In keeping with the series on Wedding Vendors in Brisbane, I thought I would talk to you guys about the most important dress of your life, your wedding dress!
I completely and utterly loved my wedding dress. It was gorgeous, but more importantly, it made ME feel beautiful in it.
When you go wedding dress shopping, you’re bound to get overwhelmed and confused. There’s a lot of choice out there. Even though Brisbane is a smaller city, there’s still plenty of places to visit.
These are some of the stores I went to on my quest for the perfect dress:
The Bridal Centre – located on Queen Street Mall. This store was like a meat market. Terrible lighting, overbooked appointments and the dresses did not look like they do in the catalogues. I was really disappointed with this place.
Wendy Makin – located in Woolloongabba. In terms of decor, this was the most beautiful bridal store I went to. It had gorgeous chandeliers, carpeting and the whole thing just looked wonderful. They had a great range of silhouettes and styles and all the dresses were great quality.The attendants were very helpful and attentive without being overbearing. I really liked Wendy Makin – they also have a good range of prices, so you’re sure to find something you like.
Belladonna Bridal – also located in Woolloongabba. This store is the budget sister of Wendy Makin, so be prepared to dive through the racks to find a bargain. There were some nice dresses here, but you have to sort the trash to find your treasure. Worthwhile if you’re on a tight budget, but make sure to make an appointment in advance.
Babushka Ballerina – located in Wintergarden, Brisbane City. They also have a store in Fortitude Valley. While I can’t fault the service or the quality of the dresses at this store, let me tell you that these dresses are made for the petite. I am an Australian size 10 and have a large chest and these dresses were so unflattering on me and just made me feel like a heifer. Again, more to do with my shape than the dresses – I saw them on a petite lady in the dressing room next to me and she looked fabulous! This store is for the bride looking for something unique – and it’s worth a visit!
Casar Elegance – located in T&G building, Brisbane City. This is where I found my dress. The first time we went in, we had amazing customer service from a lady named Kimmy. She was hilarious and pepped us all up after a big day shopping. She pulled out a dress that I would never have considered and that ended up being my dress. My subsequent visits to Casar were not the greatest experience. My next attendant was a lady named Denise. Denise’s customer service left something to be desired.
On one occasion, I booked an appointment to try on veils after I’d purchased my dress and she booked me in for a Saturday. When I went in, she basically rushed me through the appointment because she had made a mistake in booking me in for a Saturday, as once you purchase your dress, you’re only allowed to retry it on weekdays.
That was fine – but then continually telling me that I wasn’t supposed to be there and I would have to hurry up just made the whole thing horrible. Here I am, having paid a large amount already for my dress and about to spend for a cathedral veil and being treated like I wasn’t wanted there. It was horrible.
Having said all that, I absolutely loved my dress. I think the moment I knew it was my dress was when I came out of the dressing room and the whole store stopped and stared. It was just the perfect dress for me and it made me feel beautiful, which it what it’s all about!
I hope this helps you in some small way when you’re looking for a dress. Just remember, don’t be pressured into buying anything if you’re not sure. I went back to Casar 3 times before I purchased my dress. Be comfortable with your purchase, it’s probably the most you’ll ever spend on a dress.
I ended up getting a Maggie Sottero Mermaid Style Dress:
Hope this helps!
Love,
Liz xx
BrizVegas & Me 