White Silk Bridal Couture offers bespoke, one-of-a-kind bridal gowns that are designed with the bride’s unique individuality in mind. Their gowns are made onsite at their gorgeous Tauranga boutique, and their process involves working closely with the bride to create a pattern specifically tailored to her, resulting in a gown that fits like a dream and requires little to no alterations. But that’s not all: White Silk Bridal also creates stunning veils, flower girl dresses, and even bridal reception dresses.
Whether you’re getting married in New Zealand or abroad, White Silk Bridal will help you feel like the most beautiful bride in the world on your special day.
To learn more about their creative process and what makes them unique, we sat down with Nicky the founder & designer of White Silk Bridal Couture. Read on to discover how they bring your bridal vision to life.
Tell us about the spark for White Silk Bridal Couture, where did the story begin?
The desire to create extravagant pieces during fashion school was birthed, the joy it brought those around me, brought me so much joy and motivation which led me to pursue bridal wear. I went on to working as assistant for a high end bridal designer for 9 years. Here my love for bridal began.A wedding gown is one of the most extravagant pieces a bride will ever get to wear. A Gown that is worn standing before the lover of her life, making the most sacred vows, a significant moment, one she will forever remember. A brides gown represents her uniqueness and individuality. To be able to be part of a brides journey is truly such an honour.
Your gowns are all exquisitely made onsite at your bridal boutique in Tauranga. Tell us the difference between bespoke and off the rack bridal gowns and what makes this process so special?
It is an absolute privilege to be able to work closely with each bride who chooses us to create their dream gown. A bespoke gown or couture gown, means we work closely with our brides, their ideas, elements of gowns they love and creating a pattern just for them, achieving the perfect fit. The end result is, having a gown that is their own and their individuality is expressed through their design, fits perfectly as its been custom made and minor to no alterations will be required. It is a beautiful journey a bride has the chance to be part of, leading up to her special day.
Off the rack gowns are made in stock standard sizes and what you see is what you will get. Most commonly these will require alterations and generally a brides size will need to be ordered in months in advance. Occasionally a bride may be able to purchase a sample off the rack if they are limited on time.
What does an appointment typically look like at White Silk Bridal?
When we first meet, we discuss brides ideas, desires in a gown, what is important in their gown and try on samples if more clarity is required. We talk through fabric options, different qualities and the effectiveness, we will discuss laces available, view samples and go over any questions or concerns that may arise. By the end of our first meeting, the consultation, a design is sketched up, fabrics and laces are selected, measurements taken and the gown is ready to be created. Countless times brides comment, ‘this is just so easy and stress-free!’ And that is how we like to ensure the process is for each and every bride we work alongside.
How far in advance should a bride make an appointment?
At least 4 to 6 months in advance is great, more than this is even better especially in these coming weddings seasons which are booking up quite quickly. We do cater for brides who are weeks out from their wedding and still have no gown …. this is more common than we like to admit! But we will do all we can to cater for them as well and ensure the process is as smooth as possible.
What is your favourite style of wedding dress to design or favourite fabrics to use?
I absolutely love creating a gown that truly reflects the personality of each bride, they are all so different. some challenge the construction processes, require such fine craftsmanship and pushing boundaries. A Gown that has been a favorite this season and is so popular right now is the Emily gown. It is a beautiful collaboration of my favorite fabric, gorgeous fit and a draped, hand beaded lace bodice with long elegant sleeves.
I love working with silks and french crepes and the laces I adore are those handbeaded pieces that are just so elegant and unique.
Any tips for brides to be searching for the perfect gown?
Research, try on gowns, and if you discover you cannot find the perfect gown, then find a designer you are happy to work with to create your own unique gown. Take note of elements you love in different dresses and feel good in. Necklines, backlines, structured, fitted or draped silhouettes. Take note of fabrics, laces, beaded or unbeaded, traditional, modern…etc…Ultimately be you. Stay true to your personal style. If you find you get overwhelmed by opinions, go on your own or take one trusted friend who knows you well and won’t try to dress you in their ideal gown and style. Enjoy the process and eliminate whoever or whatever it is that makes it less than enjoyable.
Do you also design other wedding pieces, like veils and flower girl dresses?
Yes! We love to create veils to compliment the gown and ensure they are the right length. We also create flowergirl dresses and bridal reception dresses. We have a great range of hair accessories and jewelry to complete the bridal look.
What about alterations on wedding gowns?
We take great care in ensuring your gorgeous gown purchased elsewhere is altered to fit you perfectly. We have worked on gowns from other couture designers from around the world, and the well known online bridal store gowns. No matter where brides have purchased their gown, it matters to us that it fits like a glove and brides are leaving feeling like it’s just been custom made to them.
Tell us a bit more about your creative process, what keeps you inspired?
It can be so easy to be distracted and want to do what everyone else is doing, but a gentle reminder to be true to myself, keeps my unique style true to who I am. I am continuously inspired by the incredible backyard we live in, here in Aoetearoa. Our nature, Creator and landscape leaves me in awe, coupled with my European heritage, the architecture of the European countries and the timeless fashion and elegance, all of which is seen expressed through my gowns.
What’s coming up in 2023 for White Silk Bridal?
We are really excited to be opening a new boutique this year, stay tuned! It will be so gorgeous and in the heart of Tauranga City. We are also looking forward to producing our new range, it will be a delight to the eye.
We would love to show at a Wild Hearts wedding fair this year too!
For more inspiration for the ever-effortless and timeless bride, visit White Silk Bridal on our Wild Hearts Vendor Collection…
