Bridesmaids Dresses in the Triangle (Raleigh, Cary: appointed, weddings, to buy)

[T|K]

Anybody have any places they can recommend? The fiancé is trying to find a few places locally to go check out for her bridemaids and to make appointments to check them out with everybody. She said she wants something that can be reworn not just for the wedding, so nothing crazy, and doesn't want them to spend a whole lot of money. We checked out a few places this weekend, but she didn't "love" anything she saw. Any places you guys know about?

[DanielleNC]

Bridal Mart in Burlington.
Bridal Mart - Wedding Gowns - Bridal Formal Wear

Same dresses you would find elsewhere, but discounted. For example, I HAD to order my dress from a store in PA for $154 (with the bridal party discount) and I could have bought it at Bridal Mart for $125 with no discount. I have bought all my other bridesmaid dresses from here. Don't know what kind of selection they would have for rewearing the dresses though.

[mjohnson185]

Ann Taylor! They have some dresses that could pass for bridesmaids dresses, plus there are locations everywhere so she would get all of her sizes.

[cncsmomndad]

Has she looked at JCrew.com? And sounds crazy, but Target.com has a selection of wedding and party dresses too.

Parties + Weddings : Women's Dresses : Women's Clothing : Women : Target

[raleighkc]

Depending on how many bridesmaids there are, she might be able to find some matching ones at Gorgeous Gowns and Dresses in Cary. They sell consigned wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and fancy gowns.

[MI-Roger]

If they are not all local, then a chain like David's Bridal may be best. They have lots of choices and the bride's attandants can all be fitted in their local areas for the identical dress, or dresses in matching color.

I did note that the Raleigh store has LOTS of poor ratings posted. Most/all complain of long waits for service. Maybe all the unhappy shoppers were Bride-zillas, but be forewarned.

My wife's and daughter-in-law's experience, as well as the experiences of daughters of friends, at David's Bridal stores which are not local to Raleigh have all been positive.

After seeing first-hand how busy these stores are, even in recession racked Michigan, I tried to buy stock in the company and was disappointed to learn they are privately held. Sometimes David's Bridal will be the only store open in an entire shopping center, and the parking lot is still nearly full!

Be Aware - David's Bridal does not accept returns for any reason! Blame it on unscrupulous customers who return garmets after wearing them, but there are no exceptions to their "No Returns" policy.

[DanielleNC]

Originally Posted by MI-Roger

Be Aware - David's Bridal does not accept returns for any reason! Blame it on unscrupulous customers who return garmets after wearing them, but there are no exceptions to their "No Returns" policy.

That's the case with most bridal stores. Again, you can get many of the same dresses at a discounted price at Bridal Mart. I like the recommendation of just going to the mall stores. They are returnable for whatever reason and can be worn again. May be a bit harder for a more formal wedding, but I am sure there are great options still.

[stringerb3]

My bridesmaids ordered their dresses online from J.Crew. I went with them because they are pretty affordable (especially for the quality - no polyester!), definitely rewearable, & don't look like bridesmaid dresses (I have a few that I've worn to weddings and other functions, not as a bridesmaid). They aren't available in any of the Triangle-area stores, unfortunately. If they're interested in J.Crew dresses, they could try Catalog Connection in Greenville. I haven't been there yet, but I've heard they have a great selection of the J.Crew bridesmaids/"occasions" dresses.

[Sloaf]

David's Bridal has "decent" prices on the dresses, but they will make up for it with the alterations. (But perhaps that is the case with all places.) That is the only place I know of, but it was also where I was told to go since I was the only out of town bridesmaid and it was an easy choice to get the same dress for everyone.

[Beyerland]

You could try Enchanting Moments in Fuquay Varina Enchanting Moments Inc - Fuquay Varina, NC, 27526 - Citysearch for the traditional bridesmaid dresses. I love the idea of Ann Taylor and J. Crew! They might actually wear the dress again.