Something New

5 Austin bridal shops for the wedding dress of your dreams

Unbridaled reigns as one of Austin's favorite bridal shops.

From flipping through old family wedding photos to binge-watching Say Yes to the Dress, wedding dresses have taken a mythical place in modern culture. Whether you are searching for a casual off-the-rack dress, a tailored suit, or a traditional white gown, Austin has a bounty of bridal shops for every style of wedding.

Many of these shops are either by appointment only or suggest scheduling time with a consultant to ensure an optimal experience, so planning ahead is encouraged.

Blue Bridal Boutique
Blue Bridal Boutique, which has been open since 2011, recently moved from its South Congress Avenue locale to new digs at 4036 S. Lamar Blvd. This by-appointment-only shop offers collections including Anna Campbell Designs, Lillian West, and Calla Blancha, in price points ranging from $1,000-7,000.
4036 S. Lamar Blvd. Ste. 100 — 512-441-7700

Linda Asaf Design
For a truly unique look, consider having your dress custom made. Austin's own Linda Asaf constructs one-of-a-kind gowns from her sweet West Austin shop. Prices for a custom gown range from $3,000-10,000, and an array of unique accessories are also available for purchase.
1405 W. Sixth St. — 512-619-3303

Unbridaled
There's a reason Unbridaled has been a local favorite for over a decade. Housed in an airy, modern space on South Lamar Boulevard, Unbridaled bills itself as a destination for the "bohemian bride." There are racks to peruse and plenty of seating for your bridal party to sip champagne while you try on dresses from designers like Nicole Miller and Claire Pettibone (the only retailer in Texas to carry her gowns).
701 S. Lamar Blvd. — 512-444-2743

Belle Saison Bridal
With hundreds of gowns in store, Belle Saison Bridal offers classic styles at a relatively affordable price point. Brides on a budget should check out Belle Saison's Closeout Sale, which features dozens of designer (and some couture!) dresses marked down to nearly half-off. It may take some patience (and a few adjusted expectations) but looking fabulous on your big day doesn't have to mean breaking the bank.
2203 W. Anderson Ln. — 512-452-1199

Serendipity
It took serendipity to find your perfect person, so maybe Serendipity can help find the perfect dress. For more than 30 years, this campus-area shop has offered designer and couture dresses — including plus-sizes and hard-to-find designers — in prices ranging from $1,200-7,000 per gown. Serendipity also hosts trunk sales and bi-annual sales, so check back often to see when your favorite designer is coming through Austin.
2905 San Gabriel St. Ste. 102 — 512-374-9492

weddings

Brunchy Business

Mimosa Walk returns to Austin's South 1st Street for sips and shopping

Blue Suede/Instagram

Businesses along South 1st Street are welcoming shoppers with mimosas on Saturday, November 16.

Perhaps no other drink has the mimosa's power to draw people out on the weekend, and one Austin neighborhood is harnessing it for a leisurely tour of local businesses. The Austin Mimosa Walk: South 1st Fall Festival is scheduled for November 16, and will stop at local businesses, each with complimentary drinks.

The tour will include some shopping, some casual snack spots, and even some wellness stops. Although not every business mimosa walkers will pass is participating, the tour will pass lots of local eateries, making it easy to tack on a lunch when the Champagne starts making itself known.

The following eight businesses are participating as stops on the self-guided tour:

Austin Salt Room — a spa-like environment for salt therapy, essentially hanging out near tons of salt while breathing in microscopic salt particles, which are said to improve respiratory health
Blue Suede Austin — a cool women's shoe boutique (with a wine bar!) that specializes in semi-casual styles at mid-range prices, featuring brands like Sam Edelman, Jeffrey Campbell, and Cecelia
Devil’s Details Boutique — formerly Bloomers and Frocks, this vintage shop has rebranded and shifted its focus to jewelry, often in bold and unique styles
Glint Dental — a dental office specializing in aesthetic procedures like veneers and whitening, but also offering general and preventative care
Golden Mean — early holiday shoppers should keep friends and family in mind at this gift shop, which carries unique goods ranging from soaps and blankets to kitchen goods and avant-garde decor.
Once Over Coffee— an unassuming-on-the-outside, artsy-on-the-inside coffee shop serving Wild Gift Coffee and less common coffee shop finds like kombucha and Italian soda
Package Austin — a queer menswear store for harnesses, underwear, accessories, toys, and community events
Sugar Mamas Bakeshop — a colorful bakery specializing in fantastically decorated cakes, often with a sarcastic or funny twist

The listing on Eventbrite promises a hydration station by Topo Chico, a collector's glass, and that the event will sell out. It requires that tickets ($32) be purchased in advance online. [Update: An event organizer says the ninth business on the Eventbrite list is still under construction, and will not be participating.]

The walk will take place from noon to 3:30 pm. Guests will receive a "passport" to help navigate between tour stops. A check-in tent will get guests started at 1628 S. 1st St.

local business cocktails shopping