Say Yes to the dress in Guelph

Picking a wedding dress might be one of biggest decisions a bride has to make. There are dozens of TV shows dedicated to the drama that comes with slipping in and out and in and out and… in and out of countless dresses until they’ve found The One.

Guelph has no shortage of charming, boutique-style, independently-run bridal shops – four within five-minutes walking distance of each other in the downtown core. That makes Guelph one of the best destinations for any bride.

Our local shop owners want to make shopping for your dress as magical as the wedding day itself. They’re dedicated to making the adventure of picking the perfect white (or crème, or off-white, or vivid white (there are just so many whites!)) a memorable addition to wedding planning. Guelph will leave you not only with the “I’ve said yes to the dress” moment, but also with an Instagram-worthy day celebrating this hefty victory.

Let’s start the day by parking at the Market Parkade (so if you need a coffee before you hit the first shop, you’ll have your pick). First we venture to the outskirts of downtown, where we want you and your flock to take a stroll up Eramosa Road, over the bridge to Arthur Street to the cute and quaint Sixpence Bridal Studio located in the heart of redbrick residential homes from decades gone by.

One of four bridal shops in downtown, Sixpence Bridal Studio stands on its own as the only consignment boutique in Guelph. They offer once worn designer dresses, in great condition, at a discounted price. With the money saved here, you’ll have more for splurging in other elements of the wedding process.

Back downtown you will find Old Quebec Street Shoppes. A jewel box amidst the madness of downtown, you’ll find a multitude of precious stores. But you’re really there for the pearl in the shell, Crème Couture, a shop that can dress every wearer in the bridal party: brides, mothers, bridesmaids, flower girls and maids of honour.

Quebec Street is arguably one of the cutest streets in town and is home to the Tilted Veil. The Tilted Veil carries extremely unique dresses (some are only found in this shop in all of Canada). Don’t forget to book your private appointment ahead of time because they serve just the bride and her party, to make you feel as if the shop is the bride’s personal closet. Just around the corner from your shopping retreat is Brothers Brewery Co. adorned with a bridal shop atop it like a wedding cake topper. Nestled inside the third floor of the heritage Petrie Building, which was built in 1882, The Modern Bride not only promises gorgeous gowns, but equally gorgeous views of the city and our crowning statement, the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate. Maybe we can tick another box on the wedding to-do list. Can you say ceremony, done?

At the Modern Bride you can walk out with a dress that’ll make you feel and look as statuesque as the stunning steeples. The Modern Bride specializes in an experience for the contemporary bride and you’ll be sure to be awed by dresses outside of the mainstream.

You did it. You wrapped and wove your way in and out of tulle, ribbons and lace. A toast to you!

In Guelph, we’ll help you check off at least one, if not more, boxes from the wedding to-do list. But mostly, indulge! This is a moment not to be rushed. Soak in the experience. Go for the dress, and get inspired for the rest.