When Sample Sales Meet Alterations

October 12, 2014 Ellie Tanner

She found the dress of her dreams, and even had to try it on "just to see." Of course, she fell in love even more. She loved everything about it: the lace, the color, the quality and fit, even the little "eyelashes" of the scalloped lace trim were a detail she couldn't live without. Devastated that the price tag was over $4,000, and certainly over her budget, we had to find another solution. Welcome, sample gowns with great savings to save the day!

This was the gown of her dreams, but with price tag over $4,000 it was way over her budget.

This gown was the gown she found instead...

Details of the “original” gown our bride purchased at our Sample Sale

The gown we had on sale was not quite what she wanted, but still had the same fabrics and fit that made her fall in love with Jim Hjelm in the first place.

A few Alterations sessions later, and voila! The gown of her dreams for a price she could afford!

The original gown she couldn’t afford. Looks like our bride wore her dream dress, after all!

During the Alterations there was another surprise! Our bride found out she’s pregnant!!

"Blush" like a Celebrity for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 1, 2014 Ellie Tanner

This month, we are celebrating #Pinktober by spreading the joy of PINK dresses. Purchase your blush/pink/peach/moscato bridal (or bridesmaids!) gown at Ellie's Bridal during the month of October for extra savings and rock out in pink like these celebrities did for their wedding day:

Jessica Biel

Reese Witherspoon

Anne Hathaway

Gwen Stefani

Portia de Rossi

Both blondes wore Zac Posen to their 2008 ceremony.

Which pink/blush gown do you like best? Comment below to let us know!

Designer Spotlight: Victoria Nicole

January 29, 2014 Ellie Tanner

Timeless and exquisite. Romantic and fresh. A contemporary classic for today's sophisticated bride. This is the essence of Victoria Nicole, one of the newest names in bridal couture whose classic designs exude an undeniable elegance. Preview the Victoria Nicole Spring 2014 collection below and make an appointment for out Trunk Show, February 14-16 at Ellie's Bridal Boutique.

Our Perspective

We have known and admired Victoria's designs for many years, even before we knew her gowns under the name Victoria Nicole. Victoria's design house experience and award-winning hands are apparent in the collection we are proud to feature. Both our brides and our staff continue to recognize the high quality of fabric and construction usually reserved for gowns that are twice the price. Her unique blend of timeless cuts and fabrics create a distinctly romantic and contemporary look that can only be recognized as Victoria Nicole. We applaud their exemplary customer service and admire a business philosophy that mirrors our own.

With all this in mind, we present to you the Spring 2014 Victoria Nicole collection on February 14-16, exclusively at Ellie's Bridal Boutique.

Brides Against Breast Cancer

January 23, 2014 Ellie Tanner

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.

Bridal Rush Hour: Buy Your Wedding Dress Before Your Gifts

December 8, 2013 Ellie Tanner

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.

Sample Sale Recap

November 25, 2013 Ellie Tanner

We're all cleaned up from our pre-holiday SAMPLE SALE this past weekend and are now gearing up for all the families coming for Thanksgiving weekend!

CONGRATULATIONS to all the brides-to-be that found their beautiful gowns for such an unbeatable price. Here are some of the dresses our brides fell in love with over the weekend.

Welcome to the Ellie's Bridal Family. We are honored to be part of such a special part of your Wedding Day. Don't forget to send us wedding pics!!

If you missed out on our Sample Sale this past weekend, don't fret! We offer sample gowns year round for any bride on a tight budget or short timeline. Make an appointment and let us know that you are interested in purchasing a sample gown so we can work with you to make your dreams come true.

March 9-10 – Stella York Trunk Show!!

March 1, 2013 Ellie Tanner

Visit Ellie's Bridal Boutique March 9-10, 2013 to view Stella York's newest bridal collection and enjoy 10% OFF the purchase of any Stella York gown for one weekend only! Be sure to click here to read about why we love Stella York so much.

Many of these gowns will be in our boutique for ONE WEEKEND ONLY so call to make your appointment now! You don't want to miss your chance to try on these fantabulous gowns and get the exclusive *trunk show only* price!!

Appointments are required to attend this event. Call 703-683-VOWS(8697) to book your appointment today.

Why We Choose Stella York

February 11, 2013 Ellie Tanner

Glamorous. Sexy. Extravagant. A Stella York wedding dress is more than just a designer label. It’s an indelible mind-set — with each creation a perfect complement to a bride’s attitude, style and spirit.

That's what Stella York is all about. Previously known as Ella Bridals, Stella York is an Australian-based company that never fails to bring in fresh designs that are not only merely beautiful but a statement of your spirit. Their light weight and comfort ensure that you will feel free enough to let your personality truly shine it's best on your wedding day. We also love Stella York because their mission fits our own: quality of fabric, fit, and finish at a competitive price. Here at Ellie's Bridal Boutique, we truly believe that it is possible to find a high quality gown for under $1500, and Stella York is proof of that.

Stella York is designed for the bride looking to find the magic that only she could create on her wedding day. She's a bride full of spirited dreams and an energy that radiates around her. See what we mean and view our gallery below to share the magic these three Ellie's brides experienced with their Stella York gowns this past year.

Needless to say, we are so excited to have Stella York Trunk Show at Ellie's Bridal Boutique! Make your appointment today for March 9-10, 2013 to view Stella York's newest bridal collection and enjoy 10% OFF* the purchase of any Stella York gown.

Many of the featured wedding gowns will be in out store for ONE WEEKEND ONLY ! Spaces are limited, so don't miss out by waiting to book your appointment for this exclusive event!

Appointments are required to attend this event. Call 703-683-VOWS(8697) to book your appointment today & RSVP on our Facebook Invitation.

*Purchases must be made March 9th or 10th to qualify for the discount.

Featured Weddings: Lisa's Destination wedding in Greece, Jenny's Old Amusement Park wedding, Jeorjina's Grand Caymen wedding

January 18-20 — Justin Alexander Trunk Show

January 3, 2013 Ellie Tanner

We love Justin Alexander for their Quality, Style and Amazing Prices!

Quality!

Justin Alexander gowns are incredibly well made for real woman and they know how to show off women's curves the way we want them to. The quality of wedding gowns starts at the beginning. They’re made of high-quality fabrics — real lace, simple cottons, and elegant silks — and just the right amount of intricate crystals and bead work.

Justin Alexander Trunk Show - January 18-20 - Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)

Style!

As much as we love Justin Alexander gowns, we know also know that they are not for every bride -- which is a good thing! These gowns are about mixing the daring and unique with classic, timeless tradition; the vintage with the contemporary; and glamor with elegance. Are you a Justin Alexander bride?

Pricing!

Justin Alexander wants their gowns to be accessible for every bride. They are so stylish. Justin Alexander is classic with a modern twist. Most of their gowns prices range from about $1,200 to $2,200 but they look like they would be more than $10,000! You get such great quality at such an affordable price, it's difficult not to fall in love with this collection.

Call 703-683-VOWS (8697) to make an appointment with us today, and be sure to book your appointment now for Justin Alexander Trunk Show in just a few weeks. This collection has such a variety of styles and shapes, it'll be difficult not to fall in love all over again one you try on these gowns.

Warning: Brides Beware

December 4, 2012 Ellie Tanner

Who would ever imagine that there would be fake wedding gowns? Just like designer purses, you have to be careful when looking to find Wedding Dresses online. Those too-good-to-be-true deals on brand new wedding gowns can be very misleading. Some websites even lead you to believe that you are purchasing a gown from the same exact factory where the originals are made. This is not true and is not authorized by either the designer, manufacturer, or us.

Justin Alexander specifically asked us to share this video with you all. Like other top designers, they are concerned that you won’t receive the top of the line garments that you’re expecting when you order online. All designer websites have a list of Authorized Retailers, most with notices warning the consequences of purchasing from a non-authorized dealer. Jim Hjelm has even published a 6.5-page list of websites they know to be falsely advertising their gowns. Please save yourself the stress, hassle, and your money.

Everything you need to know about purchasing a wedding gown online - via Elie's Bridal Blog

Support your local brick-and-mortar boutiques to ensure that you are receiving that designer Wedding Gown that you are paying for. Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of getting personalized customer service every step of the way. This is a once in a lifetime event that we want to prevent and stop you from falling a victim.

BEST WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON A WEDDING GOWN: If you are looking for a good deal check out local listings for consignment gowns, trunk shows, and sample sales in your area.