Never Would Recommend: Vwidon Bridal was the worst bridal experience of my life. I went in put a light hold and $$ to hold it for my mom to come see. I tried on the dress twice and she and her husband wouldn't honor refunding my $$ after my mom viewed the dress. She and her husband Kenneth said they lost valuable time with the dress being off the floor for a week and a half over Christmas. They were rude and not at all professional. I have shared this experience with all of my girlfriends in the city as I would never recommend this business to anyone. I luckily had a lovely experience at Jenny Yoo Bridal and found my forever dress. But, Vwidon (Kenneth and Carla) never refunded my money +$1000) Poor business practice and zero customer service. read more

My sister bought her wedding dress at Vwidon seven years ago and now I know why my mom and my sister raved about this wedding dress boutique and Carla, the designer. Vwidon has beautiful wedding dresses that are so unique! I tried on a handful of wedding dresses and what sets Vwidon apart from other designers is their attention to detail and use of fabrics. When you try on any dress at Vwidon you feel like you are walking on air because the fabric is light and the designer will help you style your dress to your liking. I also like how the designer is there with you every step of the way during fittings. At Vwidon, you learn that the bride wears the dress and the dress should not wear you. I also like how all the dresses are made in Chicago. read more

All the dresses here are amazing. I found the perfect dress which happened to be a slight mix of two of the dresses. Not a problem for Carla - she was happy to create my dress. Not only was it not a problem but she did it all on an aggressive timeline!!!! I had one fitting there were only slight adjustments needed at that time and the dress was ready within 2 weeks - which was an entire month before I needed it and i had requested very quick timing to begin with. The dress of course was gorgeous! VWidon is nothing short of impressive! read more

First off, I need to say a big THANK YOU to Carla for making me look and feel so beautiful on my wedding day. Her dress designs are amazing and the care with which she approaches the final fittings and tailoring are incredible. She will absolutely make you look your best! I loved my dress so much, and received so many compliments. Her designs are unique and elegant, and the fabrics are very high quality. When I talked with Carla about some modifications that I wanted from her original design, she was wonderful about adding suggestions and ensuring that the customization I wanted was executed perfectly. Vwidon is definitely the place to go if you are looking for a beautiful and sophisticated dress. Thank you, Carla! read more

I met with Carla for a bridal dress consultation and she made my dress shopping a wonderful experience. Carla has many stunning dresses in her collection and was very patient with me while trying to find the dress! Pricing was in line with other Chicago designers. I would recommend Carla's bridal collection / Vwidon to family and friends. read more

It's a perfect place to look for your wedding dress. This designer understands customer's profile and recommends a good one. All brides deserve to have a dress shopping experience here. Definitely I felt luxury moment, feel it is not only selling but also consultation. I had visited many bridal gown shops. I was always disappointed with some reason. Maybe one of the reasons is they are not making just selling. Price rage is reasonable and fabric they use is nicer than other cheaper gown shops. read more

All of the dresses here are beautiful. I was looking for a dress that wasn't covered in heavy beading, tulle or made of satin and found the most amazing dress here. The dresses are made of very expensive feeling and yet lightweight materials and the draping accentuates you in all the right places. I liked that I was able to pick out the dresses I wanted to try on in addition to having some pulled for me and the sample sizes were closer to my real size so that I could better envision what the gown would look like on me. Carla, the designer, also does the alterations and fittings so you know it will look amazing in the end. It was also nice having a dress made in Chicago! read more

Vwidon is by far the best bridal boutique in downtown Chicago. I went to Belle Vie, Vera Wang...all those on Oak but they have nothing on Vwidon. The quality of the fabrics and the construction of the dresses were noticeably better than those of the more "manufactured" dresses at the other locations. I was able to make one of their designs my own by changing the fabric, adding length to the train and adding buttons. Carla was very knowledgeable and helpful. Where else is the desinger and maker of the dress fitting you and working with you?!?! And i don't know how they do it but the dresses almost float as you walk and they are the most flattering dresses I tried! The desings are classic yet modern and sophisticated. The prices are very reasonable for the high quality of the dresses. Make an appointment with Carla. Every bride-to-be MUST check out Vwidon. read more

I bought my wedding dress here and couldnt be happier!! LOVED my dress and everyone working there, including the designer Carla were absolutely amazing! I visited several highend boutiques and they were awful both the dresses they had availalble and the salespeople. This place is a must go! you will not be disappointed! Yafa read more

I bought my wedding dress from Vwidon and not only is it beautiful, but it's such a personal experience. Carla is so kind and really cares about you you look in your dress and wants everything to be perfect for your big day! Highly recommended read more

Absolutely stunning dresses. Almost every dress I tried on, I loved and it was difficult for me to choose "the one"! Carla's gowns are fresh, modern, elegant, classy, and just different. She is so accommodating and sweet. Where else in Chicago can you get a custom dress fit to your body direct from the designer? I loved, loved, loved my dress and got married on May 23 2009 and got so many compliments about my dress. Our wedding day flew by so fast. If it were up to me, I would've slept in my dress, I loved it so much. :o) One caveat is that if you're looking for a blinged out princess-y dress, like Kenneth Pool dresses, this isn't the place. Her dresses are simple and elegant, but you will still wow! read more

I always knew Vwidon carries the style of dresses I love: no beading, no poof and no lace. Yet, I wanted to make Vwidon my 3rd stop after Ultimate and Bella Vie just to have a comparison and make sure I knew the exact type of dress that looks good on my body. I was a bit apprehensive when we walked in because Carla was nowhere to be found and it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. I was already a bit spoiled by the princess-like service from the previous 2 salons and expected more. Carla eventually came out of her office, took down my information, told me to have a look around then disappeared again. My mom made the comment that we should be out of the store in 1/2 an hour because the dresses all seemed so plain and all started to look the same as well. Boy was she wrong! We picked out about 5 dresses and Carla helped me try on and take off each one of them. Carla is a designer and will not provide the same over the top pampering service as other Oak street salons but she is very polite, takes in your comments seriously and although quiet, everything she says is very helpful towards your decision. The fabric is absolutely gorgeous and the cutting makes you look very slim. I looked like I had been on the Master Cleanse diet even though in reality I just had a huge lunch before the appointment. Carla can also customize your dress in any way you want it to be within a very reasonable price range. I asked for 3 different dresses combined in one, ivory colored made with Sateen and Carla was not annoyed at all by my request. Instead, she diligently took notes of all my requests and gave me suggestions. Vwidon was the first and only salon where my mom kept on saying the word "beautiful, beautiful" with each dress I tried on. Afterwards we all agreed that although all the previous dresses at other salons were beautiful too, Vwidon was the only one so far that made me look like a true bride. read more

I wish I could give Vwidon 6 stars. I was incredibly happy with my dress! I almost skipped this appointment, it was the last one after a long day, and I had found so many dresses that I just loved. When I walked in, I didn't necessarily see anything that popped out to me and I had just been at a sample sale at Ultimate Bride where I found a few fantastic dresses. I tried on the first dress, and the fabric really blew me away, it's so luxe, and sooo much higher quality than the others I tried on. I wasn't completely sold, then I tried on the dress I ended up buying, and I saw my Mom and Best Friend's faces change a little. It took me a while to realize how beautiful the dress is, but the longer I had it on, the more I fell in love with it. Carla is wonderful, she takes the time to listen, and works with you to find what works for you. We ended up changing the bodice of the dress, making the train longer, adding buttons, adding a sweatheart neckline, she was so helpful and pleasant to work with, and patient with our extreme indeciveness and slow decision making. She had wonderful suggestions too. I absolutely loved, loved, loved my dress, it was so flattering! read more

Best place in Chicago hands down! I have been to 6 wedding dress places in Chicago and by far this is the best one. Every dress I tried on was absolutely gorgeous. I know so many beautiful brides that have purchased their dress here. Carla the designer is great and very helpful. It is a must for any Chicago bride!! read more

I was looking for a wedding dress by Chicago designer and came across Vwidon. They have beautiful dresses that are wonderfully made with the designer present to talk to you. I went to all the other boutiques in Chicago and they just don't compare in terms to design, customer service, and cost. These are dresses you would not be able to find any where else! read more

If you are a bride-to-be looking for a gown but not finding it at most wedding boutiques, I highly recommend making an appointment with Vwidon. It has been just over a year since our wedding and not only do I still become giddy thinking about my gown by Carla at Vwidon, but I also continue to receive compliments from friends and family. Prior to hearing about Vwidon, I was not having much luck finding a gown since the majority of the gowns in my price point are "pre-made" and for my body style left me looking very boxy without a feminine shape. From the time I met Carla, my mom and I could tell she knew her designs and her skill in dress making. She was very professional and made you feel comfortable the whole time, from choosing styles to trying gowns on. She informed me it wasn't that I didn't have a feminine waist, but that my ribcage is shorter than most women and therefore dresses and clothing will look boxy if not made with that in mind. Carla spent time patiently with us trying on many of the exquisite gowns she has designed. All three of us (me, my mom, and Carla) ended up choosing to combine two of her designs into one gown. Not only that, but Carla was able to make it a versatile dress with straps that unsnapped and tucked in for my reception. I loved my long and full train (something I really wanted in a gown), but I was surprised by how much I loved the French bustle Carla designed for the reception - the gowned looked as if royalty would wear it. I did not want a "blingy" wedding gown and did not really like lace. Carla suggested we have the dress made in Duchess Satin and I am so happy we followed her lead. The gown was stunning from the minute I put it on the morning of my wedding, but because of the fabric it only became more beautiful as the day continued. My veil was long and flutter-cut and Carla suggested having it edged with the fabric of my gown - beautiful! Throughout the multiple fittings, I was able to see Carla's precise attention to every detail and it was amazing to watch the transformation of fabric becoming a gown, my gown. I cannot express enough how thankful I am to Carla and Vwidon. I am not a girl who gets excited about dresses or clothing; I enjoy shopping and fashion but it doesn't make me giddy, per se. My wedding gown puts the biggest smile on my face and butterflies in my stomach every time I see or think about it. My gown was my favorite aspect of our wedding, second to marrying the man of my dreams. It truly was the perfect gown for me and for an elegant and festive New Year's Eve wedding - a piece of art work! I will forever be grateful to Carla! You will be too! read more

Be forewarned, if you step foot in this store, you will likely fall in love with a dress (or two) of your dreams! I came to Vwidon after I tried on one of their dresses at a consignment store. Unfortunately, the second-hand dress was too small, but it was so gorgeous that I figured I may as well go to the source to actually try on one that fit. When I walked into the store, I'll admit that I was a little underwhelmed seeing the dresses on the hangers, but they look soooo much better on! Most of the dresses at Vwidon are pretty pricey; the one I came to try on was $3,200 (over twice my budget!) and the one I actually fell in love with was $3,500. Yikes! Carla and the sales girl tried their best to find me a dress I liked within my budget, but it was too late; I knew I had found "the one." Luckily, I wasn't too far off from a sample size so I was able to get the sample dress for 20% off. I guess when you think about, paying 3K for a genuine couture dress is a good deal, and where else can you have all of your fittings performed by the designer herself? I only needed one fitting, and the dress fit me like a glove! Plus, Vwidon dresses have a pretty good re-sale value, so I can get the dress of my dreams and still stay on budget! read more

So I am obviously going to give five stars since I got my dress there, I probably would have anyways since it was exactly what I was looking for. Don't expect the type of service you get at Macy's Bridal Salon or any other high end place - it is very much a designer boutique. You are able to walk around and pick what you want to try on. The sales girls are not sale-sy at all. The dresses are mainly strapless, made out of gorgeous material, and have great details in the draping, but no lace, no beads, no sparkles, etc. Think classy simple. I tried on one that I would not have looked twice at and it was the most amazing dress on. A big plus is there is no sizes (unless you buy the sample) so the whole gown is custom made to your measurements. Nice for petite girls who are swimming in the samples you try on at other places. read more

WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!!! I am the maid of honor in my sisters wedding and we could not be happier with our experience here. We're from Kansas City and we thought it would be fun to take a small day trip to Chicago so my sister could have an outstanding "finding the perfect dress" experience. We had actually made only one appointment (and a different venue) for the day, that we had hoped would be an unforgettable moment for my sister (the bride). Although she found a dress, which she thought was the one, she did not get the experience out of it. There were a bunch of random people around and it didn't feel personable at all. So, while she was trying on dresses, I called around to other venues... I saw on yelp.com that Vwidon had great recommendations, so I gave them a call (knowing that my odds of getting an appointment that day were pretty much zero). They squeezed us in for an appointment!!! Now, I'm not going to lie, my sister had thought that she had found her dress at the first place.. But we wanted to give my sister a great time and just check out other dresses... But, WOW. Everyone there was amazingly helpful and exceeded our expectations beyond what we ever imagined. Not to mention, my sister ended up finding her dream dress.. and the designer was even there to help with the measurements! She found the dress that she will be walking down the isle in and she scored the memorable experience she had been hoping for. Vwidon is a fantastic bridal salon. And you will 100% have a wonderful experience. read more

If you're looking for a beautiful wedding dress, go to Vwidon! I went to many wedding dress shops around Chicago and the service/experience you get at Vwidon is the best! Carla is amazing and makes the most beautiful gowns. Her store is every girl's dream with beautiful dresses everywhere and she offers a very intimate/private experience. I honestly felt like I was Carrie Bradshaw walking around her store choosing which dresses I wanted to try on. To have the designer personally help you find your dream wedding dress and then alter it so it fits you perfect is very rare. I also noticed how much lighter and easy to move in her dresses are than all the other stores we went to. They work with your budget and are very patient-- I couldn't decide between two dresses and she let me try them on about six times each until I made up my mind. It's a very long story but I ended up buying my wedding dress three weeks before the day and Carla was so accommodating and easy to work with. She let me buy the sample for a great price and it didn't freak her out that the dress had to be ready in such a short time period. You can tell she's a pro at what she does and has tons of experience. I would definitely recommend Vwidon to all my friends and family! read more

Vwidon - Bridal Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The store is now located on Superior. They are in the same building where a design firm is located. The space itself is cool. The experience was lacking in every way, however. The service was a joke, literally. My friend and I kept stealing glances at each other as if to say "...huh??" Nevermind being asked to remove shoes before walking around. Doubtful they're protecting the floor, as it is painted/treated concrete. Must be the Asian thing. I understand this tradition as it applies to people's homes, but c'mon. In a retail setting where a customer is going to spend thousands on a dress? Anyway, there was so little dialogue, so little care taken, we were unsure as to whether they understood we were actually there to BUY a dress. The experience aside, I will say the dresses are better seen on a body, as they are tailor-made to whip in the waist and accentuate female curves -- however buyer beware, the samples are tiny. Size 2's and 4's -- which for the size 6 in this example, ok fine. Just didn't zip/fasten at the back. If you are bigger than an 8 or 10 you will feel like a cow. Plus-size? Forget it. My heart aches a little for that bride if she were to try this place. read more

I had a great experience here and ended up purchasing my dress. It's true that the dressing rooms aren't as fancy, they don't give you champagne and chocolate when you walk in, but the dresses look great, the samples are not in size 14 or something huge (most of the dresses I tried on were actually in my size), and most importantly, the prices are reasonable. Don't get me wrong, they're not David's Bridal cheap, but you get quality without breaking the bank for a dress you'll only wear once. If you are looking for something more modern and not so pouffy, this is the place. Carla (the owner and the designer) is so helpful and accomodating. The only minor complaint is that I wish they would let you take a photo of the dress, as I have such a bad memory and can't remember the details. I still have to pick up my dress so I can't comment on the whole fitting process yet, but I will update if my experience is anything but satisfactory. read more

This was my last stop on a Saturday filled with bridal gown appointments. And the winner. The dresses here are gorgeous, and you can combine features of one dress with another even if they do not all exist on one sample (e.g., top from one, skirt from another, color from another) plus you can add features (cap sleeves, halter straps, etc.) since they are custom made. Another great thing is, if you are one size on top and another on the bottom, it makes no difference because they measure you and make it from there -- you don't have to order a "size." These dresses are all focused on fabric detail -- no beading, lace, etc. and they can range from more formal to elegant but simple depending on the style. The service here also was great. If you can afford it (dresses here are mostly around $3000) and you are into non-poufy, non-frilly, elegant gowns, I recommend Vwidon. Also make sure you go about 6 months before your wedding (they squeezed mine in with 5 months to go). read more

Hands down Carla makes the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen. A friend recommended shopping here; she had tried on dresses at an extensive list of Chicago bridal stores and insisted that I would find my dress here. I wasn't sure how she could be so convinced, but after stepping into the store, boy was she right. Carla's work is so wonderful, I wish I could have picked out several dresses! The quality of the fabrics is outstanding (sourced mostly from france and italy) and all of her gowns are designed to really flatter the female figure. What I loved about my experience at Vwidon is that I never felt pressured to make a purchase, which I cannot say about many other retailers I visited. Carla was patient and responsive throughout the whole process. She added MANY customized details to my dress and even let me come in for additional fittings to make sure the changes along the way were just right. Her pricing is also very reasonable compared to other name-brand designers and the quality and service are MUCH better. At my last fitting, I don't think either me or my mom wanted to leave! I have left telling people there is no other place to shop in Chicago for a wedding gown. read more