BUFFALO GOWN GUIDE AND WEB LINKS


Expensive


Susan Langford Creations: (716)838-5122. 2845 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda, NY 14150. The Consultants were very nice. They seem to have a nice variety of gowns. Is it more expensive than Margaret Stock Bridals(see below)? You'll have to make your own decision. They carry: Romona Keveza, Anne Barge, Mon Cheri, Paula Varsalona, Pricilla of Boston, and a few more. Saw dresses from $500 to $3,000+

Moderate


Margaret Stock Bridals: OUT OF BUSINESS? Phone number inactive:(716)832-0430. 277 Parkridge Ave. Buffalo, NY 14215. I was referred here by a friend. It doesn't look like much on the outside but the service and selection very good. When you make an appointment you are in a fairly private dressing room with close attention from the salesperson. They have moderate gowns to expensive designer gowns. I've been told they are very good on alterations although I'm not sure about the exact policy at this time. One of the companies they carry is Galina. Saw dresses from $500 to $1000.

Clara Milas: West Seneca. They won't tell you what designers they carry. I did spot several Pronovias which is the main reason I went there. I was impressed with their prices and large selection of sample sizes! They compare well with the Bridal Gown guide as far as prices go. I'm not sure about costs for alterations but it appears you can get a good deal if you find a bridal gown you like here! Service was very good also. If only they were honest about the designers! Saw lots of dresses under $700.

Bridals by D: Heard third-hand that it's a good place to go. Haven't been there yet.

Low Cost


David's Bridal: Niagara Falls Blvd, Amherst, NY. National Chain. Low cost dresses. Off the rack. The dress you buy has been tried on by others. Man-made fabrics. Only offers David's brands. No "real" designers here! They hit you in the pocket for alterations!! Also don't expect to get high quality customer service here! After I had one appointment there and decided I didn't like any of their over-beaded, gaudy princess dresses, the salesperson kept calling me for months afterwards!! I've also talked to several friends who got their dresses from there and overall they weren't happy with the customer service or cost. If you pay more than $400 for a dress here you are getting ripped off. (They have sales almost ALL the time.)

Useful Gown Web Links:



Pronovias: A European Bridal gown company based in Spain. Lovely gowns!! Their collections are amazing and fresh. The local retailer listed for their gowns is Clara Milas.

Bridal Gown Book: I recommend taking a long look at this book BEFORE even visiting a bridal shop! It really opened my eyes! The series of books by Denise and Alan Fields don't depend on selling favors or advertising so they are brutally honest!! Rating: *****

Celtia Gowns: The gowns are perfect if you are looking to add a Celtic flavor to your Wedding!! She recently updated her site (Jan 2000.)

Romona Keveza::
She's a Canadian designer now based in New York. She creates lovely, elegant Silk dresses. Her dress adds have been featured in Martha Stewart's Weddings for several years. I had the pleasure of meeting her in person recently. One of the insights she shared with me is that she lines her gowns in silk so brides will be comfortable on their wedding day. (Did you know many designers don't even line their dresses!?) When I tried on one of her dresses it felt like I was wearing a silken nightgown! Her dresses are the upper price range ($1,500 to around $3,000?) but you're getting a quality dress for your money! She said they are hard at work on getting her website up and hopefully it should be available in a few months. (The Wedding dress at the top of this page is one of hers.)

Anne Barge: A designer based out of Atlanta who makes some lovely silk dresses. I've been told she spent many years as a shop owner before becoming a designer. She seems to currently have a good idea of what brides are looking for.

Monique Bridal: Some nice, simple dresses with flower embroidery. They are starting to put up more concept* dresses. *as in quite weird.

Jasmine Haute Couture and Collection:
Some lovely gowns with a style that reminds me of the 1920s-40s.

Saison Blanche: Upscale division of Eden Bridals. They have some very nice dresses but their website is laid out poorly.

RKBridal: A discount internet gown site.

Demetrios Bridal: Many of these gowns are very affordable. This could be the dress designer to look at if you are on a tight budget.

Watters & Watters: Expensive but beautiful BridesMaids gowns.