Lovely Bride

I had an amazing experience here. Wedding dress shopping can be very daunting and Danielle made it very easy. She did not try to pressure me at all, which I experienced at other boutiques and is very frustrating because it can ruin the whole experience. She was truthful and her opinions were very genuine and helpful. The shop was simple but elegant, the fitting room was huge and comfortable with tons of natural light. They have a wide variety of dresses, many that are unique. I didn’t purchase my dress just yet, but I have a feeling I will be back there, and will make sure to request Danielle because she is awesome!

Lovely held a $ 99 sample sale from «4pm to 8pm» on Monday. I’m sure it was a complete freak show but I never got to see it. Sometime around 6, they closed the store and put A SIGN ON THE DOOR announcing they were «sold out.» No tweet, no email to people who had RSVP’d, and of course they weren’t answering the phone. We didn’t find out about your sale by looking at the door, so why would we want to find out that it ended early that way? Pretty sh*tty business practice.
I previously actually made an appointment to try on dresses here. It was a Wednesday evening and the sales associates were fairly rude about the fact that I brought my fiancé. Excuse me! I’m not interested in Lovely employees shoving their rigid ideas about weddings down my throat. Besides, it was a Wednesday, who else did they think was going to come? Then they made us wait past my appointment start time, even though the store was empty. Do not recommend.

I can’t speak highly enough about this place! The dresses are beautiful, classic, and of varying styles. Claire was absolutely incredible, as was the rest of the staff that was on-​hand during my fitting. My dress isn’t due to arrive yet, but I had an amazing experience all around at this beautiful store.

This is a lovely (aptly-​named!) little boutique. I enjoyed the consultant I was working with, Jessica, because she was low-​energy and down-​to-​business, like me. She did not pressure or annoy me, but just tried to genuinely be helpful. I hate it when consultants are so phony about wanting to hear all of your wedding details as they stuff your ass into some tulle. I’m like «Hello, I’m naked, can I please not talk about catering– lets get this sh*t DONE.» And she was very on board with that.
I tried on lots of beautiful dresses, some of which were in my price range and some just over, but Jessica did not attempt to hide that from me. I also got the sense pretty much right away that she understood what I wanted and what would look good on me.
Ultimately, I found one that I really like and I’m not sure if it’s «the one» yet or not, and Jessica was totally cool with that.
The store was nice, but I will agree with another reviewer that some of the (I’m guessing more popular) dresses are quite badly worn. The one I liked the best was dingy and grey, with holes in the tulle from being tried on so much. A few of them had makeup stains and huge rips in the seams that inhibited even being able to get them on properly, which did take away from the experience a bit. Perhaps some newer samples, or even some repairing or a good cleaning, could return some of the luster.
Really nice experience overall, though.

I didn’t buy my dress here, but I did come here to purchase my veil. For some reason, it was incredibly difficult for me to find a single-​layer, simple, tulle veil. I found exactly what I wanted at Lovely at a great price point (relatively speaking– veils are expensive!). I thought the customer service was great and the whole process was easy and painless.

Well I didn’t end up buying my dress at Lovely Bride, I still want to give them a good review. They are the third dress shop I have been to so far in my quest to find a wedding dress and my favorite by far. They seem to specialize in more boho type looks — you can figure this out from going to their website and seeing which designers they carry.
If you are shopping here, a budget of about $ 3,000 is going to take you pretty far. (They do have more selection above and below that, but $ 3,000 seems to be their sweet spot.)
I loved the dressing room area — the one that I was in had my guests seated comfortably on a couch as I tried on dresses with assistance behind a curtain before it was pulled back for the reveal. I was also able to wander to other parts of the store to see how dresses looked in natural lighting — something I haven’t been able to do elsewhere.

I tried on dresses here this weekend — it was truly an unpleasant experience.
To start, the sample dresses were dirty and mangled. There were enormous holes in all the top tulle layers of every dress I tried on, and the hems were filthy. It was so bad that I asked the woman helping me if a dress was ivory or white and she told me it was probably white, but just looked ivory because it was that dirty.
The real low point for me came at the beginning of the appointment. We were a few minutes late — I called the store and let them know I’d be running 5 – 10 minutes late, which they said was no problem. 9 minutes later, they called me back to get an ETA, explaining that since they closed at 5 and my appointment was supposed to start at 4, «they’d *try* to make it work.»
Now, I am not expecting a store to stay open for me, especially when I am the one who is running late. But I do expect that a retail establishment will be understanding, especially when dealing with Georgetown traffic; will be accommodating and just start the appointment when I arrive (even if you do close 45 minutes later), and that I won’t get a call from the store checking for updates. The attitude I perceived from the staff was impatience and annoyance — not exactly the customer service experience that I am looking for with a $ 1000 + purchase.
To top it all off, the woman helping us barely brought me any dresses to try on. I found an initial 4 that I thought I might like. Then when I asked her to bring me a couple different styles to try on, she just told me that they didn’t have anything else like what I was looking for and she couldn’t think of anything in the whole store that she could recommend. It mostly felt like she just wanted us to get out of there as quickly as she could get us out.
A very disappointing experience — I will not be back and would not recommend this place for any brides-​to-​be.

After going to 5 other wedding dress shops in the DMV, I can say, without a doubt, that this was the BEST one by far.
First of all, the store itself is lovely. The dressing areas are large, and the big mirrors are by a huge window overlooking Wisconsin Ave, which has great natural light (very key in getting an accurate impression of the dresses).
They also carry a great selection of dresses, including many from Watters, which is my personal favorite.
The girls there are so nice and helpful. During my first visit, I tried on a lot of dresses that were close but not quite it. I never once felt pressured into buying something I wasn’t 100% in love with (unlike many other places that were like «oh it’s closer enough you’ll get used to it»). The owner Julia, who is just the *sweetest*, got in touch with me, and after many emails back and forth with my super OCD criteria, she had me come back for trunk show she thought I’d like, where I actually did find exactly what I was looking for! Score!
There was a bit of heartbreak when it turned out my perfect dress was actually $ 1000 more than she had originally quoted me because the price tags got switched on a couple items. It was a little out of my budget, but she was able to help me work it out! Thank you, Lovely Bride!
(Will update review once the dress arrives).

This was by far my favorite bridal shop I stepped foot in and also where I chose my dress. I had the pleasure with working with Shannon who was so great & gave awesome suggestions for accessories, jewelry etc. to go with my dress. I was a little overwhelmed and actually went with a few of her recommendations (things I didn’t specifically have in mind) and everything went so well together on the day of. Also, they have some very reasonably priced dresses and a unique selection. I would recommend shopping here if you prefer simple and unique dresses, and prefer a vintage look.

This place is amazing! I visited yesterday morning with one of my best friends, after looking at dresses a couple of times (RK Bridal in NYC and David’s Bridal in Maryland). The store is not large but is light, airy, and chic, with lots of beautiful dresses.
Shannon, the store manager, assisted me. I let her know what silhouette, fabric, neckline, and color that I was looking for in a wedding dress, and we pulled around 6 dresses together (all Watters and Nicole Miller) for me to try on. She was also able to offer great advice on how the dresses would look when altered for my height (I am petite).
At the end of the consultation, I was torn between two incredible Watters dresses that were pretty different (one was an ethereal lacy A-​line, the other a stunning beaded sheath) and couldn’t make a decision. Shannon was completely understanding and gave me the details of the upcoming Watters trunk show next month. Highly recommend!

I bought my dress here! I went to several different stores, but this was definitely the best, both in terms of the service and the selection. I was looking for something romantic and not strapless, and they had a ton of options for me to try on — at other stores I didn’t like nearly as many dresses. The store itself is very bright and nice, and there’s no back so you can look through all of the options. The stylist I worked with got exactly what I was going for, and pulled several things that I loved but had missed when I was browsing the racks. There was a clear winner after my first visit, but they put absolutely no pressure on me to buy. I ended up coming back during the trunk sale for the designer of the dress I loved and so I got a discount. I also really appreciated that I could make all of my appointments online. I would highly recommend this place if you have a budget of at least $ 2−3K and you prefer flowy, romantic dresses to strapless ballgowns.

I had such a great experience here today! My mom booked an appointment easily online and we came in on a beautiful Sunday at 11am. The studio is amazing! Tons of natural light and a perfect layout.
We met Jade, who was fabulous. Poor her, I walked in with little idea of what I wanted or what I was talking about. She quickly got my vision and we went out on the floor. This place has quality pieces, not 1000 different dresses that nobody is filtering. I am greatful that the selection wasn’t overwhelming or I would have freaked out. We picked out 8 – 10 dresses and I ended up loving three and realllly loving one. Jade didn’t pressure me or push the purchase on me which I really appreciated.
There was also a trunk show going on. Lucky me! My favorite dress was from the two day show and isn’t normally on the floor. Their website tells you when they have trunk shows and I suggest you book an appointment then.

Amazing store! I’ve been looking for dresses for my September wedding for a while. I went into this store today and had a wonderful experience. I tried on 3 dresses and fell in love with the first :) I ordered it and it will be here by the end of July. The shop has gorgeous and unique dresses and they were honest and patient. Easy to work with, such a wonderful experience!

I have been to Lovely Bride twice in the last few months in search of my wedding dress. I am the type of person that thinks they know what they want immediately. I obsess on my initial findings. I usually stick with it, make a (somewhat) definitive decision and then I have a tinge of regret… of not exploring ALL of my choices. I first came into Lovely Bride and met with Danielle. She was hip, professional, and kind. She helped me slip into any dress that we picked out. I just needed more. I needed a stylist to guide me through the world of tulle, organza, and satin.
I then emailed the store about wanting a better experience and Julia responded. Julia understood my dilemma, apologized for my simply average consultation the first time around and invited me back in. She informed me about the trunk shows coming up, what a trunk show was, and I felt like I was in good hands. She knew what she was talking about!
I came in during the last day of the Watters Trunk show and found my ivory stunner. I appreciated Julia’s help and sweet demeanor but more than that I love how she handled the customer service end of things. At the end of the day, we are in fact shopping for a dress that can cost thousands. All in all, there are good people that work here. Ones that will work with you and make you feel very comfortable.
A few things to keep in mind:
1. They have about 10 racks of gowns. Nothing is «in the back». If you see a gown online by a designer that they carry, call ahead and see if the sample is in store. If not, they can pre-​order the sample on loan (at a fee of $ 100 that can deducted from your dress purchase) for you so that you have it here for your appointment.
2. No need to bring high heels really. Wear your spanx if you want.
3. Deposit on your gown is 50% of the price.
4. Ask for the front salon if you want the best experience. It has the largest sitting area for your group and a separate dressing area. It gives you THE experience.
5. No, you don’t get champagne.

Lovely Bride was the first store I visited on my quest for a dress. We arrived about 15 minutes early and they actually turned us away. We re-​arrived and were taken to a private showing room. My stylist Shannon was cute and bubbly.
I told her what I was looking for and she walked me through the store showing me my options. I guess I didn’t do my research before going because none of the designers or options really wowed me. I was looking for something form fitting with sparkle and they really have a bunch of vintage feeling hippy dresses. That being said I found a few worth trying on.
Dress after dress was okay but just not the wow factor I was looking for. I eventually found one that was great but it had zero sparkle. They brought a belt for me to add and the dress started to come together for me. By the time I saw the price tags however, I was not impressed. I was looking to spend around $ 2K, but many of the dresses are well over 3. The dress I liked had no design elements to it at all and it was over $ 3k. Plus the belt which was another $ 600 and the sparkly veil, I would have been WELL over my initial budget. You really are paying for the designers name, not the dress design at Lovely Bride. Maybe that’s what some people want but honestly I was just looking for a wow dress, I could care less who the actual designer was.
Knowing I had two other appointments that day I left with my favorite in mind, but as soon as I went to my second appointment it was quickly forgotten. Shannon was great and followed up but my dress just wasn’t there.
I ended up purchasing my dress dress, within my budget at 4Everly After in Old Town (highly recommended)

While I did not end up buying my wedding dress here, I had such a wonderful experience. Julia helped me and she was so warm and genuine and made the process very fun. She pulled several beautiful gowns, and really understood exactly what I was looking for.
The store is beautiful, clean, and has an elegant boutique feel. As I said, I did not end up buying a dress from here, I plan to make an appointment to look at their veils and accessories.

Lovely Bride DC was the first and only bridal shop I visited. My first appointment was the day it opened as my mom happened to be in town (about 10 months prior to my wedding). The shop itself is absolutely «lovely» — very tasteful decorations and a quiet, calming atmosphere. Because they run things by appointment (it’s easy to set one up online), you get incredibly personalized service and a comfortable, extra large dressing room. I had my mom and one of my bridesmaids with me and they were able to sit in the cozy lounge and wait for me to come out to show them the various options.
My mom, bridesmaid and I were also able to look through the dresses to see what we liked and what I wanted to try. My stylist also helped pick out some options that fit the style I had in mind and also my budget. The last dress I tried on was a bit of an afterthought… I ended up loving it. I decided to think about it for a few more weeks, but ultimately went back to Lovely and purchased it (without visiting any other shops). The fact that they allow you to take photos is great, particularly if you don’t make up your mind the day of your appointment.
Julia and the rest of the stylists were wonderful to work with — they were all incredibly nice and patient and had a good sense of what I was looking for after a few minutes of talking with them. I never felt rushed to wrap things up or pressured to make a decision. They are also great about sticking with your budget, which you provide ahead of time.
I agree with some of the other reviewers who said the shop doesn’t have a lot of «bling”/super formal dresses. They do have a beautiful selection of dresses in a variety of price ranges and from a number of great designers.
After I ordered my dress but before it was ready, my maid of honor was in town visiting — Julia was wonderful and said we could stop by the shop and I could try the sample on again. As it turns out, my dress ended up being ready for pickup when she was in town, so she got to see me in my actual dress. Julia spent a good chunk of time with us on the pick-​up day, as well — making sure everything was correct and that I was comfortable with the dress.
As a quick side note, Lovely does not do alterations, but does have a relationship with a great studio in Dupont Circle (Green and Blue) — I ended up going there for alterations and was very happy with the result.
I couldn’t have been happier with the personalized service (from my first visit to my pick-​up appointment), style, and overall atmosphere of Lovely Bride DC. The dress was perfect on our wedding day and totally reaffirmed the choice. I highly recommend a visit if you are dress shopping in the DC area!

Lovely Bride was my first stop for bridal gown shopping! I was so excited to visit this quaint Georgetown boutique. After walking up some steep stairs, ring the door bell and you will be luke warmly welcomed into the store. You soon forget that horrible first impression they just made because the store is laid out beautifully; racks of dresses and tables of accessories surround you — it’s adorable!
We were greeted by a young woman who would be assisting us. We were the only appointment that date/​time slot so I was counting on a personalized experience. We had a rocky start, she was admittedly hung over and gave off a vibe of annoyance with our general excitement. I understand she does this all the time but when you hit that kind of burnout in this industry it’s probably a good thing for everyone if you move on. I was determined to have a good day, my friends drove far distances to enjoy this with me so I worked hard to cater to her personality and in the end we got along just fine. She could care less about me but she loved talking about herself. That’s not the experience I expected but it’s okay.
My Mom arrived a little late and rang the door bell several times. The bell rings in the office, so we didn’t hear it but the girl working in the back came out ready to fight and grumbled about the person excessively ringing the door bell. So rude.
Plus side — they let you take photographs here. We have a comical slide show of the Lovely Bride employee «helping» me, sitting on a chair drinking water (she offered no one in my party water) and yawning in her sloppy hung over outfit for the day.
In the end I didn’t find a dress I liked here. I had fun because my friends were with me but this isn’t something you’re going to do but a few times in your life, it should be a much improved experience from what took place here at Lovely Bride.
I didn’t find a dress at LB but I think that worked out for the best because they don’t do alterations and I would like that to be all under the same shop. Also, depending on your price point, while they advertise the dresses start at $ 1500 they really don’t have any under $ 2500 that you will want to try on so keep that in mind.
Happy shopping!

Lovely Bride really is a lovely place. I loved the setup and the dressing rooms were sizable, so much natural light! The online appointment systems is awesome. My sales girl was helpful and never pushy, and was great about taking pictures for me. However, the selection of dresses wasn’t quite formal enough for what I was looking for (no ballgowns or bling here). I did try on a few gorgeous Watters dresses but they felt more appropriate for a beach or garden venue. If that’s the kind of wedding you are having then you should absolutely make an appointment here.

I loved my experience at Lovely Bride. We started a little late, but the assistants were very sweet and helpful. I felt no pressure to buy a dress, which was nice since this was my first store. While I didn’t go home with a dress the first time, there’s a good chance I’ll go back again.
This is not the store for the girl looking for the super blinged out dress. They have a wonderful selection of lace, preppy or romantic dresses, which was just my style. I would highly recommend for the girl looking for a simple or more subdued dress.