Six Places to Get a Wedding Dress Right Now

Photo via Getty Images/AleksandarNakic

Maybe you’re going to swap vows over Zoom but want to save your original wedding dress for when you walk down the aisle at your larger, now-postponed celebration. Or maybe your nuptials are many months away but you want to keep the planning momentum going, even though all of your local bridal shops are temporarily closed. Either way, you’re in luck: Despite the circumstances, finding a fabulous frock right now actually is possible, thanks to several local retailers. Read on for six area boutiques that offer online shopping and home try-on options—all guaranteed to help you find your dream dress without leaving the safety of your home. 

Floravere

This national retailer offers both web and brick-and-mortar shopping, but was originally born out of a mission to cater to the online buyer. So naturally, the brand was quick to pivot amid the coronavirus pandemic. While Floravere’s pop-up shop at the Row Hotel in Somerville is currently closed, you can visit the company’s website to browse a range of modern and boho-inspired gowns, jumpsuits, and mini dresses (all primarily under $2,000). More good news: All styles from Floravere’s “Ready to Wed” collection ship off the rack within five business days, a much quicker turnaround than the standard four to five months you can typically expect to wait for one of their gowns. 

360 Foley St., Somerville, 310-596-1612, floravere.com.

Vows

While this Watertown bridal boutique might be closed for the time being, an innovative new program makes it possible to still shop their racks. For $95 (which goes toward a dress purchase), the “Vows at Home” experience allows brides to browse a collection of more than 150 dresses from brands such as Badgley Mischka and Watters. Add five to your wish list, then meet with a stylist who will help you select your top three faves in a virtual appointment. Next, the shop will mail the gowns to your home so you can try them on. You can also connect with your stylist virtually again while you do so.  

130 Galen St., Watertown, 800-831-8697, vowsbridal.com.

BHLDN

No need to wait for its Chestnut Hill shop to reopen—this crowd-favorite brand is offering 45-minute appointments on Zoom with its stylists. Before your appointment, you’ll take a style questionnaire so your consultant can get a feel for what you’re looking for. Then, 24 hours before the appointment, you’ll receive a Zoom link, which you can also share with anyone else you’d like to have on-hand at your appointment (mom, your maid of honor, etc.) During your meeting, your stylist will help browse the BHLDN website to find your perfect match, as well as provide tips on fit and styling. Stylists can also share photos and videos of real brides wearing the dresses you’re interested in to give you a better sense of how dresses look off the hanger. 

220 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, 617-244-3497, bhldn.com.

Your Dream Bridal

Have no fear: Your Dream Bridal recently opened an online store that’s the perfect alternative for brides hoping to snag a dress at this Sudbury boutique. The site carries frocks from brands such as Pronovias, Maggie Sottero, and Truvelle, as well as a selection of gowns under $1,000—ideal for the bride who has already purchased a dress for her now-postponed wedding, but wants a new style for the private elopement she’s planned in the meantime. All orders will be shipped from the shop within seven to 10 days.  

730 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, 978-443-0810, shopyourdreambridal.com.

Brideside

This Chicago-based retailer, which now has two Newbury Street outposts, started as an online-only shopping and styling company for bridal parties, allowing customers to try on gowns from home. Needless to say, the company isn’t new to catering to a lady on the hunt for a gown from the comfort of her couch. Back in March, Brideside started offering free virtual styling appointments for both brides and bridesmaids. Facilitated via Google Hangouts, the online sessions allow brides and their squads to view swatches and even see gowns tried on live by their stylist. Ahead of the appointment, the consultant will also create a mood board as inspiration. Additionally, in June, the company will enable online ordering for bridal gowns and launch a “Try at Home” program, which similarly allows brides to work with a stylist virtually, but also allows her to receive a box with two dress options by mail. The cost is $100, which will go toward a Brideside purchase. 

Brideside Bride, 81 Newbury St., Boston, 617-841-7730; Brideside Bridesmaid, 73 Newbury St., Boston, 617-843-3047, brideside.com. 

Tulle

Andover’s Tulle Bridal has also hopped on the virtual try-on train in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, you can still shop for wedding gowns and accessories through the store by starting with a 15-minute phone consultation with a stylist. On the call, they’ll ask you about your style preferences, overall wedding vision, and budget. Next, you’ll meet again for a 45-minute virtual styling session, during which you and your consultant will home in on what you’re looking for and pick out some gowns you’d be interested in trying on at home. After, you can pick up your three favorite options curbside or have them shipped to your doorstep. Alternatively, you can have the dresses bookmarked for a future appointment once the store reopens. 

342 North Main St., Andover, 978-470-1002, tullebridals.com.

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