There’s something a little bit rebellious about trying on wedding gowns when you’re not actually getting married. But, as we found at the Brides and Bloom VIP Night last week, you don’t have to wait until you’ve set the date to get the gown. At Brides and Bloom they encourage saying yes to the dress, whether there’s a ring on your finger or not.
We were able to scour the racks and have a close look at the gowns on offer at the VIP night. While we rifled through layers of ruffles, tulle, and lace, we indulged in picture-perfect cupcakes from Cristarella Cakes and sipped on endless bubbles. We then watched a bridal showcase, whereby the ladies from DMG Models donned gowns from designers such as Audrey Austen, Sophia Tolli, Fiore Couture, and Malachi Wildflower.
The space was decked out by Flowers on Your Mind and included a garden-party-worthy flower wall that got us snapping away on our phones. Later on in the evening, clad in white gowns, we re-enacted practically every moment from the Friends episode “The One with All the Wedding Dresses”. We exclaimed to Nicki from Brides and Bloom that it felt strange to be trying on wedding dresses when we weren’t even getting married!
“I sell so many wedding dresses to girls who aren’t even engaged yet!” Nicki told The Adelaidian last Wednesday. “When you’ve been with someone for a long time, you know it’s inevitable, right?”
“So, when we have ridiculous sales and you find a gown that you would have bought later on anyway, a gown that’s usually $5000, and you can get it for $1000… Would-be brides will buy them and stick them under the bed!” She said. “So, if you’ve never tried on wedding dresses, start!”
That was all the encouragement that we needed. There was no shortage of gasps and giggles as Adelaide’s blogging set tried on the gorgeous gowns amidst free-flowing champagne. Brides and Bloom have also said that they will specialise in helping same-sex couples get their weddings look sorted once gay marriage is legalised. The ladies at Brides and Bloom were so friendly and inviting, and ready to help any and everyone find a dress to suit them.
We were also lucky enough to take a moment with bridal designer Zoe from Audrey Austen. We asked Zoe about the kind of bridal gowns that she designs.
“I prefer lace. I think that lace is classic and timeless. My gowns are designed to elongate a bride, to make her appear taller,” Zoe said at the VIP night. “My designs are based on Old Hollywood glamour, so they’re designed to withstand the test of time.”
“It’s elegant, classic, and romantic; My gowns are designed for the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve,” Zoe said. Her gowns definitely have an old-world feel, featuring structured, flattering bodices and glittering mermaid silhouettes that never go out of style.
The Brides and Bloom VIP Night gave us a glimpse of just how much fun wedding dress shopping can be when you’ve got a great team around you. And, of course, champagne.
Photography by Geena Ho