Quit Looking Elsewhere 3/5/2016
My fiancé and I both got our gowns at April Rose, and we had a wonderful experience. Before coming in, we had gone to one other local boutique, where the staff was lackadaisical and had little investment in us. At April Rose, our experience was completely different. We worked primarily with Diane, but Karen and Dolly also pitched in. We originally went in to get my fiancé's dress, but when I saw the beautiful selection of dresses and how H was treated with such care, I decided this was where I needed to get my dress too. We spent 2-3 hours one Friday and came back the following Monday for another 2-3 hours. During that time, Diane let us try on every conceivable dress we wanted. She was very honest with us on what she did and didn't like and came up with great ideas based on what H didn't like. She was also extremely respectful of our budget. When we were done selecting dresses, Karen helped us tremendously with coordinating colors down to the last detail. At one point, I thought I'd made up my mind on a dress but decided at the last minute to try on something totally different; I'm glad I did, because I chose that last dress. By the time we were done, my fiancé and I both left extremely satisfied and excited. April Rose called us afterward with updates on our order. If friends of mine in the area were getting married, I would refer them to April Rose without a doubt and tell them to quit looking elsewhere. — Ophelia Romantic, Timeless, Vintage Wedding 9/27/2015 My fiancé and I were in search of a romantic, timeless, vintage wedding and April Rose helped to make our dream come true. Karen and Diane assisted me in narrowing my search whereby I found the most elegant WToo wedding gown imaginable! Once the gown was in place, they next assisted me in finding a complimentary, custom belt and veil. The ensemble was simply perfect in every way! Final adjustments were made flawlessly by their seamstress, Michelle, who was meticulous when handling the delicate lace details. My maids, flower girl, and Mom spent an afternoon at April Rose trying on lovely iced pink and mocha crinkle chiffon dresses recommended by the staff. Everyone left extremely satisfied. Sizes and colors were ordered properly and email and phone questions (down to every last detail including jewelry, shoes, and linen) were handled professionally. I could not be more pleased with our overall experience at April Rose and highly recommend this delightful victorian boutique! — Deborah D An experience I will forever cherish 8/5/2015 I just wanted to take a moment to let you ladies know how absolutely wonderful you are!!! Coming into April Rose to shop for my wedding dress was the best decision I made and an experience I will forever cherish. Your customer service is spectacular and I am so grateful you were able to help my mom and me pick the perfect dresses, shoes and accessories. I must say, I was nervous because I knew I was on a time crunch, coming in 5 months before my wedding to dress shop, but you ladies made it happen!! And a special thank you to Karen for picking out and making me try "the one" on. I feel very lucky to have had wonderful women such as yourselves embark on this wedding gown journey with me. Thank you so very much for all of your help and hard work throughout this process!! — Katie K Amazing!!! Highly Recommend!! 2/7/2014 I went to April Rose for my wedding dress because of all the great reviews I had read online about them and I AM SO GLAD I DID! From the moment we walked in, Lauren and Diane were so friendly and very helpful! They knew exactly what I was looking for and were very knowledgable on designers and styles. They gave me, my mom, and my aunt their undivided attention and made us feel so special. Their store has a great selection of wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, shoes, jewelry, clutches, you name it, and all with reasonable prices. I found my dress and have it all ordered! They were so helpful and patient in making sure my order included two customized changes to the dress too! Ever since we left I have been telling everyone I know to go there and spread the word to any engaged friends! I had such a great time and felt so special, I didn't want to take the dress off and leave! Can't wait to go see them again when the dress comes in! Romantic Island Elopement 10/3/2013 While planning the elopement to my boyfriend I envisioned I would wear the usual JCrew or a bridesmaid dress and not exactly enthused thinking I didn't have other appropriate fashion options. I wanted to look like a bride but nothing too formal for a beach ceremony and the unpredictable weather. One spring afternoon while spending time enjoying the quaint village green area of Guilford I wandered into the shop of April Rose. Drawn in by the boutique's charming and romantic decor I was immediately greeted by the warm and genuine smiles from the saleswomen. The staff intently listened to me rattle off my "secret" plans for the big day. I never thought I would find anything in a bridal boutique that would suit the needs of my elopement. While there I glimpsed over at one of the displays in the shop and caught sight of "THE DRESS". Swiftly I went to the fitting room with the sample to try it on even thought I knew for certain the dress was "the one". The women were so wonderful to accommodate me in every way I instantly was transformed into a princess. Upon the arrival of my dress a few weeks later I went back to April Rose for my first fitting. The owner was waiting for me at the door and holding a copy of September Brides magazine. On the cover of the popular magazine was the long version of my dress! Who would have ever thought in Guilford, CT? Words can't express enough my gratitude to the women of April Rose for being such an intricate component that made possible a romantic dream to run off marry a wonderful man on a private island beach barefoot a reality. Kelly Anderson Wedding Date September 19, 2013 A lovely wedding boutique 10/6/2013 I had been to 3 other bridal boutiques before going to April Rose Designs and didn't think there was a chance they could best the other 3 dresses I was considering. I was wrong! I purchased my wedding dress at April Rose Designs the first time I tried it on and loved it as much on my wedding day as I did the day I purchased it. April Rose had a fantastic range of gowns to fit all budgets and styles-- happily the dress I fell in love with was also the most economical choice (and when does that ever happen when you're planning a wedding?!?!?). The ladies who work at April Rose are friendly, helpful, and really seem to care as much as you do how you look and feel on your wedding day. The service was fantastic and even though my dress had to be rush ordered, it arrived in plenty of time. Diane (the owner) had even called the designers before my appointment to find out which dresses would be able to be rush ordered so I didn't try on any that weren't possible to get in time. I really appreciated her forethought and professionalism. I also bought my hairpiece at April Rose (and thought it was the most beautiful and unique hairpiece I had seen) and also bought my shoes there (which were heels and comfortable for my entire wedding day). An added bonus-- April Rose gives you a discount on your dress and all accessories if you purchase your dress on your first visit there. This was much appreciated, but I NEVER felt pressured to purchase anything. A "Jewel" of a Bridal Shop in Connecticut!!! 10/6/2013 After many frustrating stops at other bridal shops and boutiques I decided to check out April Rose in Guilford, CT one Saturday afternoon. I was continuing my quest for the perfect mother of the bride dress and heard from a friend that this little shop packed a punch. One thing I knew for sure was that I didn't want a traditional mother of the bride dress. Even though I didn't have an appointment, I was warmly welcomed by Karen, an experienced professional. Immediately, I was made to feel special and was asked questions about the upcoming wedding of my daughter which was scheduled to take place in the caribbean. We went though many dress options and was encouraged to try on as many as possible because she said, preference would quickly become apparent. After trying on several styles and reviewing fabric choices I decided on the perfect dress! I had a vision about adding a sash tied into a bow to my silk dress. Diane, the owner of April Rose loved my idea and suggested a fabulous brooch to fasten to the sash. She told me she would order extra fabric for the sash to complete my look which turned out nothing less than sensational. I returned with my mother (grandmother of the bride) as she too needed the perfect ensemble for the wedding. I can't say enough about how Diane and her staff graciously helped my mom select the most amazing silk dress and darling ruffled jacket with rhinestone buttons. They assisted in completing her look with a beautiful pair of shoes. I would highly recommend April Rose to everyone who is looking for a dress for a wedding or other formal ocassion. Our entire experience was exceptional and we felt like we were saying good bye to friends when we picked up our dresses. April Rose is truly a hidden gem complete with the warm touch of an experienced and devoted staff of professionals. Teresa Garceau 10/5/2013 April Rose is a small intimate bridal shop that catches your eye from the street. The overflowing symphony of colored flowers demands your attention while adding to the magical experience of aristry inside. The moment you step inside you are mesmorized by the quaintness of the store but the wealth of expertise. No gimmicks, but friendly staff who start asking away to match your dress to your budget to your event. My son's wedding was at West Point so I needed classy, elegant, yet affordable gown. The amazing selling point (if I had to single out one) was their sheer honesty. They have a trained eye for style, colors, accessories and will help you to see beyond your preferences to the perfect finished look. Everyone at April Rose conferes with you to help you walk out totally satisfied and anxious for the event to begin. I loved my gown, my shoes, my beautiful bag, the hand made jewelery and I wish the magic lasted longer than the event. They are a wealth of experience and are obiously passionate about their customer's satisfaction. I will never travel anywhere else, they are the one stop wedding shop that will give you a Cinderella experience! Family-like service 10/5/2013 When my sister and I first went to April Rose to look for a bridal gown for my wedding, we were so impressed with every single aspect of their business. The very first moment that you arrive, you feel like you are in a fairy tale due to all of the whimsical touches Diane put so much thought and work into. Her attention to detail is incredible. Not only did every employee work their hardest to pay attention to what I was looking for in a dress, they also treated me like I was family and had known me for years. It was the first place I had gone to look for a dress and it was my final stop. Everything led me back to April Rose ; no other shop could compare. April Rose is by far the most accommodating and high quality bridal shop in CT. I will always highly recommend this boutique! Love at frist sight 3/2/2014 I went to April Rose to try on a dress I had seen on television and fallen in love with. I knew that before beginning my dress shopping in earnest, I had to try it on. They had the dress ready and waiting at my appointment. I instantly loved in as soon as the consultant helped me slip it on. I asked her if she could bring in several other dresses in different styles and fabrics so I could compare them. She went above and beyond, humoring my mom and I. In the end, I ended up purchasing the first dress as I'm sure she knew I would. She was crying along with my mother. Overall, we had a wonderful experience. Everyone there was nice, the shop was comfortable, and the dresses clean. Also, it wasn't overly expensive. I would highly recommend to anyone on the shoreline. Fabulous shop with great service 10/6/2013 This was the 2nd year in a row that I used April Rose for my dress. The service is outstanding, very professional and very helpful with choosing proper style and accessories. Last year as Mother-of-the-Bride, I visited several shops including the very well known CT shop where the rest of the bridal party had gotten their dresses, and none of them made me feel as warm and welcome as Dianne and her staff at April Rose. As Mother-of-the-Groom this year, there was clearly no other choice for me, but to visit April Rose again. It was truly the easiest and best decision. They were very accommodating considering it was an hour drive for me. I wouldn't shop anywhere else for a special occasion! Love this place! 10/5/2013 This week I just celebrated my first wedding anniversary and of course like all new brides, we went over all our wedding photos and relived our special day. I cannot say enough about Ms. Diane Gourlie and her staff at April Rose in Guilford, CT. The first moment I entered April Rose to look at gowns, I knew I had chosen the right place. The knowledge, expertise and empathy of the staff was amazing. That first day with their help I had chosen my amazingly beautiful dress. They were never too busy to see me or talk to me about questions. All my bridesmaids were out of state and their willingness to work with them to order dresses was great. But in addition to all the very personalized attention is the incredible work they do. Ms. Gourlie designed and made my beautiful headpiece and veil. The headpiece was lovingly made with beads, crystals and seed pearls that matched the beading on my dress. It was so beautiful. She also designed and made my jewelry and everything was perfect. There I found the perfect shoes to match my dress, the bridemaid dresses and all accessories. I did not have to do anything. I can’t say enough about how wonderful they were and how perfect my day was thanks to them. Any bride can relax about this important part of wedding planning because Ms Gourlie and her staff at April Rose take care of everything with affection and professionalism. What a wonderful surprise!!! 10/3/2013 Before I went to April Rose I had already been to a few other places around Connecticut trying to find my wedding dress but didn't have any luck finding "the dress". Then the day after Thanksgiving I thought that I would make the drive up to Guilford, CT and try on some dresses. As I drove up to the shop I was quite surprised from the outside of the building because it was a small place and I immediately thought, "They are not going to have any dresses in my size." Being a size 12/14 and being to other bridal shops that didn't have a lot to choose from in my size I was feeling less than hopeful. Then when I walked in I was happily surprised by how many dresses they had!!!!! And the best part was they had a many in my size!!! I tried on ten dresses just in my size and it was so much fun!!! And the dresses were beautiful!! I had narrowed it down to two dresses by WTOO and must have tried those on ten different times each! And the staff was so wonderful and supportive! Living in Connecticut with no family to come out and shop with me since they live out on the west coast the women who worked there were my family helping decide the perfect dress for me. They were totally honest with me on which dresses flattered my shape and what I was looking for in a dress! Being a Mormon and finding a a beautiful sleeveless dress I needed to have a jacket made and the women at the shop told me that they could have a jacket made out of the same material and to make it go with the dress. Then they found me the perfect woman for my alterations! I couldn't have asked for a more pleasant and memorable experience!!! If I could I would rate April Rose 100 stars!!! So Adorable 11/5/2012 The cutest little boutique with the most attentive loving owner and sales associates. Everytime we came in you felt like you were part of the family. I purchased my dress, my mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law all purchased our dresses there. Even there alterations person they referred "Alterations by Michelle" was amazing and the whole family went there as well. Such a great experience Wonderful and knowledgeable 11/7/2013 April Rose Designs is a quaint boutique in Guilford. The staff is wonderful and knowledgeable, which is really hard to come by these day. Prices are competitive for quality well made gowns. They will even make your jewelry. |