This is a true story. This is a review for the alteration service. I took my dress there 8 weeks before the wedding. It is a very ball gown with a sweep train. They quoted me $625 dollars. To my under standing that was for the Hem and taking in the top. They wanted $ 200 for the bustling and $200 to take in the sides $300 for the hem 100 for steam cleaning. The list goes on. I wasn't at first to mad about the pricing since I brought in a outside dress. I assumed they would tax. I thought the pricing was just OK but a little out of my budget. So i asked to no do the bustling or the steam clean. I didn't need the sides taking in only the top which she said would be $50. So long story short I went to go for my second fitting. she started to pin me for the the top. She said it would be $200. I told her she said that would be $50. But I thought that I paid everything when i paid the $625. She Informed me that what I paid for was just the hem. like wtf. I cut down the train and had it hem. I explained that is not what she told me and she was not clear on the pricing. They showed me the paper in which was written in pencil claiming that was the fee. They will lie to take your money and leave you in tears. read more

This is a true story. This is a review for the alteration service. I took my dress there 8 weeks before the wedding. It is a very simple sheath dress with a sweep train. They quoted me $485 dollars. $150 for the hem, $100 to take in the sides, $35 to sew in bra cups and $100 for the bustle and $100 to steam it. Before she gave me the breakdown, I was shocked at the total price and asked her if that included a "Rush" fee. She said "No, there is no rush fee". I then opted to not have it steamed. She came back and said ok the price is now $435 - she took off the $100 steam fee, and THEN said there was a $50 rush fee. They lied to my face. To be fair, she spent about 25 minutes putting pins in my dress. That's how long it took me to figure out that she had lied to me and their prices were outrageous. When I told them that I was going to go with another place, they demanded $50 for their "Labor" and said "Nothing is free." They bullied me and I left the store in tears. read more

I would not recommend trying on wedding dresses from here, they put a cap on the number of dresses you can try on at one time.

I had the most amazing service today while looking for a mother of the bride dress. Newsha was fantastic helping me! My girlfriend, my daughter and I felt she went above and beyond helping me find the perfect dress! I am so grateful to them helping me find the perfect dress especially after I had gone to 4 other bridal shops looking for a MOB dress! read more

Venus Bridal Collection - Bridal Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

I went to Venus on 9/6/2014 just to poke around and start my dress shopping. My mom had gone there for "Mother of the Groom" dress for my brother's wedding and we like the service, so I figured I'd try it out for my dress. I had a very strict budget and Linda was perfect at keeping me at (actually below) my budget. She was great at informing me what material is good for my season and really listened to what I wanted. I walked in not expecting to buy, but I found the perfect dress (at a more than perfect price)! Linda was great to work with and let us have a lot of fun. She managed my 6 person entourage very well. Linda was funny, helpful, comforting and VERY personable. Would HIGHLY recommend to any bride! Note: Most reviews are about alterations, I have not gone through that process. I'll update when I do! read more

My bridesmaids and I had an amazing experience at Venus Bridal! Sevda was awesome to work with and very personable. I truly appreciate her services. read more

My only positive experience was working with Melody on my first visit (and the seamstress with whom I consulted on my second visit) who was very friendly and attentive to my needs as a bride. I also found my wedding dress here on my first visit, which ended up being from the sale rack - a sample dress from several years ago that was discontinued and no longer carried at the shop. After I paid for my dress, I must say that I immediately noticed a change in the Zackie's disposition - she must have had seller's remorse as she did not make me feel comfortable (and quite guilty, in fact) with the numerous comments made about the good deal that I received. She wanted to ensure that I remember this was a good deal by noting "you are going to put me out of business" and this was not in a joking or light-hearted tone. I figured this was because: 1) I was able to find a wedding dress from the sale rack; and 2) I was able to find a wedding dress that fit and required minimal alterations. I called friends afterwards and mentioned how I thought it was very odd that the owner's wife insisted on reminding me how much the dress was worth, which made me feel uncomfortable. Again, my conclusion is that I found a dress that was on sale and actually fit, so they wouldn't be making much profit from me. I get it - I'm not their "ideal" customer, but really, do you have to make me feel guilty for buying a dress that was on sale and fits me?! Shouldn't you be happy that someone bought a dress from your discontinued rack? On my second visit, I wanted to confirm if I could have the neckline altered and the price I was given was $50 more than what she told me in my first visit. I also inquired about the pricing on bustling - the seamstress had left already so I couldn't confirm how this would be done (when I was pinned, I only noticed 1 point for an underbustle). However, Zackie was quick to quote me $150 for work that would most likely be minimal, if any at all. I decided to wait to make another appointment the next day with the seamstress to be better informed and confirm the alterations that would take place. On my third and last visit, Zackie gave me a hard time for my inquiries regarding pricing and made other comments such as not being able to accommodate my needs with excuses (i.e., my mom and I didn't look happy with the pricing, she would have to add rush fees, etc). I was actually relieved in some ways because I wouldn't have to hear how much my dress is worth - I think it bothers her each time she has to be reminded of how much she sold me the dress. My conclusion: I couldn't agree more with the previous reviewer's bottom line - I would also advise you go to a different place so your experience is more pleasant and far less stressful during such a special occasion in your life. You also shouldn't be chastised by the owner for finding a good deal. read more

The only positive thing I can say about Venus Bridal is the variety of dresses they offer. I was a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding and we went to Venus for a wedding dress, MoH, and bridesmaids dresses. During our first visit they were amazingly attentive and cordial toward our needs. However, the wife of the owner knowingly gave us incorrect alteration prices to continue business with them versus simply buying the dress and having it altered elsewhere because when my sister went back for her pinning the prices were at least $300 more than what she told us in the previous visit. While the right dress is worth every penny, it is unacceptable to treat customers in the manner that they do simply to make a dollar. A cousin of mine went to this store as well and the wife of the owner insisted she buy a larger size (so they could make alterations and receive more business) when the size she tried on fit her PERFECTLY. Bottom line: Unless you only plan to buy the dress as-is and have it altered elsewhere, I would advise you simply go to a different place so your experience is pleasant and far less stressful during such a special occasion in your life. read more

This place is horrible....the service, the people there and the selection are no good!! The service is the worst part...the woman who helped us, the owner, was soooo incredibley rude to us! She over priced the dress and wanted to charge outrageous prices for alterations....The owner was the worst part of our whole experience. Several people told us not to go there but we gave in and went anyway...we regretted it as soon as she opened her mouth. She is rude and disrespectful ...and she was this way to everyone there..not just us. i couldnt believe my eyes...DO NOT GO HERE!! YOU WILL WASTE YOUR TIME! read more

Upon first walking into Venus Bridal Collections, I was greeted by their staff and asked about my wedding. I was handed a simple form to fill out with details like budget range, date of wedding, name of bride and groom, etc. Soon after we arrived, a very nice lady, who I unfortunately forgot the name of, came over, introduced herself, and asked me what kind of dress I was looking for. We got started right away, even though I arrived about 15 minutes before my appointment time. There were no other customers in the entire store, and me and my MOH were allowed free range to pick out as many dresses as we were interested in. The sales attendant also found gowns that met my description, and then guided me to the dressing room to begin the process. I found the sales attendant to be very personable, friendly, and never once did I feel pressured into buying a dress, nor did I ever feel rushed. The sales attendant seemed very experienced and it was clear to me that she enjoys her job. She knew about different alterations, different fits, and allowed my MOH to keep piling on more and more dresses, and never once was impatient. The prices of the dresses were reasonable. I believe most of the ones I tried on were $1000 or lower. Although, there was a beautiful dress that I fell in love with that was $1500, which was unfortunately outside my budget, otherwise I would have purchased it that day. Ultimately, I did not purchase a gown from Venus Bridal Collection, but I was impressed with their staff, personal service, selection and prices. I would definitely recommend this store to other brides. read more

I am so happy I did not read these reviews before picking my gown. I am very simplistic and try to get things done as soon as possible. I was seen immediately and had my dream gown picked in 3 dresses. One of the reviews complained and referenced alterations being a separate charge---that person has obviously never had alterations done before. This company is very professional and customer service oriented. The stylist had been doing this for over 10 years and when "doing her thing" found a dress that not only exceeded my expectations, but also surprised me. I recommend this bridal store. This unfortunately seems like a place you only hear about the bad rather than the good. They have a wonderful variety, great staff. Dont listen to the reviews below :) read more

Can I give it 0 stars? Thank GOD I didn't buy my wedding dress here. Let me stress that I gave every other vendor that I used for our wedding 4-5 stars. I just hope this can be a warning for other brides and members of the bridal party. My mother and I came to this shop looking for a mother-of-the-bride dress. Granted, we were short on time (a couple of months before the wedding) so we didn't have many options. My mother loved one dress, but they only had it in a size 14 -- my mother is a size 6. After almost walking out empty-handed, the seamstress ASSURED us she could get it to a size 6 without any difficulty. She talked us into buying the dress and getting it altered there. More than $800 later, my mother goes for her final fitting a few days before the wedding. The dress was a complete disaster. There were runs, wrinkles and the zipper wouldn't zip. The seamstress was, conveniently, out of the country. Rather than try to work with us or offer us some sort of refund, the owner ridiculed us, yelled at us and refused to work with us. Thankfully, it was wedding season and Lord & Taylor had an extensive collection but it was unnecessary and unneeded last-minute stress during the week of my wessing. It was the absolute last thing we needed the week of my wedding. AVOID THIS STORE AT ALL COSTS!!!! read more

My sister ordered her bridesmaids dresses from here and since I'm local, I decided just to have them do the alterations. I knew it would be a little (A LOT) more expensive than other places, but I was willing to deal for the convenience. First- the girl who was measuring the dress only knows the very basic tenants of pinning, as the dress came back too long in the front. I had cups sewn in, while the ones they tried in the store were too small, she said the seamstress had ones big enough- the ones that came back were PADDED! I'm a size DD. Why on earth would padded cups be needed for me? And I still don't feel like my boobs fit in them. When I was trying it on after it was done- it was clear that it was still a little long and the girl's reaction was to just kick my dress out a little while walking down the aisle. Yes. Because that's the right solution for a botched job. Rather than fight them, since I never felt they were really interested in what I felt about the dress. I'm taking my dress to another place to see if they can at least hem it so I'm less likely to trip. Don't get your alterations done here. Oh and for WEEKS they didn't have proper heating in the place. The girls were sitting around in their winter coats! Don't know if that's been fixed yet. read more

I purchased my wedding dress from this boutique a few months ago. The experience I had the first day there was wonderful, I got all the help I needed, I was very happy that I had finally found a dress I liked. However, I was told that I need to make a decision ASAP or else the dress would sell. I was misled because I was told the dress is from a collection from 2012, however when I did a google search I found out it was from 2009, so clearly if the dress had not sold, then it would have not sell in a few more days. When I asked about the alterations the first day, they did not give me a price range, and totally misled me by telling me they will work with me and it would not cost too much. When I went for my first fitting, the owner was VERY RUDE with the process trying to rush me and telling me she only came in on that day because of me. (when I made the appointment the person on the phone asked HER if she will be in on that day and she said yes, she always is) when she told me the total price of the alteration for the dress, which was HALF of what I paid for the dress, I was in shock. She wasn't even willing to work with me, and tried to charge me the maximum amount of the alteration. She then told me that she had given a discount on the dress, which was about $10 therefore she could not give me any help on the alteration. Her and her husband processed to say that they have decided they WILL NOT do alterations for anyone who gets a discount on their dress. (Might I remind you that the dress was on the sales rack from 2009, they couldn't even order me one, I had to purchase it off the rack, which they had misled me about) I do not regret my gown as I do love it, I regret not going to other places to try to find it and pay someone else, even if it would cost me more. I then had decided that I would not do my alterations at this boutique and had someone pick the dress up for me, when they brought the dress for me, it was put in a plastic bag and not even a cover. If you are to purchase a gown over one thousand dollars I think you could do the simple courtesy of placing the dress in a cover so the customer can appreciate your services. It is very sad to see these people treat their customers, considering that I wanted my bridesmaids to come in and pick out their dresses at the store and I had also referred a few friends to purchase their gowns their (which I made sure to call and tell them not too) there is definitely NO customer service from this place. read more

I went here to get measured for a wedding that I'm in that is out of town. They charge $25 just to get measured! This place is a complete ripoff. The gentleman at the register was a little rude when he said that's what it is and he isn't holding me here and I could go somewhere else. The girl measuring me was nice....I don't know how they are to deal with if you actually get your dress there but I felt like I was ripped off! Beware of the steep charge if you go just for 3 measurements that take 2 minutes. This didnt even include helping me figure out what size I needed to order in the particular dress I was getting! read more

DO NOT USE this bridal salon. My daughter bought her wedding dress and went back 4 times for a fitting. Her major concern was the bust line. We paid ALOT of money for alterations and when she went back for the final fitting 3 weeks before the wedding the bust was so tight that she was hanging out in the front and back skin was hanging over the back. My daughter was sobbing and the seamstress told her she was breathing to deeply!!!!! We went to Icon Bridal and the owner had to completely redo the entire bust line as well as RE-Hem the dress since the satin lining was hanging below the lace. I called Venus to ask for a refund since I had to pay to have the alterations REDONE and have not recieved a reponse or call regarding this entire matter. It was such a bad situation that my daughter did not want to wear this wedding dress until we had it fix by Icon Bridal. This is the most unprofessional place I have ever encountered. read more

After visiting three bridal shops in one day for bridesmaids dresses, this was the only place to make me feel so comfortable and welcomed. I was that bride asking about 50 questions and they gave me answers to all of them, they would even speak with each other and double check to make sure they were telling me the correct information. They never made me feel like my questions were dumb or unnecessary. They also were positive throughout the entire process and didn't get frustrated or annoyed with me. I still have to speak to a few bridesmaids to see if they can afford the dress that I want but I am hoping they do so that I get to work with Venus more!!! read more

DO NOT USE THIS VENDOR. I bought a bridesmaid dress from Venus Bridal (in Ellicott City) and have had nothing but problems since then. They altered my dress (took it in at the waist) and it ended up being SO small that I couldn't zip it. They told me I had gained weight (actually, I lost 11 pounds since the initial fitting) and offered to take it out for no additional cost (that sounded great!). I was told they would call me in 2 weeks and I could pick up my dress. 6 weeks later, I still hadn't heard back. I went into the store. They told me my dress was ready. I picked it up and took it home. I tried it on. It hadn't been altered at all. I called them back. Another employee said, "Why did you pick it up. We haven't altered it yet. I don't know who told you it was ready, but they were wrong. We haven't gotten to your dress yet." At the same time, the other bridesmaids in this wedding party have all been having similar issues with this vendor (lost dress, no record of sales, misfittings, mistaken alterations), so I decided to take my dress to a more trusted vendor for alterations. My new place did the best they could, but Venus Bridal had removed too much of the fabric to let the dress out any further-- So my dress still doesn't fit and after $260 dollars, there's nothing I can do. I called Venus Bridal to ask to have my alterations money refunded. I was told a manager would call me back soon. Two weeks later, I still hadn't heard, so I called back and asked to talk to a manager. He was EXTREMELY rude. Although I was being polite and trying to explain the situation, he yelled at me excessively over the phone, without asking why I was dissatisfied or apologizing for any of his salon's mistakes. Due to the aggressive nature of the manager and the extremely poor service, I do not recommend this vendor. I was extremely dissatisfied. read more

My main issue was with the alterations, first I was told that alterations were included with the cost of the dress but this was not the case. Then after paying in full for the alterations there were many issues. Ultimately I ended up taking my dress to someone else to alter it as there was little time left before my wedding date & I could not afford for the alterations to not be perfect. When I took it to another place they had to rip out the hem & re-do it as it was not even. The lining was also sticking out at the bottom & they had to completely re-do the bustle but I was so happy with the results after I took it somewhere else. read more

I went to this store after finding a couple of specific dresses I liked by designers and finding where they were sold nearby. I did the "locate this dress" from the designer's website and then double-checked the designers listed on the store's website. When I got to the store, I was told they no longer carried those lines. So I started off on the wrong foot. But the salesperson helped me find some similar dresses in my price range and then helped me into each one. She even undid the dress from the mannequin in the window so I could try that one on as well. I was able to confirm which shade of dress I wanted and what silhouette. The dresses in the store are easy to browse and are clearly marked. Unfortunately since they stopped carrying the lines I was looking for, most of the dresses were out of my price range. read more

Absolutely Terrible!!! If i could give a 0, I would. Venus discounted my dress to what they could (there's a price which the designers do not let them go below). When I called back to tell them that I would likely be going with a different dress at a different store because of the price, they said that i would get all accesories 15% off, my bridesmaids would get 15% off their dresses if i chose to purchase them there, and I would get a free bustle. When i tried on my dress we wanted to add a veil and a flower to the side of it, so I felt like this what a good deal. Because they already had my measurements and credit card information, I said yes to the dress and they charged my credit card. A few months later when I started looking into bridesmaids dresses, i chose the dress and called them back to confirm the price before sending the information to my girls. The lady informed me that their was no notes in my file about the 15% off. When I asked to speak to the manager, he said that because it wasn't written down he couldn't honor it and the dress was already discounted so i was getting a great deal. When i told him the only reason i went with this dress and with their store was because of this information, he said my sale was final and there was nothing i could do about it. "The courts would laugh at you". After arguing for some time and telling him that it wasn't my fault that they hadn't written it down, that my receipt was mailed to me and they charged my credit card over the phone after committing to these thing, he said he was hanging up because he couldn't talk about it anymore. The lack of professionalism was absolutely astounding. At one point in the conversation, I even asked him, "Is this really how you talk to customers?" The kicker is that my mother, aunt, and other bridesmaids were there and heard the initial conversation months ago when these things were promised. All i can say to other brides, is get everything written on the receipt and dont order anything over the phone despite them telling you that you can. Needless to say, I did not give them any more of my business and I took my dress elsewhere to be altered. read more

DO NOT USE THIS VENDOR!!! No dress is worth the experience my friends and I had at Venus. We all purchased bridesmaids dresses for our friends wedding. After our initial measurements were taken, some of us noticed that the sizes they were writing down for us were much larger than what we actually wear (factoring in that bridesmaids dresses usually run large). I mentioned to one of the associates that I thought the measurements might be wrong, but they insisted the dress would fit perfectly. Upon my next visit to pick up my dress, another bridesmaid and I found that our dresses were both DRAMATICALLY too large. They wouldn't even stay up on our bodies. At this point we realized that Venus measured us incorrectly to make us pay extra for alterations. With no other options, we paid to have our dresses taken in. We were told we would hear from the store when our alterations were ready, which should be in about two weeks. After a month went by and we didn't hear from anyone, my friend called Venus and was told the dresses were ready. When both of us picked up our dresses, they were now DRAMATICALLY too small. Both of us had actually lost weight since the initial fitting, but we were accused of gaining weight when our dresses didn't fit. The staff was incredibly rude and refused to refund us, so we were stuck paying Venus once again to take our dresses out. So far we have been back and forth to Venus four times, and they have yet to get the size of our dresses right or refund us so that we can take our dresses elsewhere for alterations. DO NOT GO TO THIS STORE. The staff is rude, they don't know what they're doing, and they're prices are a rip off. read more