Where did u get ur dress?

Hi ladies I started my hunt for 'the' dress on Saturday and managed 3 bridal shops, I was very impressed with 1 & also fell in love with a dress.
I want to shop about a bit more to make sure 1st as i am not getting married until sept 2012 and want to hear of nice bridal shops with friendly staff!
I live in north down but willing to travel within reason lol
Thanks

Hi,

I havent set a date yet but went looking at dresses a few weeks ago and went to Cathedral Gowns in Downpatrick.

Catherine and the girls there are fantastic, she gave me time to look around all the dresses, listened to what I had in mind for my dress and then I started trying them on!

She gave great advice and kept bringing more and more dresses to try on so I had a range of styles and colours etc so I definately know what does and doesnt suit me. I never once felt rushed (I must have been trying on dresses for around 2 hours!) and she knew exactly what accessories works with each dress. She was so friendly and made me feel very comfortable and knows exactly what she is doing! She also gives you some time on your own so she isnt standing around watching you which is nice but she is always there when you need her and she never rushes you into trying on the next dress, you can just take you time!

I was able to narrow it down to three dresses (from at least 25!) at the end but never once was she pushy about getting a sale, in fact it was never mentioned, when you are ready to buy she will be there! She also gives you a list of the dresses you like and the prices and any promotions that are coming up on the dresses you liked! (One of my dresses was going to have 10% off a week or so after I tried them on so she said if I liked it and that was the one then wait until then to buy it which I thought was really lovely and not something most bridal shops would do!)

I know that when I am ready to buy my dress I won't be going anywhere else as she made the whole experience of trying on dresses really special!

Her website is www.cathedralgowns.com and she is also going to be at the wedding fayre in the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle tomorrow (Sunday 23rd January) with 30 of her dresses! She is usually fully booked on a saturday for a few weeks in advance so you definately need to contact her to book an appointment but she is open weekdays and late some evenings but she is very busy but that just shows how popular she is!

You can look for her on facebook too (Cathedral Gowns Bridal) and she has lots of photos of dresses etc and you can see the feedback from the customers too!

I was very impressed with Biento Madame in Belfast, even though it's nothing fancy!

The girls were very helpful and we were able to negociate a discount with the owner! And you don't need an appointment

Thanks ladies. i think downpatrick might just be a bit far unfortunately.
chazza i have heard good reports from biento madame from a few people so def going to try there.
I have another 'dress day' booked for 26th march & going to 3 different shops, 1 in ards, 1 in comber & 1 in ballygowan then i am going to have a day in belfast in may maybe then just go back try on the ones i really liked & try to make a decision lol

Hi i got my dress in deborah rose who were lovely, i would definitely go to forever bridal in finaghy the dresses are amazing some really beautiful styles here got my bridesmaids here have fun!

I also got my dress in Deborah Rose in Ballygowan and I really liked them and I now have the most amazing dress. I would really recommend them...only 7 wks til i can wear it!! Also look at Lizzie Agnew she desidns and makes gowns her dresses are beautiful google her or her studio is in the fountain centre in Belfast.
Happy shopping!!

hi deres some gr8 shops in belfast but ud need 2 be careful i bought a dress nd da shop went bust never got my deposit back , also wen i found out i was preggers dey wouldnt cancel my order so i was left having 2pay 4a dress 2 small. i ended up gettin my dress in deborah rose they were lovely..

Dream Weddings in Coleraine is great, my sister got hers there and I nearly bought mine there. Lovely staff.

Bliss bridal in 'Ards is fab!! the staf are SO nice!

Castle Couture at Galgorm Castle, Ballymena. They have Suzanne Neville, Jenny Packham etc. Gorgeous dresses. Lovely ladies.