Bridal Beginning

I had a rough start at Bridal Beginning, but with manager Lisa by my side and seamstress Amanda I wound up purchasing the dress of my dreams. Both of these ladies embody the meaning of customer service and put me right at ease. The dress transformed so much during alteration that I just fell in love and was in tears that it was everything I wanted and so much more. Thank you Bridal Beginning for being a part of my big day and for moving my groom to a tearful I love you when we did our first reveal.

This was my first dress shopping appointment, and though I didn’t think I’d be able to find something this soon, my entire appointment exceeded my expectations. My consultant, Samantha, was absolutely incredible. After a very short time of me explaining my wedding and ideas for dresses, she knew exactly what to look for. All of the dresses she pulled were gorgeous, but most importantly, I found «the dress» and it was all because of Samantha. She is truly talented and was wonderful to work with. Thank you to the store for such a wonderful experience!

This was one of my stops for my wedding gown search. We called prior and made an appointment.
My consultant was Lisa. She was beyond generous and really knew her stuff. We went on a weekday afternoon, so we were the only ones in the store. I showed Lisa what type of dress I wanted, and she pulled as many as she could off the racks to show me what they had, and what they could add to the dress I was specifically looking for. We were in the store for about 2 hours trying on dresses. In my opinion, they were a little pricey and the quality didn’t seem to be as great as they should’ve been for the price tag on them. One dress I did like was being discontinued, so it was half off. I did like it, however, they said they wouldn’t clean up the dress, it was coming «as is.» If I am paying for my wedding gown, I do want it spotless, not something everyone has tried on.
The location was a bit far for us, which was another reason why we didn’t end up buying a dress here. The store seems a little outdated as well. However, if you look here ask for Lisa! I have never had better customer service!

I just wanted to add a review, as today I got my perfect wedding gown!!! If you go here, (which I highly recommend) ask for Sam! She is the best! So far, we have gone here for my sisters wedding gown (wedding in August), my maid of honor dress, sisters bridesmaids dresses, and today my wedding dress! Sam has been right there helping us with each and every dress trial, making it very pleasant, and she doesn’t mess around. She is very knowledgeable on all the designers, cuts, styles, and sizes.
Today was no different. She asked about my venue, what visions/​ideas/​pics I had, and then «pulled» dresses for me that were all so flattering it was a super tough decision. Throughout the try-​on, she gave good tips that I wouldn’t have thought of myself, they really helped with the final decision. Of course, ultimately the dress decision was up to me, it was helpful and refreshing that she added some REAL input. All of the staff at Bridal Beginnings are excellent and have been genuinely excited for our upcoming Weddings. My sister has had to call them many times with odd questions throughout her planning, and they were always happy to help her or find an answer. I hope this post helps upcoming brides who are unsure on where to go. Wish we would have read some good reviews before searching around shop to shop for my sisters gown until luckily finding this place. Although I’m sure they are all great here, I can’t say enough good things about Sam… she truly is gifted at her job and has made our experiences so wonderful!
**Another thing… A lot of older reviews I read mention the associate pushing a size that the bride/​bridesmaid didn’t think was right or a cut/​alteration they didn’t agree with. Remember that every designer is different. These gowns are not typical US sizes so trust their expertise! And at this shop, if you need something altered several times they only charge once. A lot of places charge for many alterations. Just something to keep in mind when looking at dresses!

I took my daughter here last week to look for wedding dresses. I think the girl who helped us was named Sarah. She listened to my daughter and every dress she pulled hit the bullseye! She was really helpful, and even spent an extra half an hour pulling more dresses. My daughter wants a clean, classic look with no beading, sparkle or lace, and they had quite a few to try on, surprisingly. We are having trouble finding them at other shops. She knew what would look good on my daughter, and had her try on a few other types of dresses, as well. After going to 5 bridal shops, this was absolutely the best. We were there on a Monday night, so we got a lot of attention, only one or two others in the store. So far, the dress to beat is a Haley Paige at this store. I’m pretty sure we will be going back to get it. I am a little worried about all the bad reviews about alterations, though. We haven’t gotten that far, yet. I highly recommend it.

Bridal Beginning was my first stop on my wedding dress hunt. They were very accommodating when scheduling an appointment. When I arrived they took a little while to get to us, but they did come out an apologize for the wait. The girl I got was very good at listening to what I liked and pulling dresses. We tried on several dresses and found one I would have been happy with by the end of the night. I told the attendant that I had a few more shops to visit but would like the information on the gown so that I could return to buy if I wanted to in the end. I could tell she was slightly annoyed by not making the sale that night, but I was not bothered. I would def add this to the list of places to visit. You may find your dress here in the end! In the end, I didn’t get my dress here, but it was a fun appointment.

We went shopping recently for bridesmaid/​groomsmaid dresses (almost the entire party is female) on a busy Saturday afternoon. As some of the wedding party drove in from out of town, the bride made an appointment weeks in advance. A few things: Some of the bridal party are curvy and/​or very tall, so when the bride made the appointment, she asked if there were samples in plus sizes. She was told there were.
When the five of us arrived (the bride and four maids), our consultant was with another appointment that had run over. That’s fine. However, we never ended up seeing her! We were given the services of another sweet but slightly clueless attendant. Not only that, but the bride kept asking for samples in sizes over 10−12… and we never saw any. Both consultants kept saying that they would «get to it,» but they never did! So two of us had to try on every dress because we were the only ones who could. What was the point of having people drive in to an appointment when there are no dresses to try on?
In the end, we ended up tentatively choosing some dresses, but the bride has made the decision that we will actually purchase them elsewhere. As we were leaving, the store was closing and I heard several of the consultants upstairs LOUDLY arguing. There were still several customers in the store, so I found this to be highly unprofessional! I forgot something in the downstairs area (where all the bridesmaids dresses are kept), and when I went back the original consultant asked me to apologize to the bride for all that had transpired. I told her to tell her herself! To date that has not happened.
As for the selection (of bridesmaids dresses), it is ok. Twice as many chiffon as satin choices. Our bride wanted the latter, so we actually didn’t have much to choose from. They are renovating so at least currently, the bridesmaids section/​dressing rooms are tiny and cramped.
Because of the service (or lack thereof), we will not be returning.

We had such a fun time finding my sisters bridesmaids dresses here, and they were AWESOME. The dresses were so beautiful and matched the fall elegant wedding. Thank you to the girls here, they made this process quick and easy. I was planning this wedding in a 5 month time frame, and they made getting the dresses quickly a breeze.
One thing that erked me the wrong way was the suggestion of dress sizes. We were suggested to order larger sizes in two of the dresses to maintain the length of the dress. When we received the dresses, the one we ordered in the smaller size was exactly the same length as the larger dresses. We are just speculating here, but they may have been suggested or order a larger size to get the alterations. Otherwise great store and beautiful items!

So I am the maid of honor, not the bride, but from the experience we had here I would highly recommend finding a dress here and then getting it altered elsewhere.
They have a great selection of dresses, you need an appointment. The service is just OK, and from other experiences in boutique shops I’m afraid to say this was the worst. Usually you are pampered and treated with interest and care (isn’t this one of the reasons of not using a huge bridal store?) but here I would say we were treated more like a number than a customer.
Our alteration service was subpar at best and management didn’t quite seem to care. We came in for multiple appointments feeling nothing had been done since the last one, (and they admitted that was the case) so why did we even come in? Then a week before the wedding when we were promised certain things would be done, we show up and nothing was ready or done! They make us come in AGAIN and the things that should have been done are now done, but it needs to be pressed. We come in for the final fitting and the bustle is still up and there are creases in the front, but are assured it was pressed. Really? On top of EVERYTHING the seamstress loudly pointed out during a fitting that weight had been gained and we would need to take the dress out and went on to ask «Just how much weight had she gained» ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Obviously we are aware but it is not to you to point this out or make her feel bad for it. We left half of the fittings crying and the bride is a VERY reasonable bride, and hasn’t been emotional at any other point of the wedding planning.
Two stars for the dress and dress selection.

We reluctantly went there for a Bridal dress appointment for my daughter’s dress back in 2012. We had heard bad things but the staff there, especially Sara, made everything go so well. My daughter was at ease with Sara helping her find the dress of her dreams. They were great with ordering, payments and Chris in alterations was wonderful to work with. Can’t wait to go pick up the dress next week for the June 14^th wedding. Thanks for everything from your customers in Brunswick, Ohio!

GO TO REWEAVING AND REKNITTING SHOP FOR ALTERATIONS AND ANYWHERE ELSE TO PURCHASE YOUR DRESS!!!
I wish I could give this no stars and a thumbs down! The first time I went in to try on bridesmaid dresses the woman gushed over every dress I tried on, even though I looked like an 8 year old child in the extremely oversized dresses. I hated every dress we tried on because they were down to my mid calf and about 8 sizes to big. The bride chose a dress hoping it would look better in a smaller size. When we were being fitted for the dress, I measured a size 6. When I tried on a size 6, it was way too big and fell right to the floor. I tried on a size 4 in a different dress and it fix perfectly. They recommended I get a size 6 though because it was a different dress. I’m not sure as to why they would waste my time (20 minutes to get the size 4 from downstairs) to try on a dress that wasn’t relevant to the decision making. They then went back and forth as to whether I should in fact get the size 4 or 6. They told me it was up to me, that the size 4 may fit perfectly, but may be too tight. I lost my temper immediately after because this is their job and they do this everyday! They measured me! They know my measurements, they should know what size I should get! They told me I should get the 6 and will just have to have it taken in (they love the fee for alterations!!). I decided on the size 4 because at this point I did not trust them. Of course, when I get the size 4, it is too tight in the chest (partially my fault!). So I take it to be let out, which is a half inch on each side. She had me stay in the dressing room while she was out front discussing my alterations with the rest of the staff. I was tired of waiting so I went out front and it got very quiet and awkward. Almost as if they were trying to hide something from me. She then said the bride wanted all dresses to be 2 inches above the knee so she had to take it up a quarter inch… really?! The cost of the alterations were $ 90!!! And I would have to leave work early to come back for TWO fittings. I called the bride, she said she never said the dresses has to be a certain length. I then began looking up other alteration places to go to and Lu Lu’s (Reweaving and Reknitting Shop) had wonderful reviews. I took my dress and said I was going somewhere else very politely. They said okay, you will pay the same amount… which I did not!

I had such an amazing experience getting my wedding gown and bridesmaids’ dresses here. I made an appointment with Dorothy for my wedding dress and she was so knowledgeable and helpful. Her years of expertise were noticed right away. The second dress I tried on, and actually the first one she chose for me (I chose the first one), was the one I ended up buying.
When you buy the dress the day of your appointment, you get a discount too! That’s a nice plus.
I also got my bridesmaids dresses here, but stopped in on a whim. Sarah helped me look at some options I may not have tried before, but we found the dress within minutes. She knew exactly what I was looking for when I described my style and venue. The dresses were easy to order and reasonably priced too.
I should add that they do have a great range of prices. You can tell them what you are looking for over the phone and they will do their best to accommodate you!
The only reason I didn’t give them 5 stars was because the place is in need of some renovations. I do believe they are expanding the store and renovating, but it can seem a little haphazard while you are looking through things. Still, an excellent choice!

I went shopping for my wedding dress at Bridal Beginning this past weekend and had such a wonderful experience with Sam. I sent them a Facebook message in advance to ask if they had a few dresses I wanted to try on in stock and they responded right away and suggested Sam based on the «look» I was going for. Sam was extremely friendly and did a great job at pulling dresses for me (with a few doozies, but that’s okay). She spent two hours with me and would’ve spent longer if there were more dresses I wanted to try on. I went to two other bridal stores in Pittsburgh after Bridal Beginning and my experience with Sam was BY FAR the best. I am an extremely petite bride and she did a killer job of pinning and clipping the size 12 dresses on my size 0 body to give me SOME idea of the actual fit (whereas other stores were terrible in this respect). The store has a huge selection of dresses. I didn’t end up buying my dress because it was my first time trying dresses on and I wasn’t ready to say yes, but I highly recommend Bridal Beginning, and Sam in particular!

I had a great bridal dress shopping experience at Bridal Beginnings. I saw Lisa who was excellent to work with — she really listened to what I needed and brought an amazing selection of dresses.
Moreover, everyone at this store so nice and pleasant and genuinely interested in being helpful. I can’t say the same for other bridal stores in the area.
I highly recommend this boutique if you’d like to have a fun, memorable, and pleasant bridal shopping experience.

I went to Bridal Beginning on Saturday, and left knowing that I had visited the best bridal salon in Pittsburgh. My consultant, Sam, was amazing. I really relied on her, since I decided to shop by myself. I’ve done the shopping with family, and the shopping with friends, and was just really ready to find «the one.» If you’ve tried on wedding dresses before, you know that it’s an exhausting and sometimes frustrating process. That being said, Sam and the Bridal Beginning team made my visit incredibly special.
Sam started by asking me about my wedding, the venue, what dresses I’ve tried on, and how I wanted to look. She then started pulling dresses for me to try on. We were going through some really beautiful ones, but nothing was really wowing me. She listened to what I liked, and kept pulling gowns, staying patient and positive. I started to get a little dismayed, but she looked me in the eye and promised that she would stay until 10 pm if that’s what it took to find me a dress. It seriously felt great to have someone 100% on my team, especially when I was by myself.
Being a bit of a control-​freak, I wanted to take a look for myself, so off we went to the showroom together (hint: don’t be afraid to ask to do this. They pull dresses for you because they have WAY more in the back then they do on display.) One on the mannequin caught my eye, and Sam immediately brought it into the fitting room. I put it on and… wow… I just knew that I found my dress. The ladies all stopped in and said such nice things, fawned over me, and almost acted as pseudo-family/friends.I seriously felt spoiled!
I can’t even begin to express how happy and thankful I am for Sam and the team at Bridal Beginning. I never felt rushed, pushed, or hurried. Sam was cognizant of my budget, and made shopping a joy. I’d seriously recommend requesting her when making an appointment. There isn’t one thing I’d change about my trip — every time I look at a picture of me in my dress, I fall more and more in love with it. Definitely would not have found «the one» without this amazing store.

Bought my dress from BB and was very happy with my experience. Carole was my consultant and listened to everything I wanted and had in mind. I had such a terrible experience at another shop that I didn’t realize what a dress shopping experience should be like. Each bride has her own area with stage and mirrors. The place is big enough that you don’t feel crowded or that everyone is staring at you. They are only salon in area that carries so many good designers. Tons of options.
I was there for over two hours and did not feel rushed at all or pressured. Ended up coming back a second time for my dream gown.
Thanks Carole!

When Hurricane Sandy hit NJ, I thought I had for sure lost my bridesmaid’s dress for my best friends wedding on ¹¹⁄₁₆. It was at the seamstress whose business was flooded. When I randomly called BB (I looked up the shops that sold Jim Hjelm and picked a random shop in Pittsburgh because I have always heard that Pittsburgh has kind people), they could not have been more kind and more eager to help me locate a replacement dress. Cheryl was a complete GODSEND. For her to go out of her way for a stranger, I can only imagine the service that she gives her clients. I only wish I lived closer so I could visit the salon and give her the biggest hug. If I was a bride, this would be where I would buy my dress for certain. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.

I knew that I wanted a Jim Hjelm or another designer from the same house, and only one place in Pittsburgh carries those designers — Bridal Beginning. I’m so happy that I ended up going there, as they were incredibly patient and helpful.
I went to about 3 other places before going to BB, and nothing compared to my experience there… it was truly the «bridal experience» that I was hoping for (especially since one of my trips was to David’s Bridal… ugh!!!).
Lisa was the consultant who helped me find the dress, and she was truly the best thing that could have happened to me. She gave me such confidence, and stayed with me for a LONG time as I was stuck between two dresses (she kept switching me in and out of them to make sure I picked the one that I truly loved). She also remembered me clearly when I went back and asked about things that we had talked about before. The other ladies were helpful too, since I called the day after placing my order for Lazaro 3018 to pause the order since I wasn’t sure I wanted the antique color (I thought it might be too dark). So I went in a few days later, and Lisa was like, «come outside and see that it’s not too dark!» and she proceeded to take the dress outside! *I did end up going with the antique and it was seriously perfect.
My bridesmaids and mom ordered their dresses too without any problems. The only thing that I can’t give an opinion on is the alterations department since we used my mom’s friend. All-​in-​all I was super happy with my choice in dress AND the store and consultant who helped me find the perfect dress!

I am so happy to have purchased my dress from Bridal Beginnings. They have the best selection I saw in the city. The dress I bought after two great appointments is definitely the one for my beach wedding.
Lisa F. was my consultant and she was amazing! I wanted something unique and timeless and she quickly pulled the dress I was imagining myself in. She gave me the confidence to purchase the dress I truly wanted with professional information rather an overbearing opinion. Even with a decent budget she tried her best to keep me in my price range and gave great advice. She was accommodating and patient with me as well as my bridesmaids. I would most definitely recommend her.
I look forward having my alterations made and enjoying the rest of the process.

My hunt for the perfect wedding dress took me all over the city and beyond. I was definitely not the «first dress you put on is the one» kind of girl. I needed to shop around (A LOT} to find «the one.»
I feel justified saying that if you’re about to drop a good amount of money on a beautiful dress you’re only going to wear once on a pretty important day, you should have suburb service. I’d say service here was adequate. I wouldn’t say they were incredibly friendly but they were efficient and my dress came in on time and the fittings all went without any hiccups.
In the huge bridal stores like MB Bride in Greensburg, you feel like a number. They hassle you in and out like cattle. I know it’s a huge store, so there’s a lot of traffic, but I wanted a more personal experience for something this special. That’s why I feel like a boutique experience is the way to go when choosing a bridal gown.
I also liked the huge selection of dresses. They carry designers such as Maggie Sottero, Lazaro and Jim Hjelm. You can choose from the whole spectrum of classy to couture bride. I’ve actually been in here a couple times after my wedding and it always seems like they’re up on the latest in bridal fashions.
*Important note: You absolutely MUST make an appointment to see any dresses. Especially at peak bridal time… which is almost all year except winter at this point.