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Updated Oct 14, 20248 Top-Rated Bridal Shops in Chicago to Shop Your Favorite Designers
Whether you love all things vintage-inspired or want something cool and contemporary, these are the places to know (and go!).
Ready to say "yes" to the dress in Chicago? As the third largest city in the United States, you can bet there are a ton of top-notch Chicago bridal shops to peruse for the dress of your dreams. Just like the Windy City venues, which range in style from classic hotels dripping with historic charm to ultra-modern industrial lofts, there's truly a place for everyone and every wedding vibe.
Because many wedding dresses are made to order, you'll want to start setting up appointments at the best bridal shops in Chicago super early (you can peep our full wedding gown shopping checklist and timeline here, plus what to know before you go!). Some things to keep in mind, of course, are your wedding dress budget, overall style, as well as any particular bridal designers or dresses you're just dying to try in person. You'll also want to clue in your crew and coordinate a time that works for everyone to attend.
To help you in your pursuit of the perfect wedding gown, we've curated all the greatest and highest-rated Chicago wedding dress shops you have to check out. Don't see anything that strikes your fancy? You can find even more amazing bridal shops in Chicago, Illinois on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.
Lovely Bride
From rising indie designers to the biggest names in bridal gowns, this popular Chicago wedding dresses shop caters to the cool, contemporary bride looking for something utterly unique and fashion forward. Some favorite designers include Lovers Society, Louvienne, Vagabond Bridal, SAINT, Watters, Dany Tabet and many more. All the gowns are very reasonably priced too, with most falling in the $2,500 to $4,000 range (though some are slightly more expensive).
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When you go to try on dresses at Lovely Bride you'll get the true VIP treatment, with your very own private room and a stylist solely committed to finding you your dream dress. They're also committed to catering to a variety of body types by carrying a selection of sample gowns in plus sizes.
Brides-to-be can book a gown appointment for $25 or a separate accessories appointment (also for $25) if you already have the dress and just need to style it out.
For inspo, check out their cult-fave Instagram page, which has over 300,000 followers.
Review Spotlight: "I cannot recommend this bridal boutique enough! My stylist made me feel incredibly special and the whole experience from start to finish was simply amazing. I went to a few salons before this and Lovely goes above and beyond for their brides. I walked out of the salon that day with my dream dress, when I walked in I had no idea what my 'dream dress' even was!" —Sophie D., The Knot Marketplace
Mira Couture
If you're looking for a wedding dress with serious wow-factor, Mira Couture is the place to go in Chicago. The European-style salon is absolutely gorgeous, and the vast selection of gowns from designers all over the world (Calla Blanche, Dana Harel and Pronovias just to name a few) is beyond breathtaking. With over 50 years in the bridal business, this exclusive, couture wedding boutique has a reputation for delivering a highly-personalized shopping experience, exceptional customer service, impeccable in-house tailoring and the option to design your own custom couture gown—using the most exquisite fabrics—should you wish.
Whether your style is timeless and romantic or over-the-top glamorous, Mira Couture carries it all, and their highly knowledgeable team of stylists are sure to help you find "the one". They also offer plenty of plus-size options, as well as alterations and dry cleaning and preservation once the big day is done.
Most of the gowns at Mira are priced between $2,500-$5,500, with custom dresses costing an average of $10,000.
To schedule your appointment, just fill out the form on their website and a consultant will reach out to coordinate.
Review Spotlight: "Mira Couture is the crème de la crème of Bridal Salons in Chicago! I Instantly felt comfortable and confident after knowing I was going to be working with Shanon to find my dream gown! The salon went above and beyond to order a dress I found that they did not carry in store, and I ended up saying yes to the dress :) ! Shanon is amazing!! I felt like I was hanging out with a good friend the whole time, which made the shopping experience a 10/10! Did I mention the salon is beyond beautiful? They also carry a wide variety of gowns in a good amount of price ranges. Everything about this experience has been a dream!" —Jacqlyn S, The Knot Marketplace
Grace + Ivory
Exquisite, made-to-measure wedding dresses on a budget? Check! The ability to try them on in person or from the comfort of your own home? Check! Grace + Ivory, a unique online atelier and bridal brand based in Chicago, was born out of one bride's frustration trying to find a well-made wedding gown without the crazy retail markups or excessively long lead times.
Grace + Ivory solves the issue of timing and affordability (everything is under $2800!) for modern brides by cutting out middlemen and working directly with skilled designers to expertly sew dresses in as short as three to four months. You can visit the bridal boutique's Chicago showroom (book an appointment here) to say "yes" to your dress in person or try on a sample (or seven!) at home if that's your preference.
Buying online because you have no time? After your purchase, a bridal consultant will contact you to get your measurements, confirm any custom details (yep, you can change that train length or play with the neckline if you want to!), and send a dress agreement for signature.
The best part? A portion of every sale is given to programs helping women and girls in need.
Review Spotlight: "I couldn't be more happy with my Grace + Ivory experience! From the moment I walked into the store, the experience just felt different than all the other dress appointments I had throughout the Chicago area. It was personal, intimate, and really inviting. Tina (the founder) is fantastic to work with and ensured all the sizing was correct before finalizing the order. She clearly explained the process and how each dress is custom made based on multiple measurements. I had a slight tweak I wanted to make on the dress and veil and they were more than accommodating. Communication throughout the process has been fantastic and they always respond very quickly. I was kept up to date throughout the entire process which I really appreciated. As mentioned, the prices are very reasonable and it even includes a donation to a local Chicago charity which I really appreciated. I received the dress yesterday and it fits PERFECT, exactly how they explained it would! I couldn't be more grateful for having their wedding dress on my special day and have been recommending this place to everyone that is getting married." —Ashley M., The Knot Marketplace
Bella Bianca Bridal Couture
With luxe bridal shops in downtown Chicago and Oakbrook, Bella Bianca Bridal Couture is known for its super curated and diverse collection of designer gowns from bridal giants like Vera Wang, Pronovias, Galia Lehav, Lazaro, Anne Barge, Sareh Nouri and plenty more.
In addition to their stunning selection of haute couture wedding dresses, which range in cost from $3,000 to $15,000, Bella Bianca caters to your bridesmaids too, with private suites just for the girls at their downtown showroom and an even more extensive collection of bridesmaid dresses at the Oakbrook location—so it's literally a one-stop shop.
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Once you purchase your dress, there's no need to bring it elsewhere for alterations, as Bella Biance does all the fittings for you with their highly-skilled seamstresses. The stylists are also a dream to work with, helping you find exactly what you're looking for and making sure you feel super welcomed and comfortable so you can actually enjoy the process.
Simply complete the appointment request form to schedule your complimentary 90-minute bridal or accessories appointment.
Review Spotlight: "I have nothing but positive things to say about Bella Bianca! My consultant, Kiara, and seamstress, Anita, went above and beyond to ensure I felt beautiful on my wedding day. Kiara walked me through selecting a gown and my accessories. I was never discouraged from scheduling multiple appointments, nor was I rushed during those appointments. Anita made my dress fit perfectly, and it was a joy to chat with her during our 4 alterations sessions. I highly recommend Bella Bianca for their wonderful customer service (and incredible selection)!" —Nika A., The Knot Marketplace
Mignonette Bridal
"Timeless wedding gowns for the modern muse" is exactly what you'll get at this intimate bridal shop in Chicago. Each gown is lovingly made by hand using intricate French laces and delicate beading to create a work of wearable art that feels straight out of a fairytale.
With a focus on sustainability, Migonette Bridal also offers a super unique Reutiliser Heirloom Gown Revamping service, starting at $2,200. Basically, you bring in a vintage gown that has special meaning to you, and they'll completely reimagine it to fit your personal style and modern trends, while still staying true to its history.
Collection gowns range from $2,700-$10,000, and all alterations can be done through their sister company Ette The Wedding Tailor, which is located right in the same building.
Review Spotlight: "There is no way a single review could do justice to Kpoene' and her work at Mignonette Bridal and Ette Tailor. I brought her my mother's wedding dress, from 1988, which she completely revitalized for my wedding in April. We removed a mesh collar and puffy sleeves from the original beaded bodice of the dress, then added layers of English netting over the original skirt and train to create a brand-new silhouette. Over the course of about a year, Kpoene' did the most incredible seamstress and design work I have ever seen. My dress was gorgeous, unique, an heirloom, entirely mine without being devoid of its history, perfectly tailored to my body, something old and new all at once. She offered valuable opinions and worked carefully to make sure the dress fit my vision. She is the best person, and I mean that both in terms of being a dress-maker and designer, but also in terms of just who she is." —Samantha P., The Knot Marketplace
Alice In Ivory
By far one of the best bridal shops Chicago has to offer, Alice In Ivory is known for its expertly curated collection of modern, dreamy dresses that defy trends and push boundaries, rethinking the "traditional" wedding gown. Designers include favorites (and new favorites!) like KYHA, Lihi Hod, Rue De Seine, Jane Hill, Alexandra Grecco, Christie Nicole and more.
The small space itself is beautifully designed, and when you book an appointment here you'll get the entire salon to yourself (along with up to three guests) for a 100% private shopping experience dedicated to helping you find the perfect gown.
Made-to-order dresses range in price from $2,800 - $12,000.
Review Spotlight: "Alice in Ivory is the ideal place to go if you're on the hunt for bohemian, dreamy wedding gowns. It was only the second location I visited but knew I'd find my dream gown as soon as I walked in the door. The boutique is beautifully designed and the team made me feel special. Alexis was my stylist and really paid attention to the feedback I was sharing (even though I felt in the moment that I loved everything!). She pulled out a gorgeous Theia dress that wasn't even on my radar - it checked all of my boxes except that it was strapless. Although I was a bit uncertain at first, I trusted her judgment and tried it on. Once I did, I never wanted to take it off! Alexis helped me find my unexpected dream dress and made my experience unforgettable. I felt absolutely beautiful on my wedding day and my husband loved my dress!" —Lindsey B., The Knot Marketplace
Sew Bridal
Insta-worthy gowns are the name of the game at Sew Bridal, Chicago's first influencer-inspired bridal shop, where sipping champagne and recording TikToks with your BFFs is all par for the course. Each and every gown is handpicked, always on trend and ranges in price from $1,400-$2,800 so nothing is super overpriced.
Sew Bridal prides itself on being size-inclusive and won't charge more for plus-size gowns. They also carry sizes 0-32 to make the try-on process more comfortable for everyone.
Your appointment is totally private so all the focus (and eyes) are completely on you. Truly a one-stop shop, they offer alterations, gown preservation and bespoke custom gowns if you'd like to create your own unique wedding day look.
Review Spotlight: "I had a wonderful experience dress shopping at Sew Bridal! Kelly's shop actually carries a wide variety of dress sizes so I wasn't busting out of every dress and got a much better sense of how each dress might look. She provided a fun environment, lots of knowledge and made the whole experience smooth and fun." —Lisa M., The Knot Marketplace
Ultimate Bride
Want to look like an A-list celebrity or like you walked straight off the runway on your big day? We know just the place. If you're wondering where to shop for wedding dresses in Chicago that carry all the top designers—from Monique Lhuillier, to Carolina Herrera, Mira Zwillinger, Jenny Packham and Berta just to name a few—then Ultimate Bride in the Gold Coast area should be at the top of your list. They also stock Jennifer Behr and Maria Elena accessories so you can complete the look and really get a sense for what you'll look like on the day of.
Their collection of luxury designer gowns starts at around $4,500 and goes up from there. In-house alterations are readily available on all special-order gowns, which saves you so much hassle. Plus, their seamstresses are some of the best in the business, according to real brides who raved about how well their wedding dresses fit.
While you can typically only bring up to three guests to your 90-minute appointment, for those wishing to take their entire crew along, the salon does offer a Platinum VIP Experience on Sundays to accommodate up to eight guests.
Review Spotlight: "I had the BEST experience finding my wedding dress at Ultimate Bride. Brandy was an absolute dream to work with. She completely understood my vision and brought me a range of styles that both read my mind and introduced me to something unique. She really helped me find the most perfect Ines Di Santo magical gown that delivered on the chic, one of a kind vision I had in mind!! She made me feel confident and assured. Once I landed on my dream dress, Ultimate Bride was highly communicative with next steps. I worked with Gianna for my fitting experience and she was INCREDIBLE. Gianna was highly knowledgeable and made me feel so comfortable throughout the experience. She made sure the dress fit me like a glove and that I was confident and comfortable in it. Both Brandy and Gianna and the entire Ultimate Bride team helped me choose a dress that made me feel like the absolute best version of myself for my big day. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!" —Molly S., The Knot Marketplace
