Have you wanted to try on wedding dresses at a bridal boutique but figured since you’re single, it’s totally out of the question? Welp, guess what I did it! In this two-part series, I wanted to take you behind the scenes with Ellie’s Bridal Boutique in Alexandria, Virginia.
Leading up to the big day, I didn’t really know what to expect, but I soon got over my anxiety because the whole experience was amazing. Walking into Ellie’s Bridal boutique in Old Town, the scent of warm vanilla floating through the air helped to put me at ease and paired well with the soft ivories and creams of the gowns. (I’m a sucker for a good fragrance, y’all).
With the help of stylist extraordinaire, Skyy, the three styles that we chose were from Justin Alexander, and two were from the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection. With 80’s music on the sound system, I tried my best for my super talkative alter ego to take over. But in that moment, as I looked at myself in the floor length mirrors, I got quiet. What came over me was the most intense and wonderfully weird, flood of emotions that I’ve ever felt.
There is nothing like trying on bridal gowns. NOTHING…. and like Skyy said before I left, who knows, I may have just tried on THE gown that I will wear once it’s time for me to say I DO. Stranger things have happened…
More on my experience single and wedding dress shopping below! And stay tuned for part two all about Ellie’s Bridal Boutique.
- Boutique: Ellie’s Bridal Boutique
- Location: Alexandria, Virginia
I was a bit nervous visiting the bridal salon as a single woman…
Honestly, I have always wanted to try on wedding dresses. I just didn’t want to deal with awkward questions like, “So when is your wedding?”, and then have to brace for the, “I’m so sorry but you can’t try on dresses, dear,” response.
I would think about going to some stores that have bridal gowns mixed in with their other women’s wear pieces so I could get in and out of the dressing room without too much hoopla.
Because of the position that I have been blessed to be in as the Contributing Fashion Editor for Munaluchi Bride, I got the chance to do what you’ve always wanted to do: step inside a gorgeous bridal boutique and try on the prettiest bridal dresses.
First things first…try calling the salon ahead of time so the stylist can prep some looks for you…
So here’s the truth, be bold and call a few salons in your area. When you call, tell them what size dress you actually wear so they can be aware of that ahead of time. When I went to the salon it really helped out A LOT!
A great stylist will help you make the best decision for your big day…
Skyy, who is originally from South Florida, added her slick humor and casual best-friend vibe to the appointment while walking me through the store and showing me gowns from multiple designers. Her knowledge and enthusiasm about the gowns made my appointment really fun.
Justin Alexander is a popular choice with brides…
I tried on the Estelle gown, and it really was such a classic and I felt very sophisticated and glamorous. Now I understand why Mikado fabric is so widely adored. The sumptuous fabric felt fabulous and made me feel so chic even while the dress was a very simple classic design.
Skyy really had marvelous things to say about the Justin Alexander collection which is at the boutique. There are so many different choices for every bridal personality and that’s why it’s such a big hit with clients. There are gowns for the super sophisticated and the sexy and the whimsical. All in all, these gowns are a must-try at your local bridal salon.
Disney’s Tiana and Ariel gown’s were even prettier in person…
While all of my gowns were incredible, the Tiana and Ariel gowns had the most glitter and glam. It totally sucks that you can’t see it in the photos! But in person, these gowns will generate loads of ooohs and aahs. And yes, I’m getting ready to call each gown a “she” just like people do with their wigs, lol.
They both definitely should be worn during a romantic candlelit ceremony where the lights dance and flicker off of the fabric. The Ariel gown is the one that made me go super quiet in the salon. She made me feel like I wish I felt every day- a sophisticated, city chic woman, who is confident and ready to walk into a room and turn heads.
The Tiana gown is THE gown for the bride that wants a fairytale look fit for a grand cathedral wedding. She was the epitome of princess bride style. The gown is a no-brainer for the bride that wants to go big or go home on her wedding day for sure.
Here’s the thing…
My advice is that I would definitely take a chance! Call the bridal salon before you go in person to see if they will allow you to make an appointment. Let them know that you would like to come on one of their quiet days and that you will only try on a handful of dresses, I’d say three to five to be safe. That will let them know you really are considerate of the stylist’s time.
Be honest. Say that you don’t have a wedding date, but you are really interested in finding out what silhouettes work best for your body shape, and that you want to have a realistic idea of what you want when the time comes.
I think going and trying on dresses will really help give you a better foundation of what to expect once you get engaged. This way you can be laser-focused and check off boxes in a more constructive way when it’s time for you and your entourage to search for the perfect dress.
By the way, make sure you take a few pictures and just enjoy yourself!
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