Becker’s opened its doors in the Christmas season of 1945. It was a family business then and it’s still in the family today. Having come through depression and the war, Albert and Frances believed that people needed value for their scarce and hard earned dollars; so that’s what they gave. They stocked gowns from just about every manufacturer in the city and whatever they couldn’t find they made themselves.

The business has now passed to the next generation. In 2003, we completed a major renovation of the store and opened a second location just down the street. We have been showcased on TVO, as the oldest bridal store in the city and our store was also used for an episode of the television production “Exchanging Vows.” We may have changed our outer appearance, but the concepts set forth by Albert and Frances have not changed. Both locations on the Danforth offer a huge range of bridal fashions, including many highly respected labels, as well as our own in-house designs. We stock literally hundreds of styles and have not deviated from the value issue. We have sale gowns priced at $75.00 and designer gowns over $3,000.00. Becker’s Bridal & Formal always guarantees a fair price.

Building on the strong foundation set forth by Albert and Frances, the second generation successfully founded Barbra Allin Bridal and Allin Rae. Barbara Allin is an award winning line of gowns and Allin Rae, winner of the prestigious Debi Award, is a headwear & accessory line. Both lines are widely marketed in the US and Canada. (Visit www.barbraallinbridal.com)

“The involvement in manufacturing gives our store a big advantage,” says Rachel, granddaughter and manager of the shop. “For the wholesale end, we attend trade shows in New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and even Hong Kong. That exposure keeps us on top of what’s out there and where to get it. Our design team works with a range of fabrics; including silks, satins and laces from all over the world. Embellishments on our own gowns can draw from embroideries of silk ribbon, freshwater pearls and Austrian crystal. The selection in headwear is enormous and any gown can have a headpiece and veil customized to match.” Rachel Levy (store manager)