Mount Maunganui’s made to order experts Gown + Altar infuse their practises with all things elegance, femininity and adaptability. With mindful methods in place catering to brides across the country they offer virtual appointments as well as in store fittings. Gown + Altar have elegant and relaxed pieces for every bride with options of layering pieces, separates and elegant minimal gowns. Wild Hearts are overjoyed to have these dreamy looks on Runway this year, bringing inspiration from Mount Maunganui for our NZ wide audience to adore.
Join us at Wild Hearts Wedding Fair and Runway to meet the Gown + Altar team and see their stunning showcase on runway by purchasing your tickets here.
Firstly, tell us about your gorgeous brand and the essence of your ethos?
Gown + Altar is a boutique bridal brand based in Mount Maunganui, designed with a passion for beautiful fluid fabrics and modern silhouettes.
We want you to look amazing and be comfortable on your wedding day. A gown you’ll want to wear all day and night!
All of our pieces are made to order and we offer the unique experience of having your gown made to measure to all of our brides that can attend fittings in our Mount Maunganui studio. We are also able to make customisations to our collection pieces which is a popular option and an affordable way to have a unique piece that is also perfect for you.
What collection will we expect to see on the Wild Hearts Runway this Spring?
A couple of our favourites including a surprise set for a bride looking for something less conventional and super fun!
What are you looking forward to most about Wild Hearts Wedding Fair and Runway?
We are excited to be part of such a beautifully curated event and to connect with couples that may not have heard of us. It’s always inspiring to come together and connect with other NZ wedding vendors too!
Are there unique design features in your collection? What inspired you?
Have a browse through our collection and you find that we are big fans of layering pieces, separates and elegant minimal gowns.
There is nothing more inspiring than seeing a bride taking home a dress that she feels amazing in! Our past and present brides are often our main inspiration when designing new pieces. The small details are often overlooked when first searching for a gown – such as fit, body shapes, comfort and practicality. So these things are always considered while drawing on our favourite trends to create pieces that will tick all the boxes.
What is the process for couples looking to purchase or perhaps have a custom piece made by you?
To try on the collection or discuss a custom gown you can book a private appointment at our Mount Maunganui studio – where all our designs come to life! We also offer virtual appointments and a try it on at home service to New Zealand brides that can’t make it to us in person.
Do you have stockists or can couples contact you directly?
Our collection of gowns, separates and veils are all available to purchase online through our online store and Etsy. We have helped beautiful brides all over the world find their perfect wedding dress with ease. We are only an email away to guide you through the process and answer all of your questions.
Do you have favourite styles for petite, curve and maternity weddings?
Petite – Buying off the rack can be hard for petite that’s why our made to measure service is a good option for shorter brides. We recommend the more minimal styles that won’t have you feeling like you are drowning in fabric. The Celine, Paris, Cove and Celeste have been favourites amongst our petite brides.
Curve – A cinched in waist, flattering v neck, and a supportive bodice. Reign Gown, Alba Gown, Flora Gown
Maternity – Our slip dresses, the bias cut will hug your curves in the right places and have the flexibility for a growing bump. Throw on one of our organza tops for more coverage. The Anna Gown and Lucy gown can still be worn with a bra.
Can you please link below your top pics for :
The boho bride- Goldie Gown / The modern bride– Ravello Gown / The classical bride– Paris Gown / The casual bride- Anna Gown
Do you have any teasers on what is next for your Gown and Alter in 2023-2024?
We are looking at creating a fully customisable collection for next season.
To connect with the Gown + Altar team at Wild Hearts this September pop over here to purchase your tickets.
And see more from Gown + Altar on our Wild Hearts Vendor Collection, here.
Image by The Summerly