Friday has rolled around once again, good peeps and we’ve been working hard on something super special. That’s right! We have gone and rounded up 25 of our favourite bridal designers and go-to bridal boutiques we love to follow on Instagram (and think you should, too!).
Let’s be honest, what bride doesn’t want to be scrolling through her feed and all of a sudden spot her dream dress, the perfect accessory, or put simply, some damn fine wedding inspiration? We’re talking happy couples to boot, tablescapes, florals and more. Even once you’re married, we guarantee you’ll keep a few of these guys in your feed, including the impeccable Karen Willis Holmes you see above. There’s a whole host of our Directory Vendors that you’ll find more from here – boasting information, booking forms, contact details, related real weddings and designers and boutiques that would love to hear from you.
We personally know how hard it’s been for these wonderful and creative humans over lockdown with boutiques shutting up shop and shoots, new collection drops and processes stalling, so if you can manage it (and it’s within the recommend government guidelines, of course) get some of your gal pals together or your fam bam and physically get into their space, try on gowns aplenty and enjoy yourself – hopefully with a champaz in hand.
So, in no particular order, here’s our top 25, complete with links to their websites and of course, each designers’ Instagram handle, so you can click on through- once you’re done here, that is… Go on, but beware, it’s a biggie, so settle in, make a tea (although if you feel like it, we support you on grabbing a cocktail – it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?), because yes, we might be bias, but we think it’s definitely worth the time spent on this lengthy read!
Grace Loves Lace is an iconic brand, with a focus on accentuating the female form, while being comfortable, lightweight and have you feeling free as a bird. Their Instagram follows that notion, with unending bridal inspo and countless campaign shoots including videos of the gowns to show you their fit on the move. Their latest collection, Coco Loco, has been designed to represent all sides of a woman’s personality. “Coco is for the cool, calm, and collected, Loco is for the wild, fun and free,” says the founder. Also on offer? A bucket hat (that we featured in an accessories round up here and a backpack for the bride who likes to think out of the box). They are handmade in Australia and tailor every gown to your size. Check out their cup size collection, too (XXS to XXXL with a bust from 6A to 20E).
Follow @grace_loves_lace
Alca Line Bride was officially established in 2018 guys, and we have been excited by her gowns from the get go. There’s a new launch coming (sneak peek, the gown above), and along with her previous collections – check out the latest, Looking Glass, here – we figure it will be no different in terms of our reaction…cue, collective gasps around the office on sight. Check out Instagram for Alca Line Bride’s recent rebrand and major inspo for makeup, real brides, shoots, styling and florals, as well as lots of colour – note – she has a black gown adorned in hearts and lilac sheer dresses among her modern offering. You can also head into one of our fave Sydney boutiques to try her pieces on in the flesh, Hope X Page.
Follow @alcalinebride
Oarma is a Melbourne made collection of what the designer labels as “wedding wearables.” Relaxed tailoring at its best, curated with the environment in mind and as a love letter of sorts to her grandma, oozing elegance from every aspect. Their very cool and unique coats are a category they absolutely nail and the unique hemlines and lengths are what makes this designer special. Yes you are encouraged to wear long after your wedding day, too. Their Instagram is clean, minimal, monochrome and makes a strong case for the brand being inspired by architectural moments. We simply can’t get enough of their new pieces (you’ll find above), dropping very soon.
Follow @oarma_
Hope X Page is one of those spaces (just revamped and absolutely stunning, mind you) that you walk into and just feel good, guys. The bubbly owner, Alex, makes the experience a delight and the stylish choice of gowns from Australian designers like Luci Di Bella, Alca Line Bride, and Harriette Gordon (above) to Alex Perry, and Alexandra Grecco (plus regular trunk shows with international designers to die for) makes this southern Sydney boutique a must-visit. Her Instagram looks a little like a fashion magazine, with a side of real brides, hairstyles and big blooms and you’ll find your finishing touches from the incredible (not to mention affordable) accessories label, Dove Grey Bridal there, too.
Follow @hopexpage
The Bride Lab is a light-filled boutique in SA stocking a chic range of Aussie and International designers, just some of which are the likes of Alexandra Grecco and Hera Couture, plus an extensive Curve range (that caters to sizes 16-24). Unique is the aim of the game, and boy are they winning! Case in point, the lovely Daalarna Couture, above, plus many more newbies you’ll want to get in there to see. Get onto the ‘gram for plenty of happy people, bridal parties and gowns to boot! You won’t regret it.
Follow @thebridelab
Daisy by Katie Yeung is all about bucking the trends of traditional bridal shopping, friends. They promise no pushiness, “no snooty salesladies” and dresses that are not only comfortable but flattering and on-trend, too. Their curve range goes up to a UK 36 and they have everything from gowns to separates and tulle jackets. Yes please! Head to their Instagram for a fun take on bridal – models and real women alike, having a ball in their bridal get up, along with cakes, manis and a few cheeky cocktails, of course.
Follow @daisybrides.co.nz
Love Marie Bridal Boutique has a bunch of brilliant designers (from the ever classy Jane Hill and Georgia Young Couture to super cool KYHA – figure hugging to floaty) meaning if you walk into Love Marie, we can almost guarantee you won’t walk out empty handed. We are swooning over the above (and phenom) Alena Leena that this boutique stocks exclusively, showing the owner, Amy’s impeccable eye for style and modern glamour when it comes to gowns and feels when you visit. Instagram is a place to post her one of a kind brides and even play dress ups with the gowns to show you how they move on the body, along with new dress drops in store.
Follow @lovemariebridalboutique
Carte Blanche Bride continues to surprise us in the very best way, carrying some of the most delicate and downright delicious French-made bridal gowns – including the above Atelier Blanche piece. This clever concept (online with regular pop-ups and a Melbourne showroom) allows Australians access to the ‘je ne sais quoi’ of French design, look and feel and we guarantee you the beauty is in every detail. The brains behind the brand has also just conceptualised her own line, perfect for the minimalist bride, made in Melbourne. Head to their Instagram for handy reels from the founder – like how to pronounce fancy French labels, a show of accessories, curated gowns, close ups on details and some very happy brides.
Follow @carteblanchebride
Madeleine Ruth is one to watch, friends. Becoming a brand in 2016, founder and designer, Madeleine started with bespoke creations, only recently releasing a made to order collection, with another coming in hot. Low key, lovely designs for a modern bride. Keep an eye on her Instagram for real brides sporting the gowns on their big day as well as that new drop, Riviera, coming soon.
Follow @madeleineruthbridal
L’eto Bridal epitomises a feminine and effortless vibe with every piece. The quality and feel is so unique, thanks to the super creative designer, Anya, who was a photographer for years before creating her own accessories line and now bridal gowns, so you could safely say she knows what’s up. Expect Instagram to deliver calming neutral tones with a touch of art – one of her biggest forms of inspiration, along with gowns that have actually been sent from heaven above and maybe even carried by angels… Case in point, SLOW, 21 (the collection featured in this pic).
Follow @letobidal
Kellylin Couture is a New Zealand designer that covers everything from classic shapes to cute two pieces and results in a modern offering for all brides, including Contour D’Amour, an extensive curve collection. Passionate about bringing the everyday woman her dream dress at an affordable price point, we love what they are doing. Their Instagram highlights their latest offering, Wild In May (above and you’ll find the whole collection we blogged here), along with blooms, cakes and real couples – what more could you want?
Follow @Kellylincouture
Luci Di Bella has truly breathtaking pieces – an ode to detail and time spent designing and creating in their Armadale (VIC) studio. Case in point the above from their latest collection release. You’re oh-so-likely to fall in love with their aesthetic and may even create a one-of-a-kind together. Their Instagram is a phenom mix of dresses through the fairytale lens they so beautifully view the world (in the most modern way possible, we assure you), new collection dress drops and finishing touches with a focus on fabrics, texture and textiles.
Follow @lucidibelladesign
Lola Varma is an Australian-made, WA-based designer, that caters to the cool, modern and minimal bride, who cares about quality and doesn’t care about convention. Every collection to date, including their last (that we loved so much we blogged it here), My Paradise, is relaxed tailoring at its best, chic and minimal, while bringing sophistication and luxury to the forefront in both look and feel. Check out their Instagram for more of a mood board of dresses, a little decor, blooms and gowns shown in the most epic lighting. You can book virtual fittings, or head into their stunning showrooms in either Perth or Melbourne, or head into Sphere Bridal Gallery and Mrs Fray.
Follow @lola.varma.bridal
Karen Willis Holmes is one of the greats, guys. An Australian designer well-renowned in the industry for creating amazing gowns that cater to all brides (hitting the 20 years in the biz milestone this very year!). Expect to see incredible collections (our most recent faves, Luxe Triteia that we blogged here and Elope, that we blogged here) along with Wild Hearts and Curve (that ranges from size 14 – 24 by the way), that prove they literally have something for everyone. Not only found in their beautiful boutiques in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, brides can also head into one of our fave concept stores, Mrs Fray (ACT) and Amante Bridal (VIC). Their Instagram has a fun mix of reels, gowns on real women and models, accessories, behind the scenes of shoots, floral arrangements and finer details. Keep an eye out for even more stunning collections coming in hot in 2022.
Follow @kwhbridal
Oui the label describe their bride as “a picture of the modern woman who is always her authentic self and embraces her femininity.” Couldn’t love that more, eh? And it’s for that reason that they provide simple but stunning silhouettes (like the above from the Eleventh Hour collection), separates that you can mix and match, as well as unique, new and interesting shapes and cool-girl finishes. Their Instagram serves a creamy mix of collection shoots, florals, stationery, styling (standout tablescapres to be specific), beauty and mood boosting quotes. This impressive designer also launched a sister label last year, Cherie by Oui which is something you simply cannot miss.
Follow @ouithelabel
Hera Couture is a New Zealand powerhouse, providing us with bridal gowns for days and days… and days. Seriously, there are a bunch of collections including their latest incredible release, Avant Garde (above), a collection just on detachable sleeves (heavenly if you’re wondering) and a Curve range, plus accessories. Their flagship is in Auckland and along with a bunch of other stockists, you can head into one of our go-to’s The Bride Lab (SA) to see their designs in real life. You’ll find gowns, close ups on those dramatic sleeves (which we are here for every day of the week), photoshoots galore and a touch of florals on their gorgeous Instagram.
Follow @heracouture
Mrs Fray is a concept store guys, meaning you get more than just gowns from this one-of-a-kind in Canberra. Put simply, it’s pretty damn cool, beginning as a bridal pop up and now a flagship with exclusive Australian labels like Prea James Bridal and Karen Willis Holmes, as well as international superstars. You’ll find the impressive list of designers here – some of which are the epic Bon Bride, and Maria Fekih (above). Expect beautiful creamy vibes to pop up in your feed, featuring everything from table setting details to chic tailoring, finishing touches and of course, incredible gowns, suits and more.
Follow @mrs_fray
Sphere Bridal Gallery is, as it sounds, a chic, sophisticated outfit that showcases incredible designers, gowns and accessories with boutiques in two destinations – Queensland – and Sydney – who stock impressive international designers, including exclusively Rime Arodaky and the new Tal Kedem (above). The owner, Sarah, has impeccable style and finesse and carries countless dresses to suit the fashion-forward bride. If they aren’t already, add them to the top of your list to visit, stat, and head to their Instagram for info about pop ups, designers arriving on our shores etc and a major love story about dresses – on every. single. square.
Follow @spherebridalgallery
Miss Chloe screams romance, romance, romance, people. It’s for the girly girl at heart who wants to go bridal, without going over the top. They have eight collections already, with an abundance of sparkles, tulle and form-fitting shapes. The above from the Royal collection by Miss Chloe is coming real soon, along with more dramatic pieces, earrings, bows, veils and sleeves. You’ll find femme feels on their Instagram, with real bride galleries and wedding day inspiration for days.
Follow @misschloebridalofficial
Prea James Bridal does pretty, relaxed, chic and stylish – all at once – while keeping an air of damn cool. The designer’s Instagram is clean, fresh and femme and she’s not only one to watch constantly, but one to book in and see. Head into her gorgeous flagship boutique in Paddington (NSW), and a check out a few of our go-to boutiques like Mrs Fray (ACT) and if you’re a QLD bride, Sphere Bridal Gallery if you’re not Sydney-based and want to get your hot little hands on your dream wedding outfit, stat.
Follow @preajames_bridal
Moonstruck Bride is for the gals that want to look like themselves on their wedding day, something we firmly stand behind, too. They offer a vast range of gowns to suit any bride, with five unique designers, like Laudae, Truvelle (featured above) and the ever sweet E&W Couture. Their Instagram is an all-inclusive mix of brides, gowns, blooms and a look into their beautiful boutique and what’s hanging on their racks.
Follow @moonstruckbride
& For Love is a Canadian designer that is bringing street cred to a bridal brand – and succeeding – which is no mean feat. Their designs toe the line between timeless and on-trend, and we are here for their philosophy in spades, “Bridal, but make it fashion.” Their Instagram shows their quality gowns, edgy style and effortless feel. The chic mag-worthy grid serves up cute couples, cool accessories, and luxe looks on tap. You’ll also find them in one of our go-to Sydney boutiques, Love Marie and Victoria’s Amante Bridal.
Follow @andforlove
Lilia Cass is for the bride who wants to buy something that she can wear on her wedding day and way beyond. Her pieces, all part of Ceremonial, have been delicately thought out, from shape and style to luxe fabrics, and are made to mix and match with each other, but also with a pair of jeans or your favourite tee later on. There are skirts, blouses (that can be worn multiple ways!), pants and silk dresses to die for and a lot of it is under $1000 per piece. Impressive right? Expect Instagram to serve you new shoot imagery, real brides having a ball in her collection, along with models showing a bunch of different ways to wear it and a touch of beauty inspo. You’ll also find the designer herself on her wedding day – the catalyst for creating her own label in the first place.
Follow @liliacassceremonial
Bo & Luca are second to none when it comes to bridal. Their handmade, hand beaded gowns are an absolute treat for the eyes and they fit and fall on the body in the most beautiful way. They describe themselves as “influenced by the romance of bohemia,” and you can clearly see it in their standout new collection, Endless Nostalgia (above). Head to their Instagram feed for an abundance of close ups on their quality craftsmanship, models, real brides and accessories galore.
Follow @boandluca
The Bridal Atelier is one of those boutiques that feels like a fashion house. They boast boutiques in both Melbourne and Sydney and stock a whole host of epic international designers like the dreamy Jurgita Bridal (above, coming soon), Ritual Unions and Sarah Seven who all give a level of exclusivity and basically an air of deliciousness that you won’t want to miss. Check out the designer edit here and be aware, their Instagram is one that even once you’re done and dusted with the dress process, you won’t want to unfollow.
Follow @thebridalatelier
