wedding-dress

The 5 best wedding dresses in Melbourne with designer, couture, and bespoke styles 

  • Variety of styles: There are classic ball gown or romantic lace brides, and there are sleek modern cut and couture piece dreamers. That’s why we chose boutiques and designers offering a wide range of styles, helping you find a dress that truly reflects your personality.
  • Quality craftsmanship: We paid close attention to craftsmanship, fabric quality, and detailing, ensuring that the dresses you end up with are not only beautiful but also well-made and comfortable to wear. After all, a wedding dress is something you’ll remember for a lifetime.
  • Local labels: Given Melbourne’s vibrant fashion scene, we took the opportunity to highlight homegrown talent alongside international designers. Choosing local boutiques allows brides a more personalized experience, with fittings nearby and access to exclusive collections.
  • Options for different budgets: Not every bride wants to spend a fortune on her dress, although others are happy to invest in couture or bespoke. We included options across a wide price range, from affordable ready-to-wear dresses to high-end, custom-made gowns.
  • Real bride experiences: Lastly, we considered reviews and testimonials from real brides who shopped in Melbourne. Their experiences with fittings, customer service, and overall satisfaction pointed us toward the boutiques and designers that are worth your time and money.

If there’s one dress meant to be the most special, personal, and meaningful of all, it’s your wedding dress. The one you’ll wear walking down the aisle, the one you’ll say your vows in, and the one that reflects who you are, however simple or extravagant.  

The easy part is pinning ideas on Pinterest, checking whether your favorite designer has something new, or even sketching the dress you’ve imagined. The hard part is figuring out where to find it, who can tailor it to your size, and how much to budget. 

Not to worry—the best wedding dresses in Melbourne below make the process simple and cater to every bride’s taste. With designer, couture, and bespoke styles, transparent pricing, and budget-friendly options, your search for the perfect gown may be over. 

How much do wedding dresses cost in Melbourne? 

Wedding dresses in Melbourne typically range from $1,500 for simple off-the-rack pieces to $8,000 or more for elaborate gowns. The final price depends on the designer, materials, level of detailing, size, and type of dress—ready-made, custom, or couture. 

1. Karen Willis Holmes (KWH)

karen-willis-holmes

Address: 1010 High St, Armadale

Phone: +61 3 9509 0454

Business hours: 

  • Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM 
  • Saturday, 9:00 AM 5:30 PM 
  • Sunday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM 

Website 

Facebook 

Instagram 

Brides who’ve worn a KWH wedding dress often praise its quality, craftsmanship, and exquisite details—whether it’s a graceful long train or a perfectly cinched waistline. One even shared feeling like a goddess in her gown, while another said she loved every moment of wearing it. 

Among their bespoke pieces, popular picks include the $4,990 Emma and Lou-Lou Dip & Julianne, as well as the $5,490 Luella & Emily. Others are also drawn to the $4,590 Cheyenne & Carmen from the La Perouse collection, along with the $7,990 Genevieve luxury dress. 

These dresses are showcased in KWH’s elegant shop, where natural light, hardwood floors, and large mirrors create a setting clients say makes each visit special and personal. 

Not to mention the attentive, dedicated team, who are always on hand with thoughtful guidance and suggestions. 

The seamstresses are recognized for their talent and skill, too, but a few brides noted issues like pulled stitching or a misaligned invisible zip. On the upside, KWH offers more affordable Pre-Loved options—such as the Jemma and Agyness from $650 and $1,000, respectively. 

Pros

  • Notable quality & craftsmanship 
  • Elegant & exquisite detailing 
  • Attentive, supportive staff 
  • Special & personal visits 
  • Pre-Loved options available 

Cons

  • Inconsistent seamstress work 
  • Occasional stitching & zipper issues 

    Felt like a true goddess—most exquisite dress, expert altering, and caring team 

    “I cannot express enough gratitude to the team at Karen Willis Holmes Melbourne for creating the most exquisite wedding dress for my special day! My dress was absolute perfection! The quality and craftsmanship were beyond compare, and I felt like a true goddess wearing it. My husband thought it was divine, and I received endless compliments throughout the day. From choosing the gown to the final fittings, the care and attention from the entire team were outstanding. A special thank you to the head seamstress, Kim, who worked magic on my gown. Her expertise in altering the dress, especially with the magnificent train (the longest she’s ever worked on!), the perfectly cinched waistline, and the tasteful neckline, was remarkable. It was a joy to work with her, and I’m so grateful for her dedication and skill.”

    Standout gown quality and craftsmanship, amazing service, and made me feel beautiful

    “I had the most incredible experience at Karen Willis Holmes, I didn’t expect to find my dress that day, but the quality and craftsmanship of their gowns truly stood out, second to none. What really made the experience unforgettable was the amazing service. Sam was absolutely phenomenal – she took so much time and care, made me feel beautiful, supported, and completely at ease throughout the whole appointment. I couldn’t recommend KWH more highly. Thank you for such a special and memorable moment!” 

    2. The Sposa Group 

    the-sposa-group

    Address: 622-624 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn

    Phone: +61 3 9818 7997

    Business hours: 

    • Monday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM 
    • Tuesday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM 
    • Wednesday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM 
    • Saturday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 

    Website 

    Facebook 

    Instagram 

    Most of The Sposa Group’s stock is by international designers Demetrios and Dylan Parienty, whose designs span timeless elegance, a modern twist, and avant-garde style. The wedding dresses come in ball gowns, fit-and-flare mermaids, simple cuts, and plus-size options.  

    The beauty brides feel on their big day is reflected in the collection, especially the Skye dress in Chantilly lace and the Meadow, with its shimmering details. Gowns 1519 and 1531 have also turned heads—the former for its pearl-accented straps, and the latter for its sleek silhouette.  

    The final price of each piece is only determined during consultations, with some find the $50 appointment fee a bit pricey. Sposa’s sales, however, make it worthwhile—clients browsing the website have seen dresses drop from $4,099 to $2,799 and from $3,299 to $2,299.

    Let’s not forget that you can have your chosen gown altered and customized to match your vision. The friendly, experienced stylists are said to listen to every request and offer support throughout, though certain consultants have reportedly been less receptive to suggestions. 

    Pros

    • International designer collections 
    • Wide variety of dress styles 
    • Sales offered 
    • Customizations & alterations available 
    • Friendly, experienced stylists 

    Cons

    • Pricey appointment fee 
    • Certain dismissive consultants 

      Beautiful selection of gowns, friendly team, and wonderful alterations 

      “I visited a few bridal shops, but this one stood out with a beautiful selection of gowns that really suited my style. I ended up purchasing my gowns here, and the service from start to finish was exceptional – from trying on, to fittings and alterations. Amelia and Frankie were amazing – friendly, attentive and genuinely helpful in making the whole experience enjoyable. Leffy, who handled my alterations, was equally wonderful and ensured everything fit perfectly. Highly recommend this place for their beautiful gowns and service!” 

      Dress of my dreams—listened to my every request and tailored to suit my vision

      “The Sposa Group and particularly our consultant Frankie have gone above and beyond to find me the dress of my dreams for my wedding. This bridal store do not try and sell you something outside of your budget or that you don’t like, they are truly like a family – they listened to my every request and tailored every pick to suite my vision. I have never received such great service from a retail company and I cannot recommend the girls at the Sposa group enough. I genuinely look forward to going there to see them when I have dress fittings.” 

      3. Always & Forever Bridal 

      always-&-forever-bridal

      Address: Level 1/340 Collins St

      Phone: +61 3 9077 2999

      Business hours: 

      • Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM 
      • Sunday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM 

      Website 

      Facebook 

      Instagram 

      Always & Forever Bridal has been serving brides-to-be for 30+ years, offering ball gown, fit-and-flare, minimalist, A-line, V-neck, and mermaid wedding dresses. 

      Many dresses are designed by world-renowned names like Rosa Clara, Sophia Tolli, Morilee, and Martin Thornburg. 

      The ladies describe the fittings and boutique visits as full of tips and run by a helpful, professional, and caring team. It was through this shared knowledge and the encouraging yet non-pushy guidance that clients found their dream dress—or finally said yes to the dress.

      Some brides walked down the aisle in Rosa Clara’s Lea ($4,999) and Sophia Tolli’s Teagan ($2,549); others chose Morilee’s Padma ($3,500) or Martin Thornburg’s Fleur ($3,869).

      Those on a tighter budget keep an eye out for sample sales on the website to get dresses up to 80% off.  

      Much of the concern revolves around their alterations, which have caused frustration and stress for brides who spent thousands only to receive rushed strap adjustments or missing buttons. The bridal accessories make up for it, featuring well-loved veils, jewellery, and shoes. 

      Pros

      • 30+ years’ bridal experience
      • Wide range of dress styles 
      • International designer collections
      • Helpful, caring team 
      • Sample sales
      • Bridal accessories available 

      Cons

      • Inconsistent, pricey alterations 
      • Rushed adjustments
      • Missing buttons 

        Helpful but not pushy staff, a gorgeous dress, and completed well 

        “I had a wonderful experience at Always and Forever Bridal. Maya looked after me for my first two sessions and was brilliant – helpful but not pushy in any way. She was able to help me find the perfect dress for me. Jean was amazing during my fittings and when I asked to have my dress shortened she didn’t try to talk me out of it. She did a stunning job and I was so happy with the results! A gorgeous dress and beautiful service, all completed well within the time frame given. Thanks again for being part of our special day! Dress is Lea by Rosa Clara.”

        Said yes to the dress—patient, helpful team allowed me to take my time with the decision 

        “I just said yes to the dress at Always & Forever Bridal and had the best experience. Kiya and Asmara were both so patient and helpful, and really went above and beyond to make me feel supported. They weren’t pushy and allowed me to take my time with the decision. I would certainly recommend this bridal shop.”

        4. KYHA Studios 

        kyha-studios

        Address: 513 Chapel St, South Yarra

        Phone: +61 3 8103 5046

        Business hours: 

        • Monday & Tuesday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM 
        • Wednesday & Thursday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM 
        • Friday & Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 
        • Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM 

        Website 

        Facebook 

        Instagram 

        A lot of customers take pride in being KYHA brides, thanks to the brand’s chic, timeless, and high-quality gowns. Some actually ended up buying not only one or two items, but four—pairing the two-piece wedding dress set (called “separates”) with a second-look outfit and veil. 

        Under KYHA’s Separates line, the Clover ($3,295), Collins ($4,595), and Burbank ($2,295) designs stand out. For gowns, veils, and second-look options, a couple of favorites are the $2,495 Nevada, $950 Hudson Floral Veil, and $775 Ersa party dress. 

        Clients from outside Melbourne also make the trip to the stunning studio, where they’re greeted by welcoming, bubbly staff. Certain visits, however, fall short when clients are told on the spot that their requested dresses can’t be tried on, and promised follow-ups never arrive. 

        The good news is that those who do stay appreciate the warm, relaxed, and fun atmosphere during fittings. This has counted KYHA as a memorable part of many wedding dress journeys, with team members recognized for their enthusiastic assistance and support. 

        Pros

        • Chic, high-quality gowns 
        • Multiple outfit options 
        • Popular Separates line designs 
        • Warm, welcoming studio staff 
        • Fun, relaxed fitting atmosphere 

        Cons

        • Limited dress try-on availability 
        • Unfulfilled promised follow-ups 

          A fun, friendly experience—purchased my wedding dress after one appointment

          “She was so friendly and calming and made the entire process such a fun experience for all 3 of us. With only one apt, I purchased my wedding dress that day. I could honestly feel her genuine excitement for me when I made the decision which was such a beautiful and personal feeling. I will never forget this moment!”

          A safe, fun space, read my style instantly, and stunning studio 

          “Such a beautiful experience at KYHA studios Melbourne. Studio itself was stunning and the service was absolutely amazing. Erica created a safe and fun space from the get go and helped me find my DREAM dress!! She read my vibe and style instantly and knew exactly what I needed before I did! It was the best experience and one I never will forget. Everyone at KYHA goes above and beyond – highly recommend!”

          5. Bluebell Bridal 

          bluebell-bridal

          Address: Level 1/141 Flinders Ln

          Phone: +61 3 9662 3331

          Business hours: 

          • Tuesday, 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM 
          • Wednesday-Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM 
          • Saturday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM 

          Website 

          Facebook 

          Instagram 

          What customers like about Bluebell Bridal consultations and fittings is how comfortable they feel around the staff. With appointments never rushed and the team being the “ultimate hype girls,” clients have grown to trust them enough to accept their dress and veil recommendations. 

          The showroom, which we were lucky to set foot in, is beautiful and bathed in natural light—just as brides and bridal parties have described. Even as casual visitors, the people at the store took the time to explain the products, showcasing their warmth and expertise. 

          For something simple yet fashionable, the Prea James demi-couture Yolanda ($8,545) and Mariska Allure II ($3,835) are the way to go. Meanwhile, for gowns with graceful bespoke details or sheer corsetry and pearl touches, the Joseph Sayadi and Tobi Sage collections deliver. 

          While alterations went well for most, others found them pricey—especially when the need arose from consultants rushing purchases despite incorrect measurements. The online sample sales help offset this, with dresses originally priced at $7,399 and $6,160 dropping to $599. 

          Pros

          • Comfortable consultations & fittings 
          • Supportive, expert team 
          • Bright, welcoming showroom 
          • Variety of designer dresses & styles 
          • Online sample sales offered 

          Cons

          • Pricey alterations 
          • Rushed purchases 
          • Incorrect measurements 

            Welcoming try-on sessions, knowledgeable team, and magical alterations

            “I simply cannot fault my experience with Mark & the Bluebell team. They were so welcoming & kind at my first try-on session and Mark was incredibly knowledgeable about the dresses & designers. Once I had chosen my dress, every appointment then after was magical! Mark is an absolute wizard on the alterations and no job was too big or small. I recommend all my future bride friends to go here as an absolute must. It’s made the lead up to my wedding a dream and I cannot thank them enough.”

            Found the perfect dress—warm, supportive team and incredible stylist 

            “I had the most amazing and special experience at Bluebell Bridal! From the moment I walked in, I felt truly taken care of. My stylist, Shenali, was absolutely incredible — not only was she helpful and knowledgeable, but she also had such a warm, supportive presence that made me feel comfortable. She made the process so fun and easy, and I genuinely felt like she was just as excited about finding the perfect dress as I was. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience — thank you, Shenali for making such an important moment so happy and special!”

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