Chances are you’re here because you’re in the middle of shopping or about to shop for your wedding dress in Melbourne and need a little guidance.
Most brides-to-be have dreamt of that fairy tale moment, wearing that PERFECT dress and imagining the future with their best friend and partner in crime. It’s one of the most exciting parts of your wedding planning!
From top tips on finding the best wedding dress in Melbourne to figuring out when you should start shopping for it, I’ll cover it all.
When To Shop For Wedding Gowns In Melbourne
The most common question I hear is “When should I start wedding dress shopping in Australia?”
If you’ve just got engaged, you’re going to be full of excitement, and there’s no harm in window shopping or trying on bridal dresses in Melbourne. However, if you’re planning a longer engagement, don’t buy too early as you don’t want to find a better dress closer to your day.
Usually, you should have your dress 9 months before the wedding, have fittings 6 to 7 months before the day and pick up your wedding day outfits 1 to 2 weeks before. But there are no hard and fast rules, you just want to make sure you give yourself plenty of time to find “the one” and give enough time for the alterations.
How To Find Your Perfect Wedding Dress In Melbourne
With so many bridal boutiques in Melbourne and thousands of dress styles to choose from, it can feel a little daunting. It’ll likely be one of the most expensive garments you’ll purchase so there’s pressure to get it right.
Here are a few things you need to consider if you’re wondering “How do I find the perfect wedding dress?”
1. Get inspiration
Find inspiration in your every day, look at magazines, browse Pinterest and save any designs you like. Think about what aspects you like and don’t like and make sure to bring these into your appointment.
2. Have a budget
Having a realistic budget for a gown you can afford is really important. Once you step into the bridal shops in Melbourne, it may feel tricky to stick to it but it helps refine your dress choices.
Thinking “How much does the average Australian spend on a wedding dress?” On average brides spend $2,385, but that’s not to say you can’t find your dream dress on a budget or go crazy and have a lavish gown. Both are very possible.
3. Who to bring to the wedding dress shops in Melbourne
Be picky with who you bring to your fitting. Honesty is key but you want your crew to be considerate of your wants and needs in a dress above all else. Let’s not forget it’s an exciting occasion so have fun with it and enjoy the bubbles.
4. Be open
You might have an idea of your ideal wedding dress but be open to trying some different styles the experts pick out. Even if you don’t love everything, it’s fun to play dress up, and who knows, your dream dress could be something you’ve never considered before!
Bridal Stores in Melbourne
You’ve found your person and now you need to find the right dress. Here are a few suggestions of some of the best wedding dress shops in Melbourne, to get you started!
Karen Willis Holmes
With four boutiques across Australia and over 20 years of expertise under her belt, Karen Willis Holmes designs beautifully handcrafted one-of-a-kind gowns for brides after the contemporary and sophisticated look.
Address: Unit 501/3 Gladstone Street, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia
Phone: +61 2 9519 3901
Get in touch
Cesar Chehade
Aussie designer Cesar Chehade creates modern and romantic gowns inspired by classic silhouettes. Each piece is made to measure so you’re guaranteed to have that bridal moment once you step into it.
Phone: 0406787587
Get in touch
Maison Oui
For a minimal yet chic design, Maison Oui nails the designs. This bridal boutique makes dresses with a fresh approach, mixing classic styles with a modern twist. It’s effortlessly beautiful.
Address: Shop 2, 20/22 McKillop Street, Melbourne VIC
Phone: 0412 376 787
Get in touch
Grace Loves Lace
Grace Loves Lace is one of the best bridal shops in Melbourne, creating timeless and luxury pieces that enhance the female silhouette without compromising your pockets. I wore one of the stunning gowns on my big day, so they hold a special place in my heart.
Address: 232 Bank Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205
Phone: +61 3 9686 0024
Get in touch
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After reading this, I hope I’ve made you feel a bit more confident in picking out the perfect dress. If you have any questions or require a Melbourne wedding photographer, please get in touch. I can’t wait to hear from you!
PRO TIP: Don’t forget to steam your dress the day before your wedding!
