With engagement season in full swing, it's time to discover all the shops you'll need to help you look your best on the big day. There's no need to hike to the suburbs with plenty of great bridal salons here in Vancouver. From bridesmaid dresses and jewellery to the dress of your dreams, these local boutiques will take care of your wedding day look from head to toe. [Photo credit: iStock.com/Indiraswork]
Does hippy-chic appeal more than Princess bride? West Coast ladies with a relaxed wedding day vision will fall for the effortlessly cool dresses at Union. The cozy third-floor studio stocks a curated collection of designer gowns sourced from around the world, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $8,000. Book a private appointment to try on flowing dresses with antique lace from Parisian label Rue de Seine. Bohemian brides will love the dresses from Daughters of Simone, which feature 70s inspired embroidery and billowing sleeves. These free-spirited styles are ideal for laid-back beach ceremonies and rustic-vintage barn weddings.
Walk down the aisle as if you’re strutting down the runway in a designer gown from this award-winning bridal salon. Aptly located in Vancouver’s swanky Yaletown neighbourhood, Blush Bridal is home to Canada’s only Vera Wang in-store boutique, carrying haute-couture gowns from the celebrated American designer. Nicole Miller, Hayley Paige, Rosa Clara and Berta are just some of the other luxe labels available in store. These avant-garde bridal fashions are priced at $4,000 up to about $16,000, but check the sample sale rack for deep discounts. The glitzy salon also stocks hairpieces, headbands, jewellery, and special occasion dresses.
Picking up your “something new” at this Gastown bridal studio is a total delight thanks to the selection of custom gowns, all designed and produced right here in Vancouver. Slim silhouettes, sumptuous fabrics and unconventional details (think oversized bows and rose gold sequins) make these made-to-order gowns a refreshing choice for modern brides who prefer modern elegance over stuffy ball gowns. While Truvelle specializes in wedding dresses, trendsetting brides will also find a number of veils, shoes, and one-of-a-kind accessories on display. We love the handmade headpieces from Olivia The Wolf, and simply sweet lingerie from Toronto designer Mary Young.
Not-so-traditional brides who want to eschew conventional gowns in favour of something a little more playful will find just what they’re looking for at Frock, a modern bridal boutique on Fraser Street. Whether you prefer sexy figure-hugging silhouettes or Grecian goddess inspired wrap dresses, the curated collection boasts contemporary designs that’ll suit your own unique personality. Bring along your entire wedding party to check out the various bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride gowns, and flower girl frocks on offer as well. Sara Gabriel’s handmade lace-trimmed veils and glittering hair clips are the perfect way to top off your outfit.
Don’t let Clara Couture’s unassuming storefront fool you; inside you’ll find a veritable treasure trove of affordably priced bridal fashions. In business for more than 15 years, the Kitsilano boutique boasts spacious change rooms and a selection of gowns from Pronovias, San Patrick, Kitty Chen Couture and more. Owner Carrie takes a patient, no-pressure approach with brides, happily offering advice on how dresses can be tailored and tweaked to suit your personal style. Take note, if you’re looking to book a Saturday appointment, be sure to plan ahead as the schedule fills up fast.
Looking to put a few finishing touches on your wedding dress? Check out this by-appointment accessories boutique for handcrafted pieces to complement your wedding day look from head to toe. A talented team of artisans works together at the Gastown studio to create glittering jewels, Gatsby-inspired hairpieces, veils, garters, sashes and shawls for brides and their maids. Elegant clutches adorned with bows and sequins are a seriously adorable (and practical!) bridesmaid gift for your best gals. Couples can also shop here for bespoke wedding bands and engagement rings designed in-house with unique details and gemstones.
From prom night to your best friend’s wedding to your own big day, Bello has you covered with special occasion dresses for life’s biggest milestones. Frequent seasonal sales and the option to rent designer gowns make this Main Street store a great place to start if you’re shopping for your dream dress on a budget. In addition to a large selection of wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, traditional Chinese gowns and in-house alterations, the comprehensive one-stop bridal boutique will also take care of other wedding day must-haves like photography, chair covers, makeup and more. Does it get any easier?