I was pretty turned off.
I moved to downtown Seattle about 10 years ago and have wandered the streets of Sodo, Pioneer Square and DWTN for years now. One main-stay is Cicada. Its store front is always decked out with gorgeous dresses and décor that fits whatever season we are in. I've always passed by it thinking, "I can't wait for when it's my turn to get married and to try on dresses at Cicada!"
My MOH knew I was looking forward to this place and made all the appropriate reservations. It was our third store of the day, because in our mind, we saved the best for last! We had been treated all day! First, at Belltown Bride. It was an early appt, with coffee and tea, great dress selection! Then, BHLDN. Champagne and an eclectic dress experience on the second floor of the Downtown Seattle store! Finally, we walk into Cicada.
The first thing that greets you is a musty smell. Which, is okay seeing as how it is an older building and has been here for quite some time, but takes you aback just a bit. Second, is the dingy looking dresses that are hanging on regular clothing racks and mixed in with bridesmaid dresses as well. The consultant did not get up to greet us, but sat behind the counter like this is Macy's and we had just stumbled in to browse. Not as if we had had an appointment for over two months. Anyway, my group fanned out and we started to look at dresses. The consultant did tell us that they tend to do custom wedding dresses and that is why most dresses in the store are just to try on. But the dresses are dirty. I mean, I literally asked my MOH if this was a second-hand dress shop (not that that's bad) but because I wanted to bring down my expectations a bit. The white dresses, while plain, were dingy and brown. Frayed on the ends, tattered and used over and over again. It looked so sad in there and dilapidated. We found maybe 4 dresses that I felt comfortable putting on my body, and the consultant threw me in and out of them (not a complaint, I was good with it) quickly. Each was a quick "nope!" from both myself and my bridal party.
We spent a total of 32 mins in the store and left promptly. I have to say, after dreaming of the day where I would be a downtown bride and pick my dress from Cicada, I was very disappointed. If you want a no frills shopping trip and want to be in and out quick, then Cicada may be the place for you. If you are looking for a more curated shopping experience, with hand-picked dresses, displayed beautifully and taken care of, I suggest Belltown Bride, BHLDN, The Dress Theory etc. read more