walked into the shop! Don't want to put you off, but just be warned!!! Good luck with the search!:D

Neverwhere · 14-01-2009 7:04pm

thanks Jules, I really appreciate it! I'm not getting married till december 2010...but my fiance and I are both students, and what with this recession it's impossible to find work, so we're having to try and get a budget together and find out how much starving we're going to need to do over the next year or two!

We might be moving hte date forward, so I'm paranoid I'm not going to look for a dress in time.

I was thinking of looking BTs and a few of the wedding shops around the city. Most likely I'll be spending a lot of time in Oxfam Bridal with the budget I've got! I don't mind a second hand dress...I just want to find THE dress as everyone does. Even if it mens a year of searching!

julesdub · 14-01-2009 9:10pm

Hi neverwhere, if you are looking for a dress on a budget you should try The Secret Closet in Howth as posted by Graciekate in her last post. They are only open about 6 weeks and they sell sample dresses and second hand dresses also (all designer). It is only a small shop but they are really helpful. They also sell clothes, shoes and handbags. I got a gorgeous Karen Millen handbag for 50eur!! I got talking to one of the girls and she was saying they are hoping to be on Xpose in the next couple of month's!!:D Might be worth a try.

Neverwhere · 14-01-2009 9:37pm

wow, sounds perfect. I will definately have to check that one out too. Thanks a million

gemsan · 21-01-2009 12:39am

yes second that - just got sorted out in the the secret closet in howth - great spot !!

sparkle 1 · 21-01-2009 2:39pm

hi folks i've just got engaged and want to start looking at dresses now in Ireland as i am going to states in summer and want to purchase over there. this is all new to me but how do i go about finding out if shops here stock american brand dresses!!! also i'm looking to do my own invites and was wondering if anyone knows where i could purchase the materials required to make my own invites either here in Ireland or state side???

Ashlynn · 21-01-2009 7:42pm

sparkle 1 wrote: »

hi folks i've just got engaged and want to start looking at dresses now in Ireland as i am going to states in summer and want to purchase over there. this is all new to me but how do i go about finding out if shops here stock american brand dresses!!! also i'm looking to do my own invites and was wondering if anyone knows where i could purchase the materials required to make my own invites either here in Ireland or state side???

Hi Sparkle ref your dress if you look up "just pretty bridal" or "rk bridal" it will give you a good idea of what brand of dresses are sold over there & then it is just a matter of checking shops to see if they stock that brand most of there web sites will tell you what they stock, im going to order mine from just pretty bridal its the Alfred Angelo 1136 tried it on here & it costs 1400 Euro & from America the same dress is costing 450 Euro typical ripe off Ireland :mad:. As for your invites i bought mine in Rathdowney outlet centre in Laois worked out at 8 Euro for 2 packs of 50 cream invites there plain card shaped come in 4x6 or 5x7, i tried them on my printer at home & it prints on them perfectly, going to get my SIL who is very good at art to draw me a cool bride & groom & then ill scan & copy them onto the invites i hope this is of some help & most of congrats on your engagement

:D:D

sparkle 1 · 22-01-2009 2:54pm

hey ashlynn thanks a million for your help wil defo check out the info you have given me. But what happens if you buy in states and then you find its too small or too big when it arrives to you? do alterations cost much ere i wonder?

Ashlynn · 22-01-2009 8:00pm

Hi Sparkle i have gotten quotes from about 80-120 Euro for alterations & as they have said in every bridal shop i went in2 that all dresses need altering to your exact height & maybe taken in or let out or straps adjusted etc they said it is very very rare to find someone that fits in2 there dress perfectly

. As for if its too small it says on there web sites that all dresses that come in the size you order also have the ability of being let out an extra 1.5 inches so hopefully i will be ok (if i don't pig out :pac:) once you have your measurements taken properly i reckon we will be alright. You should check out "weddings online" if you haven't already i have got lot's of advice & tips there.

stranagaone · 11-02-2009 11:08pm

Hi, its a nightmare trying to find a dress but once you get the one you're sorted. If you're still looking, take a look at www.dresstrader.com, its a new site for buying and selling wedding and other dresses. I have just sold my daughters flowergirl dresses and also a First Communion dress. They have new and used wedding dresses on there and some of the prices are great.

Best of luck with the wedding

tradtshirt · 20-02-2009 6:35pm

:):):D:)I got my wedding dress from Marie McElheron bridalwear in arklow. She is a qualified fashion designer who had previously worked for larger fashion houses so her work was excellent. She also stocked other designer labels when i went in. I thought the dress was very good value and would have no problem in reccommending her to anyone, very impressive service. I sent a friend f mine there recently and she said they are passing on the sterling difference reduction in the prices for materials etc. She got 2 bridesmaid dresses from her and she is very happy with everything. She has a website. http://www.mariemcelheron.com/:):):)

stranagaone · 27-02-2009 12:11am

Neverwhere wrote: »

thanks Jules, I really appreciate it! I'm not getting married till december 2010...but my fiance and I are both students, and what with this recession it's impossible to find work, so we're having to try and get a budget together and find out how much starving we're going to need to do over the next year or two!

We might be moving hte date forward, so I'm paranoid I'm not going to look for a dress in time.

I was thinking of looking BTs and a few of the wedding shops around the city. Most likely I'll be spending a lot of time in Oxfam Bridal with the budget I've got! I don't mind a second hand dress...I just want to find THE dress as everyone does. Even if it mens a year of searching!

You're wise to keep your looking. Theres a great selection of new and nearly new dresses on www.dresstrader.com and they are all in Ireland.

You don't want to buy too quick though. Make sure its 'the one' no matter how much of a bargain it is, unless you do pull your wedding forward, dress styles do change and you could get yourself an more up to date bargain next year!

Although I say go ahead and bring it forward, the longer you have to plan the more you'll spend. If you're going to marry him , why put it off, you never have the money so you might as well have the love!!

Ashlynn · 27-02-2009 12:21am

Also seen advertised on "weddings online" that there is a pre-loved once worn wedding dresses sale going on in the Radisson Hotel in Athlone on the 14th of March would be well worth a look.

Also flowergirl dresses, page boy outfits, bridesmaid dresses & accessories etc etc

leesabunny · 02-03-2009 8:41pm

Hi guys,
just to let you know upstairs in monsoon grafton strret have the most gorgeous wedding dresses, got mine for e300 it is halterneck very grecian theme to it absolutely gorgeous!

Neverwhere · 08-03-2009 4:26pm

stranagaone wrote: »

You're wise to keep your looking. Theres a great selection of new and nearly new dresses on www.dresstrader.com and they are all in Ireland.

You don't want to buy too quick though. Make sure its 'the one' no matter how much of a bargain it is, unless you do pull your wedding forward, dress styles do change and you could get yourself an more up to date bargain next year!

Although I say go ahead and bring it forward, the longer you have to plan the more you'll spend. If you're going to marry him , why put it off, you never have the money so you might as well have the love!!

thanks for the site! and you are absoloutely right. im supposed to be getting a free dress in the next few weeks. (lucky me!)
the styles for this year are a lot nicer than the stuff i found for last year (more my kind of styles!) so i think im happy to look for something in the coming seasons.

as for getting married....we are both young (im only turning 21 this year), so keeping the family happy is important! my mom got married at 22 ( the age i'll be) and she's worried that i'll regret it. I'd rather wait an extra year and have the matron of honour happy than be a tad miserable in the planning because of opposition!

ClaireyBee · 22-03-2009 11:43pm

Hey guys,
just said I'd let ye know about Designer Brides in Portmarnock. Susan in Designer Brides is really helpful and has a great eye, once worn dresses, she does Vera Wang and a few others, her site is www.designerbrides.ie
I did a photo shoot with her last month, pm me if you want a link to see the photos

bruzz · 24-03-2009 4:44pm

livEwirE wrote: »

I'd recommend 'Classy Lass' in Clane, Kildare, if thats not too far for you, great range and individual treatment, my finacee got her dress there and was very happy with the staff, very professional and courteous:D

She had been to a few bridal shops in Dublin and was treated like just another punter who would wear anything and don't get me started about that bridal shop in Liffey Valley, bunch of b*****s:mad:

sorry about the rant

Hi do you know the website for classy lass if they have one?

Thanks

bruzz · 24-03-2009 4:46pm

Anyone know the website for cameo in Kilkenny?
Thanks

rafferdee · 26-03-2009 4:05pm

You should try Paradise Collections, Loughgall Co. Armagh, maybe a trek but great savings to be had on euro-sterling rate. Doesn't look like much from outside very helpful owner and great range

frizzefreckles · 03-04-2009 10:31pm

Bit surprised no one has mentioned Beautiful Brides in Newbridge. The girls in there are lovely and very helpful and the dresses are all a good bit cheaper than in Dublin. When I was trying my dress on my mam heard another girl outside looking at her dress for €500 less than she had bought it somewhere in town.

MJOR · 18-04-2009 7:53pm

not sure if anyone has mentioned the moderne in Cork. I ordered mine three weeks ago and can honestly say that I have never met a more helpful and non pushy sales assistant. Her name was Denise and she really know her stuff. She picked out the dress and veil and i was not sure it'd suit my shape. It was perfect! I love it and it was half price which to me was the icing on the cake....:P

mols78 · 26-04-2009 6:02pm

"marry me" in wexford is a great very private shop,the girls are really good.
they wouldn't leave me order my dress til i went away and gave it a week to think about to make sure i was totally happy!!not a bit pushy & as i am not the type that is comfortable with trying on clothes i was shocked i enjoyed the whole experience;)

MontgomeryClift · 11-06-2009 12:35am

bruzz wrote: »

Anyone know the website for cameo in Kilkenny?
Thanks

www.cameobridal.ie

EmerBaggott · 11-06-2009 12:43am

Hi, Im looking for a knee lenght wedding dress (white, ivory, gold)...Would anybody out there be able to help me out with where to begin my search...Im getting married the end of Aug so Im getting a bit anxious at this stage :rolleyes:

bruzz · 11-06-2009 3:57pm

MontgomeryClift wrote: »

www.cameobridal.ie

Thanks a mil for that

vodkababy · 11-06-2009 5:05pm

Try the Bridal Outlet, Baldoyle, Dublin.

I got mine there and was very reasonably priced. The staff are lovely there too. Very honest. Would recommend them to anyone. I tried LOADS of places too.

Bridey6189 · 13-06-2009 1:08pm

Hi There, I got my dress in Athy, there's a new bridal boutique called " I do" weddings by Laura Leigh. She has some fabulous dresses and the customer service is excellent, even after you put down your deposit! They do all the alterations too and the seamstress is excellent. Laura does wedding planning too so can advise on other things aswell. Visit their site www.idoweddings.ie

amie.g · 14-06-2009 5:56pm

I found the whole bridal dress experience very stress free.... I went to the bridal shop in Baldoyle and found them very helpful and friendly, great selection, but ended up getting my dress in Bride2be in Dundalk, where they were also very friendly. I am delighted with my dress. My bridemaids were dreading it as I am know to shop, but found what suited my very quickly.
Good luck to all the other brides out there.

Salome · 14-06-2009 6:08pm

I'm a late-thirties plus size so I'm very nervous about looking for a nice wedding dress that won't make me look like mutton dressed as lamb - does anyone know of any places that cater for older non-skinny brides who don't want to show off too much flesh?

Shoes&Frocks · 15-06-2009 5:28pm

Hi Salome, you could try Virjinia's Bridal Boutique on Roches street in limerick. She has a vast array of plus size dresses and is such a nice woman. I tried a few on in there and her prices are excellent too.

Johnny Drama. · 23-06-2009 10:47pm

My Wife is looking to get her wedding dress cleaned but is afraid to as she has heard horror stories of dresses getting ruined so can anyone recommend anywhere. The dress is duchess satin with lace over it.

NextSteps · 24-06-2009 5:10pm

Johnny Drama. wrote: »

My Wife is looking to get her wedding dress cleaned but is afraid to as she has heard horror stories of dresses getting ruined so can anyone recommend anywhere. The dress is duchess satin with lace over it.

Jeeves in Stillorgan (if you're in Dublin) is supposed to be good - they do the Vera Wang dresses.

dragonsue · 27-06-2009 12:05am

I bought this necklace here:

http://www.dmscollection.com/mall/productpage.cfm/DMSCollections/_P10012/191051/Classic%20fresh%20water%20pearl%20necklace

sineadCharl · 30-06-2009 10:35am

Cheers for all these great links. I'm definitely not going for the meringue look. Knee length it is for me

ani_mal · 30-06-2009 9:41pm

hey

thats a nice set of pearls. however the same one you can get on eBay for 1.50 euro plus shipment (around 10-17 euro) it takes 2 weeks to ship it (China) but worth it, I ordered 3 sets and paid 45 euro for 3 of them including shipment

seller on eBay superwowoo2009, beautiful customer service!!
eg.
http://cgi.ebay.ie/cp373-BEAUTIFUL-WHITE-FRESHWATER-PEARL-BRIDAL-SETS_W0QQitemZ220445702884QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Jewellery_Watches_FineJewellery_CA?hash=item3353967ae4&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A10|66%3A2|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.ie/cp174-NICE-WHITE-FRESHWATER-PEARL-3-STRANDS-NECKLACE_W0QQitemZ220445712254QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Jewellery_Watches_CostumeJewellery_CA?hash=item3353969f7e&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A10|66%3A2|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

ani_mal · 30-06-2009 9:44pm

o, a nice service is in Navan Bridal shop, next to Social welfeare office. Very nice ladies.
also I got my dress in Dublin. the shop is located on the back of Illac shopping centre (when you leave shopping mall turn left, then go along the building, it is on the corner )

they have new collections, and you can get a dress for even 200-300 euro when it's on sale and it is this year's collection!!
I wouldn't say that service was fantastic but was ok.

Nauniek · 02-07-2009 4:05pm

Anyone got any feedback on bridal hall for alterations , service etc????

ani_mal · 02-07-2009 4:10pm

about alternations..I can reccomend place in Drogheda, very nice studio, nice service and very professional service. and when girls from Swords wanted 140Euro for just makeing my dress short she took 95Euro.

I can PM address and telephone.

Nauniek · 15-07-2009 12:17pm

Thanks. My mam is actually doing the alterations. Dresses were a disaster boody shop ordered them incorrectly and won't do anything about it.

ani_mal · 15-07-2009 5:38pm

Nauniek wrote: »

Thanks. My mam is actually doing the alterations. Dresses were a disaster boody shop ordered them incorrectly and won't do anything about it.

I would ring customer service rights line. I wouldn't let it go like this, because you pay so much money and they owe you proper service.
dont let it go, otherwise people in Ireland will never learn what is good customer service.

Nauniek · 16-07-2009 12:22pm

I've no intention of leaving it. Already phoned consumer rights and as they didn't supply us with written confirmation it's our word against theirs. Also got in touch with designer office and they are equally as crap. Will be ringing any radio station possible.

ani_mal wrote: »

I would ring customer service rights line. I wouldn't let it go like this, because you pay so much money and they owe you proper service.
dont let it go, otherwise people in Ireland will never learn what is good customer service.

MorrisseyMc · 10-08-2009 11:26pm

Just want to reccommend Myrtle Ivory Bridal shop off Grafton St.

Found them good , very helpful .( a bit more expensive than other shops)

I got pregnant between ordering dress and collecting, and they so helpful.

They could have told me its my prob !!

Also Waterlily Brides in Dungarvn Co Waterford is very good too.

M

irishlady29 · 13-08-2009 7:46pm

Hey guys,

irishlady29 · 13-08-2009 7:49pm

Hey All,
I'm planning on going wedding dress shopping within the next 6 weeks (got a few extra pounds I wanna shift!) Any recommendations? Any advice? All would be appreciated

Karmella · 14-08-2009 8:44am

MJOR wrote: »

not sure if anyone has mentioned the moderne in Cork. I ordered mine three weeks ago and can honestly say that I have never met a more helpful and non pushy sales assistant. Her name was Denise and she really know her stuff. She picked out the dress and veil and i was not sure it'd suit my shape. It was perfect! I love it and it was half price which to me was the icing on the cake....:P

I went to the Moderne last week and dealt with Denise too - she is brilliant. She really knows her stuff and is very helpful and brutally honest! I had a few ideas of the type of dress I wanted but needed to know what would actually suit me - and she didn't waste anytime in telling me if a particular style did nothing for me! And she was right too. She also knew what the dresses would be like when altered - especially in the length - e.g one particular type looked nice on, but she said that once it was shortened it would look terrible, I would just look really stumpy!!

TBH it was refreshing not to have someone just fawning over me. I was dreading the whole experience cos I'm really not into shopping, but she made it all really painless. It ws almost like she knew what I was thinking!! I must have tried at least 20 dresses and we narrowed it down to 3. These are on file now so I can go back and just try them again if I need to.

Initially I was planning to buy online from www.onlinebridalstore.com (these really look fab and are sooooo cheap) so I was really trying to find dresses like the ones I liked from the site, and see if they would suit .... but I'm really veering towards one particular dress that I tried in the Moderne now. Torn!!! TBH it wasn't that expensive a dress so I may just go with it.

I haven't been to any other shops so I can't compare the service, but I thought it was good anyway.

itsallaboutme!! · 19-08-2009 9:54am

hi all i was just after some advice or ideas on this if anyone has any id appreciate it.

a friend of mine, who i am maid of honor for, is getting married in july 2011. she is one of those SUPER organised people and has already got loads of stuff sorted for her big day church, venue, photographer etc etc.

she now wants to start looking around for 3 bridesmaids dresses. she basically does not yet know what colour she wants and would like to go in somewhere and just have us try on some different colours and styles to see what does and does not suit us as we are three very different shapes and skin tones.

she rang one place the other day, i dont know the name its at harts corner near glasnevein in dublin, and explained all of this to the girl on the phone. the girl took the appointment and then asked had she already got her own dress sorted, which my friend replied she had not. the girl then told her that she is supposed to get her dress first and then match her bridesmaids to her dress. my friend then explained that she does not want her dress to look anything like that of the bridesmaids. the girl just kept telling her what she SHOULD be doing. anyway when the call ended my friend was kind of upset as she has her ideas and this woman has just basically told her shes doing it all wrong! now she has cancelled the appointment as she feels like she would be wasting their time.

does anyone know of anywhere in the dublin area that would help out with this kind of thing without making someone feel like they are wasting your time if you end up not buying anything??

just read that back and didnt realise how long i went on for sorry for the long post:rolleyes:

adventure09 · 19-08-2009 11:27am

Mobile wedding boutique....what is your opinion?

I’m looking for some brides-to-be opinions on a new idea a friend of mine came up with on a drunken night!!
Her idea is to start-up a mobile bridal boutique meeting at a location and at a time convenient to them
She is currently unemployed and playing around with a couple of ideas…and this is her latest one.
So please give your HONEST opinion on whether you think it’s a good idea or is she just wasting her time competing against Bridal Shops.

I look forward to hearing the opinions!!!

Bridey6189 · 25-08-2009 5:08pm

MorrisseyMc wrote: »

Just want to reccommend Myrtle Ivory Bridal shop off Grafton St.

Found them good , very helpful .( a bit more expensive than other shops)

I got pregnant between ordering dress and collecting, and they so helpful.

They could have told me its my prob !!

Also Waterlily Brides in Dungarvn Co Waterford is very good too.

M

Hi I also went to myrtle ivory and found them to be way over priced and the staff were not that special either, just told you that you looked fab in everything - not true!! I did see a nice dress and was considering it but found the same dress in another shop after for €550 less. Changed my mind again though and went for something completely different

Wedding Dress shops

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