Top Bridal Shops in Des Moines and the Surrounding Area
One of the most magical moments in wedding planning is finding the dress—the gown that makes you light up when you see yourself in the mirror. It’s more than just fabric and lace; it’s a memory in the making, a feeling, and the beginning of your walk down the aisle.
Here in Des Moines, we’re lucky to have some truly stunning bridal boutiques—each with their own aesthetic, pricing, and approach to helping brides shine. At Elizabeth Bliss Events, I love guiding brides toward shops that fit their personality, style, and budget. Below are some of the top wedding dress shops in Des Moines, IA, along with what makes each one special.
💍 Pro Tip: Book early and budget around $1,000–$4,500 depending on the boutique & designer.
Weddings by Design
A one-stop shop for the entire wedding party
Weddings by Design offers an expansive bridal experience with everything under one roof—wedding dresses, bridesmaid gowns, tuxedos, mother-of-the-bride attire, and even accessories. Their boutique is known for being inclusive with sizing and for offering private two-hour styling sessions complete with refreshments for a truly personalized experience.
Style & Aesthetic: Traditional elegance with options for everyone in your bridal party.
Pricing: Mid- to high-range (varies by designer; custom appointment packages available).
Unique Qualities: Private appointments, plus-size friendly, and the convenience of shopping for the whole party in one place.
What we love:
A diverse selection of gowns from coveted designers like Allure Bridals, Allure Romance, Wilderly, Essence of Australia, Madison James, and other well-known labels.
Special attention to plus-size brides, with sample gowns in sizes 20–30 and inclusive styling support.
Review Highlights: Brides rave about the vast selection and attentive service, with a 4.7-star rating from over 70 reviews.
Address: 2020 Grand Ave, Ste 400, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 222-9662
Email: malger@weddingsbydesigndm.com
Website: Weddings by Design
Bridal Boutique
A cozy, curated experience with decades of expertise
If you’re dreaming of a boutique that feels intimate and welcoming, Bridal Boutique is a hidden gem downtown. Family-owned for over 40 years, this salon is all about personalized care. Each stylist goes through months of training to ensure they know how to help brides feel confident and comfortable.
Style & Aesthetic: Curated and cozy, with designer gowns in a relaxed atmosphere.
Pricing: By request, typically reflecting boutique-level, custom-fit gowns.
Unique Qualities: Decades of experience and a highly trained, personal team.
What we love:
The boutique showcases a wide range of fashion from some of the best designers in bridalwear. Each gown is carefully handpicked to ensure quality and style.
Each staff member undergoes a full three months of professional training before assisting brides, ensuring expert advice and a comfortable shopping experience.
Review Highlights: One bride shared, “Michelle made me feel so special…by far the best place I went shopping. Stress-free and unforgettable!”
Address: 412 E 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Website: Bridal Boutique
Hours: Mon 10–7, Tue–Wed noon–5, Thu 10–7, Fri 10–5, Sat 9–4:30, Sun closed; Mon & Thu evenings by appt only Bridal Boutique
Celebrations Couture
Luxury meets inclusivity
Celebrations Couture is a family-owned boutique in Valley Junction with over 25 years of experience. They offer private fittings, customization, and preservation services, making it easy to carry your gown beautifully from first try-on to forever keepsake. For brides who want to make gown shopping a memory in itself, their VIB (Very Important Bride) appointment includes charcuterie, mimosas, and a luxe pampering experience.
Style & Aesthetic: Chic, stylish, and inclusive for everyone and every body.
Pricing: Starting around $1,000, with designer gowns available at various price points.
Unique Qualities: VIB appointments, inclusive sizing, and customization options.
What we love:
Celebrations Couture boasts an exclusive selection of wedding gowns from renowned designers:
Ashley & Justin – $1,400–$3,000
Casablanca – $1,500–$2,500
Colby John – $2,000–$4,500
Justin Alexander – $1,300–$4,000
Mikaella – $2,500–$3,500
Paloma Blanca – $2,500–$3,500
Yumi Katsura – $4,000–$6,500
These collections offer a range of styles, from classic elegance to modern chic, ensuring every bride finds her perfect fit.
Review Highlights: Brides love their attentiveness, noting the boutique feels like home while still offering a luxury experience.
Address: 304 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 808-2531
Website: Celebrations Couture
Schaffer’s Bridal
A legacy boutique with timeless charm
Schaffer’s Bridal has been a part of Des Moines bridal fashion since 1950, making it a beloved institution. Their wide range of gowns ensures that every bride can find something that feels true to her—whether that’s classic, trendy, or somewhere in between.
Style & Aesthetic: Traditional meets modern with something for every bride.
Pricing: Varies widely; options for multiple budgets.
Unique Qualities: A longstanding reputation, large selection, and deep-rooted expertise in the bridal community.
What we love:
Schaffer's Bridal collaborates with renowned designers to bring you a collection that spans various styles and budgets. Gowns are priced between $1,000 and $5,000, ensuring options for every bride.
Appointments are personalized, with each consultation lasting 90 minutes, allowing ample time to explore and find your perfect dress.
Review Highlights: With a 4.6-star rating from over 100 reviews, brides love the atmosphere, variety, and history this boutique offers.
Address: 5445 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone: (515) 288-0356
Website: Schaffer’s Bridal
Kalon Bridal Studio
Bold, modern, and unforgettable
For brides who want a gown as unique as their love story, Kalon Bridal Studio is the place to go. With designers like Alena Leena, Grace Loves Lace, and House of Renhue, Kalon focuses on individuality and artistry. Their philosophy is simple—it’s not about selling you a dress, it’s about finding the gown that perfectly fits your vision.
Style & Aesthetic: Contemporary, daring, and fashion-forward.
Pricing: Not listed publicly, but expect boutique designer pricing.
Unique Qualities: Modern designers rarely found elsewhere in Iowa, and a refreshingly personal, authentic approach.
What we love:
Kalon Bridal Studio features an exclusive selection of designers known for their distinctive styles:
Alena Leena - Elegant and timeless design
Alyssa Kristin - Modern silhouettes with minimalist aesthetic
Grace Loves Lace - Bohemian inspired gowns with intricate lace details
House of Renhue - Unique, artistic creations for the BOLD bride
Daughters of Simone - Vintage inspired gowns with a modern twist
Anna Kara - Delicate and romantic designs
Besa - Contemporary gowns with clean lines
Katie May - Chic and sophisticated styles
Jeune - Minimalist designs with a touch of edge
Review Highlights: While reviews are still growing, Kalon is quickly gaining a reputation for its curated, modern selection and bride-focused philosophy.
Address: 413 Euclid Avenue, Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50313 (Highland Park)
Phone: (515) 220-2085
Email: hello@kalonbridalstudio.com
Website: Kalon Bridal Studio
Finding the Right Dress for Your Day
Each of these bridal shops offers something truly special, whether you’re looking for classic elegance, bold fashion, or an intimate, cozy experience. My biggest tip? Think beyond just the gown. The appointment itself—the way you’re welcomed, the memories you make with your loved ones, and the joy of saying “yes to the dress”—is part of your wedding story.
At Elizabeth Bliss Events, I love helping brides connect with the boutiques that best fit their style, budget, and vision. From scheduling private appointments to coordinating fittings alongside the rest of your wedding timeline, I ensure that dress shopping feels as seamless and magical as it should.
✨ Ready to find your dream dress? Let’s make a plan together. Contact Elizabeth Bliss Events today to begin your journey.
Blog post created by Wedding Planner Sydney Bishop
Sydeny Bishop is one of the lead planners at Elizabeth Bliss Events. Read up on Sydney and her events on our Meet the Team page!
You can now personally request Sydney to be your wedding planner by filling out our contact form by clicking this button.
Let’s start planning your perfect celebration.
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🌐 Email: sydney@elizabethblissevents.com
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