Skip to main content
Weddings

About this vendor

No photo yet

No owner details yet.

Woman-owned

No team details yet

Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring Boutique is a not-for-profit bridal salon in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to empower women by selling reduced-price designer wedding gowns and accessories and donating the net proceeds to women's charities.

Services Offered

This boutique offers discount designer bridal gowns, veils, and accessories. Dresses found at Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring Boutique are donated from other bridal salons, designers, and generous individuals. This shop offers options such as:

  • Bridal belts
  • Custom accessories
  • Hair accessories
  • Jewelry
  • Plus-size gowns
  • Sample gowns
  • Shoes
  • Veils

What You'll Love About Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring Boutique

The boutique's staff are praised for their friendly and welcoming services, making each client feel comfortable and confident. The store is elegant and intimate, offering personalized shopping experiences. Read the boutique's reviews to see what past clients have said about their experience.

FAQ

What are your price ranges for full-priced wedding gowns?

Under $500
$500 - $999
$1,000 - $2,499

Who do you provide services for?

Bride

Which of the following services do you provide?

Rentals

Which of the following items do you offer?

Bridal Belts
Hair Accessories
Jewelry
Plus Size Gowns
Sample Gowns
Shoes
Veils

How often do you receive new bridal gowns?

Monthly

What is your return policy?

Final Sales

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring Boutique

R
Rachel Sent on 11/10/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Designer dress at a discount price!

I had my first ever dress shopping appointment here and Missy, the volunteer staff member, was so incredibly kind and supportive. She helped guide me through the search process and provided thoughtful, encouraging, honest feedback. When I found the dress I loved, she even helped me get an additional discount on it because of some minor discoloration on the lace! I'm so excited to wear it at my wedding. I cannot recommend Fairytale Brides highly enough. Their selection is incredible, and it's super helpful that they carry a wide range of styles so that you can learn what works best for you. The prices are also very fair and the profits go to charity, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Katlin
Katlin Sent on 11/16/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Ask for Missy

What a wonderful experience! I wish I knew of them when I was dress shopping. I went to Fairytale with a friend to help her pick her dress. Missy was excellent. After letting us in and greeting us warmly, she asked what the criteria were: approximate sizing, budget, sensory issues, shape preferences, color preferences, and so forth. Then she grabbed a few things from the back (new arrivals) and showed us where to browse. With a selection of 5 or 6 dresses to get us started, she got my friend set up in the changing room and stayed close to help her with awkward zippers, pinning the dress to fit better, and so forth. We also greatly appreciated her creative ideas on how to incorporate our friend's partner's tartan into the accessories, how to work the bustle, other modifications, and so forth to help the dress best fit our friend's needs. She was attentive and helpful without being overbearing and without distracting from the process. So glad that it was our first (and ultimately last stop) because she also helped our friend, who was initially very nervous, feel comfortable. And then, because we had another appointment elsewhere after this one, we told her that one of the dresses was a top contender and was likely to be the one. She said she'd stick it back in the back where she'd find it and gave us her cell number to let her know what we thought after the second appointment. The other appointment wasn't bad but it wasn't nearly the same experience and ultimately the dress at Fairytale couldn't be matched. So we texted her and it turned out she was still there so we ran back and got the dress. My friend is thrilled and excited. Oh, Missy also gave us a list of recommended tailors to contact. If I could give more than 5 stars for this experience, I would.
K
Kaitlyn Sent on 11/05/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Delightful Experience

Missy was a true gem who made the experience so enjoyable. It was my first stop, and I found three unique and lovely dresses. I ended up going back after experiencing other stores (second hand and traditional bridal boutiques) because I couldn’t stop thinking about Missy’s kindness or the dresses. I went with one of the three, and I feel like this dress is perfectly me for my wedding day!
Claire
Claire Sent on 10/08/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Phenomenal experience

I am so glad I found out about this store! The prices were amazing, so much so I was able to get two dresses. I was a bit worried at first as someone who wasn’t sure what my dress size is, but the volunteers were super helpful. I advise trying on various different sizes. Highly recommend checking them out!
Sarah
Sarah Sent on 11/07/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Make this shop your first stop!

I adore this store and everything they do! They are a non-profit with tons of discount dresses. I came here for my first-ever wedding dress appointment, and Claudia was incredibly helpful. She answered all of my questions and was very patient and helpful while I tried on nearly every dress they had! Even though I didn't end up finding my dress here, they had many beautiful styles and I highly recommend this as a first stop.
K
Krystal Sent on 04/06/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Quality Dresses, Amazing Prices!

Fairytale Brides is a hidden gem. I went to them first to find my dress. While I didn't find it on that trip, their boutique set the standard. The workers were kind, helpful, and responsive. There was no pressure to buy a dress, but they were really focused on helping me find the style and look that suited me best. Afterwards, I check out other shops but honestly Fairytale Brides had a better selection that most stores I went to. So I went back to look one more time and I found the perfect rehearsal dinner dress! I cannot wait to wear it. If you're looking for a wedding dress, rehearsal dinner dress, or accessories, Fairytale Brides has it all!
A
Aspen Sent on 03/26/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing, I'd reccomend to anyone!!

They were well priced& helpful
A
Amanda Sent on 03/05/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Wonderful experience!

I had a great experience shopping for my dress at Fairytale Brides! We picked out dresses & had the opportunity to try them all on, narrow it down & re-try them on to pick the one. I ended up finding the perfect dress- literally the dress I was thinking in my head 🤗

The staff was not pushy which I appreciate, I have heard some terrible stories of dress shopping where they are super salesy, but here there was no pressure. I also love the concept of donated dresses at a discounted price which some proceeds go to charities.

Before scheduling the appointment I called to ask how much the dresses range from & they said $100-$5,000 but most are under $1,000.
M
Meg Sent on 03/04/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Wonderful organization and volunteers!

My experience at Fairytale brides was wonderful. I showed them my vision and they helped me find dresses that really fit what I was looking for. Their energy was amazing and I felt excited about the process because of them! This is an amazing organization that made me feel good about my purchase! Would definitely recommend!!
A
Adri Sent on 02/16/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Personalized and laid back

At first I was dreading shopping for a wedding dress, went to many different bridal shops, but was not impressed with the selection ( for my budget) and scared by the prices. FairyTale Brides offered an amazing alternative and a great experience. Donna and the volunteers are very nice, accommodating and down to earth. I found a dress I love at a great price and I am happy know that some of the money I spent is going to charities. I found everything that I wanted and support here.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

165
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
illustration message review

Are you interested?

Real Weddings

Daniel & Brittany
40 photos · 04/10/2021
Caitlin & Jeremy
10 photos · 08/08/2015

Map

Location

Why use Weddingwire to message vendors?

  • Messaging our verified vendors on WeddingWire is complimentary, safe, and secure.
  • Effortlessly manage vendor communications and planning details in one centralized location.
  • Our mobile apps ensure you can stay connected with vendors anytime, anywhere.
  • For customized pricing and package information, messaging the vendor directly is the quickest way to get the details you need.
View next Wedding Dresses

Other vendors in Washington DC for your wedding

Wedding Vendors