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David's Bridal Review

Saturday, February 15th

2025 Prom Dress Store Reviews

David's Bridal Review 2.5 Star Rating

David's Bridal

2.5 Star Rating
  • Priced from $20.91 to $798
  • 200+ prom dresses in stock
  • Size inclusive options
  • Full-length and short dresses
  • One-stop shop for dresses (bridal, prom, and more)
  • 7-day return policy
  • 60-day exchange policy

Originating in 1950 as a solitary Florida bridal salon, David's Bridal has evolved into a global hub for weddings, proms, quinceañeras, and various special events. The company has a remarkable track record for turning dreams into reality, with the claim that one in three brides in the U.S. choose their dresses from David's Bridal. Whether it's the big event, a party, gala, shindig, or soirée, the company has plenty of dresses to choose from. What sets it apart for prom dresses is exclusive designs, great value, and a range of sizes for all body types.

Impressive filters and easy browsing

Finding prom dresses at David's Bridal is a breeze. There's an entire tab dedicated to the event. While all of these dresses are listed under juniors, there is sizing for all body types. David's Bridal allows you to narrow your options by color, length, size, silhouette, price, sleeve length, neckline, trends, brand, fabric, and more. We especially liked that the filters worked with visual aids, so the color filters showed colorful dots and the silhouette filters showed dress shapes in case you need clarification on the difference between mermaid/trumpet cut and sheath dresses. Many of the gowns show how many colors there are before you even click on the listing, making it easy to see all the dresses at a glance.

Choose from 200+ designs

David's Bridal offers 216 dresses in the prom dress section that include A-line, ball gown, mermaid, and sheath cuts. 166 of these dresses were full-length styles while 49 of them were shorter, cocktail styles. In the sale section, there were 14 dresses under the prom category and all of them were floor-length dresses.

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Prices from $20.91 to $798

To make a more accurate price comparison at each store, we decided to shop by dress style. So, at each prom dress retailer, we looked at the price ranges for floor-length A-line dresses, ball gown-style dresses, and mini dresses. We also checked out the least and most expensive prom dresses at each location. Here's what we found at David's Bridal:

  • A-line dresses: $41.99 to $299.95
  • Ball gown dresses: $55.99 to $798
  • Mini dresses: $20.91 to $159.95
  • Cheapest dress: Charmeuse ruffled-hem mini dress (white) for $20.91
  • Most expensive dress: Laura Drew ballgown (silver) for $798

Shipping time from 1-7 days

Most items at David's Bridal (at least in the prom section) are bought "as is”. So you just browse your size and purchase. During our research, we didn't find a field for alterations or modifications to dresses on any of the prom listings we checked. If you're determined to get a more custom dress, you may need to look outside of the prom section or contact David's Bridal's customer service. As for shipping, since you're not waiting for alterations, you can expect a 3-day processing time. Depending on the chosen shipping method, you can expect delivery within 1-7 days.

7-day returns

David's Bridal offers a very short 7-day return policy for prom dresses. You have to initiate returns ASAP if you're hoping to get a refund. Luckily, David's Bridal does offer a full refund in the original payment form, but dresses must be in new, unused condition with the original tags. Return shipping costs $12.50 for a prepaid shipping label which will be deducted from your final return amount. Now, if you'd rather make an exchange the policy is more lenient. You'll have 60 days to decide if you want to exchange one dress for another.

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Mixed reviews and complaints about returns

Despite its popularity, David's Bridal receives average customer reviews. On the bright side, the company has improved its rating with the Better Business Bureau recently. While David's Bridal formerly held an "F" rating from the BBB, it has since brought that rating to a "C”. However, customer complaints often revolve around in-store experiences, citing issues with sales associates, alterations services, and perceived rudeness. With an average rating of 3.1 stars from Sitejabber, online shoppers frequently talk about difficulties in obtaining refunds in their reviews.

David's Bridal doesn't wow

While David's Bridal remains convenient for those who like to shop in a physical store and try on their dresses before buying, there are some concerns to keep in mind. With many customers having difficulties with returns and such a short return window, you may want to explore alternative options for your prom dress picks. While some of the exclusive dresses are nice, there are better selections and better customer service at higher-rated retailers.

Where Can You Find the Best Prom Dresses?

The quintessential high school experience, prom, is one of the most exciting moments for teenagers across the US. This event is so well-known, it's become a pop-culture icon in TV shows and movies: international students even know about the US prom as something key to American high school life. It's a time when students can dress up, feel like royalty, and dance with their friends and, of course, their date.

One of the biggest parts of prom (and one of the most exciting) is the quest for the perfect dress. Prom dresses hold a special place in the hearts of many teens. You can use them to make a striking fashion statement and enjoy the black-tie feeling you've seen on the red carpet. Whether you're looking for a glitzy number that feels like something from a James Bond film, or a princess-style ball gown that makes you feel like a heroine in your favorite fantasy novel, the variety of prom dresses out there is extensive.

The Best Prom Dress Stores Compare Prom Dress Stores Compare Prom Dress Store Reviews What are the best Prom Dress Stores Best Prom Dress Store Reviews

Prom Dress Store FAQ

For teenagers, prom is usually the most formal dance put on by a school or other organization. This means that the dresses worn are fancier than you might wear to other special occasions. Prom dresses are usually long, fitted, and might have glitter or other details to make it elegant. Typically, a prom dress stands out much more than a dress you might wear to another dance or day-to-day.
To choose a prom dress, first identify what style you want. It might help to browse photos on different websites to get an idea of what's out there. Do you want it to have a high or low neck? Should it be strapless? What about the shape of the dress? There are so many unique styles out there, so if you narrow down some basic features you want in a prom dress, it will be much easier to find! Also, keep your budget in mind to help filter through your options.
The sky's the limit when it comes to prom dress designs. You'll find strapless dresses, short sleeves, long sleeves, high necklines, low cut, long, or short prom dresses. Some of them have slits in the skirt and some are bedazzled with rhinestones. Prom dresses come in all colors, so you can be sure that there are many options out there that you'll love. The hardest part will be deciding which one!
Prom dresses usually range from $100 - $800. Although that is a big price range, it is not hard to find prom dresses on the lower end of that scale between $100 and $300. Sometimes dresses need alterations, so if you choose to either have the prom dress retailer or a seamstress make adjustments to the dress, this will be an added cost to bear in mind.
Some retailers give options for prom dress rentals, but it is becoming rarer. A long, fancy, formal gown worn for an entire night can easily be damaged and might only last a few wears. Buying a new prom dress ensures that it is in perfect condition and fitted exactly to your body type. If you're renting a dress, you won't be able to get any alterations done and it might be harder to find your ideal fit.
Of course! You do you! There are other formal occasions in one's lifetime that merit wearing a fancy, beautiful dress. This might be a wedding, formal dinner, other dances, or let's be real - just for fun! If you find a prom dress you love, you can also find other occasions where you'll be able to show it off.
To clean your prom dress, pay close attention to the label and/or instructions that come with your order. Most of the time, prom dresses will need to be dry cleaned. You'll almost never be able to put a fancy dress in the washing machine. Depending on the material, you might be instructed not to dry clean, but just to do spot washes on areas that need some touching up. When it comes to prom dresses, handle with care!
You have a couple of options when it comes to getting the perfect fit for your prom dress. Of course, you'll want to order a size that you'll feel comfortable in. If your prom dress arrives much too big or too small, hopefully the retailer you purchased through allows for refunds or exchanges. Because prom dresses can't always be made to fit every possible length, bust, or width, it is not uncommon to get alterations after you've bought your prom dress. You might be able to get alterations done through the retailer or find a seamstress near you to make some tweaks. Small alterations can ensure that you get the perfect fit that is both comfortable and flattering.
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Continued from above...

While in the old days, you'd wait to grab a bunch of friends and navigate crowded local dress stores (or get kicked out of them if you don't have an adult over 18 with you!), you can find your dress in a much quieter (and low-stress) environment these days. Online shopping introduces a world of possibilities.

Today, you can explore unique options from the comfort of your home. Most companies allow returns so you can still try on the dress and get your "wow” moment with your friends before you commit to your favorite gown. You can find long, short, tight, fluffy, long lace sleeves, or strapless. If you can picture it, there's a dress out there somewhere with your name on it.

Whether you're shopping at a bridal store, discount store, or department store, there are tons of retailers that offer prom dresses. Some sites even offer tailoring or custom services that allow you to get that like-a-glove fit. But with so many options out there it can be hard to decide where to spend your time browsing.

To help you out, we put together some criteria that can narrow the field:

  • Quality. Quality is extremely important when it comes to prom dresses. There are plenty of discount sites, but are they using high-quality fabric? Can you expect the fit to be true to size? Check and see if the site offers original designs versus copycat gowns from other designers, and browse customer reviews to see if the quality in real life matches the pictures online.
  • Selection. No matter what your personal style is, having a wide selection at your chosen prom retailer is essential. Having a wide range of options helps you make sure that you can find your dream dress. So make sure your favorite cuts are in stock and ready to ship in time for your perfect night.
  • Return policy. Since dresses are so personal, you'll want to be able to return your prom dress if it doesn't fit the way you want. The uncertainties of online shopping require a flexible return policy, especially with something as important as your prom dress. Keep an eye out for free return shipping and flexible return windows to know you're going to be supported by the retailer.

To make sure your prom is extra special, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best online prom dress stores out there today. We hope this helps you find the perfect dress that fits flawlessly, lets you feel confident and beautiful, and makes your memorable night out one you look back on fondly for years to come. Happy shopping!

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