My experience with Anna’s Bridal was excellent and was easily one of the best parts of my wedding planning! When I initially tried on dresses, I had a couple general styles in mind, but knew I did not want a strapless dress (just a personal preference for me and my husband). As we narrowed in on my vision, my attendant suggested that I try on a strapless gown with a bodice and skirt that were close to my vision and if needed we could add straps easily with alterations. I was hesitant to pursue alterations with my budget but tried the dress on. They had an example set of straps and an example keyhole neck/back to help me visualize what the dress would look like after alterations. This strapless gown with a keyhole added was exactly what I wanted.
In the end, I had around 4 or 5 dress fittings with alterations after saying “yes” to the dress. My dress had the keyhole neck/back added, a layer of tulle removed, the train hemmed off (outdoor wedding, I didn’t want to have to tromp on it all day/night), the waist taken in slightly for fit, and cups added so I could go braless. I absolutely LOVED my dress. The cost of the alterations was incredibly reasonable, and I was given a line item price for each alteration. I was also told the prices of the extra material necessary to make the keyhole prior to purchase. Other than marrying my husband and seeing my loved ones, I would say my dress was my favorite part of the day.
An unanticipated benefit to having my dress altered with Anna was the emotional attachment that I was able to develop with the dress over the time I had my fittings. With each fitting, I spent time driving to the boutique, trying on the dress, and driving home thinking about the dress. And in the end, it was PERFECT. For me, when I spend time on something, it becomes more valuable to me, so I don’t think my wedding experience would have been the same if I didn’t have those fittings and alterations. The morning after the wedding, I saw my dress hanging up and I had a wave of sadness wash over me, knowing that I wouldn’t be wearing it again.
I would also like to add that every moment I spent with Anna (who personally worked on my dress at my fittings) was delightful. She is a wonderfully sweet woman who clearly has a passion for wedding gowns. When I had her trim the train off my gown, it was like I was having her trim off a piece of her own heart! It was incredibly obvious that she loves the elegance and glamour and beauty of the wedding gowns that she sells and alters. Thank you, Anna, for such a wonderful experience and playing such a big part in my wedding planning journey!