With Victoria being a small town there aren’t boatloads of boutiques to purchase your dream wedding gown from as on the mainland. When I got married I visited every boutique I could. Some are now closed and there are a couple of new ones that have opened. Buying your wedding dress is probably going to be one of the first thing that comes to mind when you get engaged so these are the need-to-know boutiques in Victoria.
Blush Bridal Boutique
Blush Bridal Boutique is a cozy shop in the heart of downtown Victoria. I personally have shopped here twice (one for my own wedding dress and once for a bridesmaid dress). I felt that if there were more than two groups of people shopping at once it got a bit cramped but still the shop exudes elegance and the shabby-chic vibe at the same time. They carry a couple of lines that you can’t find outside of Vancouver Island such as Martina Liana, Stella York, Essence of Australia, Lillian Wild and Saja. One thing to note – Blush does not allow photos at all in their boutique unless you purchase your dress.
Luz Bridal Boutique
This is where I eventually purchased my own dress as well as my bridesmaid dress for my brothers wedding. Longtime owner Luz sold her business in 2016 and it is now under new ownership. I found the service here extremely helpful and friendly and with a large selection of gowns with a variety of low to higher price range. The boutique is a medium size so it is not too cramped yet not so large that it feels intimidating. I have to say I have not been in since the business changed hands but I always had a great experience at Luz’s and felt most welcome. At Luz’s they carry the following lines: Allure, Callista, Enzoani, Mori Lee, Venus Bridals and Romantic Bridals.
Shades of White
Shades of White is the largest bridal boutique in the Greater Victoria area. It can be a bit intimidating if this is the first place you go looking for your dress. It is nice that they feature a few designers which cannot be found anywhere else on the island. These include: Randy Fenoli (from “Say Yes to the Dress” !”, Watters, Allure, Madison James and Wilderly. I did shop here and felt that I was on my own for a while before I was approached. However once I had a salesperson to assist me, my experience was very enjoyable. They do have a wonderful range of gowns with prices ranging from $500 to $5,000.
Tres Chic
This is a newer boutique which opened in 2014, I, unfortunately, have not had the chance of visiting in person although I have driven by it several times. It is located just outside of Victoria in Langford on Veterans Memorial Parkway. Tres Chic is a smaller boutique but includes two levels. They carry couture lines such as Calla Blanche, Ti Adora by JLM and Aime Couture by Maggie & Shirley and Lis Simon. The interior is gorgeous – they have pulled off the shabby chic style exquisitely with a mainly white interior. As far as I know this is the only one of two boutiques in Victoria to include champagne during your appointment! I will certainly be dropping by in the near future.
The White Peony
Another newer boutique I have not had the pleasure of visiting. It opened in 2012 and is located downtown on Government St. From what I can tell it is a gorgeous little shop in an updated century old building with a romantic feel. You will always get one on one service and they always recommend appointments (with champagne included!). This is the only boutique in Victoria that is strictly ONLY bridal, they do not carry any other dresses other than wedding dresses. Their lines are mostly couture and you may not have heard of them but this is great when you are looking for something different and to make a statement.
– – –
Where have you shopped for your wedding dress in Victoria? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Last modified: October 24, 2017
