I know we think we know where to buy wedding dresses–we look for the big stores with the billowy white gowns all in a row. That’s one place to start. However, if you are looking for something a little more boutique and less mainstream, it might not hurt to look outside the big box stores.

A few ideas are…

NEIMAN MARCUS

Neiman Marcus might not be the first place that comes to mind when considering where to buy wedding dresses, but it is worth a thought. Their wedding shoppe has dresses that check every mark: from the frilly to the functional to the minimal to not even a dress at all. All love is welcome here, and it shows with their chic selection.

MOD CLOTH

If you are a vintage and retro lover, you know doubt know about Mod Cloth. Anyone seeking a vintage flair to their day, this is definitely where to buy a wedding dress. Since they don’t appear to have a dedicated wedding category like they used to, it is still easy to search your wants and needs in a dress and find something that will be as close to perfect as can be (I found this fun beaded maxi dress that would be awesome for a woodland wedding without much effort). Another perk about ModCloth is they are very size inclusive and want absolutely everyone to look their best…so I recommend looking there when wedding dress shopping.

ETSY

Etsy is the Amazon of the wedding world, as pretty much everything is found on this platform. Wedding dresses are also easily found here. Buying a wedding dress off of Etsy helps an independent designer who will likely be tailoring the dress to you–it should fit like a glove because it will have been made for you with the right shop.

It’s your day; wear it your way.

Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer (and handcrafter and designer on the side). She serves elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!