Q: What is your price range?

A: Our salon price range is approximately $1400 to $6000. However, bridal gowns under $1000 are also available through our Under $1000 Sample Sale, which is available to shop both in-store and online. We believe that good fabric and fabulous designs are available at every price point. Please do not be afraid to let us know what your budget is; we will never try to sell you a gown out of your budget. We want you to find your dream dress just as much as you do!

A: Our sample sizes range from 8 to 20 so that we are able to accommodate every bride, from petite to plus size. Remember, our gowns are labeled in 'bridal size', which generally runs 2-3 sizes smaller than 'street size'—and sometimes more. Additionally, each designer uses their own size chart so your size may or may not be the same across designers.

Q: Do you ever have sales?

A: There are several ways to get great deals on an Ellie's Bridal gown. The first is by attending a trunk show where we feature a particular designer that we carry and get permission from that designer to offer you a great discount on any of their gowns. Trunk Show discounts are only available during the Trunk Show event, and appointments must be made to attend the event.

However, the greatest deals are found at our Under $1000 Sample Sale, where you can find gowns for up to 80% off their original ticketed price. Our Under $1000 Sample Sale gowns are not part of main showroom so please be sure to select the correct appointment typs to view this collection in-store. You may also shop the collection virtually or try on gowns with more flexibility from your home when you contact us to arrange an At-Home Experience.

Q: Do I need to make an appointment?

A: Appointments are required to ensure a personal bridal consultant is available and dedicated to you.

Our appointments book up quickly so please reserve your appointment as soon as you decide you'd like to experience appointment with us.

Q: How do I book an appointment?

A: For most appointment times, you may schedule our online scheduler, or give us a call at (703) 683-8697 to schedule an appointment so we may discuss all dates and times available.

Q: Do you carry bridesmaid dresses or tuxedos?

A: We no longer carry either bridesmaid dresses or tuxedos. We recommend going to a local bridal salon that does carry bridesmaid collection rather than ordering online, such as Global Bridal Gallery. We recommend both Lapel and Dash's of Old Town for tuxedos.

Q: How long is an appointment?

A: Our bridal appointments one hour. To help maximize your time with us, we recommend sending us photos of your bridal gown inspiration before your appointment officially begins.

Q: What should I bring to my appointment?

A: We have strapless bras for you to try on with the gowns, although you may bring your own if you would like. If there are certain accessories you are planning to wear for you wedding (i.e. mother's veil, grandmother's pearls, etc), you should bring those as well so you are not left wondering if the gown you love will match the accessories you treasure. We also request that you do not wear excessive makeup or body tanning products as they do mark and damage the gowns. You may also bring some photos from magazines or the internet to better give us a sense of your taste and style, but pictures are not necessary. If you are visiting our Alterations team, make sure you have your undergarments and heels before arriving for your first fitting appointment. Fitting your dress around these garments from the start will best ensure the perfect fit for the Big Day.

Q: Can I bring someone with me?

A: Many brides want to bring some family members and/or friends to the appointment, and we completely understand that! Our standard appointments limit brides to bring no more than 3 guests. However, we are excited to announce we are now able to offer appointments with up to 7 guests on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Q: When should I order my dress?

A: We like to advise brides to plan 6 to 8 months for bridal gowns to arrive and 4 to 5 months for bridesmaids or mothers dresses to arrive in our store after they have been ordered. The exact time frame may vary by designer, time of year the order was placed, and time of year of your actual wedding date. This is only a rough guideline that some may find helpful to plan around. You should also plan about 2 months for alterations after the dress has come in, ideally ordering your bridal gown at least 9 months prior to your wedding. Rush orders may be available for certain styles at an additional cost but is not always available. The more time you allow yourself, the less stress you will feel; it always better to order sooner rather than later. That being said, don't let this time frame scare you! We know that not every bride is able to allot this much time and often complete the entire process much sooner. If time is really an issue for you consider purchasing a sample gown off-the-rack, or asking our expert consultants what your options are.

Q: When should I start alterations on my dress?

A: For Bridal gowns, we recommend scheduling your first fitting about 2 months before your wedding. For bridesmaids and social occasion gowns, 3-4 weeks before the event. If you have a rigid schedule and know that it will be difficult making time to come in for a fitting or having custom designs added to your gown, consider allowing more time for alterations. Because our Alterations team operates right in our store, we are also able to prioritize your gown if you are on a shorter timeline. The most important factor is getting the dress to the store. Once your dress is here, we can complete alterations in as little or as much time as needed. Please contact us to schedule your first fitting as soon as you can after you have your dress, especially if the wedding is in the summer or fall.

Q: Do you do alterations on gowns purchased elsewhere?

A: Yes, we are more than happy to alter both bridal and bridesmaid attire of any designer purchased from any location when appointments are available. Please contact us to schedule your first fitting.

Q: Do you respond to emails?

A: We reply to all emails as promptly as we can, but for an immediate response it is always best to reach us by phone during our normal business hours. In any case, we love hearing from you!

Q: Why can't I find your email address listed anywhere?

A: Sorry about that! It's simply our attempt at reducing our amount of spam. The form submission on our contact page goes straight to our email inbox :)

Q: Why don't you sign your name at the end of emails, and who am I talking to?

A: Several of our consultants check and answer emails so you recieve a response as quickly as possible. That also means you may or may not be speaking to the same person consistently. To avoid confusion, we answer all general questions as a cohesive Ellie's Bridal entity. Once you meet and develop a relationship with your consultant, and move beyond general questions, we will ensure your emails are directed to and answered by that person.

Q: How many Ellie's Bridal locations are there?

A: This question gets asked surprisingly often. Ellie's Bridal Boutique is your typical small, local boutique with just one location. We are the one and only and have no official ties with any other business.

Q: What kind of parking is available around Ellie's?

A: Street parking is available throughout Old Town, including right in front of our store. Metered parking is available along North Washington Street and does not require quarters. Please ensure that you are not in the HOV-lane during HOV hours as towing in these areas is strictly enforced (although we once had a bride who purchased her wedding gown and five minutes later discovered that her car was towed; she considered this good luck). Free two and three hour parking is also available in nearby residential areas.