The Gown Shop Ann Arbor

Reviews 4

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Jessica Rosenberg

I really loved the Gown Shop, as well as Stacy (the owner). I went to the Gown Shop after trying on a few dresses at Davids Bridal. The two places could not be any more different. The Gown Shops physical store is breathtaking--tall ceilings in an expansive room lined with delicate dresses... and the entire place to yourself. I met with Stacy for about an hour. In that time I tried on a large handful of dresses and found a few that I was curious about. Stacy was thoughtful about selecting dresses given my requests, and was very kind about helping me into them. Throughout, I felt really encouraged and happy. I didnt get to try on a dress in my desired style, but I did get to try on dresses that opened my mind to what might work for me. I continued to email with Stacy about her borrowing a few sample dresses specifically for me to try on. I only stopped in that process because I found a dress elsewhere (Bombshell Bridal), but was nonetheless amazed at the customer service here. The dresses here are by a select set of designers. Theyre all a little higher end [than what youd find at Davids Bridal, at least], but despite the larger price tag, the good news is that each dress is made by the designer specifically for the recipient, so they are fully tailored and customizable as you buy them. Dont like the slit down the leg? Your dress wont have it. Want a higher back? You got it. Dont want a bubble hemline? No bubble hemline for you. The only reason Im giving the Gown Shop four stars instead of five is that they didnt have dresses in sample sizes above 12, I believe. So thats the equivalent of an 8 or 10 in everyday clothing? I am bigger than that, though not terribly so, and as such was limited to trying on a few specific dresses, and then to having them half-tried-on. I was able to get an idea of how each dress looked (an open back--as I could not zip/button it up--was clipped to my bra so the front looked as normal as possible), but its not the same as really being in a dress. I think if the Gown Shop carried some samples in bigger sizes, it would be unstoppable. Their attitude, the experience of trying on dresses here, and the gorgeous dresses they have... it would all come together so well. I left my appointment feeling so warm and excited. If nothing else, thats a great thing.

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Annie Devine

I have always been the type of person that doesnt particularly want anyone to help me when Im shopping in a store - I just like to browse and try things on at my own pace. So needless to say, I was somewhat dreading the idea of a formal wedding dress try-on experience. I had also searched online for a specific wedding skirt that I wanted and knew that The Gown Shop had it, so I planned to just try that one thing on. However, once I got there, I had such an amazing experience from beginning to end: Kat was my stylist, and in addition to the skirt I originally had my eye on, she picked out a beautiful variety of dresses and skirts that I absolutely loved. Some of them were things I wouldnt have picked out myself, but since Kat had such a good eye for what would flatter my body, they all made me feel amazing when I tried them on. She was super efficient and offered great advice and suggestions about my various options, the best way to style them, what would work best for the hot/humid location I was getting married in, etc. I ended up choosing the skirt that I originally wanted, but it was a tougher decision than I expected with all the beautiful alternatives that Kat showed me, and I was surprised that I had such a good time trying so many different dresses on! Audrey was also wonderful to work with -- She helped advise me on the sizing and length for the skirt, and was always super nice even when I called and emailed multiple times about the length because I was paranoid that it wouldnt be long enough (Im very tall, but it ended up being plenty long). I also used an alteration studio that The Gown Shop recommended for tailoring my skirt, and they did an incredible job as well. I absolutely adore my skirt (which I paired with an ivory lace top), and I received so many compliments on my wedding day. Thank you Audrey, Kat, and the rest of The Gown Shop team for making my wedding dress shopping/try-on experience so easy and enjoyable!

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Amanda Robbins

I recommend any bride considering The Gown Shop and trying out their dresses for purchase. My experience is probably a little different then most, since I am a bride out of town, in Nashville, TN. I bought my dress all through emailed description, pictures, and phone calls with manager Audrey and owner Stacy. I went to many places here in Nashville, TN, all lovely and I even fell in love with a dress at Modern Trousseau. The dress I liked was a 2010 collection and way above my budget. I did not think this dress was even possible to consider having because of the price. I looked online for sample sales (since I knew I was a little smaller then the sample size from my try-on here in Nashville) and found a few contenders. What set apart The Gown Shop was their ability to locate their sample sale dresses immediately, get me as much information as they could, and be open on their policies, shipping, and price. The dress looks stunning, and I can hardly tell it was a sample gown. I appreciated that they steamed the dress before shipping! They took excellent care of this sample dress, and I can only imagine that they treat the bride first with actual appointments. Audrey was amazing to deal with, I cannot say enough good things about her. All of my questions were answered in a timely manner, and they eased the process of this nervous bride buying a dress from Ann Arbor, MI being shipped to Nashville, TN. I would recommend any bride considering calling, or making an appointment at The Gown Shop. In addition to their gorgeous new gown selections, they are also willing to sell their sample gowns to those brides who are on a budget. If I am ever in Ann Arbor, MI, you better believe I am stopping in to say hi! Thank you again for a wonderful gown from an outstanding bridal shop.

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Sarah Cromer

My appointment at The Gown Shop was disappointing to say the least. Being my first time trying on dresses, I eagerly arrived 10 minutes early. They make you wait outside in the hallway with no seating until *exactly* your appointment time. I was there for an hour and only tried on 4 or 5 dresses. The girl I was with was rude to my friends and family and spent more time talking to me with the shade closed than opening the shade so I could see myself and get feedback from my friends and family. Even though I told her it was only my first time trying on dresses, she just kept trying to sell me, offering me 10% off to go to the Ohio store because Ann Arbor didnt have anything I loved. (Apparently the Ann Arbor location is known for not having any sparkly dresses.) The building is pretty, but thats about the only positive of this place. If youre looking for a dress shop in Ann Arbor that will be a positive experience- dont even waste your time, just head to Mimis Bridal.

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