Winnie Couture

This place is hands down the best in Houston. I had a horrific time at another bridal place to the point that I wasn’t excited to get married anymore. Walking into Winnie’s, that all changed. It’s exactly the experience a bride should have. Just being in there, you feel fabulous. Come in, champagne, first and I mean FIRST class customer service. The bride is treated like royalty. Samantha who works there is an angel. Winnie is such a talented designer.
It doesn’t matter if the name says Couture and that sounds expensive. Go there and try it. I am the cheapest person on the planet and I got my beautiful dress from there.
I will recommend everyone I know to go there. I could not have had a better experience.

5 stars!!! I had the absolute most amazing experience finding my dream dress! From the moment I walked in where I was welcomed so warmly by all the sales associates, till they helped carry my dress and vail to my car months later. Lindsey helped me the entire time, she was so wonderful! She listened to exactly what I wanted and found it and helped me with my custom changes. She was so sweet, understanding and beyond helpful the entire time! She and all the ladies went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and to the moon happy! I couldn’t be more grateful for them, and being able to share this huge moment of my life with them. I would suggest to any lady I know getting married to get your dress here! I got a show stopper and wouldn’t have been able to do so with out them! Thank you ladies! You made my dress dreams come true!

Theresa made me feel welcome and she picked out my dress that I bought! I didn’t notice it when I looked around, and she brought it to me because I told her what style I wanted. Great service and experience all around! Definitely recommend!

My mother, best friend and I had an amazing time this past weekend at Winnie Couture! They were knowledgeable, fun, kind, patient, and extremely helpful! We found the dress of my dreams and I truly felt as if they were just as excited for me as I was for myself! Lindsey was my consultant and she contacted me a few times before my appointment to answer any questions I had and really calmed my nerves about the process! Dress shopping was something I really dreaded (stress!) but Lindsey made it seamless, fun, and really exciting! The dresses are beautiful and if you are fuller busted the options they have for truly supporting your girls up top are the best I saw in my dress shopping. All in all it was a great time and I couldn’t be happier!

I went bridal dress shopping with my mom, sister and dad here a couple of weeks ago. I had just started and this was the first place I looked.
The experience started out really wonderful, but the end kind of took the joy out of it.
The Good:
–The boutique is beautiful
–Connie, my stylist, was warm and helpful and very knowledgeable
The Bad:
–the first isn’t so much a «bad», but I was trying to stay under $ 2K, and they don’t have much in that budget range. I went during a sample sale, so they steered me towards the samples, which I understand.
–The samples available for sale, though they were up to 60% off, were in awful condition. There were stains on the bottom of the dresses, make up and yellowing on the inside top of the dresses, rips in the lace, etc
–HIGH PRESSURE SALES TACTICS TO CLOSE THE DEAL
I found a dress I really liked. They offer a 20% discount if you buy on the first visit. Since the sample was not in great condition, we talked about ordering a new one. The dress came in silk or satin. The silk was what I liked, but satin was closer to what I could afford (even with the discount, the satin would come in over $ 1K over what I wanted to spend). I explained that it was a big purchase and I wasn’t comfortable buying right then not having shopped anywhere else. Connie was sympathetic, but another woman came over – I am not sure if she was the manager or what, but she started out helpful – what is stopping you? Do you want to keep looking to see if there is anything else? I explained I hadn’t looked anywhere else and I wasn’t comfortable making such an important decision at that point. Out came the high pressure sales techniques – What do you think you will find anywhere else? I don’t know what you are waiting for. The 20% discount is only good today, etc. It got very very uncomfortable, and I just wanted to leave. Completely ruined the experience.
At the end of the day, I am SO happy I didn’t buy here. I ended up shopping another weekend with just my mom, going to about 6 other shops. All were beautiful, kind and not one other place gave me the high pressure sales deal. AND I found 2 other dresses in 2 shops I decided between that were similar in style, but
1. within my budget
2. better made (both were real silk, and one was hand crafted)
3. i liked the details better on both of them
Looking at the reviews, although overall they are good, the common thread I see on the ok & negative ones were the bride felt pressured and either walked out or bought – many said they loved their dress but wish they had looked a bit more, some seeing similar dresses for less money elsewhere. There are other shops out there that will not pressure you, that have great dresses within your budget and can give a fun, special experience. If you find your dress here, congratulations and that is awesome! I just mean if you are unsure, don’t force it – you will find it! Every bride deserves to be like YES! I know! not Um, ok, yes, (I hope I am making the right decision)
Best of luck to you all!

I purchased my dress here in Dec 2015 for my destination wedding. And although I love my dress, I would suggest making Winnie your last stop because if you go here first and buy a dress, you may experience buyer’s remorse… They have an ironclad contract, so once you put your deposit down, that’s it… I love my dress, it was custom made with the top from one dress and the bottom from another. Since I lost a few pounds after my initial measurements, it cost me about $ 350 to have it altered once it came in. It takes about 6 months to receive a dress from here, so plan ahead. I went in 7 months before my wedding date and had to pay extra money for rush shipping.
All and all, I loved my dress, I just wish they had a 24 hour change your mind policy since I found a similar dress for about $ 2000 cheaper right after I left the store!

We had Samantha as our stylist and she was great. My twin sister bought her dress here 4 years ago and they did a great job so I knew I wanted to try their dresses. I had previously found a favorite dress elsewhere but after this appointment, I said yes to the dress at Winnie!
They have the option to custom order your size to your measurements which was perfect for me because I’m curvier with a smaller waist. They also order to dress to your height (and heel height) that later saves you money from not needing to hem.
Great experience and so happy to be a Winnie Bride!

Let me start off by saying I had the most amazing experience at Winnie Couture. :)
The entire team was incredibly friendly and patient. Long story short, I was at the salon for over two hours (might have been closer to three O_​O definitely surpassed closing time– whoops!!). I tried on about six dresses before finally finding what I thought could be «the one». I got in and out of it about three times, discussed fittings and measurements, and even had a finalized price sheet before finally saying «YES!» to the dress! The hesitation, more than anything, is because I was scared I would regret this purchase the next day (I tend to be impulsive in purchases and this is one thing you can NOT return lol). One month later and I am still happy as ever. :) Sam was a wonderful greeter and assistant, my consultant, Tori, was absolutely awesome and soooooo patient (THANK YOU!!!), and the manager, Conny, was super pleasant and worked with me to make sure I was comfortable with all the numbers (not to mention, she got along so great with my mom and aunt!!). They all helped to ensure I found the perfect dress, stayed within budget, but what I loved most is that they never tried to force a sale on me but rather wanted to make sure that I absolutely loved the dress, felt beautiful, and really felt like a bride. I can’t say enough about these ladies, they made my experience so fun, so special, and definitely memorable! I wish the saying yes part was actually caught on camera… it was like what you see on an episode of «Say Yes to the Dress».
Since my bridal party couldn’t make it the day I actually said yes (I was honestly not expecting to find my dress but rather just wanted to go in and try stuff for fun), the team suggested an unveiling the following week where I could try my dress on again and reveal it to the girls (my dad even tagged along :)). It was a great way for them to partake in the entire experience.
However, to balance a glowing review, I will say one thing I did not like is that many of the dresses come with Swarovski crystal accents, and even if you do not want the crystals on your dress, the dress would be the same price. If bling is your thing, well I definitely suggest you check out Winnie Couture! As a girl who’s not a huge fan of bling, this was a con… BUT! at the same time, Winnie has a large collection without Swarovski crystals, which is what I ended up purchasing.
A note to corporate– these girls are FANTASTIC!!! The 5-​star rating is really because of the great experience I had with this team. I’ve gone to a couple other places where the team just did not have that warm, welcoming, and friendly vibe– the kind that makes you comfortable and excited to shop for a dress! I read some of the previous reviews and I can’t imagine this particular team being so horrid. Please be sure to take care of them, especially for me– I can’t wait to see them all again when I pick up my dress! :)

I am writing to update my original review because Winnie Couture went above and beyond to make this situation right. After leaving my review, I was contacted by the store manager the very next business day and offered a new pair of earrings to replace the broken pair. They were very nice and apologetic. When I went back they exchanged the earrings no questions asked and gave me yet another apology.
I would like to also reiterate that the dress itself and the experience of purchasing the dress exceeded my expectations. This is why I have updated it to a 5 star review. That is what the dress deserves and they more than made up for their lack of customer service. I would now definitely refer a friend to Winnie Couture. Their dresses are amazingly beautiful and their store is so fun to shop in with a great atmosphere!

I am surprised to see any negative reviews about Winnie Couture as it was the best experience by far! My daughter is a student and had her future mother in law fly in so myself and my mother could find and purchase her wedding dress within two days. As the mother of the bride who lives in Austin, I had to do my homework! After a fairly extensive search of the bridal salons in the Houston area comparing internet reviews, personally calling various shops, charting inventory size and price range as well as attending several bridal shows I had our game plan figured out. I made an appt at every shop that made the cut and set out for the day with the appt times, locations and phone numbers in hand. Every shop I contacted offered a 10% discount if you buy the dress at the first appt ONLY, so I tried to make the last shop THE shop where she found the dress.
What I learned was the first shops you should visit are the ones with the greatest selection such as Weddings by Debbie or Brickhouse. Each of these shops will try and sell you the dress that you love THAT day, that’s their job! But wait until you have a good idea of what you’re looking for before you buy. Make your last appt at Winnie Couture. At Winnie you can take the top of one dress, the bottom of another and make your VERY own dress. Don’t worry if something is a «best seller», everything is customizable to create your very own dress, no one else will ever have yours! My daughter’s budget was @ $ 3.500 and with the discount we were able to buy the custom dress of her dreams.
We were fortunate to have Danielle as our Sales Associate who made us feel at home and welcomed. That said, I feel that any of the attendants are also very professional. Of course if you run into any difficulties, ask for Danielle, just tell her Melanie sent you :-)!

I’ve been meaning to review Winnie Couture and am just now getting around to it. I got married in May, 2014.
First, an appointment is required, which is understandable since it’s a small salon with a unique selection of dresses. The reception was fine and friendly enough and the experience of trying on the dresses was comfortable up until the point when I told the Sales Associate that it was my very first shop to look at dresses and I really wanted to shop around as I had a great group of girls that I wanted to spend the day with trying on dresses to select the perfect one. She (I really wish I could remember her name) stated that if I didn’t buy during that initial visit, I would not be able to come back, NOT EVEN LATER THAT DAY! In my disbelief I asked her to clarify, which she did and the response wasn’t any different than what I’ve stated above. I immediately left and completely detached myself emotionally and mentally from a gorgeous gown I had found. It was a nice experience up until I felt cornered to get the dress or get out!

The Bridal gowns are simply lovely, but after my experience there, I do not recommend this shop. They are very expensive so you would think you would also get the best service as well, WRONG! My veil was not received on time, and when it did arrive it was damaged, and they didn’t even have the decency to call and keep me updated. I had to constantly call them. Finally my veil arrived the day before my wedding. When I picked up dress they did not do the American bustle how I requested. The manager was very rude and told me I had to do it my own and pretty much told me there’s nothing they could do. My experience shopping for dress was fun, and they were attentive, but once they made that sale, they forget all about you. Beware if you go there. I regret not shopping around, but I loved my dress, it was just the manager And staff that gave me a horrible experience.

I cannot say enough positive things about my experience at Winnie couture. My bridal stylist there was Jessica L and she was great. She was kind and didn’t make me feel awkward at all but was firm enough to make sure I didn’t oscillate back to any dresses that might not be «the one.» I also was unable to pick up my dress at the particular location and she went out of her way to make accommodations to ensure I would be able to get the dress of my dreams! Thanks to Winnie couture (and Jessica L) my wedding dress shopping was finished (complete with photo-​ops and a champagne toast) within 1.5hrs. This was literally the only place I went and I am so happy with my decision! I also went during a 20% off sale, which made an easy decision even easier!

So, I really liked this salon — it’s cute, has a decent selection and didn’t have that huge warehouse feel where it seems like everyone else is shopping with you that day.
Two of my bridesmaids and my mom were offered champagne and my appointment started on time — no complaints there.
We walked the floor, pointed out dresses we wanted to try and our consultant was quick to get them off the rack and into my dressing room. I was looking specifically for lace, and something more fitted because I am petite, and Winnie had a good handful that fit the description.
I ended up trying on a dress that everyone really liked. It was lace but also had beading around the waist and at the neckline (this is an important detail, read on). This was only the 2^nd store I had been to for dress shopping, so I was somewhat apprehensive about buying so soon. My first complaint with Winnie was that my particular consultant was too overbearing/​pushy with her opinion. I know all the salons want to sell, but in this case it seemed very obvious. I had a freakout moment after I purchased it and left the store because I wasn’t sure if I had REALLY liked it, or if I was persuaded into it. Luckily, I do really like it, but still.
My second complaint is that when the consultant measured me, she mentioned I fit exactly to a particular size. That seemed cool, because I figured it would mean less alterations. Well, I got a mermaid dress, and when it came it it was SO exact that I couldn’t even sit in it. It fit like it was painted on and was not going to be maneuvered. Despite that, other workers in the salon tried giving their «advice» on how to shimmy it up my waist, clearly not realizing (or trying to minimize) the fact that it was so tight. So instead of ordering a larger size that could be tailored down to me, which might have been easier, I have been going back and forth to the tailor trying to see how much is enough to be let out (thank goodness the dresses have some «give» sewn into them, but it is limited). From other places I have been to since then for my bridesmaids, my understanding (now) is if you are so close in measurements, you should order up for that reason.
I’m not sure if my last complaint should be toward the salon, the designer or whoever physically makes the dresses, but figured I should mention it even if only so that other brides who may get a similar dress (anywhere) are aware. This is where the beading detail comes back in. My dress has beading at the neckline and at the waist. The neckline is sweetheart, so the beading makes kind of a «V». Well, I also had gotten a «hollow to hem» measurement (which is an optional but fairly common and helpful measurement) because I am short (5’2″) and was told this would help get the right length.
I don’t know if I misunderstood how that alteration would work or what, but essentially when the dress came in, the point of the «V» from the beading at the neckline now touches/​runs into the beading at my waist, because I guess they actually took out some material from the bodice for that measurement. This also made the dress sit a little lower on my frame, and makes it feel less secure in the bust compared to when I had the sample on. So I’m having the tailor do some adjustments up top as well, but unfortunately that one is a little harder because you can’t add material back in to get it to come up higher — we just have to make sure it won’t go anywhere and feels comfortable enough for me not to fidget with it throughout my wedding day.
I question whether the consultants should have known that would happen, and if not, why Winnie’s designers don’t somehow have ways to prevent the design from getting «skewed» after a common alteration. To me, it’s false advertising to let someone try on a dress and agree to an alteration that will make the dress look different when they get it. If they TELL you it will skew it, that’s another story. But nope.
EDIT: After pointing out what happened to the salon and the tailor’s inability to fix, the salon just said the new «fit» in my size is a «matter of personal preference». From the reviews on their corporate location, this is a canned response to most issues you may have and they will NOT let you speak to anyone higher. You are screwed unless it’s a totally blatant written mistake. Their service once you’ve paid is horrible and on their corporate Unilocal review responses they simply say they are «sorry» when someone has a service issue. Sure, that makes me feel better after spending what’s now running up to $ 4,000 with alterations for my dress. THANKS!

Although my sister did not find her dress here I would recommend it to new brides! The staff was so sweet and helpful and they have a nice selection, just not enough bling! Lots of lace!

Great dresses to choose from and prices are between $ 1,500 and $ 6,500.
There was a 20−80% sale going on when I went to check out dresses as well. The consultant was a bit corky for my sense but she was probably just trying to be friendly. And I think she was new.
I did like one dress but I don’t think it is «THE ONE.» The lady said it was a best seller too. It’s probably better that I didn’t buy it. The last thing I want is a dress that everyone else has. lol. It’s like lace dresses… Everyone wants those dresses with lace. They have plenty of those too!

Compassion-​less.
A couple of Sundays ago, I thought I had «found the dress». Both my mom and my MOH were present and we celebrated what I thought was the best decision I had made since saying «yes» to my proposal. As many boutiques require, I signed my life away when I initialed multiple forms stating that my 50% ($ 1000+) deposit is non-​refundable. Later that night, I experience buyers remorse which is quite common when shopping for the most important gown of your life. I IMMEDIATELY (WITHIN 24 HOURS) tried to contact the company. In a panic, I left a message with Winnie Couture and even private messaged the stylist on facebook, explaining my regretful decision. I was later contacted by the stylist that assisted me (let me also include that she was amazing and has been on my side throughout). I was informed that there was nothing she could do.
At this point… the store had only ran my card. The dress HAS NOT been officially ordered, no one even knows to make the dress. I went by the store multiple times and tried contacting the manager. She finally contacted me the next week to tell me that NOTHING can be done.
I understand that I signed the contract. However, the dress has not even been ordered. I contacted the boutique within 24 hours of signing the contract. I tried multiple times to compromise. Please allow me to at least put my $ 1000+ deposit towards shoes, accessories, anything. The only «possible» compromise they would entertain would be to allow me to come back to the store and pick out a dress at a GREATER VALUE that the dress I already put the deposit down on! My heart was already set on another dress at a different store. She stated that the accessory money goes to a different part of the corporation and the dress deposit could not go towards anything else.
Please… have some compassion. How can you just take someone’s money when they notified you within 24 hours? The dress has not even been officially ordered. I even offered to pay the commission the stylist would have made on my dress if I could please get my deposit back. I understand I signed the contract, but please, work with me. I am currently trying to get in touch with a regional manager or anyone else willing to hear my story.
–Saddened bride-​to-​be.

This store is excellent. They have superb staff, and are very accommodating to customer’s needs, even if it is last minute. I believe that I will probably be stopping in here when it is my turn for a wedding dress.
They are very well laid-​out, and friendly. My friend had a good time with picking out her dress, especially with how many they had to choose from. The one she chose was stunning, and she didn’t have a problem with the sizing either. They were able to work with her accordingly to the specific sizing that she needed.
One thing I do like is that they did also engage me in conversation, even though I wasn’t the one making the purchase. That always earns stars for customer service in my book.
Well done, guys. Keep up the great work.

I got my wedding dress here and in the end I was happy, but it was a process getting to that point…
BE VERY CAREFUL WITH COMBINING DRESSES AND CUSTOM SIZING.
I choose two dresses, half for the bottom half for the top. The assistant told me they do it all the time no problem and also suggested custom sizing.
My dress came in 6 months later and it was a disaster. Instead of switching the top of the dress they just switched the belt which left an exposed seam and ruined the rushing of the dress which left it very unflattering. Besides the dress being wrong it didn’t fit right, so the custom sizing was a waste it still needed to be altered, I don’t believe custom sizing is good idea unless your size is extremely far off from the normal sizes. Mine came in shorter than the dresses I tried on, too loose at the top and too tight at the waist.
I left without a dress and the manager called me later saying they had re-​ordered it. I insisted they cancel the order because I wanted to specifically go over what dress I was going to get and remove the custom sizing.
The second try at ordering the dress I was very specific at exactly where the transition between the two dresses would take place (below the knee) and how the lines between the two dresses matched up. The first assistant told me don’t worry they do it all the time, WORRY be very very specific in what you want. I also ordered a dress that fit my size the closest but the hips were 2″ too small, she warned me I might not be able to try it on when it came in, but the larger size was 4″ too big on the top.
Finally after 2 more months (it would have been longer but I gave them an absolute deadline or I was buying a different dress, as my wedding date was less than 3 months away) my dress came in. It was what I wanted, perfect! I got it altered by John in the same shopping center and he was amazing, I priced him with another place and he was cheaper with more bustle points.
Long story short after many tears, stress and sleepless nights I had my dress. However due to the delay I was unable to take bridal shots before the wedding.
Purchase from this salon but if you do modifications be very very specific and careful, do not trust everything will be ok, make sure it is!
Happy Dress Hunting Ladies!!!

This is such a cute little store! I saw their booth at one of the bridal shows and decided to go try on dresses just for fun because I was pretty sure I couldn’t afford any of them. But I found one that fit my style — no crystals or crazy necklines — and it was still fairly close to my price range :) The girl helping me was very nice and patient — I didn’t feel any pressure from her to pick quickly or anything.
I would definitely recommend Winnie Couture to any bride in the Houston area!