Wedding Dress - Stores

I want to get into the nitty gritty about the actual STORES and their shopping experience in the GTA. The first thing I did was literally google “wedding dress stores near me” because I didn’t know what else to do, and also had no idea what I was getting myself into. Then I started asking around, and then I started going and now I have basically complied a list of stores in the GTA. In total I went to 6 (!!!) stores, so without further ado, here is where I went to and my opinions of them:

• Kleinfeld (Toronto) 
  Basically your dream dress store, with a huge selection of dresses: lots of styles, designers, etc. COVID protocols - limited number of people with you (I had 2), everyone was in a separate room and you were the only ones allowed in the parlour full of dresses at a time. Also no music was playing?
  My opinion: the lady who I was with was really nice and gave me some great insight that really helped. I got a got idea of what styles I like but after looking at more stores, I realized that you can get the same dresses for less money elsewhere. However this store has a major reputation to uphold so I doubt there would be an issue with it.
  

• Blushing Bridal Boutique (Mississauga) 

  Super small boutique in an industrial unit area. They had a few designers that they carried, it was very stylish and cute. COVID protocols - they made me email them beforehand to try on only 3 dresses (I got them to let me do 2 more, but it was a bit of a beg/plead situation), you have to take your shoes off, and they did one appointment at a time that were 1 hour.
  My opinion: I wasn’t overly impressed by it, I also was annoyed that you had to pay (!?) if you wanted to come in for a second appointment, which they assured me would go to my dress if I bought it there… ok.
  

• Becker’s Bridal (Toronto) 

  They’re the oldest bridal Boutique in Canada and are so cute and quaint. They have big windows which let in a lot of natural light. Definitely was very bridal-esque. They carried a fairly large collection of designers, including their own! COVID protocols - we had the whole place to ourselves and was the only appointment.
  My opinion: I found the dresses a bit more simple, whereas I needed a it more pizzazz. The lady who helped us was great and very informative.
  

• Mona Richie (Woodbridge) 
  It is a two level story, with the bottom having evening dresses, and the upstairs was the bridal section. They have a lot of designer options too! COVID protocols - called to book an appointment, we were the only ones there, and you have to take your shoes off.
  My opinion: I really liked them because they had a LOT lot lot of selection and I tried on as many dresses as I wanted, but overall everyone seemed a bit pushy to buy a dress which turned me off.
  

• Mariana’s Bridal Boutique (Woodbridge) 
  This is two doors down from Mona Richie, it’s a smaller boutique vibe store with just a store one level. COVID protocols - honestly unsure, I honestly walked in and they happened to be available but there was other people there while I was trying stuff on.
  My opinion: it had a lot of cool dresses, it’s more boutique as said in the name, the lady was nice and it was a very laid back experience.
  

• The Modern Bride (Guelph)
  This is where I bought my dress!!!! It was absolutely stunning, basically a cross from your dream store and loft apartment that you want to move into. All the rooms are super big and spacious with tons of natural light. There is a veryyyy steep set of stairs to get to the salon as a heads up. The first part of the appointment you go to a big room full of dresses and pick out the ones you like, and then back to the room to try them on. COVID protocols - you have to remove your shoes (they advise you to bring slippers), and wash your hands.
  My opinion: the owner Jess is fantastic, and if it wasn’t obvious I overall had a really positive experience.
  

I’ve also heard great things about:  

• Amanda Lina’s (Woodbridge) - where they filmed say yes to the dress Canada!

• Sash & Bustle (Toronto) - multiple people on Instagram suggested going here.

• Superior Bridal (Markham) - I’ve heard of a ton of people getting their dresses here.
  

If you have a higher budget I’ve also heard great things about..

• White (Yorkville)

• Powder (Toronto)
  

Others not listed that I know nothing about…

• Avenue 22 (York)

• Camilla (North York)

• Pearl Bridal House (Mississauga)

• Ferre Sposa (Toronto)

• Oh Happy Brides (Toronto)

• Felichia Bridal (Toronto)

• Love Island (Toronto)