It probably won’t surprise you to hear, dear readers, that we encounter a lot of amazing bridal gown designers and boutiques here at Hello May. It’s our job, after all, to source wedding styles of all sorts to inspire and delight you, and hopefully provide some inspo as you search for your own big day ‘fit.
Whether you’re looking for something to elope in, dramatic designs, intricate detailing or colourful creations, we’ve seen it all friends, and after some careful consideration, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite bridal designers and boutiques to hit up when gown shopping.
It doesn’t matter if you’re ready to drop a motza or searching for a bargain – these fabulous folks have wedding-day looks galore and you’re sure to find something you love hanging on their racks. So here they are, in no particular order… our Top Bridal Designers & Boutiques of 2024. (Psst – don’t forget to check out our 22 Must-have Bridal Accessories and stock up to complete your look.)
As soon as you walk into this light and bright space you instantly feel good, guys. Owner Clare and her team of stylists are a delight, and the curated collection of dresses from Australian designers like Alex Perry, Cherie By Oui and Chelsea May Bridal (plus the regular visiting trunk shows from topnotch international designers) makes this southern Sydney boutique a must-visit if you’re deep in your gown shopping era. Make a one-on-one appointment to find your dream dress.
Follow: @hopexpage
All our bold, brave, fearless brides, listen up! Bowie Rae’s founder and designer Mannie is shaking up the world of bridal fashion and giving you permission to be as loud and vibrant as your heart desires on your dream day. Bowie Rae is fun AF and equally as fab and fashion-forward – we love that you can mix and match pieces, building your own look from the brand’s collection of epic bodices, suits, jackets, skirts and more. You’ll find Bowie Rae on the NSW South Coast – reach out here.
Follow: @bowie.rae
We have a big-time crush on Grace Loves Lace and the reasons are aplenty, friends. They serve up a delicious buffet of dreamy dresses – and with the focus on sustainability, these Australian-made gowns are an easy pick. Their latest collection, Viva, dropped recently and holy heck it’s like nothing we’ve seen from the label before. We’re downright obsessed with the Mya gown and Jagger Robe (above). Spend some time scouring this iconic designer’s site before booking your in-person or virtual consultation.
Follow: @grace_loves_lace
Stocking a host of incredible designers (from the ever classy Jane Hill to super-cool KYHA) and housing over 250 gowns, from figure-hugging to femme and floaty, at Love Marie Bridal in Sydney’s south-west, we can almost guarantee you won’t walk out empty-handed. We are swooning over the above (and phenom) Alena Leena gown – just a taste of the owner Amy’s impeccable eye for style and modern glam. Book your private appointment, stat!
Follow: @lovemariebridalboutique
Designed for the bride who doesn’t want to look ‘bridey’, Georgia Young Couture is known for her contemporary silhouettes and gorgeous, strong lines. We are so smitten with her latest collection Peach Jam, inspired by the romance of Paris. Think luxurious embossed fabrics, structured draping, statement floral decals and ultra-femme necklines to flatter… all in all, D.R.E.A.M.Y. All Georgia Young designs are handcrafted and made to measure from her Melbourne studio – get in touch here.
Follow: @georgiayoungcouture
You’d have had to be living under a rock if you’re not familiar with this powerhouse Aussie designer! Karen Willis Holmes is one of the greats, guys, with 25 years experience creating amazing gowns that cater to all brides, no matter their style. There’s no mistaking KWH knows her stuff, and we adore everything she puts out into the world – the latest collection Parsley Bay: Bespoke is certainly no exception, with gorgeous, contemporary, handcrafted pieces at the centre of all this designer does. You’ll find KWH Bridal boutiques in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, as well as gowns to purchase online.
Follow: @kwhbridal
This Australian-born, locally produced brand is the pinnacle of ‘cool girl’ fashion in Oz, but did you know their bridal offering is also bang-on? Bec + Bridge is known for their bridesmaid collection, which comes in a range of sizes, silhouettes and shades (check out the many Hello May brides who have dressed their gals in B+B), but there’s also a bunch of beautiful options for brides too. The Dreamer Gown (above), which we shot for our fashion editorial in Issue 40, is just one example of the brand’s high-quality sleek and chic bridalwear. Plus, the price point for these dresses is oh-so reasonable! Winning. Make an appointment at their Double Bay bridal suite to fall in love with your ‘fit.
Follow: @becandbridge
True romantics, this one’s for you – leading New Zealand bridal designer Jessica Couture is our go-to when it comes to timeless silhouettes, intricate detailing and modern elegance. If your big-day vibe is classic and chic, then we highly recommend heading here for a list of places around the world where you can pop in to try a Jessica Couture creation on.
Follow: @jessicacoutures
We’ve admired New Zealand bridal brand Hera Couture for a long time, folks, and for many, many reasons. One of the things we love most about these pieces, designed by the talented Katie Yeung, is that they’re made with every woman in mind – and that means they are size inclusive as well as just downright stunning. Everything from dramatic ethereal gowns to modern minimalist, chic simplicity and intricate detailing, you’ll definitely find something here that speaks to your soul.
Follow: @heracouture
If you’re a bride in Brissie or the surrounding area, you need to make your way to The Veil Collective… like, yesterday. It’s a truly stunning space where you’ll get lost amidst some seriously exquisite collections from likes of Alena Leena, Esty Style and Trish Peng. Plus, your experience in the boutique will be second to none, with a team of passionate bridal stylists on-hand to make sure you walk way saying yes to your dream dress. Hit up the team here.
Follow: @theveilcollective
You know we’re big fans of Prea James Bridal here at Hello May. This super-talented lady has been dropping collection after stunning collection for a decade now, dishing up her trademark fashionable yet relaxed take on bridal for lovers of understated elegance and modern, minimalist designs. Her 2024 demi-couture range is a masterpiece, as per, fusing couture techniques and luxury fabrics made-to-order for those looking for something a little more special. See the showstopping pieces at her Sydney studio.
Follow: @preajames_bridal
A warm and inviting boutique on the Gold Coast for the bold, modern bride. With strong ethics around inclusivity, creativity and nourishing your best self, owner Georgia is all about the experience provided once you walk through that door on the hunt for your dream fit! Être Marié Bridal Boutique completely subscribes to the Hello May motto of ‘your day, your way’, so whether you’re after a sleek and chic white number (the Luna Delilah Bride Mia Gown above, which we shot for issue 40, is hot AF!), a pink mini or a black ballgown, nothing is off limits here. And we couldn’t love it more! Do yourself a favour and check out the space for yourself.
Follow: @etremarie.bridal
One of Australia’s most esteemed designers, Diane Lewis specialises in made-to-measure, couture gowns and has created many a dress that’s graced red carpets around the world as well as contemporary bridal gowns which never disappoint. Diane has been in the business for over 20 years and absolutely knows her stuff. Whether you’re after a statement custom gown or a cool minimalist number, this dressmaker is worth a look.
Follow: @dianelewiscouture
Refined luxury meets modern aesthetic – that’s what Sydney-based designer Moira Hughes is all about. Think timeless, classic designs given a fresh makeover (ummm… hello blue silk gown of our dreams) – sensual shapes, effortless glamour and out-of-this-world craftmanship! Moira’s latest collection Exhale features 11 couture gowns, each exquisitely made from luxurious laces and raw silks, with a focus on detail, all with the intention to empower brides to feel like the best version of themselves. Sound like your vibe? Book an appointment at her beautiful Woollahra boutique.
Follow: @moirahughescouture
Moonstruck Bride was born when besties Amelia and Martine weren’t vibing with the whole dress shopping experience while planning their own weddings. So they set about creating an space where they’d like to shop, and their labour of love is now one of the top bridal boutiques in Melbourne. Their gorg studio isn’t crammed full of dresses – the pair carefully curate their collection to include designs that are exciting, distinctive and unexpected. There are fab designers to choose from hanging on their racks, such as Truvelle, Alca Line Bride, and Willowby. Plus, Moonstruck Bride is now the exclusive Aussie stockist for Temperly London, known for their intricate embellishments and sense of bohemian romance. If you’re not afraid of colour or gowns considered ‘non-traditional’, this is the place for you.
Follow: @moonstruckbride
Are we a wee bit obsessed with Christie Nicole? Yes, and we’re happy to admit it, too, because there’s no shame in fan-girling over a bridal designer this good! Christie Nicole Bridal is renowned for her fashion-forward designs, dramatic silhouettes, bold fabric pairings and adornment that pushes the boundaries. Book in your virtual consulation or showroom fitting in Christie’s Bondi studio.
Follow: @christienicole_bridal
Photos: Stefan Wellsmore, Bianca Virtue Weddings, Jessica Lee Witkamp, Matt Godkin, Chris Mohen
