Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Bridal Gowns & Services Since 1948
Since 1948, Sophie's Gown Shoppe has been a trusted name in bridal fashion, rooted in family tradition and craftsmanship. Founded by Sophie and John Stronski in London, Ontario, our business began with handcrafted gowns and a commitment to personalized service. Over 45 years ago, Olga Traher expanded our reach to Windsor, Kitchener, and Mississauga while maintaining our core values. Today, three generations of the family continue this legacy, with Jennifer, Jeff, Isabel, and Sophie actively involved in daily operations. We specialize in bridal gowns, mother-of-the-bride attire, prom dresses, and bridesmaid collections, offering designer brands like Allure and Maggie Sottero.Our 76-year history reflects dedication to quality, with 10,000+ moments created and 18,000+ Google reviews attesting to customer satisfaction. We provide affordable, plus-size, and designer options to suit diverse preferences and budgets. Our team combines decades of experience with a passion for helping clients find their perfect look. As a family-owned business, we prioritize trust, expertise, and lasting relationships with every bride we serve.
Services
Bridal Gowns
Mother of the Bride
Prom Dresses
Bridesmaid Attire
Designer Collections
Plus-Size Options
Affordable Selections
Wedding Accessories
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1948 with three generations of bridal expertise
- Offer 10,000+ gown options including designer and plus-size collections
- Maintain 18,000+ verified customer reviews for transparency
- Provide personalized service across four convenient Southwestern Ontario locations
- Combine tradition with modern trends in bridal fashion
What people say
Amazing selection
Patient consultants
Perfect fit achieved
Competitive pricing
Stylish options
Services
Bridal Gowns
Our bridal gown collection features designer brands like Allure and Maggie Sottero alongside exclusive in-house designs. Available in traditional, modern, and destination styles, each gown receives expert fitting assistance. We offer sizes from 0-30 with customization options to ensure perfect fit and comfort.
Plus-Size Options
Specialized plus-size collections provide fashionable, well-structured gowns from size 14 to 30. Our consultants receive specific training in plus-size fittings to guarantee flattering silhouettes and proper support. All styles maintain the same quality and design integrity as standard sizes.
Designer Collections
Curated designer lines include Morilee 2025 and Stella York collections featuring hand-embroidered details and premium fabrics. These exclusive pieces showcase the latest international bridal trends while maintaining timeless elegance. Appointments recommended for personalized designer gown consultations.
People
Olga Traher
Owner
With over 45 years in bridal fashion, Olga expanded the business from its original London location to four stores across Southwestern Ontario while maintaining family ownership.
Jennifer Traher
Manager
Actively managing daily operations across all locations, Jennifer ensures consistent service quality and customer satisfaction standards established by three generations of family leadership.
Jeff Traher
Operations Director
Overseeing store logistics and inventory management, Jeff maintains efficient operations across four locations while preserving the business's personalized service approach.
Isabel Traher
Customer Relations
Specializing in client experience, Isabel coordinates fittings and consultations to ensure each bride receives attentive, individualized attention throughout their gown selection process.
Sophie Stronski
Founder's Legacy
Third-generation team member Sophie continues her grandparents' tradition through hands-on involvement in store operations and maintaining the original commitment to quality.
Questions
What bridal gown styles do you carry?
We offer traditional ballgowns, modern sheaths, destination beach styles, and vintage-inspired designs from top designers like Stella York and Maggie Sottero.
Do you have plus-size wedding dresses?
Yes, our plus-size collection includes sizes 14-30 with structured bodices and flattering silhouettes designed specifically for curvy brides.
How far in advance should I book appointments?
We recommend scheduling bridal appointments 6-12 months before your wedding date, with 2-3 follow-up visits for fittings and adjustments.
Can I order a gown if I'm not local?
Yes, we offer virtual consultations and shipping options for out-of-town brides, with local fittings available at our four Southwestern Ontario locations.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and financing options for purchases over $1,000 through our partner payment plans.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Alex Smith
Jan 04, 2022
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Horrible customer service, the manager went back on her word. I found a beautiful dress here, on sale! I was hesitent about getting it and was already feeling pressured so I asked the sales associate if it was possible for them to hold the dress for me. It took some time but she came back and told me her manager said they would hold it. After being indecisive I asked my mom to also go ask the manager if they would hold it. My mom asked the manager, again, she said she would hold it. I got changed and went up to the cash and started thanking the manager for holding the dress. She interupted me
Mary L.
Dec 17, 2021
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Sophies Gown Shoppe was the only place I could go to in order to get a bridal dress on time for my wedding. I was very fortunate that they allowed me to try on dresses at home. Not the experience any bride wants but the only choice I had. After 6 dresses and the drive back and fourth to pick up dresses and drop off, I finally found my dress. I definitely recommend shopping at Sophies Gown Shoppe as they have so many stunning dresses and they truly care about their clients. The one thing I would recommend is to do your alterations somewhere else, I had a terrible experience with my dress
Lindsay Chiasson
Sep 29, 2021
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This was the worst experience I could have imagined. The other reviews do not lie... if you want to go somewhere where they keep bringing you dresses that you don't want, then go here. My mom and sister could see me getting noticeably bothered, so when they tried to speak to the consultant and ask her if she understood the type of dresses I was looking for, she got so defensive and said she knew how to do job. She mentioned for us to 'check her google ratings.' Not only that, all the other places, the dresses were at least a size 12 and the consultant would come in and clip me before showing my
Cindy Dinis
Sep 23, 2021
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Stay away from this shop. Deserves a ZERO star rating. Employees are very unhelpful and rush you during your appointment. If you tell them all the styles that you do NOT like they go ahead and bring you everything that you asked not to try on. I was told that they did not have any of the styles that I was looking for. I called the Kitchener location and was told that all the dresses I wanted to try on were indeed at the Mississauga location. Employees at this location do not care and are not interested in what you are looking for.
Andrea Marie Resendes
Aug 30, 2021
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My consultant told me to go on a liquid diet before the wedding. She also refused to put me in any dress of my choice because they wouldnt look good on you. She also told me to see a doctor because I was sweating after trying on 8 dresses. Worst bridal experience ever.
Jess Lavigne
Aug 27, 2021
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We went in for the appointment and found that they wouldn't let the bride even look at dresses. I understand the need for covid precautions but we had already been to 5 or so shops and not one wouldn't even let us browse the gowns. We ended up walking out because the saleswoman didn't even try to understand what the bride wanted. These gowns are also overpriced. I tried on a gown here 5 years ago and ended up buying it elsewhere for $500 less. You've been warned!
