Founded in 1911, French Novelty has been offering exceptional personalized customer service for 111 years. Our website features thousands of special occasion dresses from America's top designers of formal evening gowns, prom dresses, bridesmaid's dresses, mother of the bride dresses, and more. Whether you are a bride looking for a destination or informal wedding dress or a guest of the wedding, you can find a beautiful dress offered in petite, misses, and plus sizes.French Novelty is committed to helping you find the perfect dress for your special occasion.
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The first store specialized in fine handmade blouses, linens, and ready-to-wear garments. When the second store opened in the 1920's, also in downtown Jacksonville, it was named French Novelty, since many of the items carried were imported from France, which was considered to be the fashion capital of the world.
What is your Return Policy? RETURN POLICY: "Special Order" items, including all Social Occasion Evening Gowns, Prom Dresses, Cocktail Dresses, Bridesmaid Dresses, and other related Special Order items are nonrefundable and no returns will be accepted, as is customary in the industry. Because we cannot stock every item in every color and size, most of the styles featured on our website are Special Order items. When you select your style and place your order for your specific size and color, we will determine whether we have your dress in stock.
Celebrating our 111th year in business, French Novelty has been offering exceptional personalized customer service for over a century. We encourage you to read through the reviews and testimonials of past customers and see for yourself why we are the #1 stop for special occasions near and far. From praise for our excellent customer service to our prompt delivery, our customers repeatedly comment that we go above and beyond to exceed their expectations.We look forward to adding you to our growing list of repeat customers!
Use Coupon Code 111ANV5 for an EXTRA 5% off on Adrianna Papell Bridesmaids, Allure Bridesmaid Dresses, Christina Wu and already reduced 15% Bill Levkoff. French Novelty is family owned and has been in business since 1911 - Celebrating our 111th year! We offer Free Shipping, Tax Free savings, and our 125% Best Price Guarantee assures that you will receive the best price on the Internet!
Reviews (20)
Hala Salem
Jun 23, 2022
It's my biggest pleasure to have worked with the lovely ladies at French novelty. They have been so easy going and I couldn't have had a better experience with them, I am truly blessed. Thank you for helping me pick out the perfect dress, Neesh and Katie. You both were some of the sweetest people I have ever met, and for that, I couldn't thank you enough.
Even if I walked out with no dress, I definitely enjoyed my encounter with you two. Very professional, kind hearted, and easy going. I couldn't recommend this place enough. Already sent a few people your way and will be sending a bunch more. Thank you for everything!
Even if I walked out with no dress, I definitely enjoyed my encounter with you two. Very professional, kind hearted, and easy going. I couldn't recommend this place enough. Already sent a few people your way and will be sending a bunch more. Thank you for everything!
Boen Leann
Apr 19, 2022
Veronica G.
Mar 14, 2022
Lizzie Myers
Feb 22, 2022
Had an absolutely amazing experience here around 2 weeks ago while looking for my senior prom dress! Was especially drained after coming from another boutique, but the staff took us right in and assisted in finding my dream dress. Thank you so much to all associates, and a special shout-out to Julia for being the sweetest/most helpful throughout the process.
While in the fitting room, Julia went through the store and picked up a few dresses she thought I'd like - she was absolutely correct in figuring out my style with the 3 dresses I took in! Later on, I was deciding between two dresses and she held a belt up to my waist to help visualize how it'd look with accessories. Incredibly impressed because we were told it was one of her first few prom dress weekends. (An additional note: despite living in TX, the associates made sure to write down my school just in case another student happened to order online; this was very much appreciated) Thank you again!
While in the fitting room, Julia went through the store and picked up a few dresses she thought I'd like - she was absolutely correct in figuring out my style with the 3 dresses I took in! Later on, I was deciding between two dresses and she held a belt up to my waist to help visualize how it'd look with accessories. Incredibly impressed because we were told it was one of her first few prom dress weekends. (An additional note: despite living in TX, the associates made sure to write down my school just in case another student happened to order online; this was very much appreciated) Thank you again!
Shannon D. Sanders
Jan 09, 2022
Fantastic experience shopping for my daughter's Senior Prom Dress. Paisley was awesome in listening to what my daughter had in mind and suggesting styles to try on. My daughter picked the perfect dress that she loved and it wasn't even what she walked in thinking she would like. Wide range of styles and definitely worth the 2.5 hr drive from Savannah, GA Highly highly recommend!
Laura Weston-Pruneda
Dec 16, 2021
Amazing dress shop! Ask for Neesh. We needed a dress for my niece's quinceanera. This was our first shop. Fell in love with a dress but wanted to keep our options open, boy were we dumb! We went ALL OVER JACKSONVILLE/ ORANGE PARK not a single other shop treated us with respect let alone the professionalism and i haven't even mentioned that they have the best prices from here to South Carolina. This will be my first and only stop from now on. Thank you Neesh for working with us and just being an overall pleasure
Jack Mizrahi
Dec 09, 2021
Steve Otoole
Nov 17, 2021
Anita Stephens
Jul 09, 2021
Andrea C.
May 22, 2021
I searched the website and found several wedding dresses I was excited to try on. I drive 45 min to come to find almost empty racks where the wedding dresses should be. Tried to put me in a bridesmaid dress because they had only 2 styles in my size. Kept telling me to just look at a Catalog to find styles. Good place for bridesmaid dresses. Not wedding. If your looking for a wedding dress don't waste your time.
Lori Wagner
May 18, 2021
Neesh was amazing and took the time to provide excellent customer service. She worked with my sister to help her find the perfect dress for her wedding day. They have a great selection for a smaller shop and the customer service was 10 times better than what we experienced at the bigger chain store.
Lindsay H.
Jun 17, 2020
Went to French Novelty over the weekend with my bridal party to find some dresses and had such a nice time! Neesh and Lorie were so personable and sweet, if you're not sure what kind of dress you're looking for they will help you find the perfect one! We all found some beautiful dressed, very pleased!
Ceejie Squeejie
Apr 23, 2019
Diamond C.
Feb 24, 2019
I was visiting Jacksonville for the weekend and came across this store. I am so happy I did. I was greeted upon entering and asked what I needed and the sales associate actually helped me look for a while, before I let her go to search on my own. I was looking for a simple, yet fancy not too plain, inexpensive reception dress. My husband and I picked out 3 dresses but he fell in love with the 2nd one I tried on, it was perfect.
They honestly didn't have many dresses in my size 8,10 in Gold/Ivory but I found a perfect short white one. The store is quite small and it kind of makes the place seem overwhelming because there are soooo many dresses all over the place. If the store was bigger or had more space I would've gave it 5 stars but at almost every turn I was turning into somebody.
It was difficult moving around. The staff was very helpful even though it was crowded in the store with girls searching for prom dresses. I really appreciated the nice customer service. We were checked out in a timely manner and sent on our way.
They honestly didn't have many dresses in my size 8,10 in Gold/Ivory but I found a perfect short white one. The store is quite small and it kind of makes the place seem overwhelming because there are soooo many dresses all over the place. If the store was bigger or had more space I would've gave it 5 stars but at almost every turn I was turning into somebody.
It was difficult moving around. The staff was very helpful even though it was crowded in the store with girls searching for prom dresses. I really appreciated the nice customer service. We were checked out in a timely manner and sent on our way.
Irina D.
Jan 09, 2019
I live in California. Who buys wedding dresses online these days? I do! I've never stepped foot in the French Novelty store. In fact, I found my dream dress at a small bridal store in Los Angeles. However, I wasn't ready to order at that store so I took down the dress designer and style # in case I decided to order it later. A month later I tried it on again at a different store and decided it was the dress for me.
When I looked up the dress online, I found that French Novelty the exact same dress, actually in my perfect size, and could get it for me in two months. The best part is that French Novelty's price was $300 LESS than the two California bridal stores where I tried on the physical dress. I was a bit scared to order online from French Novelty because I had never visited the store before, and especially for something as important to me as my wedding dress, but I decided to try.
Right away, from my first email to French Novelty, the sales ladies were very prompt, friendly and communicative. They placed the order for my dress, shipped it to the store to check that it was the right size/design, then shipped it to my door. They emailed me to confirm every step along the way. The dress is simply perfection, brand new, and arrived to me in ideal condition.
French Novelty was truly a dream to work with and I'm so happy that I saved $300 by ordering through them instead of a local store! My destination wedding is on a private beach in Mexico on 3/18/19 and thanks to this store I got the dress of my dreams at an amazing price! Highly recommend them!
When I looked up the dress online, I found that French Novelty the exact same dress, actually in my perfect size, and could get it for me in two months. The best part is that French Novelty's price was $300 LESS than the two California bridal stores where I tried on the physical dress. I was a bit scared to order online from French Novelty because I had never visited the store before, and especially for something as important to me as my wedding dress, but I decided to try.
Right away, from my first email to French Novelty, the sales ladies were very prompt, friendly and communicative. They placed the order for my dress, shipped it to the store to check that it was the right size/design, then shipped it to my door. They emailed me to confirm every step along the way. The dress is simply perfection, brand new, and arrived to me in ideal condition.
French Novelty was truly a dream to work with and I'm so happy that I saved $300 by ordering through them instead of a local store! My destination wedding is on a private beach in Mexico on 3/18/19 and thanks to this store I got the dress of my dreams at an amazing price! Highly recommend them!
Caitlin A.
Sep 16, 2017
Went in to request getting measurements for a dress I was reserving and offered to pay for their time; it was an odd request, but they were happy to help me anyway and said "Don't worry about it", giving me free of charge for their service. I bought a very cute choker from their store and am very impressed with their service. I highly recommend this store!
Cat M.
Mar 14, 2017
We got a late start wedding gown shopping because we literally had to finish moving here from NJ before we could plan our wedding. I started shopping about 4 months before the wedding and one of our first stops was French Novelty. To add to the delay, I'm disabled and really depend on family members to drive me around. I was looking for a non-traditional gown in either blush or blue.
I had found an Allure wedding gown pretty early on I loved but it was too expensive(triple my gown budget expensive). Unfortunately, there weren't a lot of non-traditional gowns in the store but with the help of the amazing staff, I was told that they could get gowns in pretty quick depending on the gown. My daughter was just about to move to CT so I didn't have a lot of time with her so we went looking through loads of books that they had there.
I was able to try on a few gowns and able to narrow down the style that worked best for me. The woman working with us took a list of styles we compiled and was able to tell us in 10 minutes if the gown would be able to arrive on time. I didn't make any final decisions that first day but I was heading in the right direction. From home, I was able to check out their online stock and compile a list of gowns I liked which I then emailed over to the store.
They were able to get back to me quickly with which of those gowns they could get to me in time. I chose a Mori Lee blush prom gown ultimately & I couldn't have been happier. It arrived earlier than they estimated and I made an appointment 2 days later with Pat to alter it. Pat did my alterations of hemming my gown & adding a built in bra with some padding for less than $100.
She knew I was going to be barefoot for at least part of the evening so she hemmed the front in such a way that I didn't trip on it while leaving the back slightly longer creating a slight train from it :). It was done with 2 weeks left till the wedding. Plenty of time to try it on and bring it home. The Mori Lee gown I chose was very much like the Allure gown I had fallen in love with except it was a third of the price plus an. Additional 10% off. I highly recommend both French Novelty & Pat(for alterations). I couldn't have been happier!
I had found an Allure wedding gown pretty early on I loved but it was too expensive(triple my gown budget expensive). Unfortunately, there weren't a lot of non-traditional gowns in the store but with the help of the amazing staff, I was told that they could get gowns in pretty quick depending on the gown. My daughter was just about to move to CT so I didn't have a lot of time with her so we went looking through loads of books that they had there.
I was able to try on a few gowns and able to narrow down the style that worked best for me. The woman working with us took a list of styles we compiled and was able to tell us in 10 minutes if the gown would be able to arrive on time. I didn't make any final decisions that first day but I was heading in the right direction. From home, I was able to check out their online stock and compile a list of gowns I liked which I then emailed over to the store.
They were able to get back to me quickly with which of those gowns they could get to me in time. I chose a Mori Lee blush prom gown ultimately & I couldn't have been happier. It arrived earlier than they estimated and I made an appointment 2 days later with Pat to alter it. Pat did my alterations of hemming my gown & adding a built in bra with some padding for less than $100.
She knew I was going to be barefoot for at least part of the evening so she hemmed the front in such a way that I didn't trip on it while leaving the back slightly longer creating a slight train from it :). It was done with 2 weeks left till the wedding. Plenty of time to try it on and bring it home. The Mori Lee gown I chose was very much like the Allure gown I had fallen in love with except it was a third of the price plus an. Additional 10% off. I highly recommend both French Novelty & Pat(for alterations). I couldn't have been happier!
Hill M.
Aug 17, 2016
I am from San Diego, Ca and was on the hunt for a bridesmaids dress I needed for my cousin's wedding by the end of April. It's a special order Watters wtoo dress that normally requires to be ordered at least six months in advance to receive and alter on time for the event. Everyone else in the bridal party ordered their dresses back in November from a bridal shop. Unfortunately, being a single mother with three children and Christmas around the corner, a $230 dress was just not a priority.
I waited till the first week of January to order it. French Novelty was the only online seller that had it on sale, let alone for an entire $80 less than everyone else. I made the order immediately for that amazing price! I was contacted immediately by email letting me know they were worried they wouldn't be able to deliver the dress by my wear date with Chinese New Year around the corner.
I responded saying order the dress anyway. I'll take my chances, because the price was to hard to pass up. Laurie from French Novelty called me right up, said the distributor has the same exact dress I need in stock. One in a size larger and a size smaller, so I do not have to wait for my dress to be special ordered. She could order one of those for me instead and have it to me on time.
I originally ordered a size larger because Watter's dresses are known to run a little small. I let Laurie know I will take the one size smaller dress, so I can have a little extra initiative to lose some weight for the new year. That dress showed up three weeks later on my front porch! January hadn't even ended yet! What?! So, I took it out of the box, took pictures of it, sent them to the entire bridal party bragging about how fast I got my dress, and how much I saved.
They were all so jealous, because they don't have a clue when their dresses will even arrive. After that, I hung it in my closet. I was afraid to try it on. I was scared it wasn't going to zip up, because I ordered the size smaller. I finally tried it on this morning. I tried zipping it up.believe or not that dress zipped up all the way!
I couldn't be happier! Not only do I have the dress already, now I don't have to stress about losing any weight! None of this would have happened if Laurie from French Novelty didn't go above and beyond to communicate with me, and do everything she could to make sure I would receive the dress on time. Laurie was attentive and amazing! I am so appreciative of her efforts that went the extra mile! I highly suggest purchasing from them and will definitely purchase from them again in the future!
I waited till the first week of January to order it. French Novelty was the only online seller that had it on sale, let alone for an entire $80 less than everyone else. I made the order immediately for that amazing price! I was contacted immediately by email letting me know they were worried they wouldn't be able to deliver the dress by my wear date with Chinese New Year around the corner.
I responded saying order the dress anyway. I'll take my chances, because the price was to hard to pass up. Laurie from French Novelty called me right up, said the distributor has the same exact dress I need in stock. One in a size larger and a size smaller, so I do not have to wait for my dress to be special ordered. She could order one of those for me instead and have it to me on time.
I originally ordered a size larger because Watter's dresses are known to run a little small. I let Laurie know I will take the one size smaller dress, so I can have a little extra initiative to lose some weight for the new year. That dress showed up three weeks later on my front porch! January hadn't even ended yet! What?! So, I took it out of the box, took pictures of it, sent them to the entire bridal party bragging about how fast I got my dress, and how much I saved.
They were all so jealous, because they don't have a clue when their dresses will even arrive. After that, I hung it in my closet. I was afraid to try it on. I was scared it wasn't going to zip up, because I ordered the size smaller. I finally tried it on this morning. I tried zipping it up.believe or not that dress zipped up all the way!
I couldn't be happier! Not only do I have the dress already, now I don't have to stress about losing any weight! None of this would have happened if Laurie from French Novelty didn't go above and beyond to communicate with me, and do everything she could to make sure I would receive the dress on time. Laurie was attentive and amazing! I am so appreciative of her efforts that went the extra mile! I highly suggest purchasing from them and will definitely purchase from them again in the future!
Sabrina D.
Sep 27, 2015
My daughters and a friend visited French Novelty to shop for a Homecoming dress, which turned out to be a very unpleasant experience. A young lady that worked in the shop approached us and she was very attentive and started a dressing room for us. However, while we were still looking at dresses an older woman approached my daughter and told her the dresses she had would not fit her and she took they away from my daughter and hung them back up.
She then tried to show my daughter other dresses that looked like they could have been worn to church and didn't have nearly the same bedazzlement as the others. When I picked the dress up and told her to try it on the older woman informed me she knows how the dress fits and she can't get it in another size. We've been dress shopping for some time now and we know the sizes she can wear.
I had to tell her that we will not try to force something that will not fit or break a zipper and did I mention that we're African American. I have never been to a shop were they try to persuade you not to try on dresses. The woman took the dresses to the dressing room with a look and demeanor of dread. Her behavior was completely inappropriate, rude, unprofessional, and very judgmental, especially for a young teen to be told she can't fit a dress.
The only reason I gave the shop a rating of 1 star was because of the younger employee was professional, inviting and treated us with respect. There is a happy ending, we went to another shop and found and bought the same dress, in a different color, and the same size as the one she didn't want my daughter to try on.
She then tried to show my daughter other dresses that looked like they could have been worn to church and didn't have nearly the same bedazzlement as the others. When I picked the dress up and told her to try it on the older woman informed me she knows how the dress fits and she can't get it in another size. We've been dress shopping for some time now and we know the sizes she can wear.
I had to tell her that we will not try to force something that will not fit or break a zipper and did I mention that we're African American. I have never been to a shop were they try to persuade you not to try on dresses. The woman took the dresses to the dressing room with a look and demeanor of dread. Her behavior was completely inappropriate, rude, unprofessional, and very judgmental, especially for a young teen to be told she can't fit a dress.
The only reason I gave the shop a rating of 1 star was because of the younger employee was professional, inviting and treated us with respect. There is a happy ending, we went to another shop and found and bought the same dress, in a different color, and the same size as the one she didn't want my daughter to try on.
Lindsey B.
May 14, 2011
I ordered my bridesmaid's dress for a wedding that I was in recently from French Novelty. The dress was less expensive than in retail stores, arrived very promptly, and was exactly as requested. I also liked that I could pay half when I ordered the dress and the balance once the dress was ready to be shipped. Should I need another formal gown, I will definitely consider using French Novelty again.
