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Where to Buy a Wedding Dress in the Philadelphia Area

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Image credit: Elizabeth Johns/Instagram

We're kicking off Weddings Week 2014 with the most important component of any wedding, second only to the vows: the dress. Cost per wear, this is likely the single most expensive item of clothing you'll ever purchase, which is why you'll want to be sure that it'll really put asses in their seats—after they rise to see you walk down the aisle, of course.

Whether you're in search of something beaded, boho, lacy, traditional, or some combo of the above, we've mapped out the Philly area's 11 best bridal boutiques, all of which can have you looking and feeling like a million bucks for your big day.


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Elizabeth Johns

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Elizabeth Johns fills the space formerly occupied by Priscilla of Boston in Ardmore's Suburban Square. If you're in search of a fresh-off-the-runway gown from the likes of Marchesa, Lela Rose, Elie Saab, and Carolina Herrera, this boutique is a good place to start.
[Image credit: Elizabeth Johns/Instagram]

Lovely Bride Philly

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With more DIY charm than you can shake a peony at, Old City's Lovely Bride fills its racks with ethereal gowns from hard-to-find designers like Anna Campbell, Elizabeth Dye, and Leanne Marshall. Some gowns for sale here are exclusive to Lovely Bride. Tip: Ask for Ivy as your sales consultant.
[Image credit: Lovely Bride/Facebook]

Nicole Miller Philadelphia

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If frou-frou gowns with gratuitous ornamentation make you cringe, Nicole Miller's classic, architectural gowns are for you. Make an appointment at the designer's boutique at The Bellevue or out in Manayunk.
[Image credit: Nicole Miller]

The Sample Rack

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Sample bridal gowns at The Sample Rack enjoyed a glamorous past life on the runway or on a photo shoot. Translation: You can score an authentic designer gown at a fraction of its original price.
[Image credit: The Sample Rack/Facebook]

Bijou Bridal

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Watters, Cristiano Lucci, and Martina Liana are just a few of the bridal designers on offer at this sizable (10,000 square feet!) special occasion shop in Ardmore.
[Image credit: Bijou Bridal/Facebook]

Sabrina Ann Once Worn and Never Worn Bridal

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You'll be surprised by how many gowns are on display at this cozy 10-year-old bridal boutique in Ardmore. Gowns on consignment are the draw here, so the inventory is ever-changing, but you can always snag a gown at a deep, deep discount. Tip: Don't bring a posse along to shop here, and don't expect a lot of elbow room in the dressing rooms.
[Image credit: Sabrina Ann]

Alfred Angelo Cherry Hill

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For the bride on a budget, Alfred Angelo's gowns begin at just $400, with no gown over $2,400. True, the dresses are now made in China, but the Alfred Angelo brand got its start right here in Philly. The more you know.
[Image credit: Alfred Angelo/Facebook]

The Wedding Shoppe

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Tucked within Wayne's Eagle Village Shops, The Wedding Shoppe is the only bridal boutique in the area to carry gowns from London designer (and Kate Middleton fave) Jenny Packham. Also for sale at this decades-old boutique: gowns from Monique Lhuillier, Judd Waddell, Romona Keveza, Francesca Miranda, and more.
[Image credit: The Wedding Shoppe/Facebook]

The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom

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One of 18 Nordstrom Wedding Suite locations across the U.S., the KOP Mall's Nordstrom store hosts gowns by Amsale, Watters, Anne Barge, and BLISS by Monique Lhuillier. Accessories (veils, belts, jewelry, hair pieces), shoes, and cosmetics are on offer, too, which a Wedding Suite stylist will help to coordinate with your ensemble—free of charge.
[Image credit: Nordstrom]

J.Crew at the KOP Mall Plaza

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If you're hesitant to commit to a J.Crew gown or bridesmaid dress sight unseen, take note: The brand's store within the King of Prussia Mall is one of only nine J.Crew wedding stores in the U.S. where you can check out the goods in person. Appointments are complimentary but need to be made in advance.
[Image credit: J.Crew]

The Wedding Pavilion

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When off the rack simply won't due, this Paoli boutique designs custom gowns on-premises. Gowns by Watters, Mark and James, Badgley Mischka, Jovani Couture, and others are also on the menu here.
[Image credit: The Wedding Pavilion/Facebook]

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Elizabeth Johns

Elizabeth Johns fills the space formerly occupied by Priscilla of Boston in Ardmore's Suburban Square. If you're in search of a fresh-off-the-runway gown from the likes of Marchesa, Lela Rose, Elie Saab, and Carolina Herrera, this boutique is a good place to start.
[Image credit: Elizabeth Johns/Instagram]

Lovely Bride Philly

With more DIY charm than you can shake a peony at, Old City's Lovely Bride fills its racks with ethereal gowns from hard-to-find designers like Anna Campbell, Elizabeth Dye, and Leanne Marshall. Some gowns for sale here are exclusive to Lovely Bride. Tip: Ask for Ivy as your sales consultant.
[Image credit: Lovely Bride/Facebook]

Nicole Miller Philadelphia

If frou-frou gowns with gratuitous ornamentation make you cringe, Nicole Miller's classic, architectural gowns are for you. Make an appointment at the designer's boutique at The Bellevue or out in Manayunk.
[Image credit: Nicole Miller]

The Sample Rack

Sample bridal gowns at The Sample Rack enjoyed a glamorous past life on the runway or on a photo shoot. Translation: You can score an authentic designer gown at a fraction of its original price.
[Image credit: The Sample Rack/Facebook]

Bijou Bridal

Watters, Cristiano Lucci, and Martina Liana are just a few of the bridal designers on offer at this sizable (10,000 square feet!) special occasion shop in Ardmore.
[Image credit: Bijou Bridal/Facebook]

Sabrina Ann Once Worn and Never Worn Bridal

You'll be surprised by how many gowns are on display at this cozy 10-year-old bridal boutique in Ardmore. Gowns on consignment are the draw here, so the inventory is ever-changing, but you can always snag a gown at a deep, deep discount. Tip: Don't bring a posse along to shop here, and don't expect a lot of elbow room in the dressing rooms.
[Image credit: Sabrina Ann]

Alfred Angelo Cherry Hill

For the bride on a budget, Alfred Angelo's gowns begin at just $400, with no gown over $2,400. True, the dresses are now made in China, but the Alfred Angelo brand got its start right here in Philly. The more you know.
[Image credit: Alfred Angelo/Facebook]

The Wedding Shoppe

Tucked within Wayne's Eagle Village Shops, The Wedding Shoppe is the only bridal boutique in the area to carry gowns from London designer (and Kate Middleton fave) Jenny Packham. Also for sale at this decades-old boutique: gowns from Monique Lhuillier, Judd Waddell, Romona Keveza, Francesca Miranda, and more.
[Image credit: The Wedding Shoppe/Facebook]

The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom

One of 18 Nordstrom Wedding Suite locations across the U.S., the KOP Mall's Nordstrom store hosts gowns by Amsale, Watters, Anne Barge, and BLISS by Monique Lhuillier. Accessories (veils, belts, jewelry, hair pieces), shoes, and cosmetics are on offer, too, which a Wedding Suite stylist will help to coordinate with your ensemble—free of charge.
[Image credit: Nordstrom]

J.Crew at the KOP Mall Plaza

If you're hesitant to commit to a J.Crew gown or bridesmaid dress sight unseen, take note: The brand's store within the King of Prussia Mall is one of only nine J.Crew wedding stores in the U.S. where you can check out the goods in person. Appointments are complimentary but need to be made in advance.
[Image credit: J.Crew]

The Wedding Pavilion

When off the rack simply won't due, this Paoli boutique designs custom gowns on-premises. Gowns by Watters, Mark and James, Badgley Mischka, Jovani Couture, and others are also on the menu here.
[Image credit: The Wedding Pavilion/Facebook]