The wedding dress; perhaps the most important outfit of your life? While I’ve been adding dresses to secret Pinterest boards since my teens, I truly feel that it’s impossible to know which dress, or even style, will be perfect for you until you know who it is you’re walking down the aisle to and where that aisle is.
Shopping for a dress was one of the wedding planning tasks I was most excited about and so I did hours of research into designers and styles before I found the perfect dress. Was it the kind of dress I thought I’d end up with? Not really, but when I tried it on, I knew instantly it was what I wanted to wear when I marry the man of my dreams.
With all this said, I thought I’d share some of the research I did when shopping for my dress and create a list of your must-see wedding dress retailers in Brisbane.
Darb Bridal Couture
Darb, I fell in love with Darb Bridal Couture after my first MBFF show in 2013 and have forever swooned over his truly whimsical creations. Darb won’t suit all budgets, but if you can make it work, his work is second to none, (I’ve had this dress on my Pinterest board forever!).

Karen Willis Holmes
I have recently discovered Karen Willis Holmes and I only wish I’d found her sooner! Gowns are handmade in Sydney and I have to say I’m naturally impressed that she has a gown called Taryn… which I would have bought in a heartbeat if I knew of it before I ordered my own wedding dress!

While Lily Couture
Housing Australian and international designers (including Vera Wang, pictured below) White Lily Couture is a must-see when beginning your wedding dress journey. By stocking a number of designers and different styles you have the opportunity to really experiment with what works on your body and what you love.

The Veil Collective
Found on the north side of Brisbane, The Veil Collective also stocks a range of designers, all with the most elegant of aesthetics. Appointments with The Veil Collective book up quickly so make sure you book as soon as you can.

Babushka Ballerina
Offering both made to order and bespoke gowns, you’ll want to book with Babuska Ballerina if you’re looking for intricate boho, lace or sequined designs. I’ve long been a fan of Babushka Ballerina and have spent more hours than I’m proud of scrolling their Instagram feed.

Jack Sullivan
Jack Sullivan is another designer I discovered during my years of attending MBFF and one I was so excited to visit (through his collection at Brides of Brisbane) when I went dress shopping. I highly recommend supporting such a talented designer Brisbane designer if one of his dresses catches your eye.

While my dress isn’t pictured here, I can’t wait to share pictures of it with you after my big day! I do hope though that this article can help you find your dream gown and make the process a little less overwhelming.
T.