Post # 1
Member
205 posts
Helper bee
When your itty bitty budget can’t handle the cost of a normal bridal salon, but you’re too afraid to buy a dress online… you start praying for a miracle.
I live in central Maryland and I’m looking for a discount bridal salon, preferably within an hour or two of Frederick or Hagerstown, MD. Does anyone have any suggestions? My dress budget is only $400 and I need to get shopping pretty soon because the wedding is this October.
Post # 2
Member
60 posts
Worker bee
A friend recommended “I Do, I Do” in Gaithersburg to me. It’s a consignment shop and she bought her dress there for $500.
Post # 3
Member
205 posts
Helper bee
chickadeetickle: Awesome, thank you! I’m definitely going to check it out!
Post # 4
Member
202 posts
Helper bee
It’s not in the DC Metro area, but in Lynchburg, VA there’s a bridal shop called Church Street Bridal. They get barely used sample and off-the-runway dresses from Kleinfelds and other bridal salons and sell them for a fraction of the cost. We’re talking $1200 dresses for $200.
The only caveat is that these are usually sample size dresses. They have dresses in just about every size, but the amount in each size really depends. I’m built like a ruler (size 2 in bridal) and didn’t have much luck, but know plenty of other people who have. 🙂 Here’s a link to their site if you’re interested! http://www.churchstreetbridal.com/
Post # 5
Member
27 posts
Newbee
Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring Budget (a mouthful of a name, I know lol) is in Rockville, MD and has some really beautiful, heavily discounted sample and once-worn gowns. I looked there for my gown and even though I didn’t find anything, their service was great. If I remember correctly, they had many gowns in recent styles (Watters, BHLDN/Catherine Deane, Monique Lhuillier) that were at or under $1000 in a variety of sizes. They’re run entirely by volunteers, so be sure to call ahead to schedule an appointment! http://www.fairytalebrides.org/
Post # 6
Member
478 posts
Helper bee
ladylovebug: I’m not too far from Lynchburg, and my college friend bought her dress from there a few years ago! I think it’d be worth the drive for the OP, honestly – not just for high-end dresses for a low price, but the proceeds go to the YWCA and their domestic violence shelter!
Post # 7
Member
202 posts
Helper bee
penguin8407: Agreed! 🙂 That’s actually the biggest reason I wanted to check it out. I wish there were more stores around that did that.