The Best Bridal Salons and Flagships in Chicago

No one can deny the multifaceted nature of Illinois, a state with a diverse landscape including busy metropolises and Midwestern country charm. So as it relates to this region's bridal salon offerings, it should come as no surprise that there are a multitude of options for brides to consider, especially within the city of Chicago.

From high fashion boutiques to bohemian salons, the choices are endless when searching for a gown to suit every personal style, budget, and wedding day aesthetic. And if you're currently looking for a wedding dress in and around the windy city, you've luckily come to the right place.

Featuring the utmost personal experience, historic charm, and vintage touches, here are the best wedding dress shops in Chicago to know. Read on for more.

Ultimate Bride

High fashion meets everyday style at the landmark Ultimate Bride salon on Oak Street, which has been a staple in the city for over 35 years. Here, you can get designer gowns by Carolina Herrera and Marchesa, in sizes ranging from zero to 12+. What's more, each stylist ensures that every bride feels comfortable and confident in every gown that's pulled to try on. The in-house seamstresses are pretty awesome too, as they’ve completed flawless alterations with just months left to go.

Alice in Ivory

Alice in Ivory in Chicago prides itself on personal experiences, as it only books one bride at a time to browse through its carefully selected gowns. “I went everywhere looking for unique pieces to make my shop truly one of a kind and have a style of its own,” shares Lexi Cochrane, owner of the salon. “And in terms of the vibe, I want my brides to feel like they are walking into a charming, quaint boutique in Paris.”

Mignonette Bridal

This intimate salon describes itself as having "romantic, timeless designs for brides who want to write their own stories," and we couldn't agree more. The lace detail in their selections is like no other in the Midwest, and they’re known for re-styling heirloom wedding dresses into modern masterpieces. The best part? Everyone who works at Mignonette is either a seamstress or a designer, so you know you (and your bridal party) are in good hands.

LBR Bridal

While LBR Bridal offers a selection of gorgeous gowns, from designers like Pronovias, Julie Vino, and Vera Wang, what truly makes this boutique stand out from the rest is its philanthropic efforts. According to the brand's website, "For each off-the-rack dress sold, a percentage of the sale will be donated to a worthy, local charity that’s close to our hearts."  Now that's definitely a reason to feel good about shopping!

Belle Atelier

Known as the "bridal boutique in Chicago for the rule-breaking bride," everything here screams young and edgy. Featuring designers like Vivienne Westwood, Danielle Frankel, and Katherine Tash, this is the ultimate destination if searching for a one-of-a-kind and trendy look. They even offer "immediate ship" options for brides who need a gown but are on an extremely tight timeline.

Mira Couture

This Gold Coast boutique is home to a selection of modern, sumptuous, and European-style gowns, perfect for the bride hosting a glamorous wedding. What makes this salon special, however, is its in-house team of seamstresses, many of whom have "received a formal training from Europe’s finest technical sewing schools," as noted on the brand's website. The boutique also offers eveningwear pieces, especially for mothers of the bride and groom searching for a unique and trendy look.

Viero Bridal

With locations in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Miami (the top metropolitan cities), a bride can only expect one thing from this lovely bridal boutique: unforgettable dresses. Not only does this salon offer designs from top designers, but they also provide the option to custom create a look with the help of their shop's skilled in-house stylist. But that's not all! They also sell their own collection of gowns, a line of " handcrafted couture-inspired wedding dresses made with the finest materials and craftsmanship," as noted on the website.

Bella Bianca Bridal Couture

Located in the fashion district of downtown Chicago, Bella Bianca Bridal Couture is known for curating one-of-a-kind moments (and dresses!) for brides and bridal parties. "Our Chicago salon incorporates a private bridesmaid suite where our brides and their ladies can relax and explore our bridesmaid collection without interruption," notes the salon's website. They also offer a broad range of pricing, with dresses starting at $4,000 and going up to $15,000.