If you’re engaged and planning a wedding, chances are you’ve checked out David’s Bridal either online or in store in search of your dream dress.
But who owns David’s Bridal? Is this massive wedding dress company a good place to shop? Are the prices competitive? Are the dresses of good quality?
We’ve got the answers to all you’ve ever wanted to know about David’s Bridal.
Who Owns David’s Bridal?
Currently owned by a group of lenders, including American global investment firm Oaktree Capital Group, David’s Bridal has more than 300 stores across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as franchise locations in Mexico.
Worth more than $1 billion today, the wedding industry giant had humble beginnings. Started by David Reisberg in 1950 as a small bridal boutique in Fort Lauderdale, FL, David’s Bridal was acquired 22 years later by Phillip Youtie.
Youtie, a Florida businessman, opened 18 additional bridal salons throughout the state from 1978 through 1988 and, in 1990, opened the first David’s Bridal Warehouse in Hallandale, FL. Twelve more stores were added to the fold between 1994 and 1995 in response to the growing popularity of David’s Bridal.
By the time the company went public in 1999 for $104 million, it had become the largest retailer of bridal gowns in the industry. It was acquired in 2000 for $436 million by May’s Department Stores and was sold again in 2006 to Leonard Green & Partners.
The bridal chain was then acquired for $1.05 billion in 2012 by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and, six years later, filed for bankruptcy. The company emerged from bankruptcy after being acquired by its current owners.
In 2020, David’s Bridal CEO Jim Marcum celebrated the company’s 70th anniversary by announcing it had served more than 35 million brides and bridesmaids as well as mothers and grandmothers of brides and grooms.
“This is a brand with deep history, heritage, and legacy,” Marcum said. “A brand so committed to their customer, so passionate about giving her the best experience possible, so dedicated to celebrating her and being by her side every step of the way. I am immensely proud of what we have been able to accomplish with her mind.”
How Popular Is David’s Bridal?
David’s Bridal may have started as a mom and pop-style business but it is definitely one of the best-known providers of affordable wedding dresses today and can be a good option for brides on a budget. In fact, the wedding giant boasted that one in three brides in the U.S. is dressed by David’s Bridal.
Reviews for the bridal giant vary from glowing to absolute horror stories but, overall, average between 3.3 and 4.5 stars depending on the source and the location. Google reviews and other online forums like Birdeye and Wedding Wire are all good sources to learn more about other brides’ David Bridal experiences.
To ensure you have the best shopping experience possible, we recommend researching nearby locations before choosing which salon to go to. Not every salon will be the same due to different management and staff, so be sure to do your research before heading to any bridal store.
How Much Do Dresses Cost At David’s Bridal?
The sheer size of the chain means David’s Bridal will almost always be able to undercut the price of dresses at local bridal salons. Prices range from just under $100 for dresses on clearance to $2,700 or more, but the average dress usually costs between $400 and $800.
Do You Pay In Full At David’s Bridal?
While David’s Bridal does accept payments, the salon will not order your dress until it is paid in full. Options include a 60-day layaway with 20% down payment or purchase with a David’s Bridal credit card which allows you to pay in increments.
Does David’s Bridal Have A Loyalty Program?
The bridal retailer offers a “one of a kind” Diamond Loyalty Program which allows members to earn points while shopping. Members will also receive exclusive discounts, perks and gifts depending on how much money they spend.
Brides who accumulate 3,000 points, for instance, will be gifted a “tote of goodies,” while 4,000 points will earn them a free photo book from Shutterfly and a $200 gift card from Lily & Lime.
Where Does David’s Bridal Get Its Dresses?
The retailer’s gowns are produced in China, Sri Lanka, Burma and Vietnam. To ensure quality products from ethical providers, David’s Bridal implemented an ethical sourcing policy.
“One of the core values of David’s Bridal is ensuring all suppliers follow the highest of ethical sourcing, manufacturing, and labor practices,” the site reads. “Our Code of Conduct prohibits the use of child or forced labor and discrimination in employment. It also requires that fair and lawful wages and benefits are paid and applied, health and safety standards are met.”
Are David’s Bridal Dresses Of Good Quality?
David’s Bridal doesn’t carry high-end wedding dresses, but it does have four exclusive labels: Galina Signature, Melissa Sweet, Oleg Cassini and DB Studio. It also offers quinceañeras dresses from Fifteen Roses and prom dresses from Jules & Cleo.
The majority of gowns at David’s Bridal are made of polyester with additions of lace, tulle and beading to make them look higher-end (while still being affordable).
Does David’s Bridal Make Their Own Dresses?
The bridal retailer says its wedding dresses take up to 120 hours each to craft by hand and are made with real women — not models — in mind. Brides also have the option of personalizing their gowns.
Their in-house “alterations artisans” can add or remove straps or sleeves as well as add or remove details such as lace or beading and adjust size and length.
Want more info on how much alterations cost at David’s Bridal? Check out our guide here.