Bridal Gowns on a Budget in Syracuse

The wedding industry is rife with bottomless money pits, but your wedding gown doesn't have to be one of them! If you live in the Syracuse, NY area, there are plenty of places you can shop for wedding gowns without breaking the bank. Let me show you the way!

David's Bridal

3133 Erie Blvd East - Syracuse, NY

The number one destination for brides on a budget, David's Bridal has a few branches in the upstate NY area. I visited the Erie Blvd one when I was shopping for my dress, and they had an impressive selection of off-the-rack choices. Pretty much every imaginable style was there, and most of them cost $500-600. While this is at the higher end of budget choices, it's definitely one of the best places to get a feel for the styles and colors that suit you best.

David's Bridal is often said to cater to plus-sized brides. While they do carry larger sizes than some bridal boutiques, their dresses (and particularly their corsets) are strictly standardized. That means if you're small or large-busted, you're never going to find something that fits right. Dresses can be altered, but it's hard to tell how they'll hang if you can't try them on properly.

David's Bridal also has a nice selection of accessories like wraps, sashes, purses, and shoes - not to mention the requisite tiaras and veils. You don't need an appointment for trying on gowns, as they will happily take walk-ins.

Boom Babies

489 Westcott St. - Syracuse, NY

A fun, funky formalwear shop that caters mostly to promgoers, Boom Babies is also a great destination for offbeat brides. While you won't necessarily find a lot of dresses in pure white, you are guaranteed to find something beautiful and flattering for all sizes and shapes. They carry a variety of different designers and the staff is deeply committed to treating every woman like a princess.

The only thing to keep in mind is that, particularly during prom season, Boom Babies can get extremely crowded. If you can't show up at opening or during the off-season, be prepared to wait for a few hours so that everyone else can get individual attention, too. It's the price you pay for visiting a truly independent dress shop, of which there are far too few these days.

I found my dress at Boom Babies, and I will always feel affectionate towards the little crowded shop. Mine cost around $200 and most of the other dresses hover around that price.

Brides By Beth II

511 Walnut Ave - Syracuse, NY

A small, independent boutique that offers a variety of styles, both by designers and custom-made. They feature wedding gowns by Barbara Alin, Eden Bridals, Modern Classic, and Landa - as well as other dresses by B2, Chachet, Faviana, Karen Miller and Onyx Nights.

They have dresses available both off-the-rack and for special order, in addition to an array of fabrics, laces, and patterns for brides who want to have a dress custom-made. Those who've decided to opt for a custom dress for their weddings can never stop singing its praises, and it's not always easy to find a reliable seamstress. Luckily, Beautiful Brides by Beth can step up to the plate.

Rebecca's Bridal Boutique

306 South Main Street - Route 11 - North Syracuse, NY

Rebecca's Bridal Boutique is particularly concerned with offering personalized service for stressed-out brides who don't need one more thing to worry about. With competitive pricing, free storage, pressing, and bridal bags, and a beautiful selection, they're one of the best bridal boutiques around.

Their collections include Jordan, Alfred Sung, The Dessy Group, Forever Yours, Prvite Label, Alexia Designs, Symphony Bridal, and Bill Levkoff. They also specialize in bridesmaid, flowergirl, and mother of the bride attire.

Something Old, Something New Bridal Boutique

2780 Erie Blvd E - Syracuse, NY

If you want a designer dress but can't spend a lot of money, this little boutique should definitely be on your list. Featuring top designers at 50%+ off, they're a great alternative to traditional bridal shops. They have a broad selection of styles and good prices.

However, they have been known to engage in pushy salesmanship, so prepare yourself to be firm if you're not looking to buy right away.