Nicole Miller in Manayunk. Photo by Courtney Apple.
You’ve got the guy. You’ve got the ring. Next up: the dress. From Center City to the Main Line and South Jersey, the Philadelphia area is brimming with beautiful bridal salons filled with beautiful dresses—and knowledgeable, helpful staff who really care about finding you “the one” when it comes to your gown. (And when you do, some of them will even tear up right there with your mom!) Not sure where to start? We are. Right here.
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Philly Bride (formerly Bridals by Danielle) 203 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, 215-670-9500
From owner Danielle Adrian: With more than 20 years in the business, Adrian and her staff want nothing more than to find you the perfect dress and ship you off to your happily-ever-after. “We make sure we offer a special, personal, loving service in a relaxed atmosphere,” she says. “We really love what we’re doing, want you to know that we appreciate you, and want to find the most beautiful dress for you.” Find designers like: Lazaro, Anne Barge, Alvina Valenta and Jim Hjelm. Appointments only; on-site alterations. Tip: Make a day of it! Thirteenth Street is one of CenterCity’s main drags, packed with options for lunch and shops you’ll want to spend all day in. {Ed note: Update: The shop is now owned by Lynn Handel, and called Philly Bride.}
The Wedding Pavilion at Van Cleve 72 East Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, 610-647-5085
From owner Deborah Phelps: “Whether you’re traditional, extravagant or destination, we have a dress for every bride,” she says. Her staff prides itself on attention to detail and accommodating whatever your specific needs may be. Find designers like: Pronovias Barcelona, Paloma Blanca, Watters, and Matthew Christopher. Appointments only; on-site alterations. Tip: Bring all your ladies with you—between the Pavilion and next-door Van Cleve, you can outfit your bridesmaids, your mom, his mom and the flower girls with dresses, shoes and accessories.
The Wedding Shoppe 503 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, 610-293-1299
From owner Pattie Lamantia: Her girl is the sophisticated, professional, metropolitan bride, she says—and she believes it’s the customer service as well as the selection that has made her business continue to grow. (She recommends a weekday appointment, to avoid a packed house.) “My goal is to make the bride’s dream become a reality. We really care—it’s important to me that you are happy.” Find designers like: Monique Lhuillier, Romona Keveza, Jenny Packham and Peter Langner. Appointments only; on-site alterations. Tip: While the salon is a one-stop shop for your Big Day look (you can get your veil, shoes, jewelry and headpiece here), Eagle Village Shops is full of other potential wedding vendors. While you’re here, check out Valley Forge Flowers, the Little House Shop, Brian M. Smaul Ltd. Jewelry, the Village Salon, Georges Perrier’s Georges’ and more.
Sabrina Ann Once Worn & Never Worn Bridal 24 Ardmore Avenue, Ardmore, 610-642-6228
From owner Sabrina Sigler: When Sigler set out to open a high-end bridal consignment shop, she had a specific bride in mind: “We’re for the woman who likes quality but knows she doesn’t have to pay the higher ticket for it,” she says. “There is no sacrifice here.” Gowns are samples, or have been worn once or never at all; all of them are under two years old, and in both excellent condition and the current fashion. Sigler also thinks it’s important to let brides browse a bit on their own: “We’re not aggressive—we’re friendly, we’re shop-able.” Find designers like: Inventory varies constantly, but you can often find popular styles from now-closed Priscilla of Boston designers, Pronovias, J.Crew, Liancarlo and Rivini. Walk-in browsing is welcome, but appointments are preferred for trying-on; they’ll recommend a seamstress. Tip: Ask about their new wedding-day coordination services, in which a staffer can be on hand the day-of to help with everything from fluffing your dress and assisting the bridesmaids to directing guests and any other bridal odds and ends.
The Sample Rack 918 Pine Street, Philadelphia, 215-925-2997
From co-owner Jim Whittaker: At his shop—which started out as a well-kept secret housed above a South Street restaurant—the gowns have either been worn on the runway or tried on by other brides, but never owned. They’re priced between $200 and $1,000 (original prices range from $1,000 to $5,000), and sizes go from 4 to the 20s. “We’re for the girl who likes high-end fashion—but loves to find a bargain,” he says. Find designers like: Enzoani, Maggie Sottero, Jasmine Couture and Pronovias. Appointments only; they’ll recommend a seamstress. Tip: Whittaker recommends coming into his shop having already tried on some dresses and prepared to be serious about making a purchase: “If you go home and think about the dress and come back in a few days to buy it, a lot of times it may be sold already.”
Toast Bridal 361 York Road, Willow Grove, 267-690-9328
From manager Angela Caruso: The Toast bride is working with a budget, says Caruso, but doesn’t want to sacrifice knowledgeable service and personal attention. Her consultants are trained to make suggestions based on what they’ve seen look great on your body type. “They keep in mind that some dresses are designed to look good on the hanger,” she says, “and some are designed to look good on the body.” Find designers like: Every wedding dress in the store is a private label designed for Toast. Appointments only; they’ll recommend a seamstress. Tip: You and your group get the entire salon to yourselves for your appointment, and because every dress is designed exclusively for the salon, you won’t find these styles anywhere else.
Unveiled 200 West Washington Square, Suite 250, Philadelphia, 267-216-6339
From owner Frannie Erace: Providing brides the freedom and access to find the perfect gown is the goal at this second-story boutique. “I want to give the bride an exemplary experience, something that she is not used to,” Erace says. “I want to give her impeccable service.” She’s also all about the jewelry and accessories (including custom veils!), stocking brands from around the world, including popular London-based line Halo & Company, which is a huge seller. Find designers like: CocoAnaïs, Katerina Bocci, Angel Rivera and Val Stefani. Appointments only; they’ll recommend a seamstress. Tip: Not only do you and your shopping party get the entire salon to yourselves for two hours for your appointment—there’s a full-length runway coming out of the dressing room, so you can feel how the dress moves and see it from all angles.
Elizabeth Johns 46 St. James Place, Ardmore, 610-649-8100
From owner Melinda Ladyzinski: After encountering lackluster sales help during her daughter’s hunt for her gown, Ladyzinski opened this salon with the goal of being a breath of fresh air for shopping brides, and creating a memorable experience for them. “The dresses are beautifully displayed, the consultants are very knowledgeable and patient, and we have little goodies such as champagne, a robe to wear between gowns, and the gift of a garter of your choice when you buy a gown,” she says. They’ll even offer you an image consultant to help you with outfits for your rehearsal dinner or honeymoon. Find designers like: Marchesa, Carolina Herrera, Manual Mota and Liancarlo. Appointments only; alterations on-site. Tip: Ladyzinski believes you’ll get the most out of your shopping experience if you’ve done your homework before coming in. “I think brides do better when they know what they like, have seen a lot of dresses and know the price points,” she says. “But don’t come into any store with something in your mind and rigidly adhere to that. Come in with an open mind and let your consultant guide you.”
The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom 190 North Gulph Road, King of Prussia, 610-265-6111
From manager Samantha Barth: This well-loved department store has been in the bridal business for two years as it’s been growing a younger clientele, and it brings the same great customer service it’s known for to the “fashionable yet traditional” brides looking to find dresses here. “We are here to wow her,” says Barth, “to let her be carefree, have fun, and think outside the box.” Find designers like: Vera Wang, Jenny Yoo, Nouvelle Amsale and Kelly Faetanini. Appointments only; alterations on-site. Tip: When you purchase a wedding dress, you get to work with a Nordstrom stylist free of charge. She’ll not only help you put together your entire wedding-day look, from shoes to that new strapless bra; she can also gather some fabulous new pieces for the honeymoon or rehearsal dinner.
Nicole Bridal & Formal Shoppe 261 Old York Road, Jenkintown, 215-886-2333
From owner Marina Albert: Albert’s mother, Nicole, opened the shop nearly 40 years ago, and now the duo work alongside each other, helping fashion-forward, modern brides find their dream gowns. “My mother and I are very hands-on, making sure you are completely satisfied,” Albert says. “Dress shopping should not be stressful—you already did the hard part of finding the groom!” Find designers like: Claire Pettibone, St. Pucchi, Ian Stuart and Eugenia. Appointments only; alterations on-site. Tip: On top of seamstresses who can customize any gown for you by adding straps or creating sleeves, the salon offers day-of services: Marina will bring the gown to you on the morning of your wedding, dress you, hang around for photos, and then fluff your gown up just as you walk down the aisle.
Bridal Garden 900 Route 70 West, Marlton, 856-988-8188
From owner Nancy Saccomanno: Saccomanno opened the shop nearly 25 years ago with the goal of becoming the premier bridal salon in Burlington County. “All of our consultants are seasoned veterans in the wedding biz, specializing in wedding designers and styles,” she says. “It allows us to give the bride exactly what she’s looking for. We have the best service.” Find designers like: Amsale, Monique Lhuillier, Kenneth Pool and Ulla-Maija. Appointments only; alterations on-site. Tip: This is one of the few showroom bridal salons in the area; instead of you browsing, consultants bring gowns to you in a private dressing room. So Saccomanno recommends brides do their homework before their appointments when it comes to both style and budget.
Jay West 151 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, 856-795-0424
From owner Sue Maslowski: Maslowski’s mother opened the shop 45 years ago, and because it gradually became so popular with sophisticated, though less formal, second-time brides, they’ve continued to be her focus. “Second-time weddings are just as important as the first time,” she says, adding that many of them are destination. She prides herself on customer service and her ultra-experienced staff, many of whom have been around for years. Find designers like: Casablanca, Allure, Justin Alexander and Essense of Australia. Appointments preferred; alterations on-site. Tip: This stretch of Kings Highway East is bustling with shops, restaurants and other wedding vendors, from registry and invitation boutiques to florists and photographers, so be sure to set aside time to stroll, browse and chat.
Bijou Bridal 102 East Montgomery Avenue, Ardmore, 610-642-3888
From owner Julie Jou: Jou, who has a background in fashion and formalwear, gets that what gown you’ll wear on your wedding day is a huge decision. “We really want the bride to feel at home when she’s shopping. We want to be her friend, because we understand that this can be overwhelming,” she says. “It’s not every day you wear a wedding dress!” Find designers like: Romona Keveza, Maggie Sotero, Justin Alexander and Stephen Yearick. Appointments preferred; alterations on-site. Tip: Give yourself some time here: The 10,000-square-foot-plus salon also carries bridesmaids’ dresses, eveningwear, mother-of-the-bride gowns and oodles of accessories.
Philadelphia Bridal Company Bridal Loft 1218 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, 267-239-5443
From owner Debra Butler: “Brides shop here because they want that luxury fashion, but not the price tag. The designers and styles I carry are unique in the Philadelphia area.” You can also find shoes and accessories—including furs for a winter wedding. Find designers like: Winnie Couture, Paloma Bianca, Tara Keely and CocoAnaïs. Appointments only; on-site alterations. Tip: At your appointment, you and your viewing party will get the entire salon to yourselves, giving you one-on-one service to assure you’re taken care of. Book one up to 24 hours in advance using the Little Dress Book app on the shop’s website. {Ed note: Update: The shop is now owned by Ashley Corbett, and called Philadelphia Bridal Company.}
Country Way Bridal 200 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, 856-745-9005
From owner Yvonne Baird: Opening a bridal salon was a dream come true for Baird, and she prides herself on carrying a wide range of gowns when it comes to prices, body shapes and styles, to accommodate anything a bride might be seeking: “Some girls come in and say they want to look like Barbie on their wedding day—we can do that!” They’ve also got veils, belts, headpieces and jewelry, plus mother-of-the-bride, junior bridesmaid and flower-girl dresses. Find designers like: Mori Lee, Marisa, Jim Hjelm and Enzoani. Tip: Brides and their parties are invited to bring along champagne to their appointment, and because the salon is across the street from Jay West Bridal along bustling and filled-with-shops Kings Highway East, you can make a day of your dress-shopping outing.
La Bella Moda 200 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, 610-825-6385
From owner Lena Pagano: Originally from Italy, Pagano studied fashion and always dreamed of opening a bridal salon—in 1981, when she came to America, she finally did. She carries gowns for ’maids, moms and flower girls, too, and always encourages brides to keep an open mind when they start their search. Find designers like: Lazaro, Elie Saab, Alvina Valenta and Marisa. Appointments only; alterations on-site. Tip: Everyone on staff has a fashion degree from Philadelphia University, meaning they’re extremely knowledgeable when it comes to helping the bride in her choices of style, silhouette and fabric.
Nicole Miller 200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215 -546 -5007, and 4249 Main Street, Manayunk, 215 -930-0307
From owner Mary Dougherty: “The Nicole Miller Philadelphia stores project a unique sense of character and individuality that gives shoppers a reason to keep coming back,” Dougherty says, adding that the NM bride is probably going to be one who loves fashion, doesn’t need all the bells and whistles, and is perhaps looking for an outdoor-wedding or destination gown at a price that doesn’t top $3,000. Find: Nicole Miller wedding and evening gowns and bridesmaid dresses—plus jewelry from Nicole Romano and Courtney Lee. Appointments suggested; on-site alterations at the Center City location. Tip: The shop’s Center City location is nestled in the Shops at the Bellevue right along Walnut Street, where you and your ladies can make a day of shopping. The Manayunk location has a section on its second floor dedicated to bridal.
This article originally appeared in the fall/winter 2013 issue of Philadelphia Wedding. Lovely Bride photos by Love Me Do Photography. All other bridal salon photos by Courtney Apple.
And, there have been a few additions to the Philly bridal-salon scene since the above issue hit the stands; below is a list of those fabulous shops:
Lovely Bride 237 Market Street, Philadelphia, 215- 627-1800 Owner Ivy Kaplin darling shop opened in the summer of 2013.
The Wedding Factor 114 North 21st Street, Philadelphia, 67-861-0409 Philly wedding planner Kathy Bado opened the exclusive salon for Berta Bridal dresses in the summer of 2013.
Carolyn Verdi Boutique 1746 East Passyunk, 215-925-2997 The veteran wedding planner opened her one-stop shop in the fall of 2013.
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RELATED: Local Bridal Guide: Shop at These 8 Philadelphia Lingerie Boutiques for Your Wedding & Honeymoon
For more tips, advice, and help, on finding your wedding dress, go here.
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The post Local Bridal Guide: Find Your Wedding Dress at One of These 20 Amazing Philadelphia-Area Bridal Salons appeared first on Philadelphia Magazine.