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The gown is truly the icing on the proverbial wedding cake, beating out the actual buttercream you'll find newlyweds pressing into each other's faces. Whether you've dreamed of a couture design since childhood or simply want a timeless look that won't break the bank, these ten bridal salons will have you (and your future spouse) beaming as you stroll down the aisle.
Star of the TLC show I Found the Gown, Vows is the first and one of the largest discount designer gown emporiums in the country. The 20-year old company is based in Watertown, by appointment only. Alongside its own line Liv Harris (under $2000), you'll also find plus sizes and a selection of marked down Badgley Mischka, Maggie Sottero, Oscar de la Renta, and more.
BHLDN opened a store-in-store this spring at its parent brand Anthropologie, with exclusive ready-to-wear gowns mostly in the $500 to $4,000 range. Styles buck tradition with slim silhouettes, modern detailing (rhinestone, embroidery), and offbeat shades of bisque, ombre blush, and various ivories. Antique jewelry, hair pieces, and sashes also abound.
You'll often find this emerging North End designer in his showroom making countless custom pieces and developing his bridal line. Every dress is made-to-order following a consultation, with designs that are romantic and straddle the line between traditional and contemporary with plenty of draping and mixed textures. Aaron even has a few styles that aren't white—perfect for an alternative bride or second wedding.
This bright and lofty Beacon Hill space boasts a vintage-inspired aesthetic championed by owner Alix Childs, with gowns that stand apart from both the budget and the couture selections elsewhere in Boston. Explore an exclusive roster of internationally-sourced labels (Elizabeth Fillmore, Sarah Janks, and Temperley London among them) that speak to a laid-back glamour.
Have caviar taste? Then you'll surely settle for no less than service at L'Elite, a Boston institution for the last quarter century. Creme de la creme describes both the salespeople and the selection at this 14 Newbury Street salon, with styles from Carolina Herrera, Reem Acra, and Monique Lhuillier as well as accessories to complete the couture look. Frequent trunk shows let clients preview what's ahead at the appointment-only showroom.
This Boston couturier is known for his one-of-a-kind pieces, with his collection featuring both classically demure dresses and more avant-garde styles. The atelier is open by appointment only and totally worth a visit if dramatic is your desired vibe.
Vera Wang is a household name in bridal and a pioneer in beautifully modern design, characterized by layered tulle, ornate beading, and unexpected details. Her spring collection contrasts white with black, whereas next fall will come in shades of rose. Boston is one of the few US cities graced with the designer's bridal boutiques, so appointments here are quite coveted.
Another Newbury Street boutique, Musette stocks sophisticated designers that hail from Paris, Barcelona, New York and beyond, including Jenny Packham, Romona Keseva, and Yolan Cris. The studio can also work on custom designs and even offers a tailor to assist brides on the wedding day.
J.Crew's bridal line is so popular because it's a) accessible, b) varied, and c) good-looking. The collection uses antique laces and silks, with plenty of "Little White Dresses" ready for the reception or a city hall wedding—all available to try in-store. Plus, the retailer offers bridal parties the opportunity to obtain a cohesive look.
Like Firas Yousif, Daniel Faucher is a local couturier with decades of experience under his belt. Brides come to him instead of the designer salons for one-of-a-kind looks made in the heart of the South End.
Star of the TLC show I Found the Gown, Vows is the first and one of the largest discount designer gown emporiums in the country. The 20-year old company is based in Watertown, by appointment only. Alongside its own line Liv Harris (under $2000), you'll also find plus sizes and a selection of marked down Badgley Mischka, Maggie Sottero, Oscar de la Renta, and more.
BHLDN opened a store-in-store this spring at its parent brand Anthropologie, with exclusive ready-to-wear gowns mostly in the $500 to $4,000 range. Styles buck tradition with slim silhouettes, modern detailing (rhinestone, embroidery), and offbeat shades of bisque, ombre blush, and various ivories. Antique jewelry, hair pieces, and sashes also abound.
You'll often find this emerging North End designer in his showroom making countless custom pieces and developing his bridal line. Every dress is made-to-order following a consultation, with designs that are romantic and straddle the line between traditional and contemporary with plenty of draping and mixed textures. Aaron even has a few styles that aren't white—perfect for an alternative bride or second wedding.
This bright and lofty Beacon Hill space boasts a vintage-inspired aesthetic championed by owner Alix Childs, with gowns that stand apart from both the budget and the couture selections elsewhere in Boston. Explore an exclusive roster of internationally-sourced labels (Elizabeth Fillmore, Sarah Janks, and Temperley London among them) that speak to a laid-back glamour.
Have caviar taste? Then you'll surely settle for no less than service at L'Elite, a Boston institution for the last quarter century. Creme de la creme describes both the salespeople and the selection at this 14 Newbury Street salon, with styles from Carolina Herrera, Reem Acra, and Monique Lhuillier as well as accessories to complete the couture look. Frequent trunk shows let clients preview what's ahead at the appointment-only showroom.
This Boston couturier is known for his one-of-a-kind pieces, with his collection featuring both classically demure dresses and more avant-garde styles. The atelier is open by appointment only and totally worth a visit if dramatic is your desired vibe.
Vera Wang is a household name in bridal and a pioneer in beautifully modern design, characterized by layered tulle, ornate beading, and unexpected details. Her spring collection contrasts white with black, whereas next fall will come in shades of rose. Boston is one of the few US cities graced with the designer's bridal boutiques, so appointments here are quite coveted.
Another Newbury Street boutique, Musette stocks sophisticated designers that hail from Paris, Barcelona, New York and beyond, including Jenny Packham, Romona Keseva, and Yolan Cris. The studio can also work on custom designs and even offers a tailor to assist brides on the wedding day.
J.Crew's bridal line is so popular because it's a) accessible, b) varied, and c) good-looking. The collection uses antique laces and silks, with plenty of "Little White Dresses" ready for the reception or a city hall wedding—all available to try in-store. Plus, the retailer offers bridal parties the opportunity to obtain a cohesive look.
Like Firas Yousif, Daniel Faucher is a local couturier with decades of experience under his belt. Brides come to him instead of the designer salons for one-of-a-kind looks made in the heart of the South End.
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