Affordable dress shopping Chicago Suburbs

I got my dress from David's Bridal for about $600. Their website allows you to filter dresses by price, so you can avoid falling in love with something that's above your price range. Mine actually happened to be on "sale" when we went in! You'll hear mixed reviews about DB on WeddingWire, but my experience was really good. I'm short (5'0") and really appreciated that they offer all of their "regular" dresses in both petite and plus sizes -- so I was able to get my dress in a petite size, rather than spending a fortune to get a "regular" dress altered. I would recommend doing alterations elsewhere if you're buying from DB; I've heard they can be pricy.

View Quoted Comment I’m really hoping I find it there because of my price point but yes I have someone for alterations if needed. I just wanted to know if there was any other places

I also got my dress from David's Bridal for just under $700. They have a lot of options under $800. As PP said, there are a lot of mixed reviews for DB, but I had a good experience both times I went, the ladies were very nice to me. I will say don't buy the dress unless you're ABSOLUTELY positive it's what you want. They have a final sale policy for items purchased in store. I'm currently looking for another dress through Azazie because I'm not in love with the one I have. If you're not opposed to it, I would suggest checking out Azazie for a wedding dress! VERY affordable and you can try it on before you buy it for only $15 per dress (covers shipping both ways). Best of luck to you!

Here Comes the Bride in Addison is great.

View Quoted Comment Which David’s bridal did you go to? Because I’ve heard the one I’m going to in Schaumburg doesn’t have the greatest options

View Quoted Comment What’s the price point there?

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I went to the one in Columbia, South Carolina. I'm sure it varies by store, management plays a large role in customer experience. I would just search the one you plan on going to on Google and check the reviews!

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My dress was 1K exactly, but they really cater to a lot of budgets and won't try to upsell you (my budget was firm, and they didn't pull a single dress that was even $100 more.) Also they have a killer black Friday sale (not a sample sale, just discounts.)

Go to naperville bridal boutique!!! They sell sample dresses that you take with your right then and there. Designer dresses and I think she said the highest prices was $1500. I got mine for $1000 and they definitely have cheaper dresses. They were amazing to work with and the owner does all the alterations so you can talk to her day of purchasing to see what changes she’s can do. For example, I’m changing the back of mine to a lace up corset. My sister is law for her dress there too. Highly recommended!!

Look for shops that sell samples. The bridal boutique above is one. The Alter in Barrington is another one I went too and they had lots of dresses in every size. You can also buy used ones on line. There’s a shop on north side of Chicago that gets good reviews but can’t remember their name.