Our national directory of editor-vetted and -approved wedding dress retailers is here.
Published on May 07, 2025 10:20AM
If there’s one question our editors get asked time and time again, it’s this: Where should I shop for a wedding dress? Until now, it’s been hard for us to answer this query. There are countless bridal salons across the country for soon-to-be brides to visit, but finding the one that will have that perfect-for-her dress isn't easy. The solution: BRIDES Top Tier Bridal Salons, our national directory of editor-vetted and -approved wedding dress retailers.
Are we missing a salon in your city or state? Our directory is still growing! Encourage your favorite salon to apply today. Want to know how your own store can get involved? Email our editors at [email protected] to learn more.
Bridal Salon of the Week
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Julietta Bridal
Located in Sun Valley, Julietta Bridal offers brides-to-be a wedding-dress shopping experience where they'll never feel rushed, pressured, or uncomfortable. With gowns from 9 different designers, private appointments, in-house tailoring, and a variety of accessories and pre- and post-wedding outfits, this salon should be on your must-visit list.
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Wide Selection of Plus-Size Dresses
Things to Consider
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Do you think our readers need to know about your salon? We want to hear from you! Email the editors at BRIDES at [email protected] to learn about the program and submit your salon for consideration.
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In general, it's best to begin your wedding-dress shopping journey about a year before the big day; you'll want to make your final purchase at least nine months out from the wedding. If you have less time than that, don't fret: Most salons can accomodate rush orders (but know that placing an order with a tight turnaround will likely incur additional fees) or offer off-the-rack options. As you start shopping, be clear about your wedding date. Your salon knows which gowns arrive faster than others, and they can guide you towards looks that fit your aesthetic and your timeline.
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Ultimately, this is up to you. Some women find "the one" in the very first dress they try on while others need to test a variety of different options before feeling confident in their decision. It's best not to try on too many different looks, though. This can cause confusion and make it even harder to come to select your gown; many of our Top Tier Bridal Salon owners recommend stopping while you're ahead.
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Like most things with weddings, the cost of a bridal gown can range dramatically from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. In the United States, the average cost of a wedding dress falls somewhere between $1,800 and $2,400; that's just an average, though. Consider your overarching wedding budget to figure out how much you have to spend on your gown, then be honest about your top-line number as you start shopping. This will ensure you're looking at wedding dresses you can realistically afford.
