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Buying Bridal Attire: Gowns, Accessories, Shoes, and More

Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection, 1848 Reisterstown Rd., Baltimore; 410-484-4600. This boutique offers a wide selection of gowns by designers including Monique L’Huillier, Reem Acra, and Kenneth Pool. Dresses: $950 to $7,500.

Carine’s Bridal Atelier,
Georgetown; 202-965-4696. This new salon carries seven bridal lines including Carolina Herrera and Angel Sanchez. It will work with designers to customize gowns. Prices: $2,000 to $18,000.

Claire Dratch, 7615 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda; 301-656-8000. Designers include Marisa, Paloma Blanka, Carol Peretz, and Lazaro. Also bridesmaid dresses, veils, and jewelry. Dresses: $1,000 to $4,500.

David’s Bridal,
Rockville, 301-881-1112; Bowie, 301-464-8690; Glen Burnie, 410-789-7308; Springfield, 703-912-7701; Woodbridge, 703-490-8940. A favorite for brides on a budget, David’s wide selection of dresses includes Galina, Monique Lou, and Oleg Cassini plus veils, headpieces, bags, shoes, and more. Gowns: $100 to $1,200.

Distinctive Designs Bridal,
15709 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville; 301-948-1833. This salon carries Matthew Christopher, Paula Varsalona, Casablanca, and more plus its own line. Also seven lines of bridesmaid dresses including Alfred Sung and Dessy. Gowns are $1,000 to $3,000.

Hitched, 1523 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-333-6162. Brides say owners Carin Rosenberg Levine and Julia Lichtman Kepniss are attentive and low-key. Designers include Oscar de la Renta, Ulla-Maija, and Judd Waddell. Also bridesmaid dresses. Gowns: $2,000 to $8,000.

I Do–I Do Wedding Gowns, 15932 Luanne Dr., Gaithersburg; 240-243-0050. New and consignment couture, designer, and off-the-rack gowns by designers including Vera Wang, Casablanca, and Angel Sanchez. Also headpieces, jewelry, and shoes. Dresses: $150 to $6,000.

Jeanette’s Bride ‘N Tux Boutique,
10386 Festival La., Manassas; 703-369-1998. One of our top vote-getters, this 29-year-old boutique has more than 500 gowns plus attire for bridesmaids, flower girls, and mothers of the bride and groom. Gowns: $500 to $8,000.

Lady Hamilton, 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; 703-521-0990. In business for 55 years, Lady Hamilton carries dresses by Bellissima, Couture by Elma Reis, and Ada Athanassiou plus its own line. Prices: $900 to $4,000.

My Glass Slipper, 128 N. Pitt St., Alexandria; 703-838-8583. Wall-to-wall white and dyeable shoes by designers such as Kate Spade, Vera Wang, and Stuart Weitzman. Also jewelry, purses, and more.

P. Lawrence Bridals & Formals,
336 Main St., Gaithersburg; 301-977-9729. This boutique carries gowns by Sottero, Alvina Valenta, and more. Also dresses for flower girls, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride and groom. Gowns: $800 to $4,000.

Priscilla of Boston, 8065 Leesburg Pike, McLean; 703-821-0167. This salon carries all four Priscilla of Boston labels. Also accessories, bridesmaid dresses, and attire for mothers of the bride and groom. Gowns are $1,200 to $12,000.

Promise . . . for the Savvy Bride,
8301 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda; 301-215-9232. The bridal collection, which includes Carmela Sutera and Claire Pettibone, tends to be understated and sophisticated. Friendly co-owners Jessica Fox and Juliana Zoto—they’re mother and daughter—also carry bridesmaid dresses, headpieces, and more. Gowns: $2,700 to $4,500.

Rizik Brothers, 1100 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-223-4050. This 98-year-old ladies’ specialty store carries Amsale, Christos, Rivini, Peter Langner, and more. Also dresses for bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom. Gowns: $3,000 to $7,000.

Saks Fifth Avenue Bridal Salon,
Tysons Galleria; 703-269-1293. More than 100 dresses from designers including Angel Sanchez, Amsale, Carolina Herrera, and Ulla-Maija. Gowns: $3,000 to $10,000.

Trousseau,
306 Maple Ave W., Vienna; 703-255-3300. Bridal accessories including custom veils, headpieces, lingerie, and dyeable shoes.

Vera Wang Bridal Boutique at Saks Jandel, 2522 Virginia Ave., NW; 202-337-4200. One of the first Vera Wang boutiques in the country, this store carries the full collection of bridal gowns, ranging in price from $2,900 to $24,000. Also bridesmaids’ dresses, gloves, headpieces, and shoes.

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