Buying a Wedding Dress in Toronto & the GTA
Finding your perfect wedding dress can be a daunting task. But with a clear vision of your preferences and priorities, the process can become an exciting adventure.
When searching for your perfect wedding dress, there are so many things to consider, including style, comfort, cost, and whether it is appropriate for your wedding venue. Luckily, there are a plethora of bridal boutiques and shops in Toronto and the GTA that provide excellent service and a large variety of options to choose from!
Below, you’ll find some tips to guide you through the process and a list of some of the best boutiques, categorized by city.
When visiting these boutiques, it’s helpful to come prepared with some ideas of styles you like, but also keep an open mind to try on different silhouettes. Additionally, booking appointments in advance will help ensure that you receive personalized attention from the staff for the most optimal shopping experience.
What to Look for in a Wedding Dress
- Body Type and Silhouette: Look for a silhouette that flatters your body type and accentuates your best features.
- Venue Appropriateness: Consider the style and ambiance of your wedding venue, ensuring that your dress is appropriate for the size and setting of your venue and complements the overall aesthetic of the space.
- Season and Comfort: Choose a fabric and style that aligns with the season of your wedding and allows you to move comfortably throughout the day.
- Cost: Set a realistic budget for your wedding dress and explore options within your price range. Remember to factor in additional costs such as alterations and accessories when finalizing your budget.
- Personal Style: Incorporate your personality into your dress choice, selecting a style that reflects who you are and that you feel comfortable in! It’s worth paying attention to trends, but don’t let that steer you too far from your preferences.
When Should I Start Looking for a Wedding Dress?
Start your dress shopping early to allow for sufficient lead time and avoid rush fees, especially if you’re ordering a custom or designer gown. Most industry experts recommend you start shopping 12 months before your wedding day and ordering no later than 10 months ahead, for the most stress-free experience. Depending on the gown and fit, one or two fittings are generally required and alterations can take up to several weeks.
Bridal Boutiques in Toronto & the GTA
Bridal Boutiques in Toronto
Avenue 22 Bridal
2700 Dufferin St #52, York, ON M6B 4J3
416-782-8828
Blu Ivory Bridal
1282 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6E 1C1
416-656-8000
The Bride’s Project
82 Rogers Rd, Toronto, ON M6E 1P3
416-469-6777
Kleinfeld (in Hudson’s Bay at Eaton Centre)
176 Yonge St Floor 7, Toronto, ON M5C 2L7
416-861-4800
Felichia Bridal
2078 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5M 4A6
416-544-8081
Ferre Sposa
934 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1L4
416-535-8999
Jealous Bridesmaids
1610A Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1A7
416-915-1654
Loversland
215 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z8
416-551-3321
Oh Happy Brides
3045 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z5
416-700-3076
Park and Fifth
262 Carlaw Ave #101, Toronto, ON M4M 3L1
825-540-3045
Sash & Bustle
111 Berkeley St, Toronto, ON M5A 2W8
647-340-5850
White Toronto
25 Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1B2
416-849-9196
Bridal Boutiques in Guelph
Creme Couture
55 Wyndham Street North Unit T9/T10, Guelph, ON N1H 7T8
519-763-2011
The Modern Bride
15 Wyndham St N 3rd Floor, Guelph, ON N1H 4E4
519-822-0909
Sixpence Bridal
12 Eramosa Rd, Guelph, ON N1E 2L3
226-979-0225
Tilted Veil
43 Arthur St S Unit D, Guelph, ON N1E 0P9
519-821-8868
Bridal Boutiques near Hamilton
Chantilly Lace
140 Caroline St S #4, Hamilton, ON L8P 3K8
905-527-4682
Heirlooms Bridal
49 King St W, Dundas, ON L9H 1T7
905-628-4555
Michelle My Belle
295 Dundas St E, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0
905-689-8111
Bridal Boutiques in Mississauga
Lavande Bridal Boutique
1248 Dundas St E Suite 10, Mississauga, ON L4Y 2C1
905-949-2345
Sophie’s Gown Shoppe
2200 Dundas St E, Mississauga, ON L4X 1L9
905-270-6200
Bridal Boutiques in Vaughan
Amanda-Lina’s
177 Whitmore Rd Unit 7, Vaughan, ON L4L 6A6
905-265-8707
Elisabeth & Beau
8611 Weston Rd, Woodbridge, ON L4L 9P1
905-265-8125
Mona Richie
4040 Steeles Ave W Suite 7 & 8, Woodbridge, ON L4L 4Y5
905-856-6888
Bridal Boutiques near Markham
Blue Bridal Boutique
10755 Leslie St, Richmond Hill, ON L4S 0B2
905-883-0068
Superior Bridal
7703 Kennedy Rd, Markham, ON L3R 0L7
905-477-1540
What Are the Pros and Cons of Buying a Wedding Dress Online?
Buying a wedding dress online offers convenience, as you can browse a wide selection from home at any time. Online retailers often have lower prices and a larger variety of dresses, including customization options. You can also read reviews and see photos from other brides to help inform your decision.
One of the biggest challenges with online dress shopping is ensuring the right fit without trying it on, as sizes can vary between brands and alterations may be needed. It can also be difficult to assess the quality of the fabric and craftsmanship without seeing the dress in person and feeling the material. You may also have to deal with strict return policies and the risk of shipping delays.
Some online retailers offer a try-on program for a small fee, where you can order a small selection of dresses to try on at home. While this is very convenient, not all styles may be readily available, and you must remember to return the dresses on time (usually within 7 days). If you fail to do so, you risk being charged for ALL of the dresses! This may not be the best option for those who are super busy or easily forgetful.
Ultimately, there are pros and cons to both approaches and finding your dream wedding dress is a journey. Whether you choose to buy it in-store or order it online, with the right resources and enough time, you’ll undoubtedly find the gown that makes you feel like the most beautiful bride on your special day.
Good luck!
