BRIDAL BLOG

7 Best Discount Bridal Stores and Bridal Outlets in Cincinnati, Ohio

Not all brides love to spend big bucks on a wedding gown. Have you considered shopping for your wedding gown at a discount bridal shop? For many of our brides, shopping at a discount bridal shop is a fantastic way to keep costs down without sacrificing the service and personalized experience touted by boutique dress shops. 

You just might be one of the many brides who start their search by Googling “discount bridal near me,” hoping to find just the right discounted bridal shops. Heck, you might have found THIS article that way! Here is a better way to start your search: we recommend checking out the shops that make up the Reading Bridal District outlet area, near Cincinnati, which is North America’s largest bridal district. 

We’ve put together a list of the seven best discount bridal outlet stores in Ohio, many near the Reading Bridal District, to help you know what to expect when you visit, and to learn more about the appeal of discount wedding dresses

But first, let’s cover a few basics. 

Wearing luxury designer brands doesn’t need to break the bank. Purchasing your bridal wear from a wedding dress warehouse doesn’t mean you won’t receive exceptional service from knowledgeable and experienced bridal consultants. Brides of all kinds shop at discounted bridal shops, where the range of prices and styles often far exceeds those of luxury designer stores and boutiques. You may save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by shopping at bridal outlet stores in Ohio.

Sourced from www.readingbridaldistrict.com

More about the Reading Bridal District at our sister blog:

https://www.blushbridalohio.com/blog/a-guide-to-the-reading-bridal-district-in-cincinnati-ohio 

The official website for the Reading Bridal District:

https://www.readingbridaldistrict.com/

Pricing at Discounted Bridal Stores

Blue Bridal 

Have you decided on a budget for your gown? Prices for bridal gowns can vary widely depending on the designer, line, fabric, style and embellishments on the dress, as well as if the gown is a sample or consigned item. Establishing a budget early in the process and sticking to it doesn’t need to feel limiting – many of the Reading bridal outlet stores below offer discounted samples from high-end designers at luxury boutiques, and are a fraction of the price. Since almost all dresses – not only those that are samples or purchased from bridal consignment shops in Cincinnati – require alterations, don’t forget to account for tailoring in your budget. We also recommend budgeting for accessories, such as your veil, shoes and jewelry, as part of your wedding attire. 

Blue Bridal Outlet Store

If you’re considering purchasing a discount bridal gown for your wedding day, you can choose to look online or to check out in-person shopping options, such as the bridal stores and outlets in the Reading Bridal District. Online options can be even cheaper than in-person dress warehouses and consignment shops, but lack the customer service and appeal of a day spent dressing up in beautiful gowns with your best friends present. We appreciate a professional wedding stylist’s ability to provide dress options that make you feel stunning. Consultants often pull a dress that totally surprises brides and ends up being “the one!”

Wedding Appointments

Wedding dress retailers generally require appointments. When calling to request and schedule an appointment, it can be helpful to know some basics about your wedding and your style. When and where are you getting married? Is there a neckline or silhouette you already know that you love? If not, don’t worry, but it can help the stylist get a feel for how to select the perfect array of dresses for you to try on. Are you petite or plus-sized, or require certain appointment accommodations, such as wheelchair access? This information can also be helpful for the wedding stylists who will be assisting you.

We recommend limiting the number of appointments in a day to one to three tops. Not only can the day be physically and emotionally tiring for you and your party, but a long day of appointments can result in dresses that blend together, making it more challenging to recall which you loved and may want to see again. 

As you schedule your appointments, we recommend asking how many guests can join you and whether or not snacks and drinks or champagne is allowed or provided. We find the sweet spot for group sizes is one to four trusted guests who know your personal style and can give you honest feedback, while respecting your opinions. 

Are you ready to start making appointments? Read on to learn more about the best bridal outlets and discount bridal stores in Ohio!

Bridal Outlets & Discount Bridal Stores in Ohio

Blue Bridal

https://www.somethingnewborrowedblue.com/

Instagram: @snbbbridal

There’s a reason why Blue Bridal is known as “Cincinnati’s Bridal Outlet.” Our store, which is located in the heart of the Reading Bridal District, carries overstock items for brides of every body shape and size, all curated from top designers, in addition to a selection of made-to-order gowns.. Most of the designer gowns we carry range from $500-2000, and are 30-60% off retail prices. Blue Bridal is a sister store of Blush Bridal Ohio, a couture boutique in the Love building of the Bridal District. The staff of both stores are passionate about ensuring that every bride feels beautiful on her wedding day. 

At Blue Bridal, we want your shopping experience to be amazing from start to finish. We keep an online bridal gallery of our gowns, displayed by styles, so you can know what to expect to see on our racks. (Although styles are always changing in store!) From A-line and ballgown to sheath and boho, our styles range from traditional to modern. With gowns from size 0 to 32 and an inventory that is constantly changing, a visit to Blue Bridal is one that you won’t forget. Bonus tip - check out our monthly promotions page here for even more savings. 

During your appointment, you and your guests will be joined by a professional bridal stylist, who will make you feel comfortable, and guide you through the process of finding the gown of your dreams. We also carry accessories, such as veils, jewelry and more, so you can get a feel for how you might appear on your wedding day. 

Schedule your appointment today!

Check out our Sale Rack Gallery: https://www.somethingnewborrowedblue.com/featured-gallery/sale-rack


Kuhn’s Bridal and Formal Outlet

https://www.kuhnsbridalandformaloutlet.com/ 

Instagram: #kuhnsbridalandformaloutlet

With more than 4,000 dresses, Kuhn’s Bridal and Formal Outlet has options for weddings and events of all kinds. The store, which is located in Mansfield, carries sizes 0 to 34. With regular sales that stretch their bridal gown discounts even further, Kuhn’s features the variety, professionalism and prices to appeal to brides who don’t want to compromise quality for the cost. Bonus - Kuhn’s also carries mother-of-the bride, bridesmaid and other formal wear for special occasions!


Affordable Bridals

http://www.affordablebridals.com/ 

Instagram: #affordablebridals

Karen Lockwood of Affordable Bridals can assist with your wedding wear preparations in a multitude of ways. The shop is located in North Olmsted and draws brides from throughout the Cleveland and Northern Ohio region. Karen will provide unbiased, practical advice from her decades of experience in the industry. 

Working with Affordable Bridals for your wedding dress selection or tailoring needs ensures that you’ll find a dress that works for your silhouette. Karen is widely regarded as an expert seamstress, and by bundling your dress purchase and tailoring services with Affordable Bridals, you know that your dress will fit like a glove on your wedding day. Reviews of Affordable Bridals overflow with appreciation for the motherly care with which Karen approaches her work.

Luxe Redux Bridal

https://luxereduxbridal.com/ 

Instagram: @luxereduxbridal

Luxe Redux Bridal, a women-owned Cincinnati wedding dress outlet in the Reading Bridal District, is a designer sample boutique that features an ever-evolving inventory of designer gowns. Since the wedding dresses carried at Luxe Redux Bridal are designer samples, they are heavily discounted from the original price, with most of the gowns ranging from $1,000 to $3,500. With their Luxe in a Box options, you can have the Luxe Redux stylists curate accessories to try on at home or even select three gowns to have shipped to your house. With your purchase of a $1000+ gown, you can apply the $99 Luxe in a Box fee toward your purchase! 


Off White of Dublin Bridal

https://www.offwhiteofdublin.com/ 

Instagram: @offwhitebridal

Located in a suburb of Columbus, Off White of Dublin Bridal is the luxury boutique White of Dublin’s sister store. This cozy and charming shop features samples of high-end designer gowns at significant bridal discounts. You and your guests can also peruse the discounted accessories and bridesmaid dresses available at the boutique. If the dress of your dreams requires alterations (and most do, whether they are samples or new gowns), the consultants will refer you to respected tailors in the area. Making an appointment at Off White of Dublin Bridal means you won’t compromise the high-end shopping experience for the chance to walk away with an exclusive designer gown.

Amara Bridal Boutique

https://amarabridalboutique.com/ 

Instagram: @amarabridalboutique

Located in a suburb North of Cincinnati, Amara Bridal Boutique caters to brides of all body types and sizes who are looking for a gorgeous gown at a budget price. Amara Bridal Boutique may be an ideal place to start your discounted wedding dress shopping journey if you’re in the Cincinnati area but not quite ready to explore the Reading Bridal District. Being surrounded by your best friends while trying on lines such as Enchanting Bridal, Monica Loretti, Sincerity by Justin Alexander and Amara’s private label Willow collection is a special experience – especially with discounted outlet prices. With special order gowns by these designers available in expanded size and color options, it is evident that the consultants at Amara Bridal Boutique are invested in finding the best dress at the best price point for you and your budget. 

SGE Bridal

https://www.sgebridal.com/ 

Instagram: @sgebridalboutique

With more than 200 new and pre-owned gowns in its Columbus-area bridal consignment shop, SGE Bridal is a promising option for brides on a budget. Purchasing a consigned wedding dress eases the industry’s environmental burden, helps other brides recoup some of their money and you may even get to wear a vintage or custom piece for a fraction of the retail price. SGE Bridal’s inventory also includes veils, head pieces, jewelry, shoes and other wedding-related items that, when purchased new, can quickly add up to a significant portion of your bridal wear budget. The friendly and professional staff at SGE Bridal are knowledgeable about alterations and can advise about tailors in the area who specialize in vintage or custom alterations. 


Bridal Trends on a Budget

For the budget-conscious bride in 2024, embracing the latest bridal trends doesn't mean compromising on style or emptying your wallet. Bridal outlets in Cincinnati, like Blue Bridal in the Reading Bridal District, offer a treasure trove of options that align perfectly with the year's most popular styles, all while keeping affordability in mind. Let's explore some of the key trends and how you can find these styles at discounted prices.

Minimalism Meets Elegance: 2024 sees a rise in clean, minimalist wedding dresses. These gowns, characterized by their simple lines and understated elegance, are a timeless choice. Bridal outlets often feature minimalist designs at a fraction of boutique prices. Look for gowns in fabrics like Mikado or satin that offer a polished look without the need for excessive embellishments.

Vintage Revival: Vintage-inspired gowns are making a big comeback, blending nostalgia with contemporary twists. Whether it’s a flapper-style dress inspired by the roaring '20s or a sophisticated Old Hollywood gown, bridal outlets often stock vintage-inspired dresses from past collections at discounted rates.

Versatility with Detachable Elements: One of the smartest ways to be trendy and budget-friendly is to choose a dress with detachable features, like sleeves or trains. This not only adds a dynamic element to your gown, but also allows for a transition from ceremony elegance to reception comfort. Many outlets offer dresses with these versatile features, ensuring you get more style out of a single purchase.

Overskirts for a Two-in-One Look: An overskirt can completely transform a dress, offering two distinct styles in one outfit. This is ideal for changing your look between the ceremony and reception without buying two dresses. Bridal outlets sometimes have dresses with removable overskirts, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy this trend.

Diverse Sleeve Options: Sleeves in all forms – from cap to bishop or off-the-shoulder – are in vogue in 2024. Bridal outlets are a fantastic place to find gowns with a variety of sleeve options, often available as detachable additions for added versatility.

Where to Find These Trends: The Reading Bridal District in Cincinnati is a hotspot for discovering these trends at budget-friendly prices. With a wide array of bridal outlets, such as Blue Bridal Ohio, Luxe Redux Bridal and more, brides can explore a diverse selection of gowns that reflect these popular styles.

The key to successful bridal shopping on a budget is being open to options and trying on various styles. Often, outlets carry designer overstocks, past season gowns and samples, all of which can be your ticket to wearing a trendy, high-quality dress at a much lower price point. Keep an eye out for trunk shows and seasonal sales for even greater deals.

By focusing on these trends and shopping smartly, you can look every bit the modern, fashionable bride without stretching your budget.

Comparison with High-End Boutiques

When it comes to shopping for a wedding dress, the experience can vary between discount bridal stores and high-end boutiques. Here’s a comparative analysis of what brides can expect in terms of dress selection, customer service and overall experience at each.

Shopping Tips for First-Time Bridal Dress Shoppers

Embarking on the journey to find your perfect wedding dress can be exciting yet overwhelming. Here's some valuable advice to ensure your experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible:

What to Bring:

Questions to Ask at the Bridal Shop:

Remember, shopping for your wedding dress should be a memorable and happy experience. Take your time, enjoy the process and look forward to finding the dress that feels uniquely you.

Takeaway: Discovering Your Dream Dress in Cincinnati's Bridal Outlets

Embarking on your bridal dress journey in Cincinnati's illustrious Reading Bridal District and its array of discount bridal stores and outlets, you're not just shopping – you're stepping into a world where elegance meets affordability. Here, every bride-to-be can find her dream gown without the shadow of overspending looming overhead.

The allure of Cincinnati's bridal outlets lies in their incredible diversity and high-end fashion at down-to-earth prices. From couture samples to the latest trends, these stores unravel a tapestry of choices. Every bride, regardless of budget, can find a dress that resonates with her heart's desire. These outlets break the myth that designer labels and chic trends are beyond reach.

Moreover, the comprehensive service and the personalized touch offered at these outlets rival those of upscale boutiques, making each bride's journey not just affordable but also memorable. Whether it's exploring an exclusive trunk show, sifting through designer overstocks or finding that one-off gem in a sample sale, the thrill of the hunt is part of the magic.

Remember, your wedding dress is more than just fabric and thread – it's a reflection of your unique story and style. The Reading Bridal District, with its collection of discount bridal shops, stands as a testament to the fact that every bride deserves to wear the gown of her dreams without sacrificing her financial peace of mind.

So, set your budget, gather your dearest for advice and support and dive into this splendid bridal wonderland. The perfect gown awaits you in the heart of Cincinnati. Whether you're seeking something traditional, bohemian, chic or utterly unique, rest assured that the journey to your dream dress is about to become one of the most cherished chapters of your wedding story.

Don’t forget the champagne!

Additional Reading:

 9 Things to Know Before Shopping for a Wedding Dress >>

Three Reasons to Book a Weekday Appointment >>

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