Whether your big day is on the horizon or you’re just browsing for fun, the GTA has no shortage of one of a kind gowns regardless of your style. From over-the-top bedazzled beauties at Queen West’s Original to bohemian gowns at Ossington’s Loversland, there’s no shortage of selections for Toronto’s brides-to-be.
Loversland
If your wedding daydreams involve a little less church and a little more beach, then Loversland is the place for you. The one-stop shop for all you lovers out there, Ossington’s Loversland carries everything from stunning gowns and cards to men’s fragrances. Their dress selection is full of relaxed, bohemian labels like Stone Fox Bride, & For Love, and A La Robe, as well as larger gown labels like Nicole Miller. They also stock Canadian-made labels Fortnight and cult-label For Love and Lemons for all your oh-so-lacy lingerie needs.
Cabaret Vintage
Cabaret vintage has been a west-end mainstay for twenty years, becoming a mecca for high-end vintage pieces, gowns, coats and accessories. Their brick-and-mortar boasts a variety of impeccable wedding dresses from the 1920s and beyond with prices ranging from $350-900. Although they recently shut the doors on their Queen Street location, they’re still offering up one-of-a-kind gowns via their online store or by appointment. In addition to Cabaret’s impressive vintage offerings, they also offer up their in-house line Cabaret Collections – a line of more contemporary gowns with a vintage flair. Dotted throughout their inventory is a treasure trove of accessories, from 1920s beaded clutches to silken ruffled garters. Bonus: pre-loved pieces are a perfect way to check a ‘something old’ off your list.
Original
True to name, you will not find another store like Original. From princess tulle gowns in neon green to shorter feathered gowns, Original is a fiesta of a gown shop. The top floor of the two floor Queen West boutique is packed to the brim with over-the-top gowns, including frocks in every hue (something blue, perhaps?) and hem length under the sun for those girls looking for a switch up on the traditional floor-length cream gown. Bring a pal – the massive (we mean massive) selection takes some serious sifting. Dresses start at $200 and go upwards (way upwards!) from there, so there’s a little something for every budget.
The Brides Project
Started in 2004, the Brides Project’s mantra is to provide gorgeous gowns at budget-friendly prices while giving back to the community. Every dollar from the project goes towards women suffering from cancer, so the locations are run by a passionate team of volunteers. Because all wedding dresses are pre-worn, you can easily score a high-budget gown or one of last season’s gems for a fraction of the regular retail cost. Note that all dresses are sold off the rack, so any alterations will have to be made elsewhere.
Sash & Bustle
Sash & Bustle’s Queen East outpost has a perfectly curated selection of hard-to-find modern designers, including Alexandra Grecco, Saja Wedding, and Blush by Hayley Paige. Owner Cynthia Martin has a strong focus on customer experience – only one bride at a time is allowed in the shop so the team can focus on finding your perfect dress. Gowns begin at $1600 and top out at $5000.
Did we miss any Toronto stores on our list of the best places to shop for an unconventional bride?
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Featured image via @loversland
Calling all brides-to-be: there’s a big wedding gown sample sale happening in Toronto, and if you haven’t gotten your dress yet, this is where to score it for a huge deal!
Ferre Sposa, a bridal boutique located on Bloor St. West in Toronto, is hosting their annual sample sale for two days from Saturday, September 16 to Sunday, September 17. There will be over 300 gowns and accessories to shop, marked down up to 90% off. Dresses start at just $200, veils at $50, and everything will be marked down a minimum of 50% off.
If you’ve been eyeing a certain designer, you might be able to find it at Ferre Sposa! The boutique’s sale will feature coveted bridal labels like Pronovias, Allure Bridal, Jim Hjelm, Paloma Blanca, Madison James, Mikaella Bridal, Maggie Sottero, Sottero & Midgley, Kenneth Winston and more.
But of course, like all sample sales, sizes and styles are limited, so it’s best to act fast. The sale will stock sizes 4 to 10, as well as plus size wedding gowns in sizes 14 to 18.
If you’re the type that needs tons of time and advice from family and friends, this sale is probably not for you. Each bride-to-be is limited to 30 minutes of shopping, and with only a few changing rooms and limited space, large parties are not recommended.
According to the retailer’s Facebook event, Saturday will be the busier day, but the retailer will be restocking gowns on Sunday. Preview some of the dresses available below, and be sure to join the Facebook event for more updates and sneak peeks.
What: Ferre Sposa Sample Sale
Where: 934 Bloor St. West, Toronto
When: Sat. Sept. 16 (10am to 5pm) & Sun. Sept. 17 (10am-4pm)
Details: Cash, Visa, MasterCard & Debit Accepted. All sales final. No holds.
Image: Facebook/Ferre Sposa
Image: Facebook/Ferre Sposa
Image: Facebook/Ferre Sposa
Get full details about the Ferre Sposa Sample Sale here.
Featured Image: Facebook/Ferre Sposa
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It’s no secret that getting married is expensive. With venue, food, clothing, hair, makeup, decor and more, costs can add up quickly. And on the flip side of things, once you’ve actually had your wedding, you’re left with all the little trinkets that made your wedding what it was. Those trinkets are too nice to toss and cost too much to just donate, so what are brides-to-be and the newly wed to do?
Check out Original Bridal Swap Toronto!
The one-day event is happening this month on Sunday, March 26th at Lithuanian House in Toronto’s west end and is bringing together brides past and to be. The Bridal Swap will feature gently used dresses and decor at super affordable prices.
Tickets are $12 for general admission or $18 for early access. Get full event details on their Facebook page here.
Will you attend the Original Bridal Swap Toronto?
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