Best Bridal Salons 2022
Bella’s Bridal and Formal
Bella’s Bridal and Formal is a bridal salon serving the Hoover community. The shop has a selection of exclusive dresses for brides and seeks to make every client feel like a princess with couture designs from names such as Essense of Australia, Tarik Ediz, Kenneth Wilson, and Badgley Mischka. Clients can peruse Bella's website to read tidbits about each designer and view photos of their work and style, and bridesmaid and mothers' gowns are also available as well as other formal wear. The salon provides full alteration services as well.
Imperial Formal Wear
Imperial Formal Wear has been a Birmingham bridal salon since 2014. The full-service wedding shop provides bridal and bridesmaid gowns and tuxedo rentals, and brides can schedule full or partial appointments depending on their exact needs directly online. The shop's website lists various designers for clients to look through and consider including Lillian West, Emma Bridals, Bonny Unforgettable, and Aria Los Angeles as well as vendor referrals for any and all wedding-day needs from hair and flowers to photography and stationery. Alteration services are also available.
Bustle
Bustle handles bridal wear in the Homewood area. Brides can shop for a designer sample wedding gown from the salon's curated collection of off-the-rack samples or choose a luxury pre-worn gown, all at heavily discounted prices. Dresses are available to be taken immediately along with various accessories including veils, belts, and headpieces. Bustle's inventory continuously changes but has included Monique Lhuilier, Romona Keveza, Vera Wang, and Paloma Blanca, and brides need to fill out an online form to request an appointment as well as provide details pertaining to their gown desires.
Heidi Elnora
Heidi Elnora has been a Birmingham bridal salon since 2006. The group is known for its close client relationships, unique designs, and Southern roots with personalized service at the designer's atelier. Brides can choose from the Build-a-Bride, Hello Darling, and heidi elnora collections as well as purchase shoes, jewelry, bridal lingerie, and other accessories. The owner graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design, has her own show on TLC called Bride by Design, and sells to over 20 bridal boutiques around the world. Heidi Elnora has been seen in multiple media outlets such as Town & Country and on the Today show as well.
Ivory & White
Ivory & White is a Birmingham bridal salon. The shop's bridal consultants provide personalized service and plenty of pampering for brides as they choose a gown from top names such as Monique Lhuillier, Lela Rose, Romona Keveza, Inbal Dror, and Leanne Marshall. Services include One On One Appointments to find that perfect dress, Request the Runway with a private trunk showing, and The Perfect Fit for needed alterations with a seamstress. Ivory & White was named one of the Best Bridal Salons of 2016 by Brides Magazine and has been seen in The Knot, Style Me Pretty, and Southern Weddings.
The Clothes Tree By Deborah
The Clothes Tree By Deborah has been selling bridal gowns in Birmingham for over 50 years. Brides can look through current collection on the shop's website from designers such as Sherri Hill, Tony Bowls, and Jovani or come directly into the store for one-on-one customer service and help finding the perfect dress. Brides need to call for after-hours appointments, and online shopping is also available complete with virtual assistance by phone or email. The Clothes Tree sells a variety of other formal wear as well for bridesmaids, mothers, destination brides, proms and homecomings, and other special occasions.
Bella Couture
Bella Couture dresses brides in the Birmingham area. Wedding consultants work closely with each bride and her family to find the perfect gown that matches her vision and style and offers choices available from designers such as Lazaro, Allure, Marisa, and Tara Keely. Couture veils, tiaras, headbands, hairpins, combs, belts, and jewelry are also available from the likes of Erin Cole and Stephanie Browne. Brides voted the shop Best Bridal Salon in Birmingham in 2014 via voting on The Knot, and the salon has been seen in Alabama Weddings Magazine and on the Perfect Wedding Guide and The Birmingham Bride.
Carriage House Weddings
Carriage House Weddings has been dressing brides throughout Homewood for their big day for over 12 years. The salon features over 200 styles from the likes of Augusta Jones and Olia Zavozina and brings the newest designs from New York down South twice a year for every girl's dream dress to become a reality. Brides also have an exquisite collection of couture veils, tiaras, belts, combs, garters, necklaces, and other accessories to choose from to complement their dress design, and bridesmaids dresses, including from Monique Lhuillier, are also available. Carriage House has been seen in Brides, Weddings Unveiled, The Knot, and Alabama Bridal.
Bridal Bliss
Bridal Bliss has been a Homewood bridal salon for over 25 years. The boutique is known for its range of wedding gowns from casual to ultra formal as well as its top-notch customer service and affordable prices for all budgets. Over 200 styles are available at any time including designs by Pronovias, La Sposa, Private Label by G, Moonlight, and Allure, and clients also have access to a variety of bridesmaid dresses, veils, headpieces, and mothers' gowns. Bridal Bliss encourages brides to make an appointment for an ideal experience, but walk-ins are also welcome.
The White Room
Carolyn and Cathy Kelley, a mother-and-daughter team, founded The White Room bridal boutique with the goal of providing a sophisticated and seamless bridal couture experience to its customers in the area and in nearby locations like Birmingham. They offer a selection of bridal wear and in-house alteration services. Their showroom houses a wide collection of designer gowns from Carolina Herrera, Jesus Peiro, Tara Lauren, the Blue Willow Bride Collection by Anne Barge, and Studio Levana.
Expert Answers To Common Questions:
- Introduction
- What is a bridal salon?
- Are more dads going to bridal salons with their daughters?
- Do bridal salons purchase wedding dresses?
- Do you tip at a bridal salon?
- How do bridal salons get dresses?
- How many bridal salons should you visit?
- What happens if the bridal salon measures wrong?
- Will a bridal salon ship a dress to another state?
- What to wear when going wedding dress shopping?
- When should you go wedding dress shopping?
- What should you bring when going wedding dress shopping?
- As a guest, what should you wear when going wedding dress shopping?
- What undergarments should you wear/bring when going wedding dress shopping?
- Where should you shop for non-traditional wedding dresses?
- Does the mother of the groom go wedding dress shopping with the bride, traditionally?
- Who should go wedding dress shopping with the bride?
- What are some ways to make wedding dress shopping special for the bride?
- Q: Introduction
- A: The wedding dress is arguably one of the most important parts of the ceremony for the bride, so finding the right one can be a monumental task. Turning to the experts can be tremendously helpful, as bridal salons provide valuable services that help make the shopping experience a good one for brides and their all-things-bridal support group.Preparing to start shopping for that perfect wedding gown, but not sure where to start? Review some helpful information about bridal shops, wedding dress shopping, and what to expect with these bridal salon FAQs.
- Q: What is a bridal salon?
- A: Bridal salons are shops that cater to brides. They sell wedding gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, and other bridal accessories. Most offer stylist consultations and alteration services. They often operate on an appointment-only basis, giving the bride an exclusive experience. They also have seating areas for guests of the bride, such as select family and friends.
- Q: Are more dads going to bridal salons with their daughters?
- A: Traditionally, it was common to see moms with their daughters instead of dads at the bridal salon. However, that’s been changing over the past several years as more fathers get involved earlier in the wedding planning stages. It’s now common for both fathers and mothers to accompany the bride-to-be.
- Q: Do bridal salons purchase wedding dresses?
- A: Bridal salons generally don’t buy used wedding dresses outright, but some salons accept gently used, high-quality wedding gowns on consignment. They pay the owner an agreed-upon amount after the gown sells. Contact the salon first to ask about their policies and rules regarding pre-owned dresses.
- Q: Do you tip at a bridal salon?
- A: Gratuities for the salon consultant typically aren’t required or expected. However, tipping the seamstress may be appropriate when extensive alterations are required and the bride is incredibly happy with the outcome or the vendor went above and beyond, such as completing a rush order.
- Q: How do bridal salons get dresses?
- A: Bridal shops source inventory through various methods. They may order a selection of custom gowns for brides to try on and then special order a special custom-made gown for the bride. Some salons order direct from the manufacturer or wholesaler, and many shops supplement their inventory with pre-owned dresses.
- Q: How many bridal salons should you visit?
- A: Visiting three or four bridal salons is usually sufficient. Avoid trying on too many dresses, or the experience may become confusing and overwhelming. Discuss your preferences with the stylist first and work with them to choose between four and seven dresses to try on before making a final choice.
- Q: What happens if the bridal salon measures wrong?
- A: When dress measurements appear inaccurate, the issue may be a measuring error or weight fluctuations between the initial measurements and the fitting date. So, it’s important to order the gown early enough to have more than one fitting. This way the seamstress can make any necessary adjustments or alterations in time.
- Q: Will a bridal salon ship a dress to another state?
- A: Shipping dresses out of state is not a common bridal salon service. However, they may be willing to accommodate the bride with enough notice. Discuss it with the salon first. Arrangements and a packing and shipping fee may apply. Find a local seamstress for any necessary alterations.
- Q: What to wear when going wedding dress shopping?
- A: The bride's outer garments should be loose, comfortable, and easy to get in and out of. A simple dress or one-piece stretchy jumper may work well. Slip-on shoes are a must for comfort and convenience.
- Q: When should you go wedding dress shopping?
- A: Set a budget and start researching styles a full year before the wedding date. Then, schedule wedding salon appointments about a month or two out. This helps avoid late booking issues and provides enough time for shopping without rushing, alterations, and fittings.
- Q: What should you bring when going wedding dress shopping?
- A: Grab a small tote bag and toss in some heels to try on with the gown or other footwear if the bride prefers. If you're considering an updo on the wedding day, bring a ponytail holder or hair clip to compare how her hair looks with the dresses, both loose and up.
- Q: As a guest, what should you wear when going wedding dress shopping?
- A: Bridal salons usually don’t have a dress code, so select a subdued outfit with comfortable shoes and keep any accessories to a minimum. It’s the bride’s day, so help her shine.
- Q: What undergarments should you wear/bring when going wedding dress shopping?
- A: The right undergarments are key. Choose a well-fitted strapless bra for versatility. Have measurements taken when selecting it. Ensure it provides good support and coverage. Wear seamless, no-show panties that you feel comfortable in while disrobing. Shaping briefs are fine, but avoid corsets and bodysuits.
- Q: Where should you shop for non-traditional wedding dresses?
- A: It depends on what the bride is looking for. If she has a specific genre or style in mind, focus on shops that cater to that style. If she’s unsure, an online search can produce many creative suggestions for differing types of non-traditional wedding gowns and where to find them.
- Q: Does the mother of the groom go wedding dress shopping with the bride, traditionally?
- A: There’s no tradition compelling the bride to include her future mother-in-law in her wedding dress shopping trip. If they have a close relationship or want to build one, she may be a welcome guest. Ultimately, It’s up to the bride and the groom’s mother to decide.
- Q: Who should go wedding dress shopping with the bride?
- A: Some common choices are parents, grandparents, the mother of the groom, siblings, cousins, aunts, and close friends. Bridal party members are often among these groups. The bride should have final say in who she wants with her when shopping for a gown. The bridal salon may have a guest limit.
- Q: What are some ways to make wedding dress shopping special for the bride?
- A: Finding the perfect wedding dress is magic, but the search can make the bride feel anxious and stressed. So, invite someone special that she can depend on. Consider purchasing an outfit for her shopping excursion and start the day with a glam session.