Wedding Dress shops

Toots · 27-06-2014 11:09pm

focusowner wrote: »

Turns out from previous posts that we were right to be concerned finally meant to go for trial fitting tonight with only 4 weeks to go and the b!t€h never ordered the dresses ! Rightly screwed now dont know what to do my fiance is very distraught i feel soo sorry for her ive been telling her for weeks she was going to be let down but the owner kept saying that she would have it and finally on saturday just gone she said it was in stock and to come tonight - what sort of a person would lie so blatantly

Oh my god, that's horrible! What happened when your fiancee went for her fitting, did she just go 'oh yeah, I never ordered that, sorry'? That's just mind boggling!

FWIW a friend of mine bought her dress in mcilhennys and she was delighted with the dress and service. If that falls through, give a ring around other shops and explain the situation, at least then you'll know if they can help you rather than going all the way to a shop to find out there's nothing they can do. I hope you get sorted out.

focusowner · 27-06-2014 11:17pm

Toots* wrote: »

Oh my god, that's horrible! What happened when your fiancee went for her fitting, did she just go 'oh yeah, I never ordered that, sorry'? That's just mind boggling!

FWIW a friend of mine bought her dress in mcilhennys and she was delighted with the dress and service. If that falls through, give a ring around other shops and explain the situation, at least then you'll know if they can help you rather than going all the way to a shop to find out there's nothing they can do. I hope you get sorted out.[/quote

When she went for the fitting the owner was gone her partner came out and said it had never been ordered

A shop in carrickmacross has come to the rescue and have sourced the dress she had originally wanted from the states and it will be here in a week will update later the name of the shop but if it all works out we will be giving it one hell of a review

Also the owners "sister" rang last night to apologise that we wouldnt have the dress as the owner had taken a stroke - we had very little sympathy given the circumstances and the amount of lies we had heard so far and by the end of the conversation she had changed the story to her having had a mental breakdown - we now think it was the owner herself that placed the call - what a weirdo

perfectblue · 30-06-2014 7:16pm

sayseeboots wrote: »

Hi All,
I'm from Ireland, living in Spain and eloping in Gibraltar in May.
I need your help for a few reasons, shopping where I live is chronic, no department stores, the spanish don't really do registry weddings or vintage shops, and I cant ask any of my friends in Ireland for help as we are eloping to avoid a big wedding.
I'm looking for a short white dress top get married in (not tea dress style or strapless or too Bride-y) but I would like to wear white. My mum is scouting BT's, TK Maxx, Debenhams etc in Ireland but is having no joy as she says winter stuff is still in.
Does anyone know of small boutiques, designers or shops that may have something suitable?
Thank You

winter stuff in in?? i'm still seeing summer dresses in the shops. have you checked the websites of some of these shops? debenhams do bridal on their website. monsoon is another one - nice dresses, not just bridal. what about zara? since you are in spain after all.

i saw a new vintage place in temple bar that does online orders called folkster. there's also dirty fabulous. and i've seem some lovely short dresses at ted baker...

Fiona44 · 06-07-2014 9:44am

I've just finished shopping for my dress! Here's my experience of the shops I visited -

1. O'Briens Bridal Couture, Rathnew -

Pros: The woman who runs it is really lovely and helpful in picking out dresses to suit you. She also stuck strictly to my budget and didn't push any of the more expensive dresses on me.
You have a 1.5 hour slot and have the place to yourself so didn't feel rushed in any way.
The dresses are kept in very good condition and the shop is lovely and spacious.

Cons: I found the selection to be quite limited and not to my taste. Most of the dresses were of a similar style - quite heavy, a lot of lace, full skirt. I'm getting married in Spain in May so I was looking for something light and Summery which she didn't have.
Also, she didn't give me a chance to look around myself and pick out dresses. She picked them all out herself.

Overall: Apart from the dress selection, which wasn't to my taste, nice experience.

2. The White Room, Mullingar:

Pros: This is a lovely, spacious, clean shop with a big selection of dresses & styles to suit everyone. I was here on a Saturday but didn't feel rushed at all. Was given a chance to look around and pick out a few dresses to try on & the shop assistant also picked out a couple she thought would suit me.
There was one other bride here at the same time as me but plenty of space for it not to feel cramped.
The staff here are just really pleasant and professional, and they make it a really enjoyable experience.
Found an amazing dress here but as it was only the second place I had looked I decided to look at a few more before making a final decision.
Came back for a second visit yesterday to try it on again and decided it was the one! Was great because I was able to try on a similar dress by the same designer in a size 10 which is my size so it gave me an idea of how the dress would fit and feel without having to be clipped into it.
Every other place I went to only had size 12 or 14 dresses to try on which can make it difficult to imagine what the dress will look like.

Cons: None really apart from it being in Mullingar and me living in Dublin!

Overall: Would really recommend this place, definitely worth a visit! It has such a big variety of dresses

The Bridal Outlet, Baldoyle:

1. Pros: Again I found the staff here to be very pleasant and professional. It's similar in size to the White Room so nice and spacious and has a huge range of dresses. The dresses are kept in very good condition and are really great value - lots below €1k.

Cons: I found a couple of nice dresses here but nothing stood out for me. I personally felt that the collection here is ok, and definitely worth a visit if you are on a tight budget but nothing here for me.

Overall: I would only recommend if you have a tight budget as it is really good value. Otherwise, there are better selections of dresses elsewhere.

The Courtyard Prive, Kinsealy:

Pros: Really gorgeous shop and the woman who runs the place is so lovely to deal with. The shop is decorated really nicely, with nice lighting and music playing. The collection of dresses is quite small but every single dress is stunning and there is such a variety of styles that there is something to suit everyone.
I came in to try on a specific dress I had seen online, and the shop assistant also picked out a few very different styles for me to try which turned out to really look great when I tried them on.
Had a 1.5 hour slot here so wasn't rushed at all.

Cons: None, would really recommend a visit. I didn't find my dress here but they have such a gorgeous selection and lovely to deal with!

De Stafford Bridal, Exchequer Street:

Pros: None.

Cons: I was really disappointed with this place as I had heard good things about it. We visited on a Saturday and I felt so rushed. The shop assistant kept looking at her watch for the whole appointment and I just felt really under pressure to rush through trying on the dresses.
The shop is really cramped and you're right in the window so anyone walking past can see you!
The dresses are not in great condition, lots of make up stains and they just generally look tired and worn.
I told the shop assistant my budget but she insisted I try on a Kathy De Stafford dress that was twice my budget.

Overall: Wouldn't recommend this place. I didn't have an enjoyable experience here and just felt really rushed. Might be better to visit mid week.

franpod · 19-08-2014 7:22pm

Hi all,
First wedding post!

I just noticed something while in contact with wedding dress shops. I was wondering if anyone else would know. I have been asked twice by 2 different shops where my wedding is. Both times I replied with the church thinking that they might be thinking about matching the setting/surrounding with the type of dress but both times they went on to ask me where my reception was going to be held. I'm just wondering why they would care where the reception is? Are they scoping out how much to quote me for dresses or am I just being a paranoid bride??

Gatica · 19-08-2014 8:17pm

franpod wrote: »

Hi all,
First wedding post!

I just noticed something while in contact with wedding dress shops. I was wondering if anyone else would know. I have been asked twice by 2 different shops where my wedding is. Both times I replied with the church thinking that they might be thinking about matching the setting/surrounding with the type of dress but both times they went on to ask me where my reception was going to be held. I'm just wondering why they would care where the reception is? Are they scoping out how much to quote me for dresses or am I just being a paranoid bride??

Most of the time they're just bring friendly and taking an interest. If you're worried though just say you're still looking

tbeans · 15-09-2014 3:14pm

Anyone any feedback on Dublin stores? Thinking of visiting - Aspirations Bridal, Ciara Bridal and Anabel Rose and any help is welcome

Redser87 · 16-09-2014 7:43pm

I would stay well away from Ciara if I were you. I'm on the taller end of petite and the lady in there was making snide remarks about my height. Also, didn't listen to the opinions of myself or my bridal party in terms of shape, colour, detail etc. It was a busy Saturday, two of us in trying on dresses in a small changing area, and the people with the two brides had hardly anywhere to sit. Avoid at all costs, but I found the Town Bride to be a very nice place to shop with a good variety of dresses!

Liam McPoyle · 17-09-2014 7:51am

My o/h got hers in Town Bride.

She couldn't speak highly enough about the staff. She dealt with a guy there so I dunno if that would be an issue. She said he was really nice, not at all pushy and told her when he didn't think something suited her.

lovelystuff · 20-09-2014 4:45pm

Was in Oxfam bridal with my maid of honour recently and didn't like it all. I know it's a charity shop but even so it was all very shabby. Also it wasn't professionally run at all in my opinion,my friend was doing all the doing up and undoing of dresses and hanging them back up for me. There were also a few comments about the fact they catered for "real women" which she said were size 16 whereas I'm a 10. Even if I had loved a dress (which I didn't) they were all stained etc so I wouldn't bother going back. The woman also talked about being hungover. Avoid!

LyndsC · 23-09-2014 11:56am

lovelystuff wrote: »

Was in Oxfam bridal with my maid of honour recently and didn't like it all. I know it's a charity shop but even so it was all very shabby. Also it wasn't professionally run at all in my opinion,my friend was doing all the doing up and undoing of dresses and hanging them back up for me. There were also a few comments about the fact they catered for "real women" which she said were size 16 whereas I'm a 10. Even if I had loved a dress (which I didn't) they were all stained etc so I wouldn't bother going back. The woman also talked about being hungover. Avoid!

Have a look in Barnardos Bridal lovelystuff. It's like a proper little boutique full of never used dresses, with shoes and veils and everything to go with the dresses too. The little shop is gorgeous and the girls are really helpful with getting you laced up in your dress etc. Also half their shop is 10-12

lovelystuff · 23-09-2014 12:01pm

LyndsC wrote: »

Have a look in Barnardos Bridal lovelystuff. It's like a proper little boutique full of never used dresses, with shoes and veils and everything to go with the dresses too. The little shop is gorgeous and the girls are really helpful with getting you laced up in your dress etc. Also half their shop is 10-12

Thanks that's next on my list now! Lacing up those dresses is tricky work i felt sorry for my friend doing all the heavy lifting! Thanks a mil for the suggestion!

LyndsC · 23-09-2014 12:08pm

No problem, they have an instagram profile as well so you can see dresses as they're coming in. I came away with a great feeling from them, because they're so enthusiastic about their work, even though they're volunteers!

stinkle · 23-09-2014 1:41pm

+1 on Barnardos for me. I'm sure I recommended it earlier in the thread, but got my dream dress there. And yes the staff are fab. The instagram idea is genius - I put off going initially cos I thought I might not find anything on the day but be worried then that an ideal dress might arrive in another week.

Anyone that I told where I got my dress couldn't believe it! Our wedding co-ordinator kept saying how jammy I am the whole wedding day :pac: plus a charity benefits - win/win!

DollyDumDrops · 13-11-2014 2:22pm

Hi all,

Just looking for some feedback on the shops below, I have made appointments with them for the next few weeks. I had an appointment last week that was a disaster and has really thrown me off dress shopping.

The Bridal Outlet Baldoyle
Town Bride
Ciara Rose Cellbridge

Just wondering also what the layout of the shops are like? The first shop I went to was brilliant in that you had a private dressing room. In the second shop last week I was in a dressing room in the middle of the shop and the mirror was in front of the shop window so felt very self conscious and actually didn't come out of the fitting room most of the time. Stood it in with curtain open so my BM could see the dresses!

Thanks!

teggers5 · 09-12-2014 2:47pm

Brides-to-be in the south east....
Beautyfull Bridal in New Ross Co. Wexford. Cannot recommend Shirley enough! Extremely professional, helpful and friendly.
I made an appointment to view dresses there a couple of weeks ago and went in with a good idea of what I did and didn't want. The style I had chosen for myself actually looked awful on me. Shirley chose a dress for me to try and it was absolutely perfect! So much so I went back a couple of days later and bought it! It was a dress I would never have picked myself bit am so so thrilled with it.

Gee_G · 09-12-2014 3:22pm

Has anybody ordered any dresses off JJshouse?

January · 09-12-2014 4:11pm

When is your wedding?

I ordered off eBay and one of the dresses arrived and didn't fit so had to order another and that came and it was a shambles.

There's 3 weeks left to my wedding now and I have to buy two different colour dresses to contrast my bridesmaid rather than changing all the dresses.

pooch90 · 09-12-2014 5:21pm

Gee_G wrote: »

Has anybody ordered any dresses off JJshouse?

My friend got an evening dress off them, she was delighted with the quality and service.

fits · 09-12-2014 6:38pm

I tried on 60 dresses (not jjshouse). Many of them, I was fully convinced they would suit me until I tried them on. Ordering online is risky enough but the quality from those websites can be really rubbish and most people end up buying at least two. Which is completely wasteful!

There are lots of budget options here. Ghost dye to order are very nice, debenhams, monsoon, m&s and bhs all do bridal ranges. Further afield j.crew make lovely silk dresses for under 1000 and duties are calculated for you, so no nasty surprises and easy to return.

Dont buy jjs house, that's my advice.

pooch90 · 09-12-2014 6:55pm

I wouldn't buy a wedding gown from there but could work for BMs.
You will always hear horror stories about buying online but if you leave yourself enough time to sort an alternative you'd be fine.
Another friend got her BMs from light in the box and they are fine. I spoke to another girl who got them there and they were crap. It's a roll of the dice.

fits · 09-12-2014 7:04pm

And what happens to the crap dresses? Thrown out I guess. I just can't get my head around that kind of disposable mentality.

pooch90 · 09-12-2014 7:51pm

If it was me,they would have been used to make bunting and other bits for around the venue. Dunno what she did.

eviltwin · 09-12-2014 8:01pm

fits wrote: »

And what happens to the crap dresses? Thrown out I guess. I just can't get my head around that kind of disposable mentality.

Even a wedding dress that fits perfectly is pretty disposable, you only wear it for one day after all

I got my dress online made to measure. I paid the money to have my stats taken by a proper tailor. The seller advised me that a lot of the problem with badly fitting dresses is that the brides have taken their own measurements or got a mate to do it.

fits · 09-12-2014 8:05pm

eviltwin wrote: »

Even a wedding dress that fits perfectly is pretty disposable, you only wear it for one day after all

That is true. But buying two or more dresses is a different kettle of fish.

The designer of my gown has repurposed quite a few afterwards for the brides. I am thinking of getting mine dyed and using it as an evening gown. Other ideas for reusing include making them into christening gowns and selling it on to another bride.

ameee · 30-12-2014 5:03pm

I got my dress in bridal heaven in swords and I thought they were great. I was a bit worried going in as the reviews for them are a bit mixed but they were so helpful! I had a dress picked out going in but it didnt look great on so Aine put lots of different styles on me to figure out what I liked and to my suprise a style I never would have picked myself looked amazing on me. She had the added hardship of me being so pale that everything ivory looked awful on me so I was limited to completely white oh and I only left three months between the appointment and my wedding so I really wasnt an ideal customer :-D

LyndsC · 30-12-2014 5:59pm

I've got my dress! I've got my dress!!

I got it in SmartBrides in Portlaoise!

I really couldn't be happier, the woman who helped me was so lovely and made me feel like s superstar. I'm size 14-16 so am always a bit wary of going into 'straight' dress shops but there was so many gorgeous options for me.

I walked out with my dress as it was a sample, I'm so happy with the experience and would highly recommend Smart Brides

Redser87 · 03-01-2015 4:20pm

was nervous about going to Bridal Heaven having read mixed reviews, but went there for bridesmaids dresses and they were great, very helpful. Won't be going back to Amarra in Newbridge though, the lady we dealt with was very unfriendly and really put us off.

xzanti · 19-01-2015 12:38am

Can anyone please tell me where I'd get a dress 'off the peg' with 9 weeks to the Wedding?

Any sample stores etc?

Thanks

Faith · 19-01-2015 12:40am

I think most places will sell a sample to you if you ask. My dress was a sample and the shop offered to sell it to me without me even asking, because it was the right size. It was a lot cheaper too.

xzanti · 19-01-2015 12:41am

Do you mind me asking what shop it was Faith?

Faith · 19-01-2015 12:44am

Absolutely, it was Rice N Roses in Frankfield, Cork. That's probably not the right area for you, but I HIGHLY recommend them if you were in that neck of the woods.

Corruptedmorals · 19-01-2015 12:44am

Memories, Parliament Street Temple Bar. Was there with my sister recently. They sell samples and second hand and have a massive range.

ameee · 19-01-2015 10:52am

I got mine in bridal heaven in swords. I told them I needed something off the peg and they seemed to have plenty for me to try on. I walked out with my dress that day

pooch90 · 19-01-2015 11:39am

Smart Brides in Portlaoise. Feel so bad for you xzanti!

kildareash · 03-02-2015 1:37pm

Has anyone looked at the Folkster bridal dresses?

Just stumbled across them by accident this morn. Like that kinda vintage feel and affordability

fits · 03-02-2015 2:00pm

kildareash wrote: »

Has anyone looked at the Folkster bridal dresses?

Just stumbled across them by accident this morn. Like that kinda vintage feel and affordability

They look well worth checking out!

xzanti · 14-02-2015 8:58pm

Highly recommend Truly Bridal in Naas.

Lovely, helpful staff. Great experience with them

stargazer 68 · 27-02-2015 1:06pm

Im starting the 'frock' search soon! Problem is I have no idea what I want. Its second time around for both of us and we are both approaching 50 with 5 adult children between us so the 'virgin' bride thing is not really for me lol.

Love House of Mooshki so am definitely going to try that style but I don't know if I want the full wedding dress thing or not - soooo confusing! Where do I even start??

Neyite · 27-02-2015 1:13pm

Dovies wrote: »

Im starting the 'frock' search soon! Problem is I have no idea what I want. Its second time around for both of us and we are both approaching 50 with 5 adult children between us so the 'virgin' bride thing is not really for me lol.

Love House of Mooshki so am definitely going to try that style but I don't know if I want the full wedding dress thing or not - soooo confusing! Where do I even start??

Start with everything and use process of elimination.

You'll quickly find what neckline /detail/ shade /style looks best on you and you can concentrate on ones in that style then. I hated lace, hated strapless, hated mermaid styles. Guess what suits me, and what my dress is like? :pac: If you'd showed me it on the rack, I'd have passed, but it makes me look bridal, rather than just me in a bridal dress if you know what I mean.

I'm 40 so will be a 40-something bride by the time we set a date Don't get hung up on what you think you should wear for your age, just have a blast trying on loads and you'll find something that you feel comfortable and gorgeous in.

stargazer 68 · 27-02-2015 1:16pm

Neyite wrote: »

I'm 40 so will be a 40-something bride by the time we set a date Don't get hung up on what you think you should wear for your age, just have a blast trying on loads and you'll find something that you feel comfortable and gorgeous in.

Oh I fully intend to try loads on. Just have the idea that people will be thinking 'ah where's she going with the big dress at her stage of her journey' lol. Im sure they won't but ..

Neyite · 27-02-2015 1:19pm

pfft... as long as you and yours think you look deadly, that's all that matters.

Gee_G · 27-02-2015 4:57pm

Ladies, are sample sales crazy?? Like jam packed, craziness??!

pooch90 · 27-02-2015 5:36pm

I would expect so!
However, I had my dress picked out in my head and arranged a day the week of the sale (it was on a Sunday) and they still applied the discount I would have gotten had I gone on the Sunday so that could be worth a shot if you knew what you wanted already.
I don't think I'd brave a sample sale without a clear idea.
The ladies in my shop said it would be manic on the Sunday and it's only a small place.

stickybookmark · 03-03-2015 9:06am

Noelie wrote: »

Hi, My Fiancee is about to start looking for a wedding dress in the next few months. she's got a list of places to go visit. but our main question at the moment is what kind of price would a dress be. I know it a bit of a how long is a piece of string question but any ideas?

We were thinking about 1000 would be enough it this too little or should she be able to find a good range for that kind of price.

also she is thinking of getting a halter neck dress is there much choice, she's been to a fwew shops and hasn't seen many halter necks.

Thanks in advance.

You'll get a dress for 1000 alright. If she likes short dresses they are cheaper (less material) or if she wants full length the simpler the cheaper. I tried on a lovely simple satin one for 400 last week! The more ornate (with train, sequins, lace, detail) the more expensive. Most of them are 1000-2000

pablo102 · 30-03-2015 8:22pm

There is a Fashion Designer in Cork. I have few nice pictures, I took for her album.
The place is called Kate Plum Atelier, Princess Street.
PM me if you would like to see the images of the available dresses.

Ronan_wals · 17-04-2015 11:09am

I'm based in Clare and wondering what peoples opinions of the best Bridal Boutiques are in Clare/Galway/Limerick/Tipperary.

Is it worth while venturing to Dublin or are peoples opinions that you find the same styles in Dublin as you would in Clare/Galway/Limerick/Tipperary?

Pistachios & cream · 18-04-2015 8:36am

Ronan_wals wrote: »

I'm based in Clare and wondering what peoples opinions of the best Bridal Boutiques are in Clare/Galway/Limerick/Tipperary.

Is it worth while venturing to Dublin or are peoples opinions that you find the same styles in Dublin as you would in Clare/Galway/Limerick/Tipperary?

It depend on the type of dress you are looKing for but in general Clare/Galway & Limerick have a huge amount of choice. Now if you are looking fora Jenny Peckham style/ vintage feel dress then Dublin could be agood idea. Lilac rose in Limerick was the only shop I found those type of dresses in Munster.

If that's what you are after de Stafford in Dublin City and the suite in Dublin City do those types of dresses. Otherwise stay in Munster but take a look at the bridal shops websites to see which ones youlike.

stargazer 68 · 26-05-2015 12:50pm

Neyite wrote: »

You'll quickly find what neckline /detail/ shade /style looks best on you and you can concentrate on ones in that style then. I hated lace, hated strapless, hated mermaid styles. Guess what suits me, and what my dress is like? :pac: If you'd showed me it on the rack, I'd have passed, but it makes me look bridal, rather than just me in a bridal dress if you know what I mean.

QUOTE]

Well went shopping a couple of weeks ago as I said and tried on the tea length one which was lovely so yep thats it we said! Then the girl said lets try on something completely different and use the tea length as a guage for the rest.

She pulled out a mermaid style - now never in a month of sundays would I even look at one of those- tight and figure hugging - 2 kids and flabby belly no way. Put it on and OMG OMG OMG - I looked about 3 sizes smaller. My sisters eyes nearly fell out of their heads - they sat with their mouths open!! She said the fabric in wedding dresses is so different to normal stuff and she was soooo right. Honestly couldnt believe it was me in the mirror!! I still can't get over it and I want to tell everyone lol

Going to another place on Sat with a definite vision of what I want. :D:D

Neyite · 26-05-2015 2:36pm

Dovies wrote: »

Neyite wrote: »

You'll quickly find what neckline /detail/ shade /style looks best on you and you can concentrate on ones in that style then. I hated lace, hated strapless, hated mermaid styles. Guess what suits me, and what my dress is like? :pac: If you'd showed me it on the rack, I'd have passed, but it makes me look bridal, rather than just me in a bridal dress if you know what I mean.

Well went shopping a couple of weeks ago as I said and tried on the tea length one which was lovely so yep thats it we said! Then the girl said lets try on something completely different and use the tea length as a guage for the rest.

She pulled out a mermaid style - now never in a month of sundays would I even look at one of those- tight and figure hugging - 2 kids and flabby belly no way. Put it on and OMG OMG OMG - I looked about 3 sizes smaller. My sisters eyes nearly fell out of their heads - they sat with their mouths open!! She said the fabric in wedding dresses is so different to normal stuff and she was soooo right. Honestly couldnt believe it was me in the mirror!! I still can't get over it and I want to tell everyone lol

Going to another place on Sat with a definite vision of what I want. :D:D

The 'scaffolding' in a proper wedding dress is amazing, isnt it?

I was the same with mine - like you, the last style I'd have picked for myself, but even the woman in the shop told me that I looked like Jessica Rabbit in it. It gave me boobs and a tiny waist I didn't know I possessed. And I dunno what it did to my thighs, but they disappeared altogether! Jesus I felt fcuking amazing in it. I'm so delighted that you felt that too!

All I needed then was to choose the best shade in that style (and yeah, who knew there was so many shades of ivory??), and I found that in the next shop. Any dress I've seen since, its been "hmmm, nice dress but not as nice as my dress"

Wedding Dress shops

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