Start an Independent Bridal Boutique in Canada

Brides, bridal parties and families, often booking months before the wedding. Some also buy bridesmaid dresses and guest accessories.

Margin on gowns and accessories sold, plus fees for alterations, steaming and preservation. Deposits on orders help with cash flow.

• Friendly, patient sales and customer service
• An eye for fashion and fit
• Stock buying and cash flow planning

• Municipal business licence and zoning for retail, check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• GST/HST and any provincial sales tax on goods, check how they apply in your province
• Long lead times and deposits, so keep clear order terms and refund policies
• Seasonality: wedding season and engagement season can leave quiet months, so plan cash for winter

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $120,000, depending on premises, stock and fit-out. These are estimates, so build your own budget from real quotes for rent, sample gowns, accessories, insurance and working cash before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, stock range and how many appointments you book. Revenue is not profit, and seasonality can leave quiet months, so plan your cash for winter.

Check your municipal business licence and zoning for retail, commercial general liability and contents insurance, and how GST/HST and any provincial sales tax apply in your province. Also set clear order terms and refund policies for deposits and long lead times.