Wedding Dress Shops Near Me In Kent

We’ve listed some of our favourite Kent-based bridal boutiques, and to make your wedding dress hunt easier – we’ve organised some of our favourite Kent bridal boutiques into some helpful categories.  Good luck with your search, and enjoy!

FOR THE BEST BOUTIQUE FEEL IN KENT

Shopping for your wedding dress in a boutique setting adds a touch of magic and intimacy to the entire experience. Unlike larger options, boutique bridal shops often provide a more personalised and attentive service. The cozy atmosphere and carefully curated selection of gowns create a sense of exclusivity, making the bride-to-be feel truly special.

Bridal Boutique at Chilham offers all of the above and more!

Located in a pretty little village nestled between Canterbury and Ashford, the dreamy Chilham Bridal Boutique stocks dresses from Madi Lane, Justin Alexander, Essense of Australia, Pronovias and many more.  Brides love the boutique feel, and extensive range of over 120 ex-sample, off the rail dresses- all at affordable prices with significant money savings.

Brides-to-be who visit will have full exclusive use of the boutique to enjoy with her VIP guests. So you can feel completely at ease, and any nerves will quickly disappear in the comfort of their welcoming and relaxing space.

The friendly and experience team of Bridal Stylists will guide you through their collection, promising a total no pressure or pushy environment.

We can also recommend Bridal Boutique of Jules in Dover, Kent. This multi award-winning boutique offers a real boutique feel and first-class customer service. Here you can expect expert guidance, styling advice and support throughout your wedding dress journey at this quirky and eclectic seaside bridal boutique.

Another must visit bridal shop to visit in Kent for that boutique shopping experience is the Bijou Bridal Studio in Sandwich. Run by mother and daughter team. They offer personal appointments in a fun, relaxing, and welcoming environment, where you can share the moment with your closest friends and family. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be transported to a world of elegance and glamour in this luxurious boutique environment.

FOR THE CHEAPEST WEDDING DRESSES

Visiting an ex-sample bridal shop can be a savvy and economical approach for brides-to-be who are watching their wedding budget. These unique stores specialize in selling sample dresses that have been used for try-ons and display purposes. This means that you can snag a stunning designer gown at a fraction of its original cost. Ex-sample dresses are typically well-maintained and in excellent condition, offering brides an opportunity to wear a high-quality gown without breaking the bank.

If you are a bride on a budget, head to Ruby Frances over in Minister, Thanet. Sisters Katie and Sophie offer ex-sample gowns at a fraction of their original cost, starting from £199 going up to £999. So if you want to spend under £1000 on your dress- this bridal shop would be a great place to visit. They also offer a wide range of sizing from 6-24. Accessories can also be purchased here at very affordable prices- with veils from £50, bridal headpieces from £40 and belts as little as £20.

Another place to consider visiting would be Go Bridal in Tonbridge Wells, Kent who boast a collection of 100 ex-sample dresses all at exceptional prices £500 – £1500. Even though you’ll be paying less for your dress, this bridal shop believes it doesn’t mean you should have less of a bridal experience. Their designers include Maggie Sottero, Stella York, Enzoani, Sassi Holford, Suzanne Neville and Jesus Peiro. 

Brides Dresses Revisited is situated over in Otford, Kent and is another bridal shop offering its customers significant money savings. Here they pride themselves in offering the finest second-hand designer wedding dresses, over 150 in total, all under one roof. Pricing of dresses is more varied here, you can grab under £1000 bargains, right through to some more budget blowing options over £3000. So it’s probably worth checking out their website before you visit, to make sure they have dresses available at the price point you are happy to spend.

And finally, a bridal boutique we mentioned previously for having a luxurious, boutique feel, is Bridal Boutique at Chilham. Similar to those mentioned above, here you can get yourself an absolute bargain, designer wedding dress off the rail.

As a specialist in ex-sample dresses here you will find all the most desirable bridal styles and designers. All their dresses are priced £700 -£1500, and all have amazing money savings- save yourself hundreds if not thousands!

At the time of writing, Chilham Bridal has a stunning brand-new Vagabond, Alpha dresses now £895 reduced from £1860. That’s a staggering reduction of over 50%!

FOR PLUS SIZE BRIDES IN KENT

Plus-size wedding dress shopping has evolved to offer an empowering and inclusive experience for brides of all shapes and sizes. Bridal boutiques and designers now recognize the importance of catering to diverse body types, ensuring that every bride finds a dress that makes her feel confident and beautiful on her special day.

Beautiful in Curves specialises exclusively in plus-size designer dresses, and boasts a diverse collection of sought-after styles. From stunning boho and destination wedding dresses to timeless church gowns and glamorous princess styles, Beautiful in Curves caters to a range of tastes. Their curated collections not only embody the latest fashion trends but are also affordable, ensuring that every bride can find her dream dress without compromising on style or budget. Beyond aesthetics, these dresses prioritize internal support, ensuring curvy brides feel not only beautiful but also comfortable, confident, and ready to celebrate their special day. This place is a must to visit!

Visit Alta Costura Bride in Maidstone and check out their “Curvy Collection”. The company specialise in gowns that are size 20+. So no need to be shy!  The friendly team help nervous plus size brides find their dream dresses day-in-day-out.

Victoria Grace Bridal in central Canterbury, Kent is a stockist of the award-winning EveryBody/EveryBride by Essense of Australia bridal designs, offering up to size 34.  Everybody/everybride is more than a plus size collection. Every dress has been meticulously designed and skilfully crafted, prioritizing comfort in every silhouette to ensure the most flattering fit for the wearer.

FOR BRIDAL BOUTIQUES OPEN ON A SUNDAY

Opting to go wedding dress shopping on a Sunday can offer several advantages for brides-to-be. This day of the week can be particularly convenient for brides with busy schedules, providing a dedicated time to focus on finding the perfect dress without the rush or weekday stress.

Here is our roundup of bridal shops near you which were offering Sunday appointments: at the time of writing

• Bridal Boutique at Chilham, in between Canterbury and Ashford in Kent

Wedding World Kent in Folkestone, Kent

• Alta Costura, Maidstone Kent
• Chislehurst Bridal, Kent
• Wed2Be, Ashford, Kent
• Twenty-Two Bridal, Canterbury

FOR HIGH END, BIG BUDGET WEDDING DRESSES

Jenny Packham is one of the most successful wedding dress fashion designers.  She is known for her ornate ready-to-wear dresses, and exquisite bridal gowns. The designer often shows her collections at London Fashion Week.  The Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) often wears Packham’s gowns to swanky gala dinners and receptions.

If you’re looking for a designer bridal gown, Jenny Packham is the obvious choice. Amore Brides in Canterbury and The Pantiles Bride in Royal Tunbridge Wells are the only official stockists in Kent. Both shops sell other high-end designers, including Sassi Holford, Suzanne Neville, Pronovias and Enzoani.

Newly opened Twenty-Two Bridal in Canterbury offers stunning dresses from high-end designers Marquise Bridal, Oksana Mukha and Wona Concept. Their prices range from £1500 – £6770.

FOR DESIGNER WEDDING DRESSES

Jenny Packham is one of the most successful wedding dress fashion designers.  She is known for her ornate ready-to-wear dresses, and exquisite bridal gowns. The designer often shows her collections at London Fashion Week.  The Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) often wears Packham’s gowns to swanky gala dinners and receptions.

If you’re looking for a designer bridal gown, Jenny Packham is the obvious choice. Amore Brides in Canterbury and The Pantiles Bride in Royal Tunbridge Wells are the only official stockists in Kent. Both shops sell other high-end designers, including Sassi Holford, Suzanne Neville, Pronovias, Ian Stuart, and Enzoani.

BRIDAL SHOPS THAT CATER FOR BRIDESMAIDS TOO

Bridesmaid dress shopping is a chance for the bride and her bridal party to come together, share laughter, and explore all the styles and colours available. So you may want to tie in shopping for your bride tribe along with your dress.

Grab the girls and head over to The Kent Wedding Centre in Folkestone, described as the “one-stop destination for everything you need on your wedding day.”  Besides stocking over 200 beautiful wedding gowns, the company sells a range of bridesmaid dresses. You’ll find frocks in over 80 colours from sizes 2 -28. They also cater for child bridesmaids and flower girls.

Victorias Bridal Boutique in Orpington has a large bridesmaid collection, with pricing starting at £140. Offering a wide array of styles, from timeless silhouettes to the latest trends, their outstanding collection is designed to cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, ensuring each member of your bridal party feels truly exceptional. Whether you picture a cohesive palette of soft pastels or a lively burst of colours, their diverse range of hues is certain to inspire. Embrace body positivity and inclusivity by selecting from the spectrum of sizes on offer, ensuring that every member of your bridal party finds the perfect fit for a memorable celebration.

FOR A FUN DAY OUT

If you plan to turn wedding dress shopping into a full day out, we recommend visiting Royal Tunbridge Wells. The town is a popular tourist location with fantastic shopping, restaurants and cafes.

We recommend booking two appointments per day (one in the morning, a break for lunch and one in the afternoon).

Take your pick from the many bridal boutiques located in Royal Tunbridge Wells:

• The Pantiles Bride
• Go Bridal
• Isabella Grace

FOR KENT BASED VINTAGE BRIDAL DRESSES

If you’re looking for a vintage style, we recommend Story of my Dress in West Malling, Kent. The boutique is home to a treasure trove of lovingly restored vintage pieces.  The company also stock an in-house collection of new dresses designed with a vintage look. You’ll find everything from beaded capes to separates, show-stopping lace numbers to 1950s high-low styles.

FOR THE LARGEST BRIDAL COLLECTION

Amore Brides in Canterbury is proud to be Kent’s largest boutique and has over 300 gowns by iconic bridalwear designers such as Jenny Packham, Pronovias and Enzoani.

FOR ASIAN KENT BRIDES

Visit Annaika in Gravesend, Kent. The shop creates bespoke bridal wear for Asian brides and offers ready-to-wear pieces in store too.

FOR BUYING GOWNS OFF THE RACK IN KENT

Most bridal stores follow the traditional business model: they order in sample dresses for brides try on, then the chosen dress is ordered in from the designer (this process usually takes several months).

But what if you need a dress quickly? The following boutiques allow you to try on dresses and take them home on the day of purchase:

• Bridal Boutique at Chilham. Here you will find ex-samples and a small selection of pre-loved dresses in the latest styles and from the UK’s most loved bridalwear designers. Fall in love with your dress and take her home the very same day.
• Brides Dresses Revisited. Offering only the finest second-hand designer wedding dresses for you to buy and take home the same day.
• Ruby Frances. Perfect for lower budget off the rail dresses that you can walk away with the same day as trying on.

FOR EX-SAMPLE OR PRE-LOVED DRESSES

Opting to buy an ex-sample or pre-loved wedding dress comes with several notable advantages. Firstly, cost-effectiveness is a key benefit, as these dresses are typically priced significantly lower than their original retail value. This allows budget-conscious brides to access high-quality designer gowns without compromising on style.

Additionally, purchasing an ex-sample or pre-loved dress contributes to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, reducing the environmental impact associated with the production of new wedding dresses. These gowns often require less lead time, making them an ideal choice for brides with shorter timelines or those who prefer to take their dream dress home immediately.

Finally, the uniqueness of these dresses adds a special touch, as brides can discover one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story and contribute to a more personalized and meaningful wedding experience.

Here is a round up of the best ex-sample or pre-loved boutiques in Kent.

• Bridal Boutique at Chilham, nestled between Canterbury and Ashford
• Ruby Frances in Minster, Thanet
• Brides Dresses Revisited in Otford
• Renew Bridal in West Malling
• Go Bridal in Tunbridge Wells

FOR MOTHERS OF THE BRIDE

Dress shopping for the mother of the bride is a significant and special aspect of wedding preparations. It’s an opportunity for the mother to find an outfit that complements the wedding theme and showcases her style.

Many boutiques offer a range of elegant and age-appropriate options, from classic silhouettes to more contemporary designs. Coordination with the bride’s chosen colour palette is often considered, ensuring a harmonious overall look for the wedding party.

The experience of dress shopping for the mother of the bride is a chance to celebrate her role in the wedding and find an ensemble that not only reflects her personality but also makes her feel confident and poised for the important day ahead.

Whilst many now opt for department stores such as House of Fraser and John Lewis and popular high street chains like Coast, Whistles, Wallis and Hobbs, there are alternative options.

Jessica Kennedy is situated in the historic Cathedral City of Canterbury and specialises in Mother of the Bride, and Groom outfits. They offer a large range of by Condici, Ronald Joyce and Ispirato, in sizes 8 to 16.

Bella Grace Event Dresses in Tenterden sell unique designer mother of the bride dresses, so are another good place to visit with Mum!

And our final recommendation would be a trip over to the Kent Wedding Centre. With so many dresses, suits with dresses and jackets to choose from- prices starting from just £99 and a wide range of sizes starting from 8 up to 26.