The Dress Theory-San Diego Reviews

Reviews

+12 User photos

• Cristina Sent on 11/09/2022
  5 out of 5 rating

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  This is the place!!

  This is THE place to find the best selection of dresses that are unique, fun, romantic, classy & sexy. Rhiannon helped me find the perfect dress & I have yet to find any item of clothing that I have ever, and likely will ever love more than this dress. It checked all the elements listed above, and was just simply perfect! And I couldn’t have done it without this place! And without Rhiannon! The Dress Theory was the very first dress shopping I had done, so my first visit I was unsure of everything but then after going to several other places, I came back & decided on the original dress that was handed to me that first day and that was that! You will not be disappointed in this place - it is so much more than your ordinary dress store - it truly is above and beyond all the others!

  This is THE place to find the best selection of dresses that are unique, fun, romantic, classy & sexy. Rhiannon helped me find the perfect dress & I have yet to find any item of clothing that I have ever, and likely will ever love more than this dress. It checked all the elements listed above, and was just simply perfect! And I couldn’t have done it without this place! And without Rhiannon! The Dress Theory was the very first dress shopping I had done, so my first visit I was unsure of everything but then after going to several other places, I came back & decided on the original dress that was handed to me that first day and that was that! You will not be disappointed in this place - it is so much more than your ordinary dress store - it truly is above and beyond all the others!

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• Sam Z. Sent on 11/05/2020
  5 out of 5 rating

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  The most beautiful dress and veil! great experience!

  I absolutely loved my boho modern wedding dress and veil it was stunning and it fit in with the venue perfectly! I am obsessed! the most amazing shopping experience even in a world pandemic! Thne dress was so beautifully made and had so much detail and the veil was simple and elegant and did not take away from the dress!

  I absolutely loved my boho modern wedding dress and veil it was stunning and it fit in with the venue perfectly! I am obsessed! the most amazing shopping experience even in a world pandemic! Thne dress was so beautifully made and had so much detail and the veil was simple and elegant and did not take away from the dress!

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• Jenni Sent on 04/26/2019
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
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  Ask for Shannon!

  This was the first boutique I went to try on dresses and ended up getting the first dress I tried on! I still went to 4 or 5 different places for the experience but hands down The Dress Theory in San Diego was my favorite! First off, the building and decor is so cute! From the Smeg fridge to the champagne served all the details were noticed and appreciated. Shannon helped me that first day and throughout the entire process was so sweet! I highly recommend going with Dress Theory.
  
  The only but- is for their in house seamstress, which is a separate business. When alterations are done you just stand in one spot- I'd make sure to walk around after alterations are made. On the day of my wedding the dress was still way too long and I kept tripping everywhere it was pretty disappointing.

  This was the first boutique I went to try on dresses and ended up getting the first dress I tried on! I still went to 4 or 5 different places for the experience but hands down The Dress Theory in San Diego was my favorite! First off, the building and decor is so cute! From the Smeg fridge to the champagne served all the details were noticed and appreciated. Shannon helped me that first day and throughout the entire process was so sweet! I highly recommend going with Dress Theory.
  
  The only but- is for their in house seamstress, which is a separate business. When alterations are done you just stand in one spot- I'd make sure to walk around after alterations are made. On the day of my wedding the dress was still way too long and I kept tripping everywhere it was pretty disappointing.
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• Mae Sent on 05/05/2019
  5 out of 5 rating

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  Best in San Diego :)

  I found my dream wedding dress on my first visit at The Dress Theory in San Diego! I had gone to two other places and I found dresses that I loved, but none that I fell in love with enough to wear on my wedding day.
  From the ease of making an appointment to the wonderful service that ALL the girls at the shop provide, it was such a great experience. Madison was the one who helped me out and she was so welcoming and kind! She and I picked out a beautiful variety of dresses and, by the third one, I knew I had found the one! The dress was absolutely beautiful and I felt amazing. I didn't need any pins so this helped picture wearing this on my special day even more!
  Each trip to the shop was always so fun. All of the girls are amazing and you can tell that each of them love being there and helping brides out!

  I found my dream wedding dress on my first visit at The Dress Theory in San Diego! I had gone to two other places and I found dresses that I loved, but none that I fell in love with enough to wear on my wedding day.
  From the ease of making an appointment to the wonderful service that ALL the girls at the shop provide, it was such a great experience. Madison was the one who helped me out and she was so welcoming and kind! She and I picked out a beautiful variety of dresses and, by the third one, I knew I had found the one! The dress was absolutely beautiful and I felt amazing. I didn't need any pins so this helped picture wearing this on my special day even more!
  Each trip to the shop was always so fun. All of the girls are amazing and you can tell that each of them love being there and helping brides out!

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• Melissa Sent on 12/03/2016
  5 out of 5 rating

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  Forget the run of the mill, cold, massive wedding dress shops, get your dress from The Dress Theory! I felt magic the minute I stepped into this adorable boutique wedding dress shop. The shop is inside an old home with the bedrooms converted into stylish, adorable, private fitting rooms. The girls there are super sweet, the dresses are unique and they offer something for any budget. Highly recommend!!

  Forget the run of the mill, cold, massive wedding dress shops, get your dress from The Dress Theory! I felt magic the minute I stepped into this adorable boutique wedding dress shop. The shop is inside an old home with the bedrooms converted into stylish, adorable, private fitting rooms. The girls there are super sweet, the dresses are unique and they offer something for any budget. Highly recommend!!
• Coral Sent on 11/19/2016
  4.8 out of 5 rating

  4.8
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    4.5 out of 5 rating
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    4.5 out of 5 rating
    4.5

  I went to 4 different bridal shops in San Diego: David's Bridal in Mission Valley, The Bustle in Del Mar, Mia Bella Couture in Del Mar and Dress Theory in Hillcrest. I got great service at all 4 shops so I'm not trying to knock anyone but this shop stood out for a few reasons. First off, the shop is absolutely adorable and so beautiful. Part of buying a wedding dress for me was having the fun "say-yes-to-the-dress" experience with my mother, MOH and friend who is also a bridesmaid which is why I went to so many shops. If you are looking for that type of experience look no further. They had delicious sample bunt cakes and champagne, private rooms so your crew can hang out on vintage upholstered furniture while the dress consultant help you into the dress. The over-sized gold-framed mirrors made it so you could get excellent pictures of each dress from the front and back at the same time. I cannot say enough kind things about my consultant Megan! She was super friendly and helpful with each dress and extremely knowledgeable. She was not afraid to ask other consultants and even do additional research when I asked her something that she was not 100% sure on so that I always had the best answer. I ultimately did purchase my wedding dress at this shop and they have been so nice and courteous through everything so far (I have endless questions about how the alterations works and how each customizing option on the dress works). My dress has been ordered and will come in about 5 months. I cannot wait to go back to the shop and try it on and meet with the staff at Dress Theory again!

  I went to 4 different bridal shops in San Diego: David's Bridal in Mission Valley, The Bustle in Del Mar, Mia Bella Couture in Del Mar and Dress Theory in Hillcrest. I got great service at all 4 shops so I'm not trying to knock anyone but this shop stood out for a few reasons. First off, the shop is absolutely adorable and so beautiful. Part of buying a wedding dress for me was having the fun "say-yes-to-the-dress" experience with my mother, MOH and friend who is also a bridesmaid which is why I went to so many shops. If you are looking for that type of experience look no further. They had delicious sample bunt cakes and champagne, private rooms so your crew can hang out on vintage upholstered furniture while the dress consultant help you into the dress. The over-sized gold-framed mirrors made it so you could get excellent pictures of each dress from the front and back at the same time. I cannot say enough kind things about my consultant Megan! She was super friendly and helpful with each dress and extremely knowledgeable. She was not afraid to ask other consultants and even do additional research when I asked her something that she was not 100% sure on so that I always had the best answer. I ultimately did purchase my wedding dress at this shop and they have been so nice and courteous through everything so far (I have endless questions about how the alterations works and how each customizing option on the dress works). My dress has been ordered and will come in about 5 months. I cannot wait to go back to the shop and try it on and meet with the staff at Dress Theory again!
• Diane Sent on 08/15/2016
  4.8 out of 5 rating

  4.8
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  The Dress Theory is BEAUTIFUL! They are seriously such wonderful and kind people that work there. I found my bridal dress here, and just felt so comfortable in their space! It is easy to bring other people to the shop to try on dresses and they don't rush you out the door like other shops. They make your time very personable. I wasn't able to find the dress I wanted in my budget range, and paid about $800 more than I was anticipating, but the dress I picked was so beautiful I couldn't say no. They have a perfect selection, I wish I could have worn them all.

  The Dress Theory is BEAUTIFUL! They are seriously such wonderful and kind people that work there. I found my bridal dress here, and just felt so comfortable in their space! It is easy to bring other people to the shop to try on dresses and they don't rush you out the door like other shops. They make your time very personable. I wasn't able to find the dress I wanted in my budget range, and paid about $800 more than I was anticipating, but the dress I picked was so beautiful I couldn't say no. They have a perfect selection, I wish I could have worn them all.
• Natalie Sent on 12/27/2016
  4.7 out of 5 rating

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    4.5 out of 5 rating
    4.5

  I bought my wedding dress in Australia but the Dress Theory let me bring it in and helped me select a veil and accessories. Their location in San Diego is absolutely gorgeous, a little house that is full of pretty dresses, smells amazing and makes the whole experience so fun. We didn't want to leave! Karen, their seamstress, did a great job helping bustle my dress since we had no idea how to do it. The skirt was organza and she put delicate little loops in so it could be bustled and still fall just right and look beautiful. Would definitely recommend Karen for alterations and the Dress Theory for shopping for dresses, veils, accessories etc.

  I bought my wedding dress in Australia but the Dress Theory let me bring it in and helped me select a veil and accessories. Their location in San Diego is absolutely gorgeous, a little house that is full of pretty dresses, smells amazing and makes the whole experience so fun. We didn't want to leave! Karen, their seamstress, did a great job helping bustle my dress since we had no idea how to do it. The skirt was organza and she put delicate little loops in so it could be bustled and still fall just right and look beautiful. Would definitely recommend Karen for alterations and the Dress Theory for shopping for dresses, veils, accessories etc.
• Natalie N. Sent on 10/27/2020
  4.6 out of 5 rating

  4.6
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  Beautiful dress salon!

  The Dress Theory San Diego was my 4th dress appointment and I was getting anxious to find MY dress. Rhiannon was so fantastic at the appointment and I ended up purchasing a dress from Lela Rose Bridal. It was a very classic and simple dress (The Brighton) and I was so excited to wear it. Unfortunately, I purchased my dress in December and was expecting to get my dress in late May but due to the pandemic it was quite delayed. Rhiannon was great communicating with me and getting me updates from the designer. When I did ultimately get my dress the buttons on the back were crooked which was quite disappointing. Rhiannon helped communicate with the designer and the designer ultimately paid for some of my alterations as a make good. Planning a wedding during a pandemic is hard but Rhiannon made a stressful situation easier.
  
  Their dresses as beautiful and I am confident you can find your dress here!
  

  The Dress Theory San Diego was my 4th dress appointment and I was getting anxious to find MY dress. Rhiannon was so fantastic at the appointment and I ended up purchasing a dress from Lela Rose Bridal. It was a very classic and simple dress (The Brighton) and I was so excited to wear it. Unfortunately, I purchased my dress in December and was expecting to get my dress in late May but due to the pandemic it was quite delayed. Rhiannon was great communicating with me and getting me updates from the designer. When I did ultimately get my dress the buttons on the back were crooked which was quite disappointing. Rhiannon helped communicate with the designer and the designer ultimately paid for some of my alterations as a make good. Planning a wedding during a pandemic is hard but Rhiannon made a stressful situation easier.
  
  Their dresses as beautiful and I am confident you can find your dress here!
  
• Johanna Sent on 01/31/2019
  4.6 out of 5 rating

  4.6
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  You will understand the hype once you walk into their boutiques!

  Firstly, I love the dress theory! Their entire esthetic in both their stores and dresses is just a dream. When I scheduled an appointment, it was during a Sarah Seven trunk show with Sarah (the designer) herself was there! So the fact that I found a perfect dress by Sarah and had the opportunity to meet her and take a cute gif for the gram was definitely the coolest experiences you can ever have while shopping for your wedding dress! And Rhiannon, my dress consultant is such an angel. I had wanted to try on a head piece since I was considering a flower crown and this incredibly kind woman ordered it on the spot for me because she thought it looked perfect on me, without charge! I added some customizations to my dress which did add about $400 to my tab but, because of the trunk show, I had an overall 10% discount on my dress. I couldn't recommend The Dress Theory highly enough and to schedule your appointment with Rhiannon, you will not be disappointed!

  Firstly, I love the dress theory! Their entire esthetic in both their stores and dresses is just a dream. When I scheduled an appointment, it was during a Sarah Seven trunk show with Sarah (the designer) herself was there! So the fact that I found a perfect dress by Sarah and had the opportunity to meet her and take a cute gif for the gram was definitely the coolest experiences you can ever have while shopping for your wedding dress! And Rhiannon, my dress consultant is such an angel. I had wanted to try on a head piece since I was considering a flower crown and this incredibly kind woman ordered it on the spot for me because she thought it looked perfect on me, without charge! I added some customizations to my dress which did add about $400 to my tab but, because of the trunk show, I had an overall 10% discount on my dress. I couldn't recommend The Dress Theory highly enough and to schedule your appointment with Rhiannon, you will not be disappointed!
• Amanda M. Sent on 04/27/2019
  2.2 out of 5 rating

  2.2
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  Don't waste your money with this deceptive store

  I am disappointed that I bought my dress from this deceptive store. This all happened one week ago and I am still livid. If it was possible, I would return the dress and get my money back. I went to try on dresses there twice, once with the representative from Flora (the brand of dress I did buy). My party of 3 other women and myself were told that this brand takes 12 different measurements so it fits. Also that if you get the height of your shoes to them in time then they can even make it the right length. One would be lead to believe that this dress should fit your body with just a few minor adjustments or at least just as well as the sample. This was not the case. Things they NEVER told us:
  -They take those measurements to find the closest STANDARD size
  -They want to know your heel length so they don’t make it too short
  -The samples are already altered so that they fit great when you try them on. They literally never said a word about this.
  Of course we didn’t know to ask these questions or that a company would omit so much important information. The entirety of this process has taken all of the joy out of picking a wedding dress and I want to save everyone else from this major disappointment and frustration.
  
  In addition, DO NOT USE THEIR IN HOUSE TAILOR. She technically does not work for them, but she works in their store. She was rude, awful and annoyed at every little question we had. Every time we asked her to fix this or move that, she said “it’s just the dress, I can’t do anything about that”. It’s literally her job to do that. I can’t believe that she is one of their tailors they recommend. I had my first fitting last Saturday and I am still livid, disappointed and devastated at how much The Dress Theory deceived us and at how rude Karen was.
  

  I am disappointed that I bought my dress from this deceptive store. This all happened one week ago and I am still livid. If it was possible, I would return the dress and get my money back. I went to try on dresses there twice, once with the representative from Flora (the brand of dress I did buy). My party of 3 other women and myself were told that this brand takes 12 different measurements so it fits. Also that if you get the height of your shoes to them in time then they can even make it the right length. One would be lead to believe that this dress should fit your body with just a few minor adjustments or at least just as well as the sample. This was not the case. Things they NEVER told us:
  -They take those measurements to find the closest STANDARD size
  -They want to know your heel length so they don’t make it too short
  -The samples are already altered so that they fit great when you try them on. They literally never said a word about this.
  Of course we didn’t know to ask these questions or that a company would omit so much important information. The entirety of this process has taken all of the joy out of picking a wedding dress and I want to save everyone else from this major disappointment and frustration.
  
  In addition, DO NOT USE THEIR IN HOUSE TAILOR. She technically does not work for them, but she works in their store. She was rude, awful and annoyed at every little question we had. Every time we asked her to fix this or move that, she said “it’s just the dress, I can’t do anything about that”. It’s literally her job to do that. I can’t believe that she is one of their tailors they recommend. I had my first fitting last Saturday and I am still livid, disappointed and devastated at how much The Dress Theory deceived us and at how rude Karen was.
  
• Debbie K. Sent on 06/19/2019
  2.2 out of 5 rating

  2.2
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  Feeling Deceived

  My daughter found a dress at this boutique approximately 2 months prior to her elopement. The dress was not inexpensive and understandably there was an additional fee for the rush order. Measurements were taken at the time of ordering the dress. When the dress came in, it was a size 8 and my daughter is a size 4. The dress was ultimately too large and the staff explained that wedding dresses can be 2 sizes larger, which makes no sense. Her weight had not fluctuated to a size 8...she is a very small young woman. The dress had to be altered considerably, which was another expense of $600.00 because of the amount of work that needed to be done and the short time frame. Staff state they explain to all the brides-to-be that this is a possibility and that alterations will most likely need to be done when the dress comes in. They also state that they tell the brides that alterations can be up to $500.00. My daughter does not recall that specific details of alteration costs and sizing were explained. Perhaps they were, but she was more excited about her dress. I do feel that the details were most likely not reiterated.
  
  I am disappointed with the entire experience and feel as if the wool was being pulled over our eyes by the staff. It felt as if they were explaining the situation away with questionable reasoning.
  
  Her dress ended up looking beautiful on her and the wedding was perfect. However, when a bride and her parents (who are paying for the dress) have this experience, it leaves a negative feeling about the wedding dress experience!

  My daughter found a dress at this boutique approximately 2 months prior to her elopement. The dress was not inexpensive and understandably there was an additional fee for the rush order. Measurements were taken at the time of ordering the dress. When the dress came in, it was a size 8 and my daughter is a size 4. The dress was ultimately too large and the staff explained that wedding dresses can be 2 sizes larger, which makes no sense. Her weight had not fluctuated to a size 8...she is a very small young woman. The dress had to be altered considerably, which was another expense of $600.00 because of the amount of work that needed to be done and the short time frame. Staff state they explain to all the brides-to-be that this is a possibility and that alterations will most likely need to be done when the dress comes in. They also state that they tell the brides that alterations can be up to $500.00. My daughter does not recall that specific details of alteration costs and sizing were explained. Perhaps they were, but she was more excited about her dress. I do feel that the details were most likely not reiterated.
  
  I am disappointed with the entire experience and feel as if the wool was being pulled over our eyes by the staff. It felt as if they were explaining the situation away with questionable reasoning.
  
  Her dress ended up looking beautiful on her and the wedding was perfect. However, when a bride and her parents (who are paying for the dress) have this experience, it leaves a negative feeling about the wedding dress experience!