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I had a hard time finding a good one. I ended up getting my dress at White Swan Bridal in Vienna. It's not a really high-quality salon per-se, but the girls aren't paid on commission which was really nice for me (not being pressured). They have some higher-end dresses (Aire Barcelona, etc...), but the majority of them are right in your price range. The dresses are all on mannequins so you can see what they look like, which I found helfpul as well.
There's a Demetrios at Macy's in Tyson's Corner, and quite a few shops in Alexandria as well.
Thanks! I've been considering White Swan, but I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about it, specifically about how accommodating their staff is - you had a good experience with them though?
I did - especially because I hate pushy sales people. The salon itself isn't anything spectacular, but I liked their dresses, prices, and people. They also took a hollow-to-hem measurement, so when the dress came in it didn't have to be hemmed or anything. If I hadn't lost weight, it would have fit perfectly. I've heard mixed reviews about their alterations, though, so took it outside for those.
@JD193: Miss Brooch, a local Bee, did a few posts reviewing the local area shops she visited. You can check those out:
http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/10/21/choosing-a-wedding-dress/
http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/10/22/satin-wedding-dresses-2/
http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/10/24/virginia-wedding-dresses/
I don't have too much experience with many local shops since I didn't do too much shopping around..i lucked out early! I went to David's Bridal (in Woodbridge, VA) and actually found my dress there. They actually had a nice dress selection. There's also Camile LeVie/Group USA. They sell formal wear, to include wedding dresses, bridesmaids, party dresses, etc. They have two locations in VA...Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge and Springfield Mall, in Springfield VA.
GOOD LUCK!!
A friend of mine got her gown at LeStar Bridal in Alexandria. ive been there a few times and really liked the place. There are a couple other ones in Alexandria too. I got my dress in Rockville, MD which really wouldnt be too far for you to go. The salon I went to was Bridal Images in Rockville.
Thanks so much for all of your help, ladies!! I think I'm gonna hit Rosalin's and White Swan and try to find a few more. Thanks again!! 
Ps - by find, I meant pick from all of your suggestions! Just haven't had time to look at all of them yet.
Hi JD193 - I live in same area and had the same problem being a transplant as well. I went to many bridal salons but ended up buying my dress at Betsy Robinson's in Pikesville. I'm pretty sure they have dresses in your budget (I spent $2k). I would highly recommend making the trip up there.
I would also recommend Katherine's on Duke Street in Alexandria. I tried on several gowns in the $1,500 range. It's a small shop, but it's tightly packed with a nice selection and I thought they were really nice; they fit me in without an appt.
I went to Hannelore's in Old Town and wasn't impressed. The store is old and dingy. I'm not sure exactly about their price range, but the woman who helped me was super pushy and tried to force me to try on gowns that I absolutely didn't want (like huge ballgowns). She was definitely annoying, but if they carry gowns in your price range then it might be worth a visit since they have a big selection.
I also visited Distinctive Designs in Rockville. They have a huge selection of dresses in your price range. I have a friend who bought her gown there and was very happy.
I made an appointment at Ellie's in Alexandria, which I had heard good things about, but ultimately canceled the appt after I found my dress at Betsy's.
My colleague bought her dress at I Do I Do! in Gathersburg and loved it. And I have another friend who bought her dress at Claire Dratch in Bethesda.
Lastly, I also went to White Swan. I think everyone is different and probably has different expectations of a bridal salon/experience, but I can tell you that the minute I walked in I wanted to leave. I probably should have left immediately, but felt guilty because I had made an appt. So I stayed and tried on 2 gowns that I had no intention of buying. I found the service really lacking (I didn't realize they didn't make commission, but that makes sense); they basically put me in a very tiny dressing room and left me to put myself in the gowns. And overall I thought the quallity was lacking and the gowns overpriced for the material.
I hope this helps! It looks like we're in the same area so feel free to PM if you have any other questions about resources in the area.
I think it really depends on what you´re looking for in the experience. I personally hated Katherines because the sales people pushed me to buy every dress I tried on (even the ones that were hideous), and made me try on the ones they liked rather than what I wanted. They had a beautiful selection of dresses (especially Watters), but the experience ruined it for me. I liked the dresses enough that I went twice hoping it was just my sales lady, but had the same experience each time. And I prefer putting on the gown myself rather than someone putting it on for me, so I think that was part of why I have the preferences I do. It just depends on what you're looking for :)
Alfred Angelo's in new in Springfield. Behind the mall, along the same side of the street as Best Buy- It's behind an Italian restaurant (don't remember name) Good luck!
I hated Katherine's too! They treated me horribly because my budget wasn't sky high. She picked out two dresses for me, I asked if there were any more and she basically walked away. I've been to Le Star, White Swan and Alfred Angelo and they all had better service than Katherine's. AVOID!
Oh P.S. I had amazing customer service at Ellie's! Love love love!
Curvy Girl's Bridal in Fairfax http://www.curvygirlsbridal.com/
They carry all sizes and are the freaking nicest people!
I realize this s old, but I would go to Carine's and Hitched, get an idea of designers you like, then head to Church Street Bridal in Lynchburg. They sell Kleinfeld samples for $300-$500. I found them after I got my dresses, which kills me now. I wish I had found Church Stret first. I posted pictures that I took when I went there in the dress forum...
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/found-a-designer-gold-mine-today-lots-of-pics-inside
Ive been to quite a few salons before I finally found a shop where I loved the staff AND the price. Don't go to White Swan unless you have done your research! Most of their gowns are EXTREMELY overpriced. They give you a spill about how the dress is customized to fit, but if you know most designers, thats not really possible...the dresses are still ordered by size. They attempted to charge me $600 more than the going rate in the area, but I must admit they were not very pushy.
There's another salon in Vienna, right around the corner from there (although i can't think of the name)...They have a SUPER small selection. The store is like a small basement.
I finally purchased my dress this week@ Jeanette's Bridal in Manassas. They have a selection larger than White Swan of dresses (and these are not on mannequins so there are more to choose from). I worked with a staff member named Sedera who was helpful (along with other staffing), and she calls and even sends cute little notes! And the prize was the cheapest!!!! Ive called over 7 stores in the area after White Swan and Jeanettes searching for the best bargain, and none of them had a better price!
I briefly stopped into I Do I Do Bridal in Rockville/Gaithersburg. They have a pretty large selection as well, and off consignment gowns! If you are on a budget, that may be beneficial!
Happy Hunting!
Ive been to quite a few salons before I finally found a shop where I loved the staff AND the price. Don't go to White Swan unless you have done your research! Most of their gowns are EXTREMELY overpriced. They give you a spill about how the dress is customized to fit, but if you know most designers, thats not really possible...the dresses are still ordered by size. They attempted to charge me $600 more than the going rate in the area, but I must admit they were not very pushy.
There's another salon in Vienna, right around the corner from there (although i can't think of the name)...They have a SUPER small selection. The store is like a small basement.
I finally purchased my dress this week@ Jeanette's Bridal in Manassas. They have a selection larger than White Swan of dresses (and these are not on mannequins so there are more to choose from). I worked with a staff member named Sedera who was helpful (along with other staffing), and she calls and even sends cute little notes! And the prize was the cheapest!!!! Ive called over 7 stores in the area after White Swan and Jeanettes searching for the best bargain, and none of them had a better price!
I briefly stopped into I Do I Do Bridal in Rockville/Gaithersburg. They have a pretty large selection as well, and off consignment gowns! If you are on a budget, that may be beneficial!
Happy Hunting!
Wow... a friend recommended Katherine's and that's where I ordered mine from (I loved the first one I tried on-- looks like that was lucky for me considering the reviews!)... has anyone heard how their alterations are?
I had the worst experiences at Ellie's. And a few years ago, I helped a friend get a dress and they were snarky and talked smack behind our backs. (They didn't know that one of the people in our group understood their language).
I had a good experience at David's in Springfield, but it's a differnet type of experience than a salon. Read my earlier post for some tips. http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/david%e2%80%99s-bridal-in-springfield-va-038-some-general-dress-shopping-tips
I bought my veil and BM dresses at the Alfred Angelo's in Springfield. It's next to the Border's that is closing. They were very nice and I wish they had opened a few months earlier so I could try on their dresses.
I bought my dress at Love Couture Bridal and loved the experience. The ladies are so nice there, not pushy, and not disdainful of my $1500 max budget. They found a beautiful dress within my budget and have been responsive and helpful along the way. The first fitting is tomorrow - hurray! Anyway, I recommended them to several friends who also bought their dresses there and everyone has had great experiences. The shop is located in Rockville, off of 270 at the Montrose Road exit.
@oaxaca:
how much are your alterations costing? the shop I went to wanted to charge a few hundred... is that normal??
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Hello ladies!
I need your help... I live in the Northern Virginia area, right outside of DC - however, I'm a transplant. So I've lost the advantage of knowing of bridal salons where my family and friends have had good experiences. I do have a few friends who have gotten their dresses down here, but, to be honest - their budgets were far above mine! So... does anyone know of quality bridal salons around the area that are also affordable?? I'm looking to spend somewhere in the $1,000-$1500 range. Anything you guys know of would be greatly helpful!
Thank you!!
JD