Where To Shop For The Perfect Wedding Dress in Austin, Texas
One of the biggest challenges to finding the perfect wedding dress in knowing where to start. Bridal boutiques are as varied in price point, style and aesthetic as any other boutique, so it can be hard to find the one that's right for you and your style.
Luckily, I'm doing the legwork for ya.
Check out my top 5 picks of where to shop for your wedding dress. No matter your style or age, you're sure to find something at one of these gems that will make you feel beautiful on your big day.
BLUSH BRIDAL LOUNGE
Walking into this store is like walking into a bridal fantasy. It's simple stunning -- wall-to-wall dresses that create a collection unmatched by any other shop in Austin. Designers include the best in bridal such as Martina Liana, Enzoani, Eddy K, Elizabeth Dye, Lotus Threads, Carmen Marc Valvo and Mikaella Bridal.
If you get the chance to work with Kristen or Erica, you are a lucky gal, because no one knows bridal like these two, which is very helpful when you've never been shopping for a wedding dress before.
Blush Bridal Lounge is closed Sundays and Mondays, and by appointment only, so make sure to give them a call ahead of time to book at (512) 407-9236.
THIS SHOP IS GOOD FOR YOU IF:
You want a luxurious bridal shopping experience
Price point isn't much of a factor in choosing your dress
You want the latest trends in bridal fashion
You want to customize the dress to your liking (often times their dresses can be ordered in a different color than is featured in store)
KIRA KOUTURE
This isn't exactly a shop, but rather a custom bridal designer who is absolutely amazing at her work! While I didn't go custom, I worked with Kira to alter many parts of my dress: the bottom, top and back.
While some were for function (the bottom was too long) and some for fashion's sake (I brought down the top to give it a sexier look), she nailed all the tasks I put in her hands.
Kira has also made custom dresses for friends of mine, which have turned out beautifully. She is beyond creative, which means she'll help you explore what you want in a dress, so your vision comes to life through a dress that's perfect for you in every way.
Custom dresses start at $1500, but honestly, that's pretty modest in the bridal world, so if you're looking to dabble in design, head to Kira!
THIS SHOP IS GOOD FOR YOU IF:
You have a very specific idea of what you want for your dress
You looked and looked and can't find the perfect dress
You have vision when it comes to your style
You want a dress that unique to you and only you
BLOOM BY BLUSH
This boutique is exclusively for plus-size brides, which to say the very least, is amazing! Erica, the owner at Blush Bridal Lounge, also owns Bloom, so it's located in the same spot as Blush.
One of the biggest issues with bridal shopping is that if you are plus-size, you often only get to hold up the samples to see how they might look, rather than try them on. This can make for a very disappointing shopping trip, but with Bloom, they have a plethora of dresses to try, so you can have a clear idea of how stunning you'll look on your big day.
Designers like Stella York, Allure, Ashley & Justin, Callista Couture, Da Vinci, Hayley Paige and Moonlight Couture grace the walls of Bloom leaving you with so many beautiful, fashion-forward gowns to order from.
THIS SHOP IS GOOD FOR YOU IF:
You're between a size 16 and 26
You're looking to try on the dress of your dreams
You're looking for a designer gown that won't necessarily break the bank
You want a glamorous bridal shopping experience
NEIMAN MARCUS
Now just hear me out on this one...
If you're a bride who's been married before or your wedding plans include escaping to Tulum or getting married in a chapel in Vegas, you may not want to go the traditional route.
Each woman's vision is different, which is why it's important to think outside of the box with where you shop for your wedding dress.
Neiman Marcus has a stellar collection of long and short cocktail dresses, and since it's spring, the colors out right now are light, bright and feminine -- perfect for an off the grid wedding.
And one more thing...
White is big this spring -- like HUGE! So if you still want to stick to white, but are looking for a short, less-formal wedding dress, this is also a great spot to stop into for a look.
No appointment necessary.
THIS SHOP IS GOOD FOR YOU IF:
You don't want a white wedding dress
You want a short wedding dress
You want something no one attending your wedding will expect
You want an off-the-rack gown
SECOND SUMMER BRIDE
This is where I got my dress, so I'm probably a bit biased, but honestly, Second Summer Bride is amazing! The shopping experience they provide is unmatched by any other boutique (bridal or not), I've ever been in to in my whole life.
The women who works there are knowledgable, caring and genuinely listen to what you want, so that the dress you end up with makes you feel like a million bucks.
The great thing about Second Summer Bride is that it's a bridal consignment shop, so the dresses are off the rack. You pick your dress, you pay for it, and you take it with you that same day.
A small percentage of the dresses are consigned by brides, but most of them come directly from the designer (overstock) or they're samples from larger bridal boutiques.
Because it's a consignment shop, you're able to get dresses from some of the best designers in the bridal industry such as Hayley Paige, Justin Alexander, Lela Rose, Sally Eagle, Enaura, Val Stefanie and Jenny Packham.
Second Summer is by appointment only and closed Sundays and Monday. To book, call them at (512) 419-9001, make sure to tell them Raquel sent you and ask to work Kara. You can thank me later. :)
THIS SHOP IS GOOD FOR YOU IF:
You don't have a ton to spend on a dress (dresses start at $500)
You don't have a clear idea of what you want and are open to exploring
You don't mind a dress that's been worn before
You like the satisfaction of walking out of the store with your dress in hand
