So you're ready to go wedding dress shopping (cue excited screams from your bridesmaids and some reaching for the tissues from your mum!). We've got lots of tips and advice on how to shop but what about where to go wedding dress shopping in Ireland?
From Cork to Belfast and Galway to Dublin, we recommend only the very best bridal boutiques in Ireland. These are the stores with the most coveted designers, the most experienced staff, and the most lovely and laid-back settings to find 'The One'. We've rounded up our favourite bridal boutiques in one handy list - so round up your most trusted shopping buddies, and book your first appointment today!
The Best Irish Bridal Boutiques
Sarah Foy Couture
Where: Clontarf, Co. Dublin
Sarah Foy Couture is a Clontarf design studio specialising in custom wedding dresses and unique accessories. Brides can choose gowns from Sarah Foy Couture's own beautiful collection, or work with the designer to create their dream dress.
Why we love it: This one is the perfect choice for brides looking for a truly personalised experience.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit sarahfoycouture.com
Bespoke Bridal
Where: Marley Park, Dublin
Niamh Lynch is an experienced designer with over 10 years working in high fashion, including time as a senior member of the creative team at John Rocha and Simone Rocha, so, naturally, we're thrilled that she's turned her full attention to bridal fashion! From her design studio in Marlay Park, Niamh offers one-to-one consultations for a complete custom service. She utilises stunning fabrics, couture techniques and unique designs to create dreamy dresses.
Why we love it: The possibilities are endless! Brides can choose from existing gown designs, mix and match elements they love, or choose a completely custom creation.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit bespokebridal.ie
Barnardos Bridal Rooms
Where: Dún Laoghaire in Co. Dublin & Wexford
Barnardos Bridal Rooms are not what you might expect from a bridal charity shop - they stock only brand new wedding dresses and accessories donated by top bridal retailers, wholesalers and designers around Ireland. Retailing at a fraction of their original cost, this is the place to bag a designer bargain, with dresses from just €350, and sizes ranging from 8 to 18+. With private consultations and expert staff, you'll still get all the special treatment you expect from your wedding dress shopping experience.
Why we love it: Get a gorgeous wedding dress at a bargain price AND do some real good for vulnerable children while you're at it - that's a win-win!
For more information or to book an appointment, visit barnardos.ie/bridal
The One I Love
Where: Roscommon
Bridal designer Lorren Kelly who has been crafting gorgeous gowns for over 20 years helms this lovely boutique based in Ballinlough. A Platinum stockist for True Bride Collection, brides can also shop Randy Fenoli Bridal (of 'Say Yes to the Dress' fame) European label Libelle Bridal, Brighton Belle and many more curated designers. The One I Love team works closely with its designers so that brides can customise dresses to suit their style whether they want to add sleeves, raise or lower necklines and shorten or lengthen bodices and much more.
Why we love it: They are masters in petite and curvy wedding dresses.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit theoneilove.ie
AL Bridal Couture
Where: Harold's Cross, Dublin
AL Bridal Couture from Audra Levinskaite offers modern luxury with a refreshing vibe. Each AL Bridal dress boasts hidden structure and will make any bride feel like the best version of herself. You can explore her stunning collection by appointment only at her Harold's Cross atelier. There is also a made-to-measure service given at the studio that gives brides real flexibility to shape their dream dress to their specific requirements.
Why we love it: For sophisticated gowns with a modern twist.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit albridalcouture.com
Alice May Bridal
Where: Clontarf and Kinsealy, Co. Dublin
Alice May Bridal wants every bride to feel special on her wedding dress search, and their two beautiful boutiques in Dublin offer a friendly, laid-back setting to try things on. Designers include Catherine Deane, Bo & Luca, Savin London and Anna Georgina to name a few.
Why we love it: If you're after a gown that's feminine, romantic, and gorgeous - book in here for an appointment, stat!
For more information or to book an appointment, visit alicemay.ie
The One
Where: Rathmines, Dublin
Launched by Sinead Corcoran in 2018, The One has become a go-to for dazzling couture designs in Dublin. A curated selection of luxury designers line the rails including Moira Hughes, Stephanie Allin, Darla Couture and Yolancris. Brides can have the uber-chic boutique all to themselves during their appointment with a 60-minute slot advised for trying on between 4-6 dresses while the 90-minute appointment is suitable if you want to sample 6 or more gowns.
Why we love it: The must-visit spot for the fashion-forward bride.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit theone.ie
Curvy Chic
Where: Belfast
Curvy Chic Bridal was founded by owner Rebecca who, upon getting engaged herself, quickly realised how few options were available for curvy brides. The Belfast bridal boutique now carries an extensive collection of exclusively plus-size wedding dresses and mother of the bride and groom outfits along with a range for bridesmaids in sizes 6 to 44. With gowns in sizes 14 to 44 and coveted brands like Studio Levana and Millie Grace, the highly-trained team and Curvy Chic will ensure you don't have to choose between fashion and fit.
Why we love it: The one bride-at-a-time policy. Not only will you get the most attentive service but complete privacy so you can comfortably and confidently find a wedding dress you love.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit curvychicbridal.com
The White & Gold
Where: Kinsale, Cork
The White & Gold is a Cork bridal boutique that aims to challenge the mainstream bridal aesthetic. With a selection of dresses for brides who have a sense of style, and want to look and feel like themselves on their wedding day, the collection ranges from romantic boho styles and luxe embellishment to minimal Scandi styles. Designers include Alexandra Grecco, Ingrid Olić, Love Story Bridal, Maria Fekih and Prea James.
Why we love it: The cool, contemporary collections and the gorgeous bright loft showroom.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit thewhiteandgold.ie
The White Room
Where: Mullingar, Westmeath
So many brides tell us they want a relaxed setting to shop for their all-important wedding dress and The White Room is a haven of gorgeous gowns. Among the many coveted designers are Jesus Peiro, Mikaella, Evie Young, Caroline Castigliano, Pronovias and Alberto Palatchi. Highly trained consultants are on hand to ensure a fun and pressure-free shopping experience over the 90-minute appointment.
Why we love it: The huge fitting area that will fit your 'say yes to the dress' team - whatever its size!
For more information or to book an appointment, visit thewhiteroom.ie
Sharon Hoey
Where: Merrion Street, Dublin
A beautiful boutique in Dublin city centre, the Sharon Hoey salon is an oasis of calm for brides. With one-to-one appointments, highly-trained staff and an exclusive selection of gowns, this bridal boutique is a must-visit. There is a selection of highly sought-after designers like Jenny Packham, Temperley London, Tosca Spose and Suzanne Neville, the store is also home to the eponymous Sharon Hoey Collection and the designer's online exclusive collection Pretty in Pink.
Why we love it: For timeless, luxurious and refined wedding dresses.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit sharonhoey.com
Belladonna Bridal
Where: Galway City
Belladonna Bridal is a Galway bridal boutique with a selection of wedding dresses for every style of bride. Their hand-picked selection of designers includes Jesus Peiro, Pronovias, Enzoani and Margarett Bridal among others, along with a selection of styles for plus-size brides. The bright, luxe store is a fun place to peruse, while private fitting rooms allow you space to chat through your options with highly-trained consultants, and make the all-important decision in a relaxed setting!
Why we love it: The diverse selection of brands and the opulent setting.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit belladonnagalway.com
Verona Bridal
Where: Derry, Northern Ireland
An award-winning bridal shop in Magherafelt, Verona Bridal sells a unique collection of fab luxe, couture, feminine and contemporary bridal gowns from the world's leading bridal fashion houses including Berta, Elysian, Zavana Couture, Vera Wang, Reem Acra and more. Their experienced bridal stylists can also help you style your look with gorgeous couture headpieces, veils, and jewellery. The store itself is stunning too.
Why we love it: The gorgeously glam dresses, the movie-worthy wedding shopping experience and the brilliant sample sales!
For more information or to book an appointment, visit veronabridal.co.uk
Pearl Lane Bridal
Where: Galway City
A bridal boutique on Dominick Street in Galway, Pearl Lane Bridal, formerly Vintage Pearl, is tucked away inside a beautiful Georgian building, giving every bride a pretty and private oasis to play dress-up! It is a treasure trove of unique dresses with a touch of nostalgia. With both new and vintage gowns gracing the rails, there is a lot of beautiful, hand-picked styles to choose from while collections by Anna Kara, Made With Love, Katya Katya, Donatelle Godart and the shoes by Rachel Simpson mean there is always something special to try on.
Why we love it: The ever-changing vintage collection.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit vintagepearlbridal.ie
The White Gallery
Where: Newry, Northern Ireland
The White Room has a glittering roster of some of the most sought-after bridal brands in the world, making it a perfect shopping destination for brides who want to make a unique style statement. They stock everything from chic French designers like Rime Arodaky, Auckland-based boho brand Rue De Seine and global icons such as Vivienne Westwood. The boutique is gorgeous, so it will make for a luxurious and fabulous day out. It's worth noting that most of the sample sizes come in UK 12 but all the dresses they stock are on the website.
Why we love it: Statement dresses if you have the budget to splurge.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit thewhitegalleryboutique.co.uk
Love Ellie Bridal
Where: Virginia, Canvan
Love Ellie Bridal is a fabulous Cavan bridal boutique owned by mother and daughter, Laura and Ellen. The duo offers next-level customer service, with one-on-one appointments, and spacious surroundings for you and your squad to shop. Designers stocked include Essence of Australia, Martina Liana, Stella York, Pronovias and Justin Alexander with gowns to suit all different styles of bride.
Why we love it: The great roster of leading international brands.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit loveelliebridal.com
Smart Brides
Where: Portlaoise, Laois
Smart Brides boasts a team of skilled and knowledgeable professionals who will guide you through your appointment, and help you find 'The One.' Offering both off-the-rack and made-to-order wedding dresses, Smart Brides stocks collections by Angelica Bianca, Herm's Bridal, Phoenix, Mark Lesley and Pronovias White One, with an extensive plus size selection and options for everyone from sizes 2 to 32. The store also stocks a gorgeous range of bridesmaid dresses. Fittings take place in one of Smart Brides' exclusive bridal lounges, guaranteeing absolute privacy.
Why we love it: The top-tier plus size offering!
For more information or to book an appointment, visit smartbrides.ie
Need some tips and advice before you go dress shopping? Read our handy guide to finding your perfect dress.
