Bridals by Lori in Atlanta: What to Know Before You “Say Yes to the Dress”
If you watch “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta,” you already know the name Bridals by Lori. But what is it actually like for Atlanta brides, and how does it fit into the local wedding scene?
Below is a practical, locally focused guide to Bridals by Lori in Atlanta, Georgia—what it offers, how to plan a visit, cost expectations, and how it compares to other bridal and formalwear options around the city.
Where Is Bridals by Lori and What Do They Offer?
Bridals by Lori is a well-known bridal and formalwear shop in Sandy Springs, serving metro Atlanta brides and wedding parties.
Location (Atlanta Area)
- Address: 6021 Sandy Springs Circle, Atlanta, GA 30328
(In the Sandy Springs area, just north of Buckhead and inside the Perimeter.)
Because it’s prominently featured on TV, many visitors come to Atlanta specifically to visit this shop, while local brides see it as one of the most established bridal destinations in the city.
Main Departments
Bridals by Lori typically includes:
- Bridal gowns: Ranging from classic ball gowns to modern, minimalist dresses.
- Bridesmaid dresses: Different designers, colors, and fits for coordinated bridal parties.
- Mother of the bride/groom attire: More formal and age-appropriate styles often sought in Atlanta’s traditional church and country club weddings.
- Tuxedos and formal menswear: For grooms and groomsmen, often helpful for couples wanting one stop for the full wedding party.
- Accessories: Veils, belts, jewelry, and sometimes shoes to complete the look.
The exact designers and inventory can change over time, so many Atlanta brides call ahead or check recent information to confirm whether the styles they like are currently available.
What Makes Bridals by Lori Stand Out in Atlanta?
For couples planning weddings in Atlanta and the surrounding suburbs, Bridals by Lori is often known for:
- Name recognition from TV: It’s one of the most recognizable bridal shops in the Southeast due to “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta.”
- Large physical showroom: Compared with some boutiques in neighborhoods like Inman Park or Virginia-Highland, this store tends to have a larger selection in one place.
- Range of price points: Shoppers commonly find moderate to higher-end gowns, plus a variety of styles suitable for formal Atlanta venues like the Piedmont Driving Club, The Fox Theatre, or the Swan House at Atlanta History Center.
- Experience with out-of-town brides: Because of the show, many people travel from outside Georgia and schedule concentrated, one-day visits.
For local Atlantans, this often makes Bridals by Lori a top choice if you want to see a broad range of designers without driving to multiple suburbs.
How to Schedule an Appointment at Bridals by Lori
Bridal salons in Atlanta, especially well-known ones, typically require appointments for bridal gown try-ons.
Booking Basics
Most brides:
- Call ahead to schedule a bridal appointment.
- Share wedding date, budget range, and style preferences.
- Confirm whether they need a bridal, bridesmaid, or mother-of-the-bride/groom appointment, as they may be handled separately.
Because Bridals by Lori attracts visitors from around the Southeast and beyond, Atlanta residents often find weekends book up quickly, especially in:
- Spring (March–May)
- Fall (September–November)
If your wedding is tied to one of Atlanta’s peak outdoor seasons (for venues like Piedmont Park, Cator Woolford Gardens, or Callanwolde Fine Arts Center), it can help to book an appointment several weeks in advance.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
An appointment at Bridals by Lori often follows a format similar to other major bridal salons in Atlanta but with some specific considerations.
Check-In and Consultation
When you arrive:
- You’ll typically check in at the front desk.
- A consultant will ask about your wedding date, venue, and general vision—for example, whether it’s a downtown hotel wedding, a North Georgia vineyard ceremony, or a church wedding in Buckhead or Decatur.
Knowing your venue and season helps them suggest practical fabrics and silhouettes. For instance:
- Summer in Atlanta can be hot and humid; lighter fabrics may be more comfortable for outdoor photos.
- Formal evening weddings in hotels like the St. Regis or The Whitley may call for more structured, embellished gowns.
Trying on Dresses
During the appointment:
- You’ll be shown to a fitting area with mirrors.
- A consultant helps choose gowns and assists you in getting in and out of dresses.
- You can usually bring a small group of family or friends—Atlanta brides often bring parents, siblings, and one or two close friends.
Because of the TV show, some visitors expect cameras, but normal appointments are usually just like any other bridal shop, focused on the bride and her entourage.
Price Ranges and Budget Tips for Atlanta Brides
Prices at Bridals by Lori can vary widely by designer and style. While exact figures change over time, it’s helpful to think in general ranges:
| Type of Purchase | Typical Experience in Atlanta Shops Like This* |
|---|---|
| Bridal Gowns | Often mid to higher price points, depending on designer and embellishment |
| Bridesmaid Dresses | Typically more moderate; cost per dress adds up across the bridal party |
| Mother’s Attire | Usually comparable to formal eveningwear at better department stores |
| Tuxedo / Formalwear Rental | Often similar to other Atlanta formalwear shops, especially for packages |
*Not a guarantee of prices—just a general sense of what Atlanta shoppers commonly encounter at well-known salons.
Budgeting Tips Specific to Atlanta
- Account for alterations: Most Atlanta brides use local seamstresses or the in-house options if available. Alterations almost always cost extra.
- Factor in transportation and parking: Driving to Sandy Springs is easier for those in North Atlanta suburbs than for someone coming from, say, Peachtree City or Stone Mountain. Plan your travel time and possible rideshare costs.
- Consider sales tax and accessories: Veils, belts, and accessories can add up quickly, especially when shopping at a large, well-stocked salon.
If you’re comparing options, some brides also schedule appointments at other Atlanta bridal boutiques in areas like Buckhead, West Midtown, or Roswell for price and style comparison.
Fitting, Alterations, and Timelines in Atlanta
When to Shop for Your Dress
In Atlanta’s busy wedding market, many brides start shopping:
- 9–12 months before the wedding for made-to-order gowns, or
- 6–9 months before if they are open to sample or off-the-rack options.
This timeline helps ensure you have:
- Time to order the gown
- Time for shipping
- Time for two or more rounds of alterations with local tailors or the salon’s recommended services
Brides planning around popular Atlanta dates (spring and fall weekends) often give themselves even more time to avoid rush fees.
Alterations
Most full-service bridal shops, including well-known ones like Bridals by Lori, either:
- Offer in-house alterations, or
- Refer brides to trusted local seamstresses in the Atlanta area.
Common adjustments include:
- Hemming for height (important if you’ll be walking on outdoor paths or city sidewalks)
- Taking in the bodice for a secure fit in hot, humid weather
- Bustling the train for evening receptions, particularly in hotel ballrooms, rooftop venues, or loft-style spaces.
It’s helpful to bring the shoes and undergarments you expect to wear, as Atlanta venues can range from historic mansions with stairs to modern venues with polished concrete floors.
How “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” Affects the Experience
Because of the TV show:
- Some Atlanta locals hope to be on camera when they visit.
- Others worry the shop will be overly theatrical or intimidating.
In everyday reality:
- Regular appointments are usually private and focused on your needs, not filmed.
- Filming days are typically scheduled separately, often with advance arrangements.
If being on the show is something you’re curious about, your best approach is to ask the salon directly about whether they are currently filming and what the process involves.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Appointment at Bridals by Lori
Here are some practical ways Atlanta brides often prepare:
Plan around Atlanta traffic.
- Weekday rush hours and weekend events (Falcons games, concerts, festivals) can affect drive times, especially if you’re coming from Gwinnett, Cobb, or the Southside.
- Aim to arrive a little early to avoid feeling rushed.
Bring only your key decision-makers.
- Many consultants in Atlanta agree that smaller groups make decisions easier and less stressful.
Wear comfortable, neutral undergarments.
- Strapless bras and seamless underwear make it easier to visualize different styles.
Know your must-haves and deal-breakers.
- For example, if you’re having a summer garden wedding in Atlanta, you may prioritize breathable fabrics and lighter skirts.
- If your ceremony is in a traditional church, you might need more coverage or a detachable topper.
Be upfront about budget.
- Consultants can better guide you if they know your spending comfort zone from the start.
Is Bridals by Lori Right for Every Atlanta Bride?
Bridals by Lori can be a strong fit if you:
- Want a well-known, full-service salon with a wide selection in one place.
- Are intrigued by the connection to “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta.”
- Prefer working with consultants experienced in many different styles, body types, and wedding venues.
Some brides may also explore:
- Smaller, boutique-style shops in neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Decatur, or Roswell if they prefer a quieter, less high-profile environment.
- Off-the-rack or sample gown options if they’re on a tighter budget or timeline.
Many Atlanta brides choose to visit more than one bridal salon, using Bridals by Lori as either their first stop (for inspiration and a wide variety of styles) or their final appointment if they’re hoping for that “this is the one” moment in a well-known setting.
Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Shoppers
If you’re considering Bridals by Lori as part of your wedding planning in Atlanta:
- ✅ Decide on your general budget and style direction before you go.
- ✅ Check your calendar against Atlanta traffic and event days so you’re not rushed.
- ✅ Schedule an appointment in advance, especially for weekends or peak wedding seasons.
- ✅ Allow plenty of time between purchasing and your wedding date for ordering and alterations.
With thoughtful planning and realistic expectations, Bridals by Lori can be one of several helpful options in Atlanta’s diverse bridal and formalwear landscape, giving you another path to finding the dress you’ll feel confident wearing when you say “I do” in this city.
