Wedding Dress shops

Bridey6189 · 25-08-2009 5:15pm

adventure09 wrote: »

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!!!

Hey i think its great that your friend is actively looking for new avenues but i have to be honest I searched lots of shops for my dress and there are some pretty shabby one's out there, and although it didn't make a difference to the dress, it definately made a difference to the experience.

I found a fab place in Athy that caters for one bride at a time and I was really looked after. I went to the big shops in Dublin and it was like take a number. So the location and set up play a big part I def would not consider buying from a mobile boutique - its not very professional and whose to say that she cant just take your money and take off.

i'd say don't waste your money on it

rebelchick2 · 31-08-2009 12:39pm

Karmella wrote: »

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.

A friend of mine got her bridesmaid dresses and her own wedding dress there lately and they all arrived the wrong size. Was a joke! Customer service was crap afterwards too!!!!! They are all lovely until u order them then crap. BEWARE!!!!

LauraLoo · 23-09-2009 5:53pm

i was in tamem michael in fashion city (ballymount- just of the m50 ballymount exit) today and the lady was lovely- she let me pick out the ones i liked and once she knew my style she found other dresses similar that she thought would really suit my figure.

they make all their tamem michael dresses onsite (but have other designers also) and if you like one design but in a different fabric/material/colour or want the top changed to match a different skirt etc they can do it for you...

they have a beautiful dress made up that is perfect for my figure and i prefer the lace on a different one so she re-designed the dress on a piece of paper and quoted me approx 1650euro for the re-design and all fittings etc. i think its a great price for a one-off dress thats made especially for my shape/height and size- its so flattering

she really knew what she was talking about and i would highly recommend her- her name is paula king. she designs and makes dresses herself so she is looking at you more from a designer point of view, rather than a retail assistant point of view.

01-4295052
http://www.tamemmichael.com/

Bridey6189 · 15-10-2009 4:25pm

my friend went to tamem michael and it was a disaster, she met with paula king too and picked her dress. paula told her everything that you have said about designing on site, changing fabrics etc. but didnt deliver any of her promises...beware!! they also manufacture and sell wholesale to shops and i think they are more interested in this than wasting time selling to one off brides

DrPhilG · 14-12-2009 5:15pm

I'm not sure I can mention names here but I can certainly give you a name to avoid in Derry. If I could prove all the stuff they did to us I'd sue the life out of them.

Thumpette · 16-12-2009 9:34pm

Hey ladies,

I'm hoping to go dress shopping in the middle of Jan sometime and I was wondering if anyone can recommend me a couple of shops. I am thinking of going to the Bridal Outlook place in Baldoyle, but I dont know where else to go. I hate the thought of bitchy stuck up assistants, I really want somewhere friendly and helpful. I am also size 14-16 (for the moment anyway!) and I'm dreading going somewhere I will be told to go on a diet and come back then!

In terms of dresses, I am looking for something elegant and classic, nothing too poofey or flouncy. I'd love to have some lace

All ideas or experiences very welcome

Thanks

query08 · 16-12-2009 11:37pm

Hey Thumpette

I just started my wedding dress shopping a couple of weeks ago. I've only been to 2 venues but found htem both lovely. You are obviously in the dublin area so that helps.
First venue was Bridal corner is phibsoboro. Small shop but the staff are excellent and there really is a large range of styles
Second venue was hte Ivory room on capel street - really liked this one as they only take one customer at a time so you dont have everyone else gaping at you. I had been trying on all these styles when she suggested something I never would have thought to go for - turns out it was fab on and is prob the dress I am going to get, absolutley love it. But feel i need to look around another couple of venues first just in case I see anything nicer
What ones are you planning on going to and is it on recommendation?
Best of luck:)

BC · 17-12-2009 11:17am

Hi,

I went to these ones and found them all great:

Alexanders on Parnell St
Bridal Outlet Baldoyle
Morelands at Northern Cross, Malahide road
Ivory Rooms Capel St (really nice girl in there)
Aspirations on Dame Lane
Berketex in the Jervis Centre

Lucky1218 · 21-12-2009 10:43am

I Like Alfred Angelo wedding dress very much. If I were going to marry, I would choose this brand~

Lucky1218 · 24-12-2009 10:37am

Have you got your dress online? There're much infomation on the Internet and you can find cheap and good dress.:D

kizzabel · 06-01-2010 10:02pm

hiya ladies
i have €500 - 1000 to spend on my dress, can anyone give me names of bridal shops that would have a good range in my price bracket?
TIA
kiz

alterimage · 07-01-2010 12:33am

Hi Ladies, if yous are thinking of buying your wedding dress online and it needs to be altered i.e taken in or taken up on the hem, i have an alteration shop in phisbhoro dublin 7 where i have been trading for 10years. I specialise in altering wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses, i also do work for the Bridal Corner, when they have a sample sale they send down the ladies to get there dresses altered from me. Hope this helps

BC · 07-01-2010 9:37am

kizzabel wrote: »

hiya ladies
i have €500 - 1000 to spend on my dress, can anyone give me names of bridal shops that would have a good range in my price bracket?
TIA
kiz

The bridal outlet in Baldoyle and Alexanders on parnell st both had dresses around the 800 mark. I'm sure other shops did too but they are the ones I can remember. Also check out the sample sales in the various shops as you'll get the dresses much cheaper that way.
Also try the Oxfam and Barnardos bridal shops. They have brand new dresses for sale and very good prices. The details are on their websites.

irishlady29 · 09-01-2010 6:45pm

Check out Helena Quinlan, she's based in Craughwell, Co Galway. She is lovely to deal with and her studio is a very relaxed environment. Out of all the people I dealt with I found her the best, she was so interested in what I liked/disliked. I felt so valued. Google her and you'll get her details. Would highly recommend

Unwilling · 12-01-2010 1:14pm

I am beginning to panic a little bit reading all your posts.
I currently a massive size 20 but I've slimmed down before so with the motivation of the wedding I've no doubt I'll get to 16 for the wedding.
BUT I (a) dont want humiiation in the shops
(b) don't want to spend thousands on the dress.

I'm reading posts here of dresses for 2,500, 1,800 euros.

Are these realistic budgets?!

no1girliegirl · 12-01-2010 1:55pm

I see a good few dresses on gumtree, donedeal etc for sale 2nd hand in larger sizes. i'm not sure how much they are in the shops if they are any extra, they dont charge less from the tag price if your a 6 or a14 so why should they charge more for a large size??

The Bridal Outlet has some lovely ones around 1000 and some on sale now to, the bridal corner was ok and Alexanders, I think these are all fairly priced, I know its your special day but if teh budget is tight i would look at the 2nd hand ones, there are some really nice ones out there.

Lucky1218 · 14-01-2010 9:21am

Have you ever tried to buy wedding dresses online~? There are many websites selling wedding dresses. http://www.dhgate.com/wholesale+wedding+dresses.html

Unwilling · 14-01-2010 9:52am

Hello Ladies

I'm considerng the option of getting my wedding gown made.
Can anyone recommend seamstresses in the Dublin area?
Preferably someone that you have dealt with yourselves and are happy to recommend their services and work?

THANK YOU

AB82 · 25-01-2010 12:05am

wedding dress in plane any tips please. i'm getting married abroad and im really worried on how to take my dress does air lingus charges for it?thanks:pac:

niamhswan · 27-01-2010 1:02pm

Can anyone tell me where Costume wedding dress shop is located. Have heard about it but can't find it on the web.

thanks

BC · 27-01-2010 3:10pm

Costume is in Castle Market in Dublin 2.
Its not a wedding dress shop as such, its a fashion boutique but they do supply some wedding dresses as far as i know.

niamhswan · 27-01-2010 3:39pm

thanks a million for that.

sufi · 28-01-2010 11:58am

niamhswan wrote: »

Can anyone tell me where Costume wedding dress shop is located. Have heard about it but can't find it on the web.

thanks

Costume has a wedding dress shop that opens on Saturdays only. You have to call them for an appointment to view the dresses

Walls · 30-01-2010 10:28pm

Hey.

Had several appointments for Bridal shops today and Berketex really stood out. I kept the staff member dealing with me for well over an hour (I brought my sisters, they complicate things) and she was amazing. The care taken to find out what I wanted, and to accommodate it, was something to see.

Just wanted to add my opinion.

bealfeirste5 · 05-02-2010 5:11pm

You should definitely consider having a look online, seems to me that you can find them a lot cheaper and works in everyone's interests as you can try them on in the comfort of your own home, no humiliation necessary!

Walls · 07-02-2010 7:43pm

bealfeirste5 wrote: »

You should definitely consider having a look online, seems to me that you can find them a lot cheaper and works in everyone's interests as you can try them on in the comfort of your own home, no humiliation necessary!

I hear what you're saying, but I usually want to firstly have a look at them on me before buying. Also, the reason they're cheap is that folks are getting paid very little for their work and I don't like that. I can afford to pay folks more, so I'm happy enough to do that.

PinkLady001 · 08-02-2010 1:03pm

Hi all,

I can recommend B Couture in Arklow Co Wicklow, and Glamourise Bridal in Gorey Co Wexford.
Both shops have a fantastic selection and the people in both shops are just so unbelievably nice. And honest too.

I am getting my dress in B Couture, but think I will get my bridesmaids in Glamourise.
BTW, I'm only 5'2 and definitely not a size 10! I was so nervous about trying dresses on, and having to be helped into some of them, but not once did either of the shops make me feel any way uncomfortable or anything like that.
Can not recommend them highly enough. Both shops have sales on at the min too.

Maz81 · 16-02-2010 4:06pm

Hi All,

I would recomend Edel Tuites in drogheda or Moreland Bridal on the Malahide Road. I am getting my own from Edel Tuites and i couldnt recommend them enough there is something for everyone there.

redrua · 21-02-2010 3:07am

I went to 3 wedding dress shops the other day and the first and last which I won't name were uninspiring experiences. My sister was with me for back up as I am terrible at shopping.

The first had double booked my appointment and asked me to show her a confirmation that I had in fact booked this particular time. I showed her a card she had given me with a day and time but as she pointed out no date. My sister gracefully told the women we would call to re-schedule and then stood outside and tore up the ladys card where she could see. Was very funny actually.

The second was the Town Bride (where I had no appointment but just went to kill some time after the first store) and the older gentleman who works there was so lovely and actually began putting dresses on me telling me not to worry as his 3 o'clock had cancelled. He put me in four dresses and at the end had narrowed it down to exctly what I wanted despite my vague descriptions.

The Third had 3 other brides in the store trying on dresses and no one to serve us even though I had booked an appointment. We sat and waited for about 20 mis but when we saw no sign of any assistant coming near us even to say how long the wait would be we left. The dresses they were putting on the other brides were also not a patch on the ones we had seen before even tho they were alot more expensive. Just goes to show that just because a dress costs more does not mean its better quality.

On a closing note I have to say the dresses in the Town Bride were gorgeous! I am going back this week for another try with my mum.

suzieled · 03-03-2010 5:38pm

Is there many shops open on Sundays for appointments?

maidonamission · 16-03-2010 11:40am

Hi there,

Has anyone tried or heard anything about Kodili bridalwear in Dundrum?

Thanks

lyndak082 · 24-03-2010 9:30pm

adventure09 wrote: »

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!!!

brioliant idea!!!!!

chrisr · 26-03-2010 12:17pm

I would like all you women out there to know off this shop and to stay well clear. Bridle Perfection, It is located in the Omni in Santry.
My sister ordered her dress in April 2009, her wedding is in 2 weeks and she has been fobbed off so many time after making half a dozen trips up to the shop, just to be told "oh sorry its not here" and would you like this dress (already worn). She has realised her dress will not be in and she is not getting her deposit back to add insult to injury. My sister has been left so angry and upset over this, after all the dress is a huge part. now she has only 11 days now in which to find a dress and get fitted.

Please do not go near this shop if you do not want this hassle.

Chris

BC · 26-03-2010 3:50pm

what reason have they given?

chrisr · 26-03-2010 4:01pm

the 1st few times it was that it got delayed and then there was no reason given, just that they didn't have it. And they knew they wouldn't and my sister still had to make the trip up and get a minder. Where as they could have just phoned her and told her the truth

Yosh 4040 · 28-03-2010 5:53pm

Hi, has anyone ever heard of Seroca Bridal I think it's in Lisnagry Limerick, if so just wondering are they any good for Bridesmaids dresses???

Cheers

lyndak082 · 29-03-2010 3:06pm

theres an ad on donedeal .ie a lady selling sample dresses ex stock from bridal shop for 150euro each. i bought mine there at the weekend and its fabulous! i saved 1500 euro!!!! shes in dublin.

Bookkeeper09 · 08-04-2010 4:03pm

lyndak082 wrote: »

theres an ad on donedeal .ie a lady selling sample dresses ex stock from bridal shop for 150euro each. i bought mine there at the weekend and its fabulous! i saved 1500 euro!!!! shes in dublin.

Just saw this ad.
Can you go out to her and try on the dresses|??

lyndak082 · 19-04-2010 10:30am

Bookkeeper09 wrote: »

Just saw this ad.
Can you go out to her and try on the dresses|??

oh u can yeh, she has them in her spare room and lets u try them on yourself i got mine there a few weeks ago

Thumpette · 15-05-2010 7:27pm

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone has had experience of Berketex brides in the Jervis centre. i think i have found a dress there i like. I found the first girl I dealt with very fake and pushy but theres another lovely girl i was dealing with on my 2nd try.

The dresses in the shop are all 'well worn!' Would anyone be able to say what they are like for aftercare and also in terms of being able to bargain with them. When i looked first there was 20% off dresses that day, if i now buy a dress, bolero, underskirt and veil (totalling 1700) do you think I might be able to push for getting it as say 1400?

Thanks!

Bookkeeper09 · 27-05-2010 2:09pm

Does anyone know if this shop is still open?
Have been trying to ring to make an appointment but have been unable to get through!

Maz81 · 28-05-2010 10:47am

Hi,

This is slightly away from the subject of wedding dresses but does anyone know what the going rate for a dj is? Some of them are charging mileage if your outside a town.

tammy123 · 16-06-2010 7:30am

honeybee7828 wrote: »

did u try ebay?? beautiful dresses there.

yup!!! ebay is good and it is the best place to get whatever you want to buy from there and you will get the best from there.

Thanks

BC · 22-06-2010 8:22am

Bookkeeper09 wrote: »

Does anyone know if this shop is still open?
Have been trying to ring to make an appointment but have been unable to get through!

This shop closed last october.

BC · 22-06-2010 8:24am

Thumpette wrote: »

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone has had experience of Berketex brides in the Jervis centre.

I bought my dress there. I'm having my fitting next week.
I found them grand, no problems at all.
I don't know about bargaining though. They had 20% off the dresses the day i bought mine and I knew it was a good price as i'd seen the same dress elsewhere.

Unwilling · 22-06-2010 3:50pm

Having just spent the past two weeks in and out of every bridal shop in Dublin I thought I would just post my opinions.

Alexanders Parnell Street - I found them to be brilliant. No nonsense - practical and very eager to please, but being honest at the same time. Happy to point out the positives and negatives of each gown I chose and NO pushy business. She even directed to me another shop - a competitors that she had heard great things of that may have had a dress more suitable.

Beretex - we had no appointment and popped in for a browse, but they were happy to help and had me fitted into dresses in ten mins...
I only dealt with one lady here so I can not say that this mirrors every ones experiences. The point being it's not so much the SHOP as the assistant you get on the day. I did note however, reading the other entries, that they offered 20% discount on the day. They offered me that also.. and were slightly pushy that it was for that day only and I'd have to be quick about my decision.

Town Brides - powerscourt... heartbreakingly dissappointing. We had an appointment and ran out of another shop to be there on time.
When we arrived the two assistants were each attending to a B2B which is fair enough, but neither acknowledged us, neither checked if we had appointments, we were ignored for 15 mins.
So I left the shop.
And I had really been looking forward to that visit in particular as I had heard he had a great eye...

We visited other shops but these were the most notable.

GOOD LUCK to any B2B's

BC · 23-06-2010 9:12am

Unwilling wrote: »

Town Brides - powerscourt... heartbreakingly dissappointing. We had an appointment and ran out of another shop to be there on time.
When we arrived the two assistants were each attending to a B2B which is fair enough, but neither acknowledged us, neither checked if we had appointments, we were ignored for 15 mins.
So I left the shop.
And I had really been looking forward to that visit in particular as I had heard he had a great eye...

I completely agree on this.
I was really looking forward to my appointment there as i'd heard so many good things. We were also left waiting for quite a while. When I did get seen to, i was only given 1 dress to try on and then told to come back in another 6 weeks when they'd have more stock in. If they didn't have stock they should have told me on the phone and i wouldn't have wasted my time.

ANGEM · 06-07-2010 5:54pm

Have to agree with you about Alexanders they are fantastic

Mia84 · 11-07-2010 1:13pm

Hi all,

I was just wondering if anyone has any experience ordering their wedding dress online? I am thinking about it as the prices are great but its the fear of not knowing that is putting me off. Like do they have the corset built in like most of the dresses I've tried on? Is it easy enough to get alterations made when you recieve the dress?
Any info would be great! I would really like to get some feed back from anyone that has actually ordered online and gone through the worry!! I have been looking at http://stores.ebay.ie/Elegance-Wedding and they have some amazing reviews.

Also, I have been to Alexanders and they were amazing! We just took a chance and walked in with no appointment. The sales assistant couldn't have been more helpful and choose dresses that she thought would suit me best. We spent just over an hour in the store and I felt amazing walking out. If I don't order online I will definatelty be going with Alexanders.
Had the opposite experience with Berketex. Never again!

Thanks a mill.

cici09 · 12-07-2010 1:11am

Hi ladies, Im in the early stages of setting up a wedding dress shop in kerry and im going in with no experience of owning a business, does anyone have any advice for me please Thanks:)

Wedding Dress shops

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