find out more about wisconsin’s
only shop
size inclusive
Meet the Shop
rare bridal bar was born out of necessity to offer wisconsin (and beyond) brides who don’t fit the “bridal standard” the same incredible experience that straight size brides receive. at rare, we believe that every bride, regardless of their size, should feel comfortable + beautiful not only on their big day, but when trying on dresses, too!
we believe that there should be no limitations while finding your dream dress + we promise that as soon as you step foot through our door, you’ll feel comfortable and surrounded by beautiful options that feel like YOU. our stylists will never hold up a gown and ask you to imagine what it will look like because your size isn’t available. we cater specifically to curvy and plus size brides + you’ll find over 100+ sample dresses in bridal sizes 18-34 to try on during your appointment.
rare offers some of our favorite gowns from our sister shop, strike bridal bar, as well as several exclusive designers made just for the curvy bride. instead of carrying just a few gowns in plus sizes like most shops, our dream was to create an entire space exclusively designed for the curvy bride!
whether you are a modern, traditional, boho, or glam bride… we have a dress for every body! book your bridal styling appointment + find the one for you.
not sure about sizing? give us a call to chat with an expert stylist who will help you schedule an appointment at the shop that is best fit for you!
at rare we celebrate diversity and welcome all couples! we promote body positivity and self love (that means no body bashing allowed in front of our mirrors!). we empower our brides to embrace their own personal style and not anyone else’s. we can’t wait to celebrate finding “the one” with you!
hey there, future rare bride! my name is abby and I am the owner of rare bridal bar! having worked in the wedding industry for almost 15 years, I have been (too) patiently waiting for the industry to catch up to the rest of the world and start being as inclusive as I want it to be, especially when it comes to bridal fashion so I took matters into my own hands.
after opening our sister shop, strike bridal bar in 2019 to offer a more inclusive space for all, I still had the urge to take it one step further. I built up strike’s inventory to offer the most plus size samples of any bridal shop in milwaukee, and then in 2023, opened wisconsin’s first and only exclusively plus size bridal shop, rare bridal bar!
as a “type a” personality + avid planner, I developed a love for all the details and intricacies that went into planning a wedding at a young age. from the photography, to florals, to personalized invitations, and of course… the dress. I couldn’t get enough of all things weddings and knew the bridal industry is where I belonged.
after receiving my fashion design and business degree from mount mary university, I moved to new york city to start my design career under one of the biggest names in bridal before moving back home to milwaukee to develop my own gown collection and open my first bridal shop.
growing this small business in the city I love most has been a dream come true. I hope you enjoy every detail of it; from the spacious changing rooms and private viewing areas, to the complimentary beverage bar, to the cozy robes to change into, and of course, the best selection of curvy gowns you’ll find in wisconsin. I just know you’ll love it as much as I do.
when I’m not at the shop, you can find me enjoying milwaukee’s beautiful weather on my motorcycle, having a super competitive game night with my friends + family, snuggling my two english bulldogs, or trying out as many new restaurants as I can.
I cant wait to meet you + put you in your dream dress!
Meet the Owner
x Abby
Meet the Team
Jimmy
stylist
