The Best Bridal Stores in Toronto

Posted by Devon Scoble
November 8, 2009

bridal stores torontoThe best bridal stores in Toronto stock wedding dresses galore as this city certainly provides an overwhelming selection of gorgeous gowns. Arguably the most important (or over-rated) outfit a woman can wear, a wedding dress can definitely cause a lot of stress and selecting one can be intense. Multiple fittings, an organza ocean of choice, and layers of silk, chiffon and emotion all come together in shaping the biggest dress-up day of all.

Breathe easy brides - I'm on your team. I've simplified the process by presenting a list of the best options for where to buy a wedding dress in Toronto - as voted by readers of this site.

Here are the 12 best bridal stores in Toronto.

Lowon Pope

Lowon Pope

Calling all goddesses - Lowon Pope has your gown. Specializing in bias-cut dresses from a range of eras, Lowon Pope’s creations are fashioned from antique lace and fluid silks. The cuts are classic, but expect innovation, too. Chanel’s “new” multi-purpose, detachable chiffon train? Lowon Pope has been making them for years. Made-to-measure start at $1800. More...

Becker's Bridal

Becker's Bridal

The oldest studio in town, Becker’s has been outfitting blushing brides since the 1940s. Having weathered post-war scarcity, polyester and the 80s, Becker’s staff knows how to get you through your big day in style. Dresses range from $700-$4500 at their main location, and average $750 at The Dressroom, their nearby second store. More...

Jealous Bridesmaids Bridal Studio

Jealous Bridesmaids Bridal Studio

Photos of happy brides grace the back rooms of this contemporary west-end shop. Knowledgeable staff can help select the perfect gown for a traditional, garden or destination wedding. Sample sales offer discounts up to 60%. Average gown is $1400. More...

Ritche Bridal

Ritche Bridal

With over 58 years in the business, staff at Ritche are some of the most experienced in town. Private rooms, personalized attention and moderately priced dresses in petite to plus sizes assure Ritche’s continued popularity. Average gowns run $1000-$2300. More...

Fashion Crimes

Fashion Crimes

Pam Chorley’s Fashion Crime’s is a fantasy treasure trove for grown-ups who still love to play dress-up. Already got your dress? Stop by Fashion Crimes and let friendly staff find you the perfect boa, broach and glorious headpiece. Bridal gowns range from $250-$5000. More...

White Toronto

White Toronto

Got $17,000 to drop on a dress? White’s has just the thing. But don’t fret, budget fashionistas - staff are amiable to all, and can recommend dresses starting at $400. Grand change-rooms with seats for friends and champagne toasts upon purchase keep the experience celebratory. Average gown $4,500-6,000. More...

Your White Dress Bridal Outlet

Your White Dress Bridal Outlet

What this Orfus Road outlet lacks in ambiance, it makes up in service and savings. All dresses in the enormous showroom retail for $299, no matter the original price tag. At this price point, it’s no wonder the outlet attracts brides from across the country. More...

Lea Ann Belter

Lea Ann Belter

From conception to completion, Lea Ann Belter’s custom gowns are a Toronto affair. The Queen East designer fashions light, romantic pieces with sumptuous details. Average gowns cost $2,000-$5,000. More...

RM Bridal

RM Bridal

Australian-raised Reva Mivasagar studied at London’s famed St. Martens College of Art before moving to New York. Recently arrived in Toronto, the designer offers incentives on his house-made creations. Order 8 months ahead and you can receive 20% off one of his silk or silk-wool designs. Off-the-rack is $1200+. Made-to-measure averages $1800-$3000+. More...

Nina Duong Haute Couture

Nina Duong Haute Couture

Nina Duong offers high-end gowns without attitude. The charming, third-generation designer fashions exquisite gowns to fit any frame. Size tens are the standard, but teeny tiny and plus size brides need not fret - Nina Duong has your dress. Look for sample sales in fall and winter. Custom-made gowns are $1500-$5000+ More...

Ferre Sposa

Ferre Sposa

Ferre Sposa carries big names like Alfred Sung, Lesposa, Sophia Tolli and Anjolique, but also creates custom dresses from their own line of pure silk tops and skirts. Relaxed salespeople and unlimited alterations ensure you leave with a dress you love. Clearance dresses from $299, special orders $600-$4000. More...

Dina Alonzi

Dina Alonzi

Princess brides, rejoice. Dina Alonzi’s high-service salon admits one-bride-at-a-time, ensuring you will always be the leading lady. Lush change rooms with double mirrors, Persian rugs and chaise lounges help you nestle into Alonzi’s enviable selection of luscious couture. Gowns are $2000+. More...

yippeee on November 8, 2009 at 5:54 PM

I had a horrible experience at Lowon Pope. I would not recommend them based on customer service alone. Bias cut is very unflattering to most body shapes. I ended up getting "the Dress" from Becker's Bridal. They were wonderful to deal with and were reasonably pricedl. Well as reasonably priced as a wedding dress could be.

Darcy McGee on November 8, 2009 at 7:01 PM

> Arguably the most important outfit a woman can wear,

Way to perpetuate the wedding as a vanity affair rather than what it is: a day about a commitment between two people.

I've never understood the need to spend 10s of thousands of dollars on weddings. It's just showing off.

Jenelle on November 8, 2009 at 8:28 PM

"Arguably the most important outfit a woman can wear"

For arguably the most important day of a woman's life.

Oi.

Darcy McGee on November 8, 2009 at 9:26 PM

Right. More important, no doubt, than...
- the birth of a child
- post-secondary institute graduation
- the death of a parent, or other close relative

it's just a day, and at some point it went from being a day about two people to being "the most important" day in a woman's life...the day she gives up her name in subservience to a man.

Ridiculous. The entire bridal industry is a scam that perpetuates the notion that a woman's value is measured, to a great extent, by the value of the clothes she wears and her physical appearance.

Mohammed on November 9, 2009 at 1:26 AM

Darcy, a scam in what manner? If that is the case shouldn't the BBB or some sort of govt regulators be notified? Just need to probably document how women are being coerced into buying overpriced/expensive clothes, jewelry, and accessories and by whom. Women need to be freed from these oppressive shackles but it's not going to happen overnight.

Alex on November 9, 2009 at 4:12 AM

how can you say that Darcy? OMG ! how can you say that that day is more important than birth to a child ? ! ?!?! !?!!
i thing you are sick !
and btw... those wedding gowns look cute... but WAY TO expensive

Kristina Robinson (soon-to-be Smith!!!) on November 9, 2009 at 8:31 AM

second most important day is the BRIDAL SHOWER!!!

AM I RIGHT GIRLS?!!?!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Jennifer on November 9, 2009 at 9:40 AM

Although I completely agree with the above posters as to the absurdity of the cost that people will spend on dresses, it can't be argued that the majority of women choose to wear wedding dresses on the day of marriage - so the round up of boutiques is most definitely appropriate. The above selection is definitely not for everyone, with many brides I know going to places like Windsor bridal (as an example) less service (to NO service at all) but the prices may be more reasonable.

I personally have had experience with Ritche Bridal, and my experience was terrific. My dress was WELL below the $1,000.

Kristen on November 9, 2009 at 12:02 PM

What woman doesn't want to wear a gorgeous white dress on her wedding day? Bitter old hags, that's who.

wedding-dresses on November 9, 2009 at 5:15 PM

Lol, love the sarcasm in the above comments! :)
Although, I don't think women need to blow thousands of dollars for a dress they'll most like wear only once. I do think that in general it will be one of the most photographed days so I think some forethought is important.

Kim on November 9, 2009 at 5:33 PM

For brides looking to save money and to help a good cause- I highly recommend buying a dress at The Bride's Project. They sell gently used dresses that brides have donated- and the proceeds go to cancer charities. It's located in an old victorian house in Riverdale and the staff gives you a great shopping experience. I got my dress there and it was beautiful (and I spent less than $500!).
Don't feel obligated to participate in the bridal industrial complex- there are ways to save money and do things beautifully for every aspect of a wedding! Be creative and have a day that is meaningful to you!

Cat on November 9, 2009 at 5:41 PM

Becker's Bridal is not deserving to be on a 'top' list, unless that is they've polished up on their customer service skills.
A consultant at the shop had the nerve to ask me why I found it necessary to be shopping for my bridal dress a year out from my wedding date. Verbatim. What's worse is the store manager lacked the golden rule of customer service and defended her actions.

Jessica on November 10, 2009 at 10:26 AM

I think everyone who was upset by "Arguably the most important outfit a woman can wear" need to loosen up a bit. Let people have their fun and stop raining on their wedding day! Obviously a wedding is not nearly as important as other major life events like the birth of a child, but it is pretty important in relation to what that person may have experienced thus far in their life. Brides - have your fun and don't let people get you down! Spend what you want, do what you want... just make yourself happy! Its the beginning of a very important chapter in your life - celebrate and do what feels right to you. If you want to spend $50 on a dress, go for it! 15,000... go for it! Do what you want in your life... don't worry about what other people have to say about it.

Gloria on November 12, 2009 at 2:00 PM , replying to a comment from Kim

My mom knows someone who works on The Bride's Project. Definitely a good cause and it benefits all.

Count me in as someone who thinks the wedding industry is a giant money suckhole. I would definitely be delirious with happiness for a friend getting married, because it's a joyous occasion after all, but I think a lot of people hold a misplaced amount of value on it.

Noelle on November 14, 2009 at 10:03 PM

I still seethe with anger walking past Lowon Pope. I went there with my maid of honour, looking to purchase a wedding dress, and the staff were unbelievably rude to me. Just INCREDIBLY rude. I don't know how they are still in business.

jim pope on November 16, 2009 at 5:33 PM , replying to a comment from Noelle

Hi Noelle , my wife Lana and I just read your comment and we where very upset. Yes we have been in business for over 20 years . Just a very small business my wife and I one seamstress and one sales girl. I don't know what happened that day or who served you in the store but I would like to apologize for the treatment you received we like to think we have stayed in business as long as we have because we are small and friendly and give an alternative look and a relaxed service.
thanks
Jim Pope and Lana Lowon
Lowon Pope

Sam Obeid on November 19, 2009 at 12:55 PM

My wife bought her dress at Beckers and was quite happy.

Nicole L on November 19, 2009 at 9:36 PM

I highly recommend Lowon Pope!!!
Lowon Pope is definitely the place to go if you want a beautiful, stunning goddess-inspired gown and honest, friendly and knowledgeable customer service. I bought my wedding dress there and it is absolutely gorgeous! This is a gem of a place for finding the perfect gown -- be it for a wedding or a special event.

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