Van Cleve

Bridal & Evening Wear

AWARD WINNER (10X)

Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot

Van Cleve is a premium wedding boutique based in Paoli, PA. Offering an extensive selection of designer gowns, these expert stylists can help you find the ideal look for your special day. From exquisite dresses to fitting accessories, they are here to cater to you. Van Cleve was founded by Deborah Van Cleve. With decades of experience in the industry, this accommodating professional works to provide the highest level of service to every client. From the first meeting to your final appointment, Deborah and her team can be there for your styling needs. To provide the best possible service, Van Cleve is an appointment-only boutique. This way, they can focus entirely on your needs, finding you the ideal dress for your special day. Additionally, they offer a variety of other dresses, gowns, and evening wear, as well as mens suiting and tuxedos allowing your loved ones to enjoy the stylish selection of this boutique. Alterations are also on offer, ensuring that your garment fits ideally.

Woman-owned Business

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Accessories

Clutches & Handbags

Hair Accessories

Headbands

Pins, Combs & Clips

Tiaras

Sashes & Belts

Veils

Dresses

Bridesmaid Dresses

Mother of the Bride Dresses

Shower & Party Dresses

Wedding Dresses

Fashion Services

Alterations

Bridal Stylists

Custom Designs

Dry Cleaning & Preservation

Plus Size Available

Private Appointments Available

Rentals

Suits & Accessories

Bow Ties

Cummerbunds

Shoes

Suits for Women

Ties

Tuxedos & Suits

Vests

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Awards and Affiliations

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4.8

out of 5.0

301 reviews

Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Review Summary

This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.

Van Cleve is highly praised for its personalized, attentive service, with various reviewers highlighting the expertise of stylists like Shelly, Caroline, and Nancy in helping them find their dream wedding dresses. The wide selection of high-quality dresses and the pleasant, stress-free shopping experience were commonly commended. Customers appreciated the accommodating staff, the timely fittings and alterations, and the exquisite atmosphere of the store. Van Cleve's consultants made the dress selection process easy, enjoyable, and successful, providing a memorable experience for brides and their families.

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Amy M

1/23/2025

My mom has been looking for a MOB dress and visited Van Cleve once before. The store is a bit dirty, dusty and outdated but we were able to look past that for the dress selection! She wanted to go back for a 2nd time and when she called to make an appointment she was met with such rudeness and unprofessionalism. We worked with Jada the first time who was wonderful. When we called to make her 2nd appointment Caroline was the one who answered the phone and was so rude and made my mom feel uncomfortable enough that she decided to cancel her appointment. Caroline was rude, abrupt and extremely unwelcoming. She seemed as though she was not interested in having my mom’s business as a client. Such a shame that she is the first person you come into contact with when booking an appointment. Unfortunately, we will not be back!

Gabi E

12/24/2024

This was the first place that I had been to in order to find my dress for my wedding and it was an incredible experience. I worked with Shelly and she asked a lot of great questions to help me understand what type of dress that I really liked, and she really listened to my feedback and ultimately helped me find THE dress! Shelly was so personable and calm, and it made the experience of wedding dress hunting super fun! Having the one-on-one experience with a stylist was much needed and it made it all the more special. I went into there not expecting to find anything at all since I am super picky, but Van Cleve has a wide variety of options. I definitely recommend checking out this place!

Any questions?

Erica C

12/08/2024

Van Cleve was amazing throughout the entire dress process. I appreciate how personal the appointment felt, and they helped me pick out the dress of my dreams! Everything from ordering, fitting and alterations was all done in a timely manner, and I never had to worry about my dress being late. Thank you for helping me get my perfect wedding dress!

Brittany P

12/02/2024

I worked with Shelly at Van Cleve, and she was WONDERFUL! I cannot say enough good things. She listened to my vision and chose stunning options that blew me away. I did not think I would find my dress so easily as I'm picky -- but I said yes to my dream dress and couldn't be happier! Thank you, Shelly!!

Kathryn D

11/20/2024

First, I want to say that I had an amazing time selecting my dress in store. My sales associate listened to exactly what I wanted (I had been to 4 other stores before) and pulled the perfect dress. I was so in love with it. The reason for the one-star rating is because when I opened my dress on the morning of my wedding, the extremely delicate mesh panel in the front had torn. Upon further inspection, the tear was because a bulky piece of cardboard with staples sticking out of it had been stuffed into the bust and snagged the mesh panel. Clearly this piece of cardboard was WAY TOO BIG for the dress and had raw edges and STAPLES sticking straight into the mesh panel. I don't understand why anyone at Van Cleve would prepare my dress like this. We tried taping the two pieces of torn mesh together onto my skin but that looked even worse. We ended up rushing the dress to a tailor who was thankfully open the morning of my wedding and she ended up cutting the mesh down to the rip. This review has been edited to include the following statement: I signed a document stating that I inspected the dress before leaving and the vendor cannot be held responsible for damages once it has left the store.

Rachel S

10/30/2024

I just purchased my dress here this week and would like to explain my experience, so this does not happen to anyone else. Staff was very friendly and the lady that was helping us was super helpful, however, we gave her a budget of under $3000 and she selected dresses above my price range and of course, I fell in love with a dress that was almost $4k. I was between two dresses and after going back and forth between the 2, I was set on the dress I wanted because it was just more me than the other one. I asked the lady if these dresses will be here in a month or 2 because I would have liked to look other places just so I didn't have dress regret and wanted to see what other shops had to offer. It was then when she decided to tell me that the dress I decided on would be discontinued in 3 days, so we had to decide over the weekend. We all felt blindsided and felt forced to get the dress. I did fall in love with my dress, but again, I did want to look at other shops before deciding. I just knew I would regret not getting this dress, but we thought it was so unprofessional to tell us 5 mins before the end of our appointment that it is being discontinued in 3 days. She definitely should have let me know about it being discontinued right when she pulled it out for me to try on. It made me wonder if it was really being discontinued or was she just saying that because I mentioned looking at other shops before deciding. It was my first time wedding dress shopping and even though I knew I was going to find dresses I loved, I wanted to look at at least 3 or 4 places. It sort of ruined that experience for me.

response 10/30/2024

Hi Rachel, My name is Ashley, and I am the Salon Manager here at Van Cleve. First and fo...

remost, congratulations on saying "Yes!" to your dress! I know your stylist truly enjoyed working with you and helping you customize your gown. I had the pleasure of speaking with your mom during her recent visit to move forward with your gown. She shared that you all had a wonderful experience and that you were excited about finding your perfect dress. However, she also mentioned some concerns. Please know that we are always mindful of and want to be respectful of a bride's preferred budget, which is why we like to re-confirm this before shopping for dresses. During my conversation with your mom, we agreed that there may have been some confusion about the budget from the start of the appointment to the time you made your final decision between your two favorites. I did also confirm with your stylist that all pricing, including the cost of custom changes, was shared prior to retrying your favorites. If at any point we misunderstood what was requested of us, I sincerely apologize. Additionally, your mom and I talked about the discontinuation of your dress. It is important to us to be transparent about any details regarding the dress and the purchasing process, so we wanted to let you know that the dress was set to be discontinued several days later (on 10/29/24) before the end of your appointment. I offered to share the official documentation from the designer with your mom to verify this information, but she declined. While I prefer not to disclose the name or style number of your dress in a public forum, I can send you the link to the designer's website, which confirms that this style has been discontinued. I also wanted to share my thoughts on the timing of such information. We aim to create a magical experience, and revealing details about possible discontinuations before trying on a gown could unintentionally discourage a bride from fully enjoying the moment, and we would never want to take away from that special moment, especially if said dress could become “the one.” I understand that making a decision on a short timeline can be challenging, but I would never have wanted for you to return at a later date only to find that your dream dress was no longer available. I hope you can understand our position, as it is never our desire to share information that could change a bride's experience. I enjoyed speaking with your mom and thought our conversation was helpful for both of us, and I would love to speak with you further about your experience or any concerns you may have. Please feel free to reach me anytime at the salon at (610) 647-5055. I am here to help and ensure you have the best experience possible. Thank you, Rachel. Best, Ashley

Jessica J

10/07/2024

My family and I had an amazing experience at Van Cleve picking out my bridal dress for my November 2025 wedding! Megan was such a pleasure to work with -- from open communication pre-visit to her patience and pleasant attitude on the floor, to the very sweet follow up texts she sent. Megan was incredible at understanding what I was enjoying about the dresses she was pulling, and ultimately found the dress I said yes to! She was also incredibly accommodating and great at roping my family into the process as well, so choosing the dress truly felt like a "team" effort. Everyone on the staff was attentive, kind, and supportive. I could not recommend them enough!

Daniella W

8/30/2024

They have a LARGE selection of high quality dresses and the shop is so pretty. I worked with Caroline who listened to what I needed, did not pressure me to buy a dress, and really helped me narrow down to what I was looking for. I am very indecisive and wanted to go to a bunch of shops to try on as many dresses as possible, but ended up coming back here for the "one." Definitely recommend!

response 08/30/2024

Hi Daniella, Thank you so much for taking the time to write and share such a lovely review...

! You were such a joy to work with, and I'm so happy we were able to find you the perfect dress! I am SO excited to see you again when your dress arrives. Have a great long weekend and thanks again! XOXO, Caroline.

Emmi C

8/28/2024

Finding my dress at Van Cleve was an all around fantastic experience. Everyone was SO nice and knowledgable - I worked with Caroline and she helped me create the dress of my dreams. She worked to understand my style perfectly (I'm picky) and we ended up piecing together such a beautiful dress. They made the daunting process of customizing a dress EASY. I haven't received my gown yet, but I know I am going to love it.

response 08/28/2024

Hi Emmi, Thank you so much for taking the time to write and share such a nice review! It w...

as SO lovely working with you and helping you create your dream dress!! I am so excited for you and can't wait to see you when your dress arrives! Thanks again! XOXO, Caroline.

Kelli B

8/09/2024

I get nervous when I am the center of attention and hate things that require me to be fussed over so I was a bit nervous to go dress shopping. That being said, my experience at Van Cleve was great and all my worries were gone as soon as we sat down and went over what I was looking for. I never felt pressured, the woman that assisted me was kind and knew exactly how to help me find my dress. I went in there with an idea of what I wanted and fell in love with something completely different. I also came in way under budget! My fiancé also plans on renting a tuxedo from here based off of my experience.

response 08/12/2024

Thank you so much Kelli for the kind review, I really appreciate it! You were such a pleas...

ure to work with and I'm so happy we found the perfect dress for you! You're going to make a beautiful bride!! -Erin

Brionna P

8/05/2024

Caroline was so amazing! I went in with the thought that I was going to ultimately have to get my dress made. She listened and knew exactly what I was going for and I ultimately said yes to the dress. Thank you so much for helping me find my dream dress

response 08/28/2024

Hi Brionna, Thank you so much for the nice review, it is so greatly appreciated! I am so e...

xcited for you! I'm looking forward to seeing you when your dress arrives! XOXO, Caroline.

Ashleigh T

8/05/2024

I found my dream dress at Van Cleve all thanks to Caroline! It was my 3rd store and I was considering canceling because I thought I found the one at my 2nd stop. Caroline pushed me to consider a style I never would have without her and it ended up being exactly what I needed!! 10/10 recommend Van Cleve but more specifically Caroline!

response 08/15/2024

Hi Ashleigh, Thank you so much for taking the time to write and share such a nice review! ...

I am SO excited for you! I'm so glad we pushed your style and ended up find the perfect dress! You are going to be a stunning bride. Congratulations again! XOXO, Caroline.

Caroline K

7/12/2024

Just walking into the lobby of Van Cleve is magical and breath taking with their floral displays, and then you're greeted by extremely friendly consultants. Shelly was THE BEST! She texted me prior to my appointment to look through pictures of dress ideas that I had, and then through additional conversations and explorations at my appointment she completely saw my vision and found my dress! She pulled out some of my pinterest saved dresses, and she had an amazing system for the order of dresses she had me try on while working through the different stylistic features that I loved. Our analytical brains worked really well together. She totally understood me and helped my vision come true. She even searched for different sparkly fabrics to enhance my dress, which when we found the right one, the tears started, and I said yes to the dress! I can't wait to go back to explore the accessories more, and to look at the other bridal party dresses! Van Cleve and Shelly are incredible! My mom already has an appointment to work with Shelly again for her mother of the bride dress. Five star experience! Highly recommend! They have every dress imaginable, and they work with many price points!

response 07/14/2024

You are so sweet Caroline! I had the best time working with you and I am so excited we fou...

nd you the perfect gown!! It was so much fun getting to know you and your group!! So grateful to work with your mom soon as well and if you need anything else please let me know!! XOXO Shelly

Jamie M

6/30/2024

Caroline was great at my appointment! She was prepared and knew exactly what I was looking for. Caroline made me feel comfortable and beautiful AND helped me say YES to the dress!

Nikki T

6/24/2024

Great experience with Erin! She provided excellent service and so many great options to offer that fit my style. So glad I was able to say yes with this store! 🤍

Haley L

6/17/2024

I had the absolute best wedding dress experience with Shelly at Van Cleve. It was my second of two wedding dress appointments and it was night and day difference than my first. Shelly was so thorough and really took the time to explain the process and guided me to say YES to the dress. She read my personality well and truly helped me work through all my concerns during the appointment. I don’t think I would have been so confident in my decision (and still thrilled with it a few weeks later) if it wasn’t for Shelly and Van Cleve. I live in Florida but have family near Van Cleve and I would 100% recommend Van Cleve to any future bride!

response 07/14/2024

Thank you so much Haley!! I had such a great time working with you! Please let me know whe...

n you are ready for help in anything going forward. You look so amazing in your gown and I can't wait for it to be your size and all adjusted!! XOXO Shelly

Rebecca H

2/13/2024

The team at Van Cleve were amazing. My consultant, Caroline, was wonderful and made getting my perfect dress so easy!

Katie G

1/28/2024

My mom, aunts, and I had the best experience at Van Cleve, primarily due to the second-to-none guidance my stylist Shelly provided us! She knew exactly how to progress me throughout the various stages of the process, and always made me feel heard and comfortable. I'm so lucky to have scored her and my dress at this fabulous place! Would highly recommend to all brides considering!

response 01/29/2024

Thank you Katie!! I had the best time with all of you!! So lucky to have you as my bride!!...

You look amazing in your gown!!! Let me know if you need anything while we lead up to the big day!! XOXO Shelly

Arielle K

1/16/2024

Erin was amazing to work with! She let me look around at different styles in each room and pulled some she thought I would like. She was so kind, helping in getting in and out of the dresses and really cared about me and what I was comfortable in. The space they have is amazing, private, and spacious. I felt so comfortable and everyone in my family got a seat in the room. Erin called me before the appointment to see what designers, inspirations, colors, fits I liked best and had some pulled in the room when I got there. Erin really loves her clients and her background in fashion is most helpful!

Paige E

1/09/2024

I had the most memorable experience! Shelly was a true blessing and very helpful! There were so many dresses that I could afford in my budget that were just as beautiful as ones that I was unable to afford. They really worked with me on what I was looking for and helped me try on dresses I never thought I would love. I found my love story dress, and I’m super blessed for them!

response 07/14/2024

Congratulations Paige! I had such a great time helping you find your gown!! Please let me ...

know if you need anything! XOXO Shelly

Samantha B

12/31/2023

I cannot speak highly enough of my experience at Van Cleve! Shelly did a wonderful job guiding me to the most perfect dress. She not only listened intently, but also used her years of experience in the industry to ensure I looked my best! We had a private room that created a wonderful atmosphere to find THE dress!! I did try a few other salons, but none matched the professionalism and sophistication of Van Cleve.

response 01/02/2024

Thank you so much Samantha!! I am so excited to be working with you for your gown!! You lo...

ok so amazing and I can't wait till it comes in! Please let me know if you need anything while we wait!! XOXO Shelly

Danielle H

12/16/2023

My stylist Caroline helped me find my dream dress and made me feel like a princess for my wedding day. The alterations were fast and my dress fit me like a glove on my wedding day. Everyone was always so nice and attentive to us, highly recommend!

Michele V

12/04/2023

I was so happy to get my wedding dress and veil from Van Cleve!! I worked with Caroline and she was so professional and amazing. She is not pushy, lets you come to your own decisions and feelings about the dress, and always made me feel good about myself! I also had an amazing experience with the alterations and cleaning department. They do everything there, and it is a really nice, intimate experience - never crowded or overwhelming. The salon is also gorgeous! I always looked forward to going there whether for shopping, fitting, etc. So happy I got my dress from Van Cleve!!

Alexandria D

12/03/2023

I had the BEST experience at Van Cleve! The staff was so kind and enthusiastic. Caroline was so amazing and helped me say yes to the dress!

response 12/04/2023

Hi Alexandria! Thank you so much for taking the time to write and share about your experie...

nce! It was such a pleasure working with you and congratulations again! I am so excited for your big day! XOXO, Caroline.

Liz T

11/27/2023

I had an appointment last night with Shelly and I cannot recommend her enough. This was my 5th store, I was getting closer to figuring out what I wanted but knew something was missing. She took the photos and information and budget I gave her and knew what dress she wanted me to try on- spoiler alert it was perfect. It checked all of my boxes and I am so thrilled to have finally said yes to the dress! Shelly was amazing, and I appreciated her opinions. Some store sales people wouldn’t give me any feedback and I needed some guidance!! Thank you Shelly!!

response 11/27/2023

ank you so much Liz! I had an amazing time working with you and your family! Please let me...

know if I can be of help with any of the other items for the wedding. I am here for whatever you need! You look so stunning in the gown! You made my job easy!! XOXO Shelly

Alyssa C

11/12/2023

I had no idea what I was looking for in a wedding dress and told my consultant that, and Nancy did an amazing job of picking out a variety for me to try! I am so thankful she did because I ended up getting a dress I didn't expect to. I was able to text her and send her pictures and she responded very quickly. We had an amazing experience!

response 11/14/2023

Alyssa, Thank you so much for sharing this review. It was wonderful to help you find the o...

ne! And get to hear your story. You're going to be a beautiful bride. XOXO, Nancy

Ali S

11/07/2023

I started my wedding dress search with recommendations from friends and family, and Van Cleve Bridal was one of them! They were able to schedule an appointment for me within the same week, which was a pleasant and appreciated surprise given the high demand and booked calendars of anything wedding these days. They were extremely accommodating, personable, and invested from the start, taking the time to speak with me prior to the appointment to get a better idea of what I was looking for, and my personal stylist, Caroline, was beyond amazing – she helped me say YES to the dress! I really did not expect to walk out with a dress, especially on the first go, but sure enough Caroline was able to take my dream and make it into a reality. I couldn’t be happier and more excited for the big day – thank you, Caroline and Van Cleve Bridal!

response 11/08/2023

Hi Ali, Reading this made my day! Thank you so much for taking the time to write and share...

about your experience! I had such a wonderful time working with you and your mom! Your dress was absolutely made for you and I am so excited for your big day. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding dress process and congratulations again! XOXO, Caroline.

Nina E

11/07/2023

I recently said "yes to the dress" at Van Cleve with the help of my consultant Caroline. I felt very comfortable the entire process. Caroline took the time to listen and understand everything I was saying that I did or didn't want. As a matter of fact the dress I ended up with was the very first dress she pulled for me! I tend to be very indecisive but Caroline was patient with me and it felt like I was with one of my girlfriends while shopping!

response 11/08/2023

Hi Nina, Thank you so much for taking the time to write and share such a kind review! I a...

m so happy to hear that you felt comfortable with your experience! You were so wonderful to work with, and I am so thrilled that we found you your dream dress! You are going to be a stunning bride and thank you again! XOXO, Caroline.

Erin N

11/01/2023

I worked with Nancy, and she was incredible. First, they got me in for an appointment quickly, which was amazing since I'm planning my wedding in only 10 months. When you arrive, you'll be taken aback at how beautiful and spacious the store is. When we started talking through, my Mom turned to me and said "well if you can't find a dress here, you won't find one anywhere!" I had communicated with Nancy ahead of time and sent her photos of ideas of what I was looking for. She pulled a few options for me ahead of my arrival, and then she let us walk through and pick more off the rack. The actual trying-on process was so fun. Nancy asked helpful questions that allowed me to gauge what I was really loving. At the end of the day, i ended up with a beautiful dress that Nancy had pulled for me ahead of time. It was the first dress I put on, and I fell in love. I could not recommend Van Cleve enough. The entire experience was so fun!

response 11/01/2023

Erin, thank you for the very kind review. Your mom was right - we found the perfect gown f...

or you! I loved helping you and appreciate you sharing your experience with others. I look forward to seeing you on your big day! XOXO, Nancy

Kristen C

10/22/2023

I had the absolute BEST experience here and am SO happy Nancy helped me say yes to not one but two dresses! She did such an amazing job. She made sure to reach out before my appointment to get a feel for my preferences and vibe of my wedding. She did a great job the day of picking out choices that went with my Pinterest board but also encouraging me to try on “wild card” options that she thought spoke to my personality and wedding vibe. I am SO happy I listened to her and tried on “wild card” options because my official wedding dress ended up being one of those “wild cards”! I never felt rushed or pressured and she paid SO much attention to detail - even down to helping me choose the perfect veil for each dress. Thank you so much Nancy and Van Cleve Bridal! I truly cannot recommend this place enough. I never write reviews but I had to after the amazing experience I had at this place.

response 10/24/2023

Kristen, Thank you so much for taking the time and care to share this review. I absolutely...

loved working with you to find 2 dresses/2 veils for both your celebrations. I had so much fun selecting the outside the box "wild card" choices for you. Your trust in me and your adventurous spirit are two wonderful qualities, and I am so grateful for you. Congratulations again! And I look forward to seeing you as a Bride! XOXO, Nancy

Melanie H

10/16/2023

Van Cleve was beautiful as soon as you walk in, really giving my party and i the full experience. We really liked the private fitting rooms for my whole party and I. Shelly was upfront, honest, VERY PROFESSIONAL, and amazing at suggesting dresses and reading my reactions. Never showing dresses higher than my set budget unless I authorized it. She catered to me, the bride, while also involving my party. Van Cleve knows how to do it! Highly recommend.

response 10/16/2023

Hi Melanie, thank you so much for your sweet review I appreciate you so much!! I loved wor...

king with you and your group! We had so much fun and you look stunning in your beautiful gown!! So excited for it to come in!! Let me know if you need anything and if you have any questions. XOXO Shelly

Lauren B

10/09/2023

I had my appointment with Shelly on 10/8/23. I had the best experience ever! Shelly made me so comfortable and really worked with me to find my absolute dream dress. She didn’t try to sway me from what I wanted at all and I was able to envision my dream and make it come to life with the dress I chose. Shelly was so kind, patient, and accommodating. Van Cleve is absolutely gorgeous and the whole process from start to finish was relaxing and enjoyable. I cannot recommend this bridal shop enough. Thank you so much! -Lauren

response 10/09/2023

Thank you so much Lauren! I had so much fun working with you and your group!! You look so ...

stunning in your gown!! Let me know if you need anything and if there is anything at all that you need feel free to reach out to me anytime!! XOXO Shelly

Paige E

9/18/2023

Staff was so super friendly and helpful in selecting a dress. A great combo of listening to all my ideas and requests, and also suggesting some ideas out-of-the-box.

response 09/20/2023

Hi Paige, thank you so much for sharing this review! I loved meeting you and helping your ...

find your gown. Congratulations again! XOXO, Nancy

Amanda H

8/28/2023

I went wedding dress shopping for the first time on Saturday. Caroline was wonderful and helped me find the perfect dress. I didn't think I was going to find my wedding dress the first time shopping, but I did. Caroline is so good at her job and I highly recommend her and Van Cleve. Everyone that works at Van Cleve was so nice and the store has many dresses to choose from. Highly recommend!

response 08/28/2023

Hi Amanda, Thank you so much for taking the time to write and share such a kind review! It...

was so lovely working with you to find your dream dress! You are going to be absolutely stunning on the big day! Thank you and congratulations again!!! XOXO, Caroline.

Ali H

8/28/2023

I recently purchased my wedding dress at Van Cleve and couldn't have been more impressed. My stylist, Nancy, was so warm, knowledgeable, and patient. Van Cleve had such a huge selection and I was seriously so impressed with all the options they had ready for me to try on! Couldn't recommend Van Cleve enough!

response 09/20/2023

Dear Ali, thank you very much for writing this kind review. I loved helping you find the p...

erfect gown and veil for you! Can't wait to see you on your big day! XOXO, Nancy

Ashley S

8/22/2023

Amazing selection, and great service. I had an amazing time trying on dresses at the salon. I was able to share my inspiration pictures ahead of time and chose dresses that I wanted pulled. On the day of, I could walk around the salon and grab a few others. It was a great experience and I found a gorgeous gown and a veil.

response 11/14/2023

Hi Ashley! I had so much fun helping you find your perfect gown!! Please let me know if I ...

can help with any of your other planning!! XOXO Shelly

Erica D

8/11/2023

I had an absolutely amazing experience at Van Cleve! Nancy was an incredible stylist who clearly prioritized my feelings and interests above all else throughout the process. I did not come in with any set expectations and ended up falling in love with and ultimately choosing the first dress Nancy picked out for me. My family members also had a wonderful time and we all agreed that Van Cleve made the experience so special and smooth. I now know why so many people recommended this salon to me, and I would encourage any bride to shop for her dream dress here!

response 08/11/2023

Erica, Thank you so much for taking the time to share this kind review. I loved meeting y...

ou and the family. You chose the most beautiful gown and I can't wait to help make the finishing touches happen with you. Talk to you soon! XOXO, Nancy

Briana L

8/07/2023

I cannot say enough positive things about my experience at Van Cleve! From first booking, I was contacted by a consultant to say how excited they were to have me in the shop, what my vision was, etc. Fast forward to the day before my consultation, I was contacted by Caroline, who I would be working with the next day. She was just simply AMAZING to work with!! She was thorough in describing the process of trying on dresses, comforted the nerves I had about trying on dresses, and asked in detail about what I was looking for. The day of, Caroline was super attentive to me and my family that came with me. She was helpful, honest, and made sure we had the best experience. I said yes to the perfect dress with Caroline's help and I highly, highly recommend her to any bride looking for a dress for their big day!

response 08/11/2023

Hi Briana! Thank you so much for taking the time to write and share such a kind review! Th...

is made me so happy to read, and I greatly appreciate it! It was such a pleasure working with you to help you find the perfect dress for your big day! You are going to be absolutely stunning and I can't wait to see the final result when the big day comes. Congratulations again! XOXO, Caroline.

Emily C

8/05/2023

Van Cleve was amazing! Caroline was absolutely incredible to work with, and made the wedding dress shopping experience so easy and fun - while also being so helpful and knowledgeable. I didn't realize how great the experience was until I went to other bridal shops, and realized how absolutely above and beyond the team at Van Cleve went. I couldn't have been happier with my dress, alterations, and the entire process.

response 08/07/2023

Hi Emily! Thank you so much for taking the time to write and share such a sweet review! Yo...

u were absolutely stunning on your big day!! It was so lovely working with you throughout the process and seeing you shine on your wedding day! I am so happy to hear that you had a great experience with us. Congratulations again! XOXO, Caroline.

Maddi R

8/05/2023

I had a great time shopping for my wedding dress. My stylist, Caroline, was amazing as well. She was sweet, welcoming, knowledgeable, and not pushy! She also picked up on my style really well and pulled a dress that ended up being my final choice! If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have found my dream dress!

response 08/07/2023

Hi Maddi, Thank you so much for taking the time to write and share about your experience! ...

It was such a pleasure helping you say yes to your dress! You are going to be such a stunning bride on your big day! Congratulations again, and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your bridal gown process! XOXO, Caroline.

Tori S

7/24/2023

Shelly was an absolutely amazing consultant- she listened to what I wanted but pushed me to try a few things outside of what I envisioned just so I could truly see what I did and didn’t love. The dress I ended up choosing was one she picked out! I loved that the appointment was one on one so I didn’t feel rushed or distracted by others in the salon. Fabulous experience all around.

response 07/24/2023

Thank you so much Tori! I had so much fun helping you pick the perfect gown!! You look so ...

amazing!! Looking forward to helping you accessorize!! XOXO Shelly

Jesse C

7/11/2023

My experience at Van Cleve was unlike any other! Shelly helped me and was an amazing resource. She has so much experience that she quickly knew what I liked and helped ease the process. With her expertise and the awesome selection available, I found the dress of my dreams!

response 07/12/2023

Hi Jesse, thank you so much for your review! I had the best time helping you find your per...

fect gown!! You look absolutely amazing like a perfect picture of a bride! So excited to help you pick accessories!! I can also help dress the men and mom's if you need!! Let me know if there is anything I can help with while we wait for your gown to arrive!! So excited for you!! XOXO Shelly

Lauren M

7/07/2023

Beautiful salon & friendly staff. Shelly was amazing to work with and provided me with her expert opinion when I needed it. I absolutely loved my gown & overall look! My seamstress was so knowledgeable and lovely as well! Would definitely recommend!

Ali C

6/29/2023

I found my wedding dress the other day at Van Cleve and it was truly a great experience! Caroline was so sweet and truly saw my vision and helped me feel excited and comfortable trying on dresses. I went into the appointment figuring I would leave still on the hunt for my dress, so I was extremely happy that I found the perfect dress for my wedding!

response 06/29/2023

Hi Ali, Thank you so much for your sweet review! It truly means so much that you took the...

time to share about your experience. It was such a pleasure working with you and helping you find the perfect dress! You are going to be a stunning bride and thank you for allowing me to be part of your bridal gown experience! XOXO, Caroline.

Emily M

6/28/2023

I found my dream dress at Van Cleve! Caroline was amazing. I came in very indecisive, and she really worked with me to help me figure out which dress made me feel like a bride! She was also particularly sweet with my sister who is on the spectrum. She took extra time to allow my sister to try on bridesmaids dresses after I found my dress. We are scheduling an appointment for my fiancée to look for suits at Van Cleve next! Thank you Van Cleve and Caroline!

response 06/29/2023

Hi Emily, Thank you so much for taking the time to write and share about your experience! ...

It was so lovely working with you and your family to find you your dream dress! You all were so wonderful, and I am so excited for you. You are going to be a beautiful bride! Congratulations again! XOXO, Caroline.

Carlie V

6/28/2023

I found my dream dress at Van Cleve! We worked with Nancy and she was so patient, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout the entire process. She even helped pick out the best veil for the dress! She knows what she’s doing and I’m so happy we worked with her! Go to Van Cleve and ask for Nancy!

response 06/28/2023

Dear Carlie, Thank you so much for taking the time to share this review. I loved meeting ...

you and your mom and helping you to find a gown and veil you love. Looking forward to seeing you again soon! XOXO, Nancy

Lexi A

6/27/2023

I had the best experience at Van Cleve! I began my dress hunt about 8 months before my wedding, and Van Cleve was Stop 1 on what I thought would be a lengthy tour of shops in the area. I was happily surprised to discover The Dress that day! I was in extremely capable and professional hands the entire time - Shelly is an absolute pro through and through, she has an eye for dresses & details and a wealth of knowledge about the industry, and Vera, the in-house tailor, is a magician! The shop itself is pretty and clean, and boasts a collection of dresses that are varied in style, price range, and size (we love a size-inclusive bridal salon!). They also carry menswear and other, non-bridal dresses - my mom ended up finding the perfect mother of the bride gown there as well! We were so happy with Van Cleve - highly recommend!

response 06/27/2023

Lexi! Thank you so much for your review!! I loved helping you and your mom!! I can't wait ...

to see pictures of your big day!!! XOXO Shelly

Katie D

5/28/2023

My experience at Van Cleve was exceptional. Shelly was incredibly attentive and had all the information needed at her finger tips, especially since my wedding is only six months away. She helped me find the perfect dress. The options here are so lovely, any bride can find their perfect dress. I’m so thankful for Van Cleve and can’t wait to walk down the aisle on my wedding day.

Angela M

5/24/2023

I can’t express how much I loved my wedding dress experience! My consultant, Caroline, was very knowledgeable and grabbed different dresses based on my feedback of the previous ones. She was wonderful and truly made the experience magical! The best hype woman!!

Caroline G

5/23/2023

I did not expect to buy my dress when I went into my appointment ant Van Cleve- I was just hoping to see what other options existed after having a few dresses I liked. I was blown away by their selection, but especially by my Stylist, Nancy. Nancy was professional, fun, and picked fabulous options for me! I ended up falling in love with a dress, and she suggested a unique veil option that is absolutely perfect.

response 05/24/2023

Caroline, I loved working together to find the dress of your dreams! And the special veil...

that topped it off! You are going to be stunning on your big day! Thank you for taking time to share this review, you're the best! XOXO, Nancy

Kreada L

5/22/2023

What an incredible and emotional experience this was!!! Shelly, my consultant was absolutely amazing! She knew the styles I liked before I even arrived at the bridal boutique. Her care and attention to detail was one I’ve never experienced before. Shelly was in the fitting room with me taking the dresses off the hanger, placing them for me to try and placed them back with such care. Needless to say I said “YES” to two dresses and a veil. I’m beyond pleased with her care and expertise! Thank you Shelly for making this experience one I will always remember <3

response 05/22/2023

Thank you so much Kreada!! I had so much fun with you and your group yesterday! You look a...

bsolutely stunning in every gown you put on but when we found the two perfect dresses it was truly amazing. Thank you so much for choosing myself and Van Cleve for your gowns!! I feel so lucky to be your person!! XOXO Shelly

Fiona R

5/15/2023

Our consultant Shelly was absolutely incredible! She really took the time to give and encourage feedback about each dress so we were able to quickly narrow down exactly what I did and didn't like. She was super honest which helped me so much in figuring out why I liked or didn't like different features of the dress. Even when I had my favorite, but wasn't totally sure, she encouraged me to go sleep on it and go to another appointment, and then even was able to squeeze me in the next day when I wanted to try it on again. She made the process so easy and comfortable, which was a relief for someone who can be very indecisive about a lot of things! I highly recommend Van Cleve; their professionalism and selection were incredible! A wonderful shopping experience, and very much looking forward to continuing to work with Shelly!

response 05/15/2023

Thank you so much Fiona!! I had the most wonderful time helping you find your gown!! You l...

ook so amazing in it!! I'm so excited to walk through your planning with you. Please let me know if I can help you in any way! Congratulations on finding your perfect gown!! You look amazing in it!! XoXo Shelly

Jackelyn H

5/15/2023

I can’t recommend Van Cleve enough! I worked with Nancy and she helped me get my dream dress. She was super patient and gave amazing suggestions on dresses. She also helped keep me calm when I would get overwhelmed.

response 05/16/2023

Thank you Jackelyn for sharing this review! You're going to be a beautiful bride!! Your ch...

oices for the big day are so stunning. I'll see you soon! XOXO, Nancy

Olivia C

4/17/2023

I had such a wonderful experience at Van Cleve! This was my first (and only) time trying on dresses. The selection was so extensive-- I swear there is something for everyone! Caroline, my consultant, was sweet, attentive, encouraging, patient, and personable. I came into the appointment having an idea of exactly what I wanted, but she also gave me the time and space to experiment and try a bunch of different styles so I could be absolutely certain. I left the appointment with the dress of my dreams and I cannot wait to marry my fiance in it!

response 04/17/2023

Olivia, thank you so much for taking the time to write and share about your experience! It...

was a true pleasure getting to help you find your dream dress, and I am so happy that I got to work with you! I am so excited for you and cannot wait to see you in your dress! You are going to be such a stunning bride! XOXO, Caroline.

Shannon B

3/17/2023

I had the pleasure of working with Caroline at Van Cleve and she was THE BEST! she was so patient with me during both my first and second appointment where I was nervous and indecisive. She was so positive and took every bit of feedback I gave to help me find a dress that fit my venue and personality. She really listens to you and makes you feel beautiful in everything you put on. I. highly recommend making a stop here especially for your first visit. They have affordable dresses and really take the pressure off of finding he perfect dress so it's an enjoyable experience! Thank you Caroline!

response 03/19/2023

Shannon, thank you so so much! It was truly so wonderful getting to help you through your ...

process and help you say "yes to your dress!" Thank you for taking the time to write and share about your experience. You are going to look breathtaking on your big day! This review warmed my heart, and I am so grateful that I got to be your consultant. I can't wait to see you again when your beautiful dress comes in! XOXO, Caroline.

Melissa M

3/07/2023

First let me start with how stunning this store is. I had previously shopped for a wedding dress and fell in love with one particular dress at another store. Their sales approach made me feel like I was rushed and I didn’t feel confident saying yes to the dress at the time. I decided to contact Van Cleve since they carry the same dress and was connected with Caroline. I expressed this to her and explained I wanted to try on some more dresses to be confident in my decision. Caroline was absolutely AMAZING. She made me feel so comfortable, she pulled gorgeous dresses for me, she gave honest and helpful input on each dress and how it looked on my body. I ended up choosing the dress I went there with the intent to try on again. She took her time, showed an interest in my relationship, wedding, and wanted me to feel beautiful and confident with my choice on my big day. She made me feel confident in their ability to alter my dress perfectly and was so knowledgeable about the entire process. At one point she walked in with the most gorgeous Veil for my dress that I fell in love instantly. She was a gift from god because I needed her kindness and warmth to say yes to my dress. I couldn’t be happier with my experience and would recommend this store and Caroline to everyone I know! 10/10 experience. ** Update 05/2024 - I stand by everything I said and then some. They made me feel so incredible, my husbands tux was perfect, and the bridesmaid dresses were gorgeous. All of my accessories came from them as well. I could not be happier with them!

response 03/08/2023

Hi Melissa! I just want to personally say thank you for such a kind and heartfelt review a...

bout your experience! This truly made my day, and it was such a joy working with you to find your perfect dress! You and your mom are so lovely, and I am so glad that you felt as amazing and beautiful as you are! You are going to be such a beautiful bride, and I cannot wait for your special day! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding dress experience and congratulations again! XOXO, Caroline.

Rachel D

3/05/2023

My consultant Shelly had texted me the day before and asked which styles I liked and if I had gone shopping and which one was my favorite. I was honest and sent a picture of the one I tried on at ivory concept. When we got into van Cleve, I was stunned by the amount of dresses they had. When Shelly pulled is into our private room she immediately made me feel at ease and asked me what I was looking for and she had some concerns with the dress I tried on yesterday. She told me she had no filter and wanted me to be happy. Also she had stalked my Instagram and within two minutes of talking to me she already could tell my personality. when we went to look at the dresses she had specific ones she pulled for me. And when I liked one, I asked her opinion. She was honest and said your boobs would be out in that dress or no I don’t think it’s a good fit for you because of blah blah blah. We started out with 8 dresses and she put me in one she pulled to start. She wanted me to compare it to the one I had tried on yesterday. When I tried on this dress it was perfect. I said well I love this one way more than yesterday. My mom cried and I cried. I tried on the others and she thought one would give it a run for it’s money but it didn’t. I eventually said yes to the dress and it was the most amazing experience ever! It felt like I was talking to a friend and someone who understood me and my personality!!! I highly recommend going there!!

response 03/05/2023

Rachel, thank you so much! I loved our time together so much!! It was so much fun! It was ...

my pleasure to be your consultant, and I feel so lucky to be your person this process. Please let me know if you need anything. XOXO Shelly

Elise B

3/03/2023

I just purchased my wedding dress at Van Cleve's with Sophia as my consultant. From booking an appointment to the correspondence leading up to it, I felt that the team was very attentive. Because we'd communicated prior to my appointment, Sophia new my style and really maximized my time there. The dresses are very well organized as well so they're easy to peruse. After a dress or two, Sophia was able to hone in on my style and I picked a beautiful gown. Can't wait to wear it!

Lisa V

2/07/2023

I was impressed with this bridal shop as soon as I walked in. It is beautiful inside and much bigger than I anticipated. I was greeted by staff as soon as I arrived for my appointment. My consultant, Nancy, was so sweet and helpful. She made trying on bridal gowns fun for me and my family, who were there to support me. I found a beautiful bridal gown at Van Cleve, and this was my first place to shop. I definitely would recommend for any bride to be or someone looking for formal wear!

response 02/07/2023

Lisa, Thank you so much for the kind words! I loved getting to know you and the whole fam...

ily. You're going to be a beautiful bride! Looking forward to continuing on this journey with you. xoxo, Nancy

Victoria G

2/06/2023

Great experience ordering bridesmaids dresses! Megan was so helpful and did all the coordinating and communicating with my girls so that I didn't have to! Super easy ordering system even for everyone who was out of state

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1604 East Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, PA

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Van Cleve

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4.8

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