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Best modern wedding dresses - Brooke Tyson Ritual

Dec 29, 2020

14 Unique Wedding Dresses in Melbourne (2023+)

Unique Wedding dresses Melbourne and beyond

Brooke Tyson Ritual
Suzanne Harward
Alex Perry
KYHA Studios
Paolo Sebastian
Jaime Lee Major
Mariana Hardwick
Le Louvre Bridal

Looking for the most unique wedding dress Melbourne has on offer? Whether you’re looking for unique wedding dresses boho, long sleeve, white or colourful (check out this incredible Suzanne Harward songbird gown), on this page you’ll find some of the most brilliant modern wedding dress designers.

I’ve been lucky to photograph love and ceremony on all continents, which means seeing so much of the worlds most unique wedding dresses and bridal designers on brilliant lovers in all kids of places: these are 7 of the best unique wedding dresses and wedding dress shops in Melbourne that i’ve had the pleasure of working with.

Be sure to read to the bottom to discover the final 5.

Melbourne unique wedding dresses: a dress comparison chart

Wedding dress designer	Wedding Dress Style	Wedding Venue location	You might also like
Brooke Tyson Ritual	Ethereal	New Zealand	About Phaedra
Suzanne Harward	Cutting edge classy	Collingwood	Paolo Sebastian
Alex Perry	Unique brutalist	Collingwood	Le Louvre Bridal
KYHA Studios	Sequinned glory	South Melbourne	Mariana Hardwick
Paolo Sebastian	Fairytale	Adelaide	Suzanne Harward
Jaime Lee Major	Detailed majestic	Melbourne	About Phaedra
Mariana Hardwick	Wispy classic	Thornbury	Suzanne Harward
Le Louvre Bridal	Classic Melbourne	Richmond	Alex Perry
About Phaedra	Inimitably natural	Footscray	Brooke Tyson Ritual
Bluebell Bridal	Classical	Melbourne CBD	Le Louvre Bridal
Raffael Ciuca	Melbourne classic	Brunswick	Mariana Hardwick
Anna Campbell	Romantic classy	Armadale	Suzanne Harward
Gwendolynne	Vintage inspired	Fitzroy	About Phaedra
Cathleen Jia	Romantically creative	Moorabbin	Le Louvre Bridal

A comparison chart of the most unique wedding dresses in Melbourne

When you look at how Australian and New Zealand designers have to fight for a place at the table with smaller markets and at a geographical disadvantage to the rest of the world, it’s no surprise then that some of the most brilliant and forward-thinking designs have actually come from this corner of the globe as they place tradition a gentle second, and innovation first, pushing the craft of design past the edges.

And so, incidentally, these designers are all from Australia and New Zealand!

As an art-lover, a beautiful and thoughtfully designed gown is captivating to look at and brilliant to photograph.

This is a run-down of 5 of the most beautiful gowns i’ve had the pleasure of photographing: from the wedding dresses long sleeve genius Alex Perry has designed, through to wedding dresses boho designers like Paolo Sebastian have created.

1. Unique Short Wedding Dress: Brooke Tyson Ritual

Looking for wedding dresses boho and beyond? Check out Brooke Tyson. Brooke Tyson Ritual is what happens when you have a curious kiwi, captivated by the world of cinema and nostalgia and with a childhood spent playing dress-ups, cast her hand to the fine art of bridal couture.

Brooke Tyson’s Ritual gowns shown here are the Flora gown, and the Luna gown, photographed on Franc on film (find a film wedding photographer here), on a volcano in New Zealand. You can also view a full feature on Brooke Tyson Ritual here. If you’re looking for wedding dresses long sleeve or medium sleeve, the Flora gown below might be just what you’re after. It’s flowy long sleeves create brilliant shape and coverage, while still being light enough to move comfortably in.

These unique wedding dresses styles might be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

an incredible wedding dress ini Melbourne - Brooke Tyson

Best modern wedding gowns - Brooke Tyson Ritual

Find Brooke Tyson Ritual online:

Brooke Tyson Ritual website

2. Unique Wedding Dresses with colour: Suzanne Harward

Suzanne Harward is a designer i’ve had the good fortune of working with several times, and you can see a feature on 3 of the best Suzanne Harward wedding dresses here too.

Suzanne Harward is an icon of the Australian bridal design scene, with a rich long history while always staying two steps ahead of the trends. Check out the impossibly brilliant songbird gown.

If you’re looking for unique wedding dresses australia and beyond, it’s hard to go past Suzanne Harward.

Incredible unique wedding dresses: Suzanne Harward songbird gown.

Suzanne Harward gown for Melbourne Registry office wedding portraits

Suzanne Harward bridal gown at Newstead Butterland

Wedding dresses designer in style: Suzanne Harward

Suzanne Harward website

3. Long Sleeve Wedding Dress Melbourne: Alex Perry Bridal

Looking for a long sleeve wedding dress or a unique wedding dress with sleeves? Alex Perry isn’t necessarily a name synonymous with bridal design – and this isn’t even a piece from his bridal collection – but that didn’t stop the forward-thinking Liv from adapting one of his other pieces for her wedding to Adam. Wedding dresses designer Alex Perry has brought something unique and modern to the table (whether he intended to or not).

These two marvels are featured on Together Journal, where you can see even more glorious images of their day, her incredible sense of style, and that inimitable long sleeve wedding dress by Alex Perry.

the incredible long sleeve wedding dress Melbourne designer

Alex Perry - Long sleeve wedding dress Melbourne

Liv in her long sleeve wedding dress in Melbourne — If you like wedding dresses like this, check out more black and white wedding photos.

Alex Perry Wedding gown — Wedding dresses white: by Alex Perry

Find Alex Perry Bride online

Alex Perry Bride website

4. Modern Boho Wedding Dress Melbourne: KYHA Studios

Looking for wedding dresses boho in style? KYHA studios is right at the front of incredible, innovative boho wedding dresses. Founded by Kyha Simpson after tying the knot and wanting to bring something new to the industry, KYHA Studios.

Designed and handmade in Melbourne, KYHA Studios are one of the early frontrunners of doing things differently, and as a result have inspired an industry-wide shift in risk-taking designs. See more of this Kyha Studios wedding dress.

Wedding dresses boho in style: KYHA Studios (Boho wedding dress Melbourne)

Kyha Studios

5. Unique Wedding Dress: Paolo Sebastian

I hope i’m not the only one who, based on the brand name, initially thought Paolo Sebastian was some kind of lavish octogenarian European designer with over half a century of brilliant work under their belt.

Nope – it’s the work from the genius mind of an impossibly young designer, Paul Vasileff, straight out of Adelaide, Australia. Designers like Paolo Sebastian push the edges of classy couture that leans in to the future of the genre.

Paolo Sebastian gowns blend a nod to tradition offset (speaking of offset… take a peep at the new wave of Offset portraits) with something resembling the top end of the Disney playground of fantasy designs.

Best Modern wedding dress - Paolo Sebastian

Hannah wears Paolo Sebastian. The Royal Mail Hotel wedding of Hannah and Ben, alongside the inimitable Humdrum Films, is featured on Farewell Fiance. See more of this over on Paolo Sebastian Wedding Dress, and at this Hindmarsh Island wedding.

Wedding dresses boho in style: Paolo Sebastian

Paolo Sebastian website

6. Wedding dresses Perth: Jaime Lee Major

Check out these unique wedding dresses Perth has available. Jaime Lee Majors designs are from another planet. The Fremantle / Perth designer made a name for herself cutting cloth for every celebrity under the sun, beginning initially with an epic gown for Kimbra right around the time of her career take-off.

Since then, Jaime Lee Major has used her progressive, artistic inspired approach to design gowns that push bridal to the very edge. Check out this incredible piece from the Fremantle wedding of Sarah and Dave. See more over on the feature on Jaime Lee Major.

If you’re looking for wedding dresses Perth or nearby, Jaime Lee Major is your designer.

Fremantle Perth Bridal Designer Jaime Lee Major

Find Jaime Lee Major online

Jaime Lee Major on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimeleemajor

While you’re here, take a peep at these incredible modern wedding jumpsuits.

7. Wedding dresses Melbourne: Mariana hardwick

Looking for unique wedding dresses lace and elegant? Mariana Hardwick is an iconic Melbourne wedding dress designer. Check out this incredible gown on Elisha at Zonzo Estate. This lace wedding dress is light, flowy, and elegant.

If you’re after wedding dresses vintage in vibe but with an elegant modern twist, Mariana Hardwick is hard to go past.

wedding dress melbourne - mariana hardwick on elisha at zonzo estate!

wedding dress melbourne - mariana hardwick

mariana hardwick - wedding dress melbourne

Find Mariana Hardwick

Mariana Hardwick website: https://marianahardwick.com.au/

While you’re here, take a peep at this Mariana Hardwick wedding dress on Elisha at this Zonzo Wedding showcase.

8. Wedding Dress Melbourne Designer: Le Louvre Bridal

Looking for wedding dresses vintage in style? You must check out this Le Louvre classic, unchanged for nearly a century. Melbourne bridal designers Le Louvre have been around for 95 years, but that doesn’t mean that this classic Le Louvre Wedding Dress, worn here by Bianca, looks like anything other than one of the most incredible designs on the planet.

If you’re looking for wedding dresses vintage in style, this sleeved gown is one of the most unique designs you’ve ever seen and hard to go past. Maybe you’ve seen these two in Together Journal? If not, pick up a copy of issue #19 to see more of this incredible unique wedding dress on Bianca.

Unique wedding dresses vintage in style by Le Louvre

Unique wedding dresses vintage in style worn by Bianca designed by Le Louvre — Wedding dresses white: by Le Louvre

Another wedding dress Melbourne by Le Louvre

Wedding dresses elegant in style: Le Louvre

Le Louvre Bridal website: https://www.lelouvre.com.au/

Unique wedding dress Melbourne: 5 frequently asked questions

Where to buy wedding dress Melbourne

You can buy a wedding dress from any of the 7 incredible wedding dress designers on this post.

How much wedding dress Melbourne

A good wedding dress might cost anywhere from $2000 to $20000. There can be hundreds and hundreds of hours involved in creating a wedding dress, so we recommend making an enquiry with all of the incredible Melbourne wedding dress designers on this page to find out yourself.

Best wedding dress Melbourne

The best wedding dress Melbourne has on offer might be anything by Suzanne Harward, KYHA studios or Le Louvre. Incredible designers right on our doorstep.

Best new wedding dress designer

In my opinion, the best new wedding dress is About Phaedra. You can go to their website here: https://www.aboutphaedra.com.au/

Unique wedding dresses with sleeves?

Head up and to see incredible wedding dresses with sleeves by Le Louvre, Alex Perry, and Brooke Tyson.

What is the most unique wedding dress I can find in Melbourne?

If you’re looking for a unique wedding dress in Melbourne, check out Suzanne Harward, KYHA studios or Le Louvre. Unique designs available right in Melbourne.

Wedding dress Melbourne: 6 more wedding dress designers you might not know about:

9. About Phaedra – https://www.aboutphaedra.com.au/

10. Bluebell Bridal – https://www.bluebellbridal.com/

11. Raffael Ciuca – https://www.raffaeleciuca.com.au/

12. Anna Campbell – https://www.annacampbell.com.au/

13. Gwendolynne – https://www.gwendolynne.com.au/

14. Cathleen Jia – https://www.cathleenjia.com.au/

Hire me to photograph your wedding (if you want)

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Nov 9, 2020

Alex Perry Wedding Dresses: real wedding

Alex Perry Wedding Dresses challenge any ideas of convention around bridal couture. So much so that this one wasn’t even in their wedding category! This incredible Alex Perry Dress was seen in another part of the Alex Perry catalogue, and Liv immediately knew it would be the perfect wedding dress.

Liv and Adams beautiful Melbourne wedding was photographed by Briars Atlas and featured inside the pages of Together Journal and you can purchase it here in issue #19, and their incredible sense of style has also been picked up worldwide and seen on Yahoo and Popsugar.

Thanks to Liv and Adam for having us down for your brilliant day in the beautiful gritty centre of Melbourne, at Longsong.

Liv’s Wedding Dress is also featured in our post on the 5 best modern wedding dresses.

This striking black-and-white image showcases a modern bride in a bold, sleek wedding dress by Alex Perry. The dress features dramatic structured shoulders and a high neckline with a deep, plunging cutout at the chest, offering a sharp contrast between conservative and daring elements. The smooth fabric cascades elegantly to the floor, and the gown is adorned with a delicate brooch on the shoulder, adding a touch of subtle sophistication.

The bride's sophisticated hairstyle is slicked back, further complementing the minimalistic yet striking nature of the gown. Meanwhile, a woman, presumably a close relative or friend, is adjusting something near the bride's feet, offering a tender, behind-the-scenes moment that balances the high-fashion elegance with an intimate touch. The light and shadow play adds depth to the image, enhancing its timeless quality.

A bride stands confidently in a stunning Alex Perry wedding dress, featuring structured shoulders, a sleek, column silhouette, and a bold, plunging neckline. The gown is accentuated by floor-length sleeves that drape elegantly from the wrists, adding a dramatic, flowing effect. A delicate brooch adorns one shoulder, offering a touch of refined embellishment to the modern, minimalist design. The bride's hair is slicked back, complementing the gown's clean lines and contemporary vibe. The black-and-white photo enhances the architectural quality of the dress, making it the focal point in this stylish and sophisticated wedding scene.

A dramatic, backlit photo of a bride wearing a sleek, form-fitting Alex Perry wedding dress. The gown features structured shoulders and a long zipper running down the center of the back, highlighting the minimalist yet architectural design. The floor-length sleeves flow elegantly as they fall past the arms. The image is captured in low light, emphasizing the striking silhouette of the dress and the bride’s poised posture. The contrast between the darkness and the illuminated bride creates a cinematic and modern feel, making the gown the focal point of this sophisticated moment.

A bride, Liv, is seen wearing an elegant Alex Perry wedding dress at Longsong in Melbourne. The sleek gown features structured shoulders, a modern, plunging neckline, and flowing floor-length sleeves. She walks hand in hand with her partner through the intimate, industrial-chic space of Longsong, a venue known for its exposed brick walls and warm natural light. The dress’s minimalist design and contemporary flair are perfectly complemented by the stylish, urban setting. Liv's poise and the gown's clean lines create a sophisticated yet relaxed wedding atmosphere.

A playful detail shot of a bride in an Alex Perry wedding dress, featuring glittering platform sneakers peeking out from beneath the elegant white gown. The sparkling shoes add a fun, unexpected twist to the otherwise minimalist and sleek wedding attire. The photo is taken at Longsong in Melbourne, with "Nice Shoes" and footprint outlines painted on the dark wooden floor, adding a whimsical touch to the scene. The combination of the formal dress with the casual, glittery shoes highlights the bride's unique, fashion-forward style, perfectly blending sophistication with personality.

A bride descends a staircase with her partner, wearing a stunning Alex Perry wedding dress. The gown features structured shoulders, a plunging neckline, and long, flowing sleeves that billow gracefully as she steps down. Her sparkling platform sneakers peek out from beneath the sleek dress, adding a playful twist to her elegant bridal look. The couple is dressed in formal attire, with the groom in a classic black tuxedo, as they make their way down the stylish, modern staircase. The black-and-white photo captures their joyful expressions and the effortless sophistication of their wedding day.

A candid shot captures a bride wearing an Alex Perry wedding dress standing on a sidewalk in Melbourne. The sleek gown features long, flowing sleeves and a minimalist design, with the hem slightly lifted to reveal sparkling platform sneakers beneath. The scene is set in front of a brick wall, with the focus on the bride's unique blend of elegance and casual flair. People in the frame are partially visible, adding a sense of spontaneity and relaxed ambiance to this stylish urban wedding moment. The juxtaposition of the formal dress and playful shoes perfectly encapsulates the modern bride's individual style.

Liv and Adam stand on a city street, with Liv wearing a sleek Alex Perry wedding dress. The gown features structured shoulders, a plunging neckline, and flowing floor-length sleeves, exuding modern elegance. In this candid moment, Liv waves down a taxi while Adam, dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, looks on. The urban setting with towering glass buildings and polished concrete walls creates a chic, cosmopolitan backdrop, perfectly complementing the couple's stylish and sophisticated look on their wedding day in Melbourne.

A bride walks hand in hand with her partner, wearing a stunning Alex Perry wedding dress. The gown features a sleek silhouette, structured shoulders, and a bold plunging neckline, balanced with floor-length, flowing sleeves that add drama and elegance. The minimalist design is complemented by a subtle brooch on the shoulder, showcasing the dress's contemporary sophistication. The couple exudes style and confidence as they walk through the streets, with the bride's dress billowing gracefully, reflecting the modern and chic aesthetic of the designer.

Liv is seen in the heart of Melbourne wearing a sleek Alex Perry wedding dress. The gown features bold structured shoulders, a modern plunging neckline, and elegant, flowing floor-length sleeves that drape beautifully as she stands with her partner. The minimalist design of the dress is highlighted by a subtle brooch on the shoulder, while the clean lines and sophisticated silhouette reflect the bride's contemporary style. The couple shares a moment of joy, with Liv's smile and the groom's classic black-tie attire complementing the chic, urban setting of their Melbourne wedding.

Inside the trendy Longsong event space in Melbourne, a bride relaxes on a leather couch wearing a sleek Alex Perry wedding dress. The gown features structured shoulders, a daring plunging neckline, and dramatic, flowing sleeves that cascade down to the floor. The bride exudes personality and style, pairing her elegant dress with glittering platform sneakers, adding a playful twist to her modern bridal look. The industrial-chic surroundings of Longsong, with its exposed brick walls and large windows, provide the perfect backdrop for this stylish and contemporary moment of joy and laughter shared with her partner.

A bride stands beside her partner, wearing an elegant Alex Perry wedding dress in an industrial-chic setting. The gown features bold structured shoulders, a sleek silhouette, a plunging neckline, and floor-length draping sleeves that flow gracefully to the floor. The minimalist design is complemented by the urban backdrop of Longsong in Melbourne, with exposed brick walls, decorative elements, and beer kegs adding a modern, edgy contrast. The couple's formal attire, with the groom in a classic black tuxedo, enhances the stylish, contemporary atmosphere of this unique wedding scene.

A joyful bride stands alongside her partner, wearing a striking Alex Perry wedding dress in a Melbourne laneway. The gown features structured shoulders, a plunging neckline, and long, flowing sleeves that add a dramatic and elegant touch to the sleek, minimalist silhouette. The modern design is accentuated by a subtle brooch on the shoulder, while the bride’s beaming smile and the groom's classic black tuxedo complete the sophisticated yet relaxed vibe of the moment. The dark brick wall in the background creates a stylish contrast to the pristine white gown, highlighting the couple's chic urban wedding look.

See more Alex Perry Wedding Dresses

Alex Perry wedding dresses offer a refreshing take on bridal fashion, steering away from the overly traditional and into something more refined and modern. His designs are sleek, with a focus on sharp tailoring and clean lines, appealing to brides who want a polished look without all the frills.

Structured shoulders add a bold, fashion-forward touch.
Plunging necklines give the gowns a bit of edge.
Long, flowing sleeves introduce some drama while keeping things elegant.
Minimalist designs keep the focus on form and silhouette rather than embellishments.
Subtle detailing, like a well-placed brooch, adds just the right amount of interest.

These elements come together in a way that feels contemporary yet timeless, perfect for the bride who wants her wedding look to feel effortless and chic, but still a bit unexpected.

Alex Perry Wedding Dresses online: https://www.alexperry.com.au/

Seen on Vogue

Check out Ella and Macks wedding as featured on Vogue Australia, and also Elishas gown in this beautiful Zonzo Estate wedding. Also see what Kyha Studios, formerly One Day Bridal, are up to. For elegant wedding venues in Melbourne, check out the deck circa.

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