Shop Online -- HUGE Clearance Sale!

A little sneaky peek of our Virtual Sample Sale. Grab this beauty for just $499.

Sale launches Friday, May 22 at 12 noon

We’re doing something crazy and you’ll see what I mean after you see these prices when we launch our Virtual Clearance Sample Sale right here on Friday, May 22 at 12 noon! For the first time ever, you can #ShopEllies online and you definitely want to be first in line.

[EDIT: The original Virtual Sample Sale was from May 22-May 29, 2020. Due to popular demand, it has been reinstated permanently on our website!]

• Designer wedding gowns up to 90% OFF. Most gowns will be under $500!

• Hundreds of dollars off the regular sale price — this is the only time to access our online exclusive deals

• Fall in love virtually

• Take comfort in saying YES! with our Happiness Guarantee: If you are unhappy with your gown for any reason, we will exchange it for a different gown we have in stock of equal or lesser value for no additional charge. Or pay the difference for a gown of greater value (original payment to be used as store credit upon return of original gown).

• Want to see more? After you pick out your favorite gowns, schedule a virtual appointment to get video views and even more close up looks.

• Want to try before you buy? Pick 3, get them to your house, fall in love with 1, then send the other 2 back!

Get access before everyone else finds out - sale goes LIVE on Friday 5/22 at 12 noon! There will only be ONE of each gown, so make sure you get first dibs!

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings comes to Ellie's Bridal Boutique

We’re in the midst of our Allure Bridals Trunk Show, which has not turned out quite the way we originally anticipated. Despite the novel coronavirus outbreak, the trunk show has been a surprising success (all things considered with a more empty feeling salon). We are so impressed with our brides who have been so amazingly flexible, accommodating, and considerate of public health concerns throughout all the crazy and changing times these days.

In celebration of our trunk show, we wanted to let you in on a secret we’ve been keeping! We are so proud and excited to announce that we will be joining Allure Bridals and Disney to bring you the ultimate fairy tale. Dreaming of walking down the aisle in a Disney Princess inspired dress? Your dream can now come true with the new Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection, which will be available at Ellie’s Bridal Boutique for DC-area brides. 

Sketches of Ariel and Belle inspired gowns from the new Disney Fairy Tale Weddings collection

Disney fans can have the wedding of their dreams thanks to an official line of Disney Princess wedding gowns. Originally, the line was supposed to debut at New York Bridal Fashion Week in April, and officially arrive in our store shortly thereafter. TBD how that timeline is adjusted now that New York Bridal Fashion Week has been cancelled due to current events. “So many brides grow up admiring their favorite Disney Princess characters and are inspired by their journeys, gowns and stories of the classic films,” said Allure Bridals CEO, Kelly Crum.

“Our design team worked tirelessly on each of these incredible gowns, as each dress features intricate detailing specifically inspired by the timeless characters known and loved by all of us.”

— Allure Bridals CEO, Kelly Crum

Gowns include both ballgowns and mermaid silhouettes made of mikado silk, sparkly tulle, chiffon, ruffled organza, lace, crystal beading, pearls or appliqué embellishments. “We are honored to work with Disney on this collection and see the romance of it come to life,” Crum added.

ICYMI: In other Disney news, Jasmine will return in an Aladdin sequel that's in the works, while the Little Mermaid live-action remake found its Prince Eric in November by casting Jonah Hauer-King alongside Halle Bailey as Ariel.

Wedding Gowns & Trends of the Decade (2010-2019)

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to post this article, which I’ve been waiting a full TEN YEARS to write!! It’s been such a joy to watch bridal gown trends grow and evolve over the past few decades, and I truly, truly mean it when I say that the past decade has really been the best time ever to be shopping for a wedding dress.

You know when you read one of those fashion magazine “trend alert” articles, and wonder where they are getting these-so called trends from and if anyone actually wears anything like that? This isn’t that kind of article. Not only did we take a look back in the vault to

STYLE OF THE YEAR 2010: Mikaella 1406

TREND OF THE YEAR 2010: Rusching

It was no surprise why rushing became so popular: it is so, so flattering on everyone. Want to make your wait look tinier? Done. Want to give the illusion you actually have hips? Done. Want to hide that food baby in your belly? Done. Who wouldn’t love a gown that accentuates the curves you love and hides the ones you don’t? And of all the gowns that followed this trend, Mikaella 1406 certainly did it best.

STYLE OF THE YEAR 2011:
San Patrick “EDIMBURGO” & Mikaella 1508

TREND OF THE YEAR 2011: Ruffles

Ruffles came in every way, shape, and form and we were here for it. Not gonna lie, I wasn’t a fan of ruffles before this year, but 2011 showed be all the ways you can make ruffles work in a variety of ways.

STYLE OF THE YEAR 2012: Allure Romance 2455

TREND OF THE YEAR 2012: Capped sleeves & Keyhole backs

Strapless gowns had been a trend for the entire decade prior, and there were only so many ways you could design a strapless gown. After Kate Middleton’s stunning appearance in her elegant, long-sleeved Alexander McQueen gown in 2011, the strapless gown trend finally broke the following year and made way for new designs such as the keyhole back.

STYLE OF THE YEAR 2013: Justin Alexander 8557

TREND OF THE YEAR 2013: Floral Lace

Lace has been queen for forever and a half, but nothing was more exciting than when designers started to really stretch their imaginations with what they could do with lace. It’s been a game-changer.

STYLE OF THE YEAR 2014:
Allure Romance 2716 & Mikaella 1911

TREND OF THE YEAR 2014: It’s all about the back

If we thought keyhole backs were were interesting, we had a whole new treat coming for us. We had already noticed trains getting shorter over the years, and now the back of the wedding gown was finding any and every way to continue to make a statement. From interesting designs and ultra-low backs, bridal designers continue to find new and innovative designs to make the back of the wedding gown something to talk to about.

STYLE OF THE YEAR 2015: Mikaella 2016

TREND OF THE YEAR 2015: Plunging necklines

When we first got this gown, we were shocked at how low this plunge was on the hanger. We knew there was someone out there that wouldn’t mind the plunge, but it wasn’t until we started actually seeing it on brides that we realized that the plunge was not nearly as scandalous as we initially thought. We were even more shocked when mothers and grandmothers even agreed that this plunge was both tastefully sexy and still modest enough for family approval. Needless to say, we weren’t shocked for very long and the plunging neckline has become one of our very favorite trends.

STYLE OF THE YEAR 2016: THEIA “DEVON”

trend of the year 2016: the elegance of crepe

Satin, lace, and silk had really been the main fabrics to take over the bridal world for the previous couple decades. Sure, there was the occasional appearance of tulle (too stiff and net-like), organza (way better than tulle, but never replaced our traditional fabrics), or charmeuse and chiffon (both too thin for most gowns). I even had high hopes for mikado to take over, but that turned out to be too stiff compares to satin and silk. And then came crepe. We had made it to peak lace (scroll up and note how lace dominated since 2011) and now crepe was here to give us everything we didn’t know we needed. The weight of satin, with a touch of chiffon softness, and a matte look we were missing from the sheen of satin and silk. This is fabric is now a bridal mainstay and brought on the reminder that sometimes less is more.

STYLE OF THE YEAR 2017: Atelier Pronovias “VICENTA”

TREND OF THE YEAR 2017: Illusion bodices / “Tattoo” lace

At this point, I’d say the overall trend of the decade is finally finding that balance between modesty and sexiness. The reason strapless gowns were seemingly the only wedding dress option for so long was because anytime brides’ tried to cover up their chests and shoulders, they suddenly felt “matronly.” So many times I heard brides comment on how decades and multiple children later, they wanted to look back at their wedding photos and remember how young and sexy they looked on their wedding day. And so, VICENTA was born along were all her sisters and cousins.

STYLE OF THE YEAR 2018: Justin Alexander 8936

STYLE OF THE YEAR 2018: Long sleeves

Long sleeved bridal gowns certainly weren’t anything new in 2018, but there was definitely new embrace of the elegance and grace long-sleeves styles provide. Swoon.

STYLE OF THE YEAR 2019:
Essense of Australia D2761 & Madi Lane “Elora”

TREND OF THE YEAR 2019: Off-the-shoulder straps & the return of fuller skirts

Romantic. That’s all I can think when I see loosely-draped off-the-shoulder straps that are oh-so-dreamy. This look is also super easy to custom-add to styles originally designed to be strapless gowns, making it easier-than-ever to create the gown of your dreams.

2020… TBD…

Do you have any guesses?

I hope you enjoyed taking this decades-long journey. making this post was a super fun blast from the past, but also so so hard to narrow down these trends and styles. Really, there were sooo many phenomenal trends that came out of the past decade. bridal designers are continuing to bring on their a-game, so i cannot wait to see how the next decade of bridal fashion will evolve. the modern bride has so many more options to choose from than brides of the ‘90s. we’ve gone from solely celebrating with tradition, to embracing individuality and finding more and more novel ways to twist tradition with with uniqueness. as i have said time and time again, there has truly never been a better time to be a bride.

Wedding Gowns Over/Under $4,000

High-end designer bridal gowns are made with the most stylish designs in mind, luxurious fabrics, and impeccable gown construction. With all those must-have qualities, it's no surprise that the cost of a wedding dress can add up quickly. Although we may be biased, we truly believe that the most important outfit of your life is worth every penny.

That being said, the Ellie's Bridal team also believes that good fabric and fabulous designs are available at every price point. We've done the hard work and hunting for you, bringing the best selection of affordable designer bridal gowns under one roof.

Can you tell which gowns are over or under? Bridal gowns in the left column retail for $4,000-$10,000 while gowns on the right are found right here at Ellie's Bridal Boutique for under $4,000.

Designer Wedding Gowns
OVER $4000

Wedding Gowns
UNDER $4000
at Ellie's Bridal Boutique

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Style K526 by Romona Keveza

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Style 2169 by Casablanca  -- Wedding Dresses under $4,000 at Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)

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Style 333 by Amalia Carrara

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Style 9745 by Justin Alexander -- Wedding Dresses under $4,000 at Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)

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Full of Luck by Reem Acra

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Style 8721 by Justin Alexander -- Wedding Dresses under $4,000 at Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)

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Divine by Anne Barge

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Style 8731 by Justin Alexander -- Wedding Dresses under $4,000 at Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)

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Style 4167 by Pnina Tornai

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Style 2713 by Allure Romance  -- Wedding Dresses under $4,000 at Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)

Style 80 by Mark Zunino for Kleinfeld

Style 5977 by Stella York -- Wedding Dresses under $4,000 at Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)

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Lilianna by Reem Acra

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Style 8724 by Justin Alexander -- Wedding Dresses under $4,000 at Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)

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Simplicity by Monique Lhuillier

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Style 8659 by Justin Alexander -- Wedding Dresses under $4,000 at Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)

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Mark Zunino for Kleinfeld 74512

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Style 2455 by Allure Romance -- Wedding Dresses under $4,000 at Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)

Brielle by Rivini Rita Vinieris

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Style 3787 by Sincerity – Wedding Dresses under $4,000 at Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)

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Adelle by Rivini Rita Vinieris

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Style 8709 by Justin Alexander -- Wedding Dresses under $4,000 at Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)

BONUS:

Trendier brides will love this crystal and pearl beaded Sabrina keyhole neckline on a asymmetric ruched bodice by Rivini (below, left). See Justin Alexander 8735 for one weekend only at our Justin Alexander Trunk Show (September 12-14) to get the look for under $4,000.

Crystal by Rivini Rita Vinieris

Style 8725 by Justin Alexander

Justin Alexander Trunk Show at Ellie's Bridal Boutique (September 12-14, 2014)

Bridal gowns at Ellie's Bridal Boutique range from about $900 - $5000. 

How to Pee in your Wedding Dress

Now that you have your dress, you need to know this little piece of advice: hot to pee in your wedding dress. Call me crude, but I think it's an important detail to consider! While there a few ways to go about this, one [Offbeat] bride got creative and figured this one out on her own:

"I figured this trick out just prior to my wedding, as my dress was (as you can see) particularly unruly and I didn't really love the idea of employing a small army to help me keep it out of the toilet water (though my bridesmaids were willing to help, bless 'em). Had it been a bit easier to get in and out of, I might have just taken it off, but no — that was a complicated, multi-person operation as well, involving a whole bunch of lacing and carefully placed safety pins and chicken cutlets — not to mention being topless in a public restroom.

And of course, I'm the kind of person who has to pee every thirty minutes, and more often when I'm nervous.

Luckily this little trick is cheap and amazingly effective — plus it's easy to stash some extra trash bags in the bathroom, or find some in most venues if you run out. (A garment bag works well too, and lets you skip Step Three since it already has an extra hole.)

Step 1: Start with a poofy dress.

Step 2: Add a large, sturdy trash bag.

Step 3: Tear a hole in the bottom of the trash bag that is just wide enough to fit your feet through. Aim to keep it small- it will expand as you pull it up your legs, but you want it to fit tightly.

Step 4: Step into the bag and pull your feet through the hole. This is WAY easier if you take your heels off, but in case of super gross bathroom floors, it can be done. Stand near a wall so you don't topple, though.

Step 5: Pull the top of the bag up and start loading your dress-fluff into it, while keeping your feet pretty close together so you don't widen the hole too much. Some of the dress-fluff will inevitably try to escape through the foot hole, but it's not a big deal and you can just shove it back up in there.

Step 6: Shimmy the bag up your body carefully, making sure to get all the dress-parts, ribbons, trains, etc into the bag.

Step 7: Once the foot-hole is around your waist, you can gather the slack at the top of the bag and hold it in one hand, leaving the other free for… bathroom… tasks.

Step 2: Trash Bag

Step 3: Tear hole

Step 4: Feet through the hole

Step 5: Pull Up

Step 6: Shimmy!

Step 7: Gather & Hold

Step 8: Go pee!

Disclaimer: If you're wearing a dress that easily creases, I can't promise that this won't wrinkle it a bit… but that might be unavoidable even with bridesmaid assistance."

How did you manage to pee in your wedding dress? Any good stories and/or advice? Comment below and let us know!

Wedding Guests: Don't be "That" Guy

Everyone wants to get the best shot of the Bride & Groom and get the most likes on Instagram and Facebook. We're glad that everyone is so excited to celebrate their love. But this wedding season, please be considerate and let the couple cherish the photos they really want (HINT: it's NOT a photo of your hands/camera/ipad!)

Bridal Rush Hour: Buy Your Wedding Dress Before Your Gifts

Fact: Rush hour truly does exist – especially in DC. We all know the phenomenon: leave right now and get to work in 20 min vs leave in 20 min and get to work in 1.5 hours. Timing for ordering a bridal gown is kind of like rush hour, and January is the start of that rush hour.

The start of winter holidays marks the start of Engagement Season. And why wouldn't you want to get engaged at this time of year? There's a joyfulness in the streets, a happier energy in the air... at time, you can literally feel the love in the air. This kind of romance makes me weak in the knees!

Of course, once these brides get engaged, many of them will rush to get their dress in time for the summer wedding they always dreamed of. Consequently, the designers (and us) get SWAMPED.

So here's the secret: if you are already engaged, buy your dress now. It is much more likely to take 6 months or more for your wedding dress to arrive than if you order before the New Year. And trust us on this, the less time you have to wait for your wedding gown to arrive, the less stress you will feel before your own wedding.

As an additional bonus, you may find the shopping experience to be more relaxing instead of visiting a salon at the height of Bridal Rush Hour.

So give yourself a little extra holiday cheer by purchasing your wedding gown before the New Year. This will leave you with less stress all around, and crossing this item off your Wedding Checklist will give you even more to celebrate with your loved ones this holiday season.

From Fashion Week to Bridal Attire: 2013 Trends

We were completely honored when Chris Laich asked us to guest-write a post for his [awesome] blog. Chris Laich Music Services provides elegant DJ services and live musicians for weddings and corporate events in the Virginia, DC, and Maryland areas, and is Washington’s most critically acclaimed wedding DJ. He has even been listed as one of the hottest wedding DJs in the country by Modern Bride Magazine as well as the top wedding DJ in the area by Washingtonian magazine.

Thanks again for inviting us on your blog, Chris! In case you missed it, here is our post again:

Bridal Attire Fashion and Advice from DC Area Experts – Part 3 with Ellie’s Bridal Boutique

We often find that fashion follows fashion, and that includes everything from Hollywood red carpet to ready-to-wear to bridal attire. We found some of the top trends for 2013 to show you how your favorite runway looks will translate to the pages of your favorite wedding magazine.

Florals

Blue by Enzoani DILLON – Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)

Without a doubt, floral prints were one of the top trends seen at New York’s Fashion Week earlier this year.This trend is fun and feminine in any fashion setting so it’s not a surprise to see florals emerging in everything bridal, giving a romantic, fairy-tale spin to a look that is still light enough for any spring garden.

For bridal gowns, bold floral patterns add an artful flare when used in place of traditional lace patterns. Proven popular with brides, Blue by Enzoani's Dillon gown (pictured right) is a perfect example of this. Looks like this trend is here to stay!

How Floral trends translate to Bridal Attire – via Ellie's Bridal Blog

Far left:Elle Magazine features floral runway designs from New York’s Fashion Week Center left: Zara’s newest collection features a casual Piqué Floral BlazerCenter right: After Six bridesmaid style 6600 Far right: Dessy Collection bridesmaid style 2833

Pleated Waist

Who ever guessed that pleats would find its way back into our hearts? But one click onto Forever 21’s “New Arrivals” page shows us options to make pleated shirts and skirts cute and wearable again. Above we illustrate how this return styles easily translates into classic bridesmaid and bridal styles. Despite popular belief, these styles are incredibly flattering for most figure types.

How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #pleats #pleated waist skirt – via Ellie's Bridal Blog

Left:Forever 21 Sheer Pleated Waist Top Center: Alfred Sung bridesmaid style D524 Right: Justin Alexander Signature style 9688

Bold Ruffles

How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #ruffles – via Ellie's Bridal Blog

InStyle’s ruffles trend overview

We’ve seen ruffles before, but as Instyle notes, “these stiff, austere waves are more modern than the floppier furls of past seasons.” Ruffles of past seasons were soft and flowy, moving with every step and swing. The larger, bolder ruffles of 2013 are more carefully constructed and placed with the greatest attention. Gowns with this design in mind are intentionally chic and in vogue, perfect for the fashion-forward bride.

How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #ruffles – via Ellie's Bridal Blog

Left: Alfred Sung bridesmaid style D544 Center: Dessy Collection bridesmaid style 2867 Right: Allure Romance style 2605

Metallics

Metallics are in for Spring 2013. Shiny textures & iridescent fabrics were seen all over Fashion Week’s runways earlier this year. To keep the elegance of bridal wear alive, the metallics of bridesmaids dresses are typically more subtle than on most runways. Iridescent and luminescent chiffons offer a soft metallic sparkle that radiates the most romantic aura and should be admired up close. He magical look and feel of these fabrics will be most appreciated as your bridal party graces down the aisle past the gazing eyes of your guests. Certain colors offered in Dupioni, Peau de soie, and Silky taffeta fabrics offer a more vibrant metallic shine that is more eye-catching and modern for bolder bridal parties.

How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #metallics – via Ellie's Bridal Blog

Top left:Fashion Magazine features Metallics on 2013 runways Far right: Jim Hjelm Occasions bridemaids style 5151 in Dupioni Bottom row: Justin Alexander Spring 2013 Signature Collection

Knowing that today’s brides are looking to strike that perfect balance between modern trends, individuality, and timeless style, top bridal designers knew that incorporating the metallic trend into wedding gowns would be a bit more challenging. Stylish brides will love the use of neutral, non-traditional colors and both textured and crystal beaded embroidery used to achieve a glamorous bridal look that gives it nod to modern runway fashion.

Brides may also choose to use shiny shoes and accessories to complement a more traditional bridal gown and keep up with the metallic trend.

Peekaboo

InStyle loves how adventurous the Peekaboo look is. The most daring of brides may want to stun their crowd with this provocative style, though most brides prefer to adhere to more understated appearances for their Big Day. Typically in bridal, you will find the peekaboo in a much more refined way that still shows off the thinly veiled “reveal-and-conceal” dramatic look the style was intended for. Keyhole and illusion detailing across the back is the most popular way this fashion trend finds its way into the elegant tastes of wedding attire.

How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #peekaboo – via Ellie's Bridal Blog

Left: InStyle’s peekaboo overview Right: Fada from Blue by Enzoani

Lace, Lace, Lace

It’s all about lace! While never out of fashion, we have seen a sharp and steady increase in the popularity of lace since the timelessness and grace of Kate Middleton awed the world on her wedding day just two years ago. Lace gowns are being paired with nearly every other fashion trend out there (see above). With more lace options than ever, lace-loving brides every silhouette and neckline imaginable. Lace-loving brides, this is the ideal time to find your gown. We are also seeing lace displayed on a growing number of bridesmaid designs.

How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #lace – via Ellie's Bridal Blog

Far left: Taylor Swift at CMT’s Artist of the Year awards Center left: Allure Romance style 2604 Center right: Stacy Keibler at Screen Actors Guild Awards Far right: Allure Romance 2610

I really could go on forever with this post! It really was a restraint to keep from adding a dozen more photos to the above post... showing gowns with combinations of some of the above trend... highlighting more trends with more photos... You'll just have to make an appointment with us to come in and see the rest!

WIN your Dream Wedding Dress

Ellie's Bridal Boutique is so excited that another one of our designers, Justin Alexander, is having a contest that will provide one lucky bride a FREE Wedding Gown!!

Can you believe it? We are so excited for all of our soon to be Brides out there and we had to share this opportunity! Make sure you visit Justin Alexander Dress Giveaway on Facebook to register and pick your gown today. We are unsure how long the contest will run for, so register today before it's too late!

P.S. If you are in love with Justin Alexander wedding gowns like we are, come book your appointment today at Ellie's Bridal Boutique in Alexandria, VA.

Dream Dress Givaway

We just can't help ourselves. We are so excited to share with you a way to win your dream wedding gown! Registertoday to win with Stella York on Wedding Wire before it's too late!

Giveaway Ends: February 8, 2013

Ellie's Bridal Boutique, will have a Stella York Trunk Show on March 9th and 10th! Make your appointments today to try on the gowns before the limited appointments are taken.