Wedding Gown Shopping
As a Southeast and Mid Michigan wedding photographer, the experience of wedding gown shopping is really the first moment in planning where brides say “I feel like a bride”. Trying on that gown for the first time and seeing yourself in the mirror is so emotional and special. I actually worked as a bridal stylist for a short time, and saw first hand the emotions that come with shopping. While it’s such a happy moment, it can also be overwhelming to some as there are endless options out there for stores and wedding gown styles.
Here’s a breakdown of different types of stores, advice, and my five favorite Michigan wedding gown stores.
3 Types of Wedding Gown Shops
Traditional Stores
If you’re planning your wedding day well in advance, this store is going to work well for you! Traditional bridal stores will often carry sample gowns for try on. When you’ve finally found a gown to say “yes” to, the attendant will measure you and order a gown made to your size.
Ordering a gown this way takes some time, so it’s recommended to start dress shopping anywhere from 8-12 months before your wedding day. This will give plenty of time for your gown to come in and still have time for alterations.
Off the Rack Stores
Buying an off the rack gown is a great option for brides with a shorter wedding planning period. These gowns are purchased from the store and you get to leave with it same day! Without worry of an ordering window, you have more flexibility in the amount of time you have to find a gown you love.
A downside to these off the rack stores can be the limitations and variety in gowns. With a limited selection, you are buying a gown same day without the ability to order customizations (like different colors, attachable sleeves, etc). Any customizations to these gowns will be done during the alterations process!
A common misconception with these stores is that the gowns are secondhand. That’s definitely not the case! These are new gowns, often deemed “no longer in style or production” by designers to be sold.
Thrift Stores
Just like a regular thrift store, a bridal gown thrift store is filled with second-hand gowns. Often times these gowns have been altered once and may need further alterations to fit you! Selections at thrift stores can be very limiting due to the available stock.
5 Tips for Wedding Gown Shopping
Try Different Styles
This is so so important. When trying on wedding gowns, consider trying all the available styles. Ballgowns fit differently than A-line, which also fit differently than mermaid style gowns. Even if you don’t think you’ll love it, try it. There are styles you will think you hate and then fall in love with after seeing it on. Gowns look different hanging on a hanger than they do on you!
Ask About Customizations
Along the lines of trying styles you don’t think you’ll like, sometimes gowns can easily be customized to fit your desires. Sleeves can be added to thin-strapped gowns sometimes. Extra structure can be added to transform a gown into a strapless one. Slits can be added for a little extra wow-moment.
Ask your attendant during your appointment if they think a gown can be customized! As a former bridal stylist, I would often pull gowns for brides to try and advise on the customizations available!
Try Accessories
Don’t be afraid to try accessorizing throughout your bridal shopping experience. Try tiaras, veils, and hair pins all to see the complete picture of what you want for your wedding day. Accessories can elevate a simple gown and bring a sense of elegance to your style!
Wear the Right Undergarments
If you plan on wearing a certain type of underwear or Spanx on your wedding day, I highly recommend wearing them to your gown appointment. Different materials of different gowns can sometimes show your undergarments- you’ll want to know ahead of time if special alterations like a gown liner need to be made!
Don’t Be Afraid of Color
This is my favorite piece of advice: don’t be afraid to add in some color. Color is so expressive of personality and style. This can be as simple as incorporating color through accessories like veils, shoes, or jewelry. It can be as bold as special embroidery or a fully colored gown. Don’t rule-out color throughout the shopping process!
5 Wedding Gown Stores in Michigan
Hannan House Bridal in Imlay City
Hannan House Bridal is a smaller boutique located in downtown Imlay City. This store is an off the rack boutique, meaning if you find the one you can take it home the same day! They offer wedding gowns in sizes 00-28, and also carry veils, sleeves, shoes, and more. The price point of this boutique is on the lower end and I’ve seen brides purchase a second wedding gown for later in the evening because of the prices. My bride Dani purchased her gown from Hannan House and she spoke so highly of her experience there.
Timeless Bridal Boutique in Hudsonville
Timeless Bridal is such a unique bridal boutique on the west side of Michigan. This is a home based boutique, and all gowns are priced under $1,000. Every gown has the ability to be completely customized to a bride’s vision, and I’ve seen some stunning gowns emerge on their Instagram profile! I’ve worked with their gowns at different workshops and events, and each one was so beautiful!
Beloved Bridal in Ann Arbor and Detroit
Beloved Bridal actually just recently expanded- they now have a second storefront in Detroit as well as Ann Arbor. The bridal stylists at Beloved Bridal were amazing to work with! They are so incredibly knowledgeable and helpful when trying to find a gown. Taking your vision into consideration, they pull gowns that align with both your budget and vision for your day.
Norah’s Bridal in Oxford
Norah’s Bridal is located right in the heart of downtown Oxford, Michigan. Norah’s makes finding a wedding gown easy with their helpful bridal consultants. They have a range of beautiful gowns just waiting to find a home. Norah’s is located just down the street from The Dealership, a wedding venue also in downtown Oxford.
Becker’s Bridal in Fowlerville
Becker’s Bridal is a wedding gown shop that’s been open since 1934. They have a home store in Fowlerville, as well as an outlet in Lansing. I personally bought my gown from the outlet- it was stunning! Their home store carries wedding gowns in sizes 2-32, making it the perfect place for brides of all sizes to shop.
All gowns throughout this post were photographed by me (Catie Eovaldi Photography)!
