Many Savings Ahead! (Holiday Deals & Discounts)

It has been quite the year and we are here to celebrate something good this holiday season— both at home and in-store. We are going to spark joy, except this time around we have to get rid of gowns that really do spark joy for us to make room for more gowns in 2021!

BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY VIRTUAL SAMPLE SALE RELAUNCH

• Online event

• New gowns will debut early – NOON on Thanksgiving Day!

• The greatest savings we have to offer!

• All gowns $299 to $999

• Preview the selection prior to the Black Friday relaunch

HOLIDAY EXCLUSIVE SAMPLE SALE

• In-store event

• Featuring gowns from the most recent seasons, including 2020 collections

• Gowns on sale for just one weekend only —> then back to regular price

• We aren’t even allowed to advertise these gowns are going on sale!

HOLIDAY MAGIC! DISNEY FAIRY TALE WEDDINGS TRUNK SHOW

If samples sales are not for you, we still have some holiday magic in store — made even better with a sprinkle of Disney magic. The full Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection is available at Ellie’s Bridal Boutique (excluding the Platinum collection) and will be 10% OFF during our exclusive Trunk Show event.

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.

Ellie’s Bridal Boutique Names Winner of The Knot Best of Weddings 2020

Fourteenth Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor Top Wedding Vendors Across America

ALEXANDRIA, VA January 10, 2020— XO Group, Inc. is pleased to announce that Ellie’s Bridal Boutique has been selected as a 2020 ­­winner of The Knot Best of Weddings, an accolade representing the highest- and most-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, a leading wedding planning brand and app. 

In 2020, only five percent of hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals listed on The Knot received this distinguished award. In its fourteenth annual year, The Knot continues its longstanding tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2020, an annual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot analyzed its millions of user reviews across various vendor categories, including venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more, to find the highest rated vendors of the year. These winners represent the best of the best wedding professionals that engaged couples should consider booking for their own unique wedding. 

“We are honored to again receive this prestigious award and are so thankful for all our brides who have continued to support us for the past 24 years. " states Ellie, owner of Ellie’s Bridal Boutique.

The Knot has inspired 25 million couples (and counting!) to plan a wedding that’s uniquely theirs. With a rich history of providing high-quality content and inspiration, The Knot makes it easy for couples to connect with and book the right wedding professionals to create their perfect wedding day. On The Knot Marketplace, couples can get connected to any of the hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals across the country. The Knot Best of Weddings gives couples the confidence to find and book the best local vendors to bring their wedding visions to life. In combination with years of trusted content, The Knot’s innovative technology makes planning one’s wedding celebrations easier and more enjoyable.

Wedding professionals who win The Knot Best of Weddings are members of WeddingPro, the leading B2B wedding brand. As the largest marketplace and community for wedding professionals, WeddingPro connects businesses with more than 13 million visitors per month who are planning weddings on The Knot and WeddingWire, as well as with hundreds of thousands of pros in the industry. Through its online marketplaces, educational programs and community-building events, WeddingPro is dedicated to helping wedding professionals build relationships with couples and pros that grow their businesses.

For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and this year’s winners, please visit https://www.theknot.com/vendors/best-of-weddings.

About The Knot

The Knot is the nation’s leading multiplatform wedding resource offering a seamless, all-in-one planning experience—from finding inspiration and local vendors to creating and managing all guest experiences, wedding registries and more. The trusted brand reaches a majority of engaged couples in the US through the #1 wedding planning website TheKnot.com and #1 iOS and Android mobile app The Knot Wedding Planner, The Knot national and local wedding magazines, and The Knot book series. Since its inception, The Knot has inspired approximately 25 million couples to plan a wedding that’s uniquely them. Visit The Knot online at TheKnot.com and follow on social media: Facebook.com/TheKnot and @TheKnot on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

#HurricaneFlorence

A number of our brides are concerned about the weather. Here is an email I sent to a bride yesterday:

"I honestly can't think of a safer place for our wedding gowns than where they are right now. While the basement of my home floods frequently, we have never had basement flooding in the 20 years we've been in our Old Town space, even when Old Town streets have flooded in the past. The streets that flood in Old Town are closer to the waterfront and we are lucky to be on high enough ground, far enough away from the water that we have never had an issue. And even IF our basement were to get a little damp, the plastic bags the gowns are stored in will also protect your gown. Since our Alterations are in the basement, your gown would also be protected from the elements even if the windows of our store were to break (again, NOT likely at all!!!). Fingers crossed that we stay as lucky as we have been in the past, but I honestly don't know what else we could do! I hope that provides some comfort for you. Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns.

All the best,
Ellie"

We will continue to post any significant updates on our website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Winter White Sample Sale Recap (Dec 2016)

Sample sales continue to be my absolute favorite events. 

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Brides Against Breast Cancer

Ellie's Bridal Boutique was proud to ring in the New Year in support Brides Against Breast Cancer and the national "Tour of Gowns." Our very own Ellie's consultant, Jennifer, volunteered for the event at the Arlington Hyatt Hotel, trekking along over a dozen Ellie's Bridal donated gowns, veils, and accessories with her.

Thanks to all the wonderful DC brides that attended, the Brides Against Breast Cancer event was a huge success! Together, you raised over $20,000- all of which will help women and their families dealing with breast cancer.  Brides-to-be were able to browse through hundreds of generously donated designer and couture gowns and enjoy exciting giveaways. Special thanks to Gateau Distinctive Cakes for keeping everyone's blood sugar elevated with the delicious lemon cake with pineapple buttercream! And the Arlington Hyatt for the champagne!

If you are bummed that you missed out on the event, have no fear! Brides Against Breast will soon appear in Baltimore! Mark your calendar and buy your tickets now for the February 8-9 event. Ticket and gown sales from the national tour will enable Brides Against Breast Cancer to contribute millions of dollars toward breast cancer education, self-exam pamphlets, screening, support groups, counseling services, and many other programs to aid women and their families dealing with breast cancer.

Congratulations, once again, to all of the brides who found their dress at the Brides Against Breast Cancer DC event. Our team is looking forward to assisting many of you with alterations to make your dream dress a perfect fit.  

Ellie's Bridal Boutique Receives 2013 Best of Alexandria Award

U.S. Commerce Association's Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

PRESS RELEASE

NEW YORK, NY, September 11, 2013 -- For the third consecutive year, Ellie's Bridal Boutique has been selected for the 2013 Best of Alexandria Award in the Wedding & Bridal Stores category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Nationwide, only 1 in 120 (less than 1%) 2013 Award recipients qualified as Three-Time Award Winners. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2013 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT: U.S. Commerce Association Email: PublicRelations@uscaaward.com URL: http://www.uscaaward.com

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Relaunching Ellie's Website & Blog

Today we are officially launching Ellie's Bridal newly re-designed website! With the website launched and the return of our permanent URL, we are back on the map & ready to blog.

Special thanks to Michelle, Ellie's bride & CEO of Mischa Communications, for all her kind words and assisstance. After her 10/13/12 wedding, Michelle still managed to keep her tabs on us while maintaining her growing business. Meanwhile, we found ourselves experiencing some difficulty with our web host, requiring a "temporary" website away from our permanent URL. Michelle took notice and quickly offered her time and company expertise We are honored to serve such generous and loving brides like Michelle. This is why we stay in this business!

Because of the transition to our new website, we've been slacking on our blog posts this summer. This is most unfortunate because we have so many great things to share with you! We'll just have to bring you up to speed in the coming weeks :)

This has been an exciting summer here at Ellie's as we transition to bring you bigger and better things. We can't wait to share all that we have to offer to you. As always, please send us your feedback and let us know how we can better your experience (because everything we do is for you).