Gather your bridesmaids, mom, and besties and hit up these five awesome bridal dress shops in the Des Moines area! Their personal stylists are there to provide you with a stress-free shopping experience and turn your visions into a reality. Stylists apply their knowledge and expertise to find your perfect gown amongst an array of designers, sizes, prices, and colors so you can say “YES!” to the dress.
Written by Jackie Hunter, Des Moines Girl Contributor
Modern Dress
- BOONE: 701 Story St, Boone, IA 50036
Located in Boone, Modern Dress has been owned and operated by Ashley Redeker since 2012. This boutique runs by appointment only so secure your spot early! Regular bridal appointments last an hour and a half and private appointments are two hours. Modern Dress carries an array of designers such as Zavana, Mori Lee, and Rachel Rose. Prices of their gowns range from $1,500 – $3,500 but the majority clock in around $1,800-$2,500. We trust that the 4.9 star rating on Google makes this shop worth the trip!
Weddings By Design
- WEST DES MOINES, 2020 Grand Ave Suite 400, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Owner Melissa Alger bought Weddings By Design with her mother back in 2003 and she’s been welcoming prospective brides ever since. If you book a private bridal appointment at Weddings by Design for a non-refundable fee of $50, you get the whole store to yourself and a 2-hour appointment complete with a stylist and a bunch of your closest friends. Looking for a tux or a suit? Pop over to The Tux Shop area for a one-stop shopping experience.
Bridal Boutique
- EAST VILLAGE, 412 E 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
With over three decades in the biz, Bridal Boutique knows a thing or two about bridalwear. Their staff is trained (literally, they complete three months of professional training before ever hitting the floor) to provide you with the best experience and assist you with your “Big Day” look. Some of the designer brands they carry include Allure Couture, Chic Nostalgia, Pronovias, and Willowby.
Pure Bridal
- AMES, 306 S 16th St, Ames, IA 50010
Pure Bridal in Ames has earned itself a coveted spot in theknot.com’s “Best of Weddings” Hall of Fame. Be sure to schedule an appointment as this shop is by appointment only! Up to four guests are permitted for the 90 minute appointment or upgrade to the premier appointment and get an extra 30 minutes and four additional guests. Just sit back and let your personal stylist find the dress of your dreams!
Schaffer’s Bridal
- WEST DES MOINES, 5445 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266
A well loved favorite, Schaffer’s won a silver award at the 2023 Wedding Choice Awards in the Wedding Gown category. When you book a bridal appointment at Schaffer’s, you secure a personal consultant and a private suite to try on dresses for an hour or more while family and friends wait expectantly in the lounge. Collections they carry at their Des Moines store include Enzoani, Calla Blanche and Watters.
It’s wedding season! 💍
Don’t worry. This is NOT the end of our wedding content. Whether you’re celebrating your engagement, finishing the final touches of wedding planning, or just daydreaming, we’ve working on all the content you’d need to help making wedding planning in Des Moines easier. Check out all of our current live wedding articles at the link below.
