Your dream dress: Wilkins Bridal
Unlike the brides of yesteryear, today’s bride wants her wedding dress to represent who she is and what is important to her. 
One bride might want lots of detail, with lace and sequins, while another bride might want something pared down and simple.
Wilkins Bridal brings every bride the dress of her dreams – such as Rustic Chic, Boho Bride, Sensual Sexy, Modern Metallic, Rainbow Love, Glamour, A-line, Destination, Plus Size, and so many more dress categories.
Bridesmaid and made-to-measure Mother-of the-Bride collections are also instore to provide a complete dress plan for the entire bridal party.
Owner April Meredith says one point of difference here is that every figure is catered for, with sizes ranging from 7-36, with an emphasis on an “Every Body/Every Bride” programme, which has been masterfully designed and expertly crafted – prioritising construction and comfort in every silhouette for the most flattering fit for all shapes and sizes of brides.
“We like to ensure there is something for everyone, from your traditional brides to your destination brides to your rainbow love brides, all who desire to look their most beautiful for their partners on their big day. 
“Something else that sets us apart is that we offer a free 90 minute consultation at the first appointment. This gives the bride plenty of time to discuss exactly what she is looking for in a relaxed atmosphere,” April says.
“We also encourage the bride to get up close to the dresses and touch them, which is so important. Often the bride will choose 20 styles that she likes and from there we can slowly whittle down to what will become the one.”
Wedding dress designer Jenny Lea, of Jenny Lea Designs, works instore as well. Jenny not only designs her own gorgeous bridal creations,
but also does bride, bridesmaid, and mother-of-the bride dress alterations.
“To have your complete bridal attire and a quality alteration service all under the one roof makes life so much easier for the bride and her bridal party,” April says.
Alongside the New Zealand made Jenny Lea dresses, are international renowned bridal labels, such as Martina Liana, Essense of Australia, All Who Wanders, Stella York, and dedicated bridesmaid label Sorella Vita.
Top trends
Bridesmaid trends for 2023 see a continuum of matching colours and fabrics but with differing styles, which allows bridesmaids to look the part yet feel entirely comfortable in a style that suits them.
Wedding dress trends this season see a focus on bows, splits in dresses, and an
architectural-type shaping that is sophisticated and elegant.
Around 90 percent of brides still wear veils, which is like the icing on the cake for a bridal look, but they are often single veils that sit at the nape, rather than the crown of the head. 
Find your dream wedding dress at Wilkins Bridal.
15A Byron Street, Sydenham, Christchurch | www.wilkinsbridal.co.nz
