If you’re considering buying your wedding dress abroad, let me tell you about my unforgettable experience at Pronovias in Barcelona.
Back when I lived in Brazil, I tried on a Pronovias gown at a local boutique. It was beautiful, but it wasn’t the one. After checking their website, I discovered Atelier Pronovias, their “haute couture” line. (Technically, “haute couture” is a protected French term, but this line is the brand’s highest-end collection.) I fell in love with a dress I saw in the catalogue.
Since I already knew my approximate size, I contacted their Barcelona boutique, placed a deposit, and timed everything for an upcoming trip I had planned to Spain. This happened approximately 60 days before my trip.
Order and Alterations
Even though the wedding was still over a year away, I explained I’d be in Barcelona for just four days and would need to leave with the dress. They made it work! The dress was ordered in my size and made the necessary alterations in just 24 hours — faster than the 2-3 days they’d initially promised. The final fitting was perfect.
The quality? Impeccable. The lace was soft and delicate, which mattered a lot to me because I have sensitive skin. The craftsmanship was stunning — there’s a reason Pronovias is such a global reference in bridal fashion.
Savings
Since I’m not an EU resident, I received a VAT refund, making the price even more attractive. Despite the euro being high at the time, it was still cheaper than buying the same dress in Brazil, by a lot. To give you an idea: in Brazil, a regular Pronovias dress was about R$10,000. My Atelier Pronovias gown — which would’ve cost around R$20,000 in Brazil — ended up being around R$8,000 (with the refund). That’s a huge difference.
Barcelona is also home to Rosa Clará, another amazing bridal brand worth visiting. But for my style, Pronovias was the perfect match.
Summary:
- If you have the chance to buy your wedding dress in Barcelona, go for it. The service, savings, and overall experience made it unforgettable.
- It’s possible to pre-order a dress and pay a deposit in advance
- If planned in advance, they can order your size and adjust the dress quickly (within 1–2 days)
- You can coordinate everything via email before your trip
- Buying in Europe can be cheaper than in other countries, especially with VAT refund
- VAT refund available for non-EU residents
- The quality of materials and craftsmanship is high, especially in the Atelier line
- Ideal for short trips — they are able to deliver the final dress within a few days
- Barcelona also offers other strong bridal brands like Rosa Clará
- Overall, it’s a cost-effective and well-structured option for international brides
Where to find:
Pronovias Barcelona: Rambla de Catalunya, 129, Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
