If you’re dress shopping, that means you most likely already have the wedding date set, since it’s best to do your final fitting four to six months in advance of the big day. Lucky for you, Maui is brimming with fantastic bridal shops. Of course, it’s easier to say yes to the dress if you come prepared. Call ahead to make appointments. Peruse bridal magazines beforehand. If you can, take silhouettes and looks you love with you. Bring your shoes so you can have the dress hemmed to fit the heels, and plan to spend $100 to $300 for custom alterations on top of whatever you decide is your ballgown budget.
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CENTRAL
Myndi’s Finer Things
What Myndi’s lacks in sofas and floor space at her Main Street location, she makes up in a huge inventory of designer bridal gowns that come in various styles and colors. She also stocks multitudes of tuxedo rental options for groomsmen, starting at about $100, in kids sizes to adult. Her gown prices range from $350 to $2,000, and features bridesmaid, prom and mother of the bride formal wear. 737 L. Main St., Suite D2, Wailuku; 808-242-8300 Mauituxedo.com
L’amour Bridal Boutique
They offer gowns, prom, tuxedo, accessories and rentals. By appointment only. 333 Dairy Rd., Kahului; 808-214-1955 Mauiformal.com
Queens Bridal Shoppe
They have gowns, tux, prom, event planning, children’s clothes and accessories. Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, 275 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului; 808-877-7573 Queensbridalshoppe.com
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KIHEI
Elly’s Formal Wear
Make an appointment at Elly’s formal consultation table to get undivided attention on what your bride will wear. Your Elly’s consultant will help you find the perfect gown for your body-type, style and personality. They stock designer gowns from Maggie Sottero, Alfred Angelo, Allure Bridal and Jasmine Bridal. They can special order styles from their catalogs as well, but that will take about four months to get here. Dresses range from $200 to $2,200, with flower girl and bridesmaid options running between $60 and $99. Formal wear for men in suits, tuxedos and traditional Hawaiian wedding garb is found here, too, as well as veils, shoes, jewelry and tiaras. They do after-season sales on sample dresses that save you as much as 60 percent off dresses. Elly’s even has dress rentals, but be forewarned: you won’t be able to alter them very much. Sugar Beach Resort, 145 N. Kihei Rd.; 808-879-7010; Ellysformalwear.com
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WAILEA
Enchantress Boutique
Fantasy and fairy tale weddings are no problem for the Enchantress Boutique. Their Shops at Wailea location is all glitz and glam, and they have all the dresses needed to cater to a fanciful bride. Owners Bootzie and Fifi say the most popular styles are hand-painted florals and Swarovski crystal embellished dresses, but recent trends are also moving toward semi-formal wear and dresses that you can wear again. They also have a wide selection of undergarments and body-shapers, shoes, veils and garters. Prices start at $50 and can range up to $1,500, and they can also special-order items. For brides looking to save, they sell discontinued styles and floor models at discounts. 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr.; 808-891-6360; Mauienchantress.com
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WEST MAUI
LeRu Atelier
The out-of-the-box bride will love LeRu’s unique styles. They offer kimono-sleeved kaftans in silk chiffon and jersey as well as vintage 1900’s bias-cut, pintucked, one-of-a-kind finds. LeRu originals in simple silk maxi gowns and beachey lace pieces can also be accessorised with vintage hats, purses and shoes in the store, and the unique dresses in her collection are also appropriate for bridesmaids and mothers. Prices range from $90 to $500. Owner and designer Larissa Williams advises brides to bring girlfriends and have fun shopping, but in the end the only opinion that should matter is your own. There’s nothing wrong with being beautiful and comfortable. 505 Front St., Suite 203, Lahaina; 808-661-2741; Loveleru.com
Maggie Coulombe
Here you’ve got unique designs by Maggie Coulombe, as well as accessories and shoes. Whaler’s Village, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy.; 808-344-6672; Maggiecoulombe.com
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UPCOUNTRY
Tamara Catz
Tamara Catz designs her own line of island-inspired bridal gowns in various silks and silhouettes with her signature embroidered, beaded and shell embellishments. Her elegant Paia store has a gorgeous receiving area for brides to try on clothes and sofa space for friends and family. Here the bride can select from all Catz’s designs, which range from $600 to $1,300. Some of the latest trends here have been the inclusion of natural, earthy details, with jewelry designed by local artists specifically for her bridal collection. The bridal designs are more simple and lack complicated layers and corsets–which can be a plus since they often don’t require any alterations. Look for sample sales twice a year. Please remember that it can take up to 12 weeks when special ordering your gown. 83 Hana Hwy., Paia; 808-579-9184; Mauiweddingdresses.com
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ISLAND-WIDE
Serendipity Boutique
They offer semi-formal and casual bridal dresses, accessories and shoes. Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, 275 W. Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Kahului; 808-246-7102. 1945 S. Kihei Rd.; 808-874-8471. Lahaina Cannery Mall, 1221 Honoapi‘ilani Hwy., Lahaina; 808-662-0413. 725 Front St., Lahaina; 808-667-7070; Serendipitymaui.com
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CUSTOM DRESS DESIGNER
Jennifer Oberg, The Perfect Fit
808-269-0525; Theperfectfitmaui.com; info@theperfectfitmaui.com
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SHOES
If The Shoe Fits
21 N. Market St., Wailuku; 808-249-9710; Teriedmonds.com
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