Wedding Planning: Buy the dress
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Check out And The Bride Wore...
If you're planning a wedding in the California bay area, near San Jose or San Francisco, check out some of these shops. First, I've listed stores that I actually visited in my search for my dress. Then, I've included some other discount bridal shops in the area that I didn't get around to visiting since I fell in love with the first dress I tried on.
Or, if the stores below aren't enough for you, here's some links to other lists of discount stores.
Of course, you can also order your dress online. I haven't tried this, but if you'd like to investigate, here are some links.
Afterwards
1137 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 324-2377
www.afterwards.com
This is where I bought my gown. They're a consignment shop with some used dresses and some that were bought new and never worn. Not a huge selection, but it worked for me!
Ages Ahead
524 Bryant St
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 327-4480
www.agesahead.com
consignment shop
Vintage clothing, including many wedding gowns. Lots of beautiful dresses, but be warned, many of them are quite small sizes. Also, the fabrics tend to be quite delicate, so extra care would be needed with the alterations. This is a small shop and has kind of odd hours, so call ahead.
Carrie Lynn Formals & Bridals
911 Terminal Way
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 592-8355
They have a pretty good selection, and their prices are very good. Worth taking a look at.
Gunne Sax / Jessica McClintock Outlet
494 Forbes Boulevard
South San Francisco, CA
(415) 553-8390
This is a factory outlet, and there are some really good deals to be had here. In addition to wedding gowns, there's a large selection of bridesmaid / prom dresses, so this is a good place for a group shopping trip. Be warned, though, they have a gang dressing room which gets extremely crowded on Saturdays, so if you're shy this is not for you. When you're there, check out their selection of fabrics, trims, shoes, and jewelry.
Wedding Gown Super Store
40480 Albrae St
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 440-9333
They have a huge selection here, with many dresses between $300 and $400. Most of their gowns are large and foofy, but if you like that sort of thing, very nice. They also have lots of veils and other accessories. Only women are allowed into the area with the dresses -- there's a waiting area for men. Also, this store gets extremely crowded on weekends, and when it is, brides are only allowed to bring one person to look at the dresses with them, so don't bring all your 'maids with you for this trip.
Wedding Store & More
1419 Burlingame Avenue, Suite O
in the Fox Mall
Burlingame, CA
(650) 347-3250
consignment and samples
This is a small shop, but the owner was very friendly and helpful, and her selection and prices are good. She also has discounted headpieces, jewelry, and invitations.
Bridal Image
586 6th Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 861-4696
www.bridalimage-sf.com
Brides International
2165 Bascom Avenue
San Jose / Campbell, CA
(408) 371-9190
www.bridesinternational.com
Cherished
2635 North Main Street
Walnut Creek, CA
(925) 280-0128
www.cherishedweddingowns.com
consignment shop
Discount Bridal Outlet
300 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 495-7922
Formal Rendezvous
118 South Boulevard
San Mateo, CA
(650) 345-4302
by appointment only
buy or rent
New Things West
350 South Winchester Boulevard
San Jose, CA
(408) 241-8136
Third Hand Store
1839 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 567-7332
vintage and sample gowns
vintage men's formal wear
Traditional White & Bridal Veil Outlet
11 Duncan Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 255-6192
by appointment only