There’s something very magical about beach weddings that inspire couples to fly to the tropics to tie the knot. Walk down the aisle barefoot to the sound of waves kissing the shore – that picture-perfect scene deserves an equally flawless bridal gown. Shop for that light and carefree wedding dress at these Toronto boutiques.
“Attainable luxury” – that’s Sash & Bustle’s specialty. This Riverside boutique provides a charmingly small and intimate space to shop for that perfect beach dress. For lightweight, simple-yet-dreamy dresses, head for their collection of Saja Wedding silk chiffon and charmeuse designs. Other effortless styles include frocks by Vancouver-bred Truvelle and the cinematic timeless collection by Alexandra Grecco. For couture dresses with details like lace and beads, look for designers like Karen Willis Holmes and Anna Campbell. Prices range anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000. S&B also carries beautiful headpieces by Untamed Petals and Olivia the Wolf.
LoversLand is the epitome of beach goddess. They carry beautiful wedding gowns that are effortlessly romantic: the bohemian styles of Rue De Seine, elegantly minimalist Rebecca Schoneveld, vintage-inspired A La Robe, antique-lace-focused Daughters of Simone, and feminine couture from Mira Mandić. All will have you dreaming of a beach wedding. In addition to bridal wear, this lovely boutique also carries Twobirds multifunctional bridesmaid dresses – wrapped in over 15 ways (i.e. you can make use of them for more than one occasion – score!). Not just a wedding shop, LoversLand also carries menswear items, swimwear, ready-to-wear frocks, gifts, and more.
With bridal collection names like Swan Princess, Flower Cocktail and Road to Hollywood, this modern boutique in Corso Italia will have you #swooning. Imagine walking down the aisle in a white, floral-detailed gown, sand beneath your toes, roses in your hair – Papilio has some dreamy dresses to complement the beach. Their Sole Mio collection includes some darling flowing designs – from strapless to v-neck styles – that have beautiful lace and beaded features. Papilio also has fashion lines for bridesmaids and mother-of-the-bride. Plus, they have kidswear perfectly suited for the flower girl.
This East York boutique is known for their custom designs. If you have a vision for how you want your dress to look, have the designers at Vogue Sposa make it for you from scratch (Tip: Call at least six months in advance). The cost of custom designs starts from $4,000. I’d also suggest checking out Anaïs Anette’s collection – designed in Toronto, this local brand has beautiful gowns perfect for a beach wedding. I particularly love the lace-up back detailing of the Savannah gown. Handcrafted and heirloom jewellery by Karolina Keeler is also available to complete your look.
Another high-end Yorkville bridal boutique, Dina Alonzi has been styling brides since 1989. Beach brides: check out the collection of Alon Livné White gowns. This couture bridal designer has beautiful flowing dresses that are oh-so-dreamy; the Royal gown, for instance, has a jeweled nude top and a tutu-like bottom while the Aria dazzles as a sheer-like gown with a low back. Alon Livné has also outfitted many celebs for red carpet appearances, including Kendall and Kylie Jenner. Dina Alonzi stocks wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses that are priced from $4,000 and up.
Shop for your wedding dress and check off that something old in the same go. Vintage Bride, located in the Annex, is a salon and atelier carrying authentic vintage wedding gowns, dating back to 1867 until the early 1990s. They also provide services in customizing, so if you want to walk down the aisle in your mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown, bring it in to have it re-designed to suit your taste and figure. Styles like antique lace and draped gowns are beach-wedding worthy. Prices range from $300 to $2,200.