Just Engaged?

Here’s Your Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping at Runway Bridal

Congratulations! 💍 If you’re newly engaged, the excitement is real—and so is the planning. One of the biggest (and most fun!) steps you’ll take is finding your wedding dress. With so many local engagements happening right now, we know brides from Belleville, Prince Edward County, Kingston, and beyond are starting their dress-shopping journeys.

At Runway Bridal, Belleville’s modern bridal boutique, we’ve helped brides find their dream wedding dresses for over 16 years! Our team has the experience you need, and we’re here to make your search fun, stress-free, and unforgettable. Here are our top tips for getting started on your wedding dress shopping journey.


1. Start Shopping 8–12 Months Out (Or Shop Off the Rack!)

Wedding gowns typically take 6–8 months to arrive once ordered, and alterations require another 2–3 months. That’s why the sweet spot for shopping is 8–12 months before your wedding day.

If your timeline doesn’t allow for that—don’t stress! At Runway Bridal, we also offer a full selection of off-the-rack gowns that you can take home the same day. No matter your wedding date or planning style, we’re here to help every bride find their perfect dress, even if your journey doesn’t fit the so-called “standards.”


2. Keep an Open Mind (Your Dream Dress Might Surprise You!)

We hear it all the time—brides walk in convinced they’ll love one style, only to fall head-over-heels for something completely different. Your stylist will help you explore styles that flatter your body, showcase your personality, and make you feel amazing from the aisle to the dance floor.

We are letting you in on a little secret: We see so many brides say “yes” to the dress at their very first appointment with us. So don’t overbook yourself hopping from store to store all day. Start with one appointment at a time. Trust your heart and your gut. (After all, you chose to shop with us first for a reason 😉.)


3. Shop in a Boutique That Celebrates You

At Runway Bridal, we believe every bride deserves to feel stunning. That’s why we carry inclusive gown sizes (8–24) year-round, not just during special events. Whether you’re a size 4 or a size 24, you’ll find a wide selection of designer gowns to try on in-store.


4. Complete Your Bridal Look in One Stop

From veils and jewelry to dressing the moms of the wedding and your favourite bridesmaids, our boutique makes it simple to pull your whole wedding day vision together. You will even return for your Meet Your Gown appointment when your dress arrives to try it on, choose your accessories, and get aisle-ready.


5. Why Brides Choose Runway Bridal

Unique, Hand-Picked Collections: Carefully curated gowns from top designers you won’t find just anywhere
5-Star Google Reviews: Real brides rave about their Runway experience
Local & Experienced: Serving brides from Whitby to Gananoque for over 16 years
Personalized Appointments: A warm, welcoming experience that’s all about you
Modern Boutique Vibe: Limestone walls, natural light, and a photo-worthy space for your “yes” moment


Ready to Find Your Dress?

If you’re newly engaged and searching for wedding dresses in Belleville, Ontario, let Runway Bridal be your first stop. We’ll celebrate with you, guide you every step of the way, and help you find the gown that makes you feel like the best version of you.

👉 Book Your Bridal Appointment Today

Congratulations again—we can’t wait to welcome you into the Runway Bridal family and help you say “yes” to the dress!