A Destination for Modern Melbourne Brides – Twelve South Bridal Boutique

Curating an exquisite edit of renowned bridal labels sourced from around the world, Twelve South is the dream bridal boutique for Victorian brides. A 90-minute drive east of Melbourne, Australia, it is a destination sought out by modern brides searching for unique gowns and a buying experience they won’t find in the city.

Defined by their edit of gowns, Twelve South Bridal is the exclusive home to California’s NEWHITE, Europe’s Zoe Rowyn Bridal, and Australia’s Ingrid Olić. As pioneers and longest-standing stockist of Alena Leena, the boutique holds the most extensive collection of dresses within the area.

In an intimate setting that weaves together elegance and allure, Twelve South balances the romance of tradition with a contemporary vision. Placing you centric to the whole experience, Twelve South have curated a private consultation that feels languid, intimate and beautifully unexpected. The result is a bespoke journey in your quest for the perfect gown – a unique experience shaped around your preferences, with a tailored edit of exclusive gowns to prevent endless hours spent trying on a myriad of options.

We caught up with their team of expert stylists on advice for finding your dream gown and what to expect from their bespoke experience.

“Twelve South is a destination sought out by modern brides searching for unique gowns and a buying experience they won’t find in the city.”

Can you walk us through a typical bespoke experience at the boutique?

Our dedicated bridal consultant will begin preparation in advance attending to every last detail, from temperature to ambience. Warmly welcomed at our cozy seating area, brides are invited to share their wedding vision. As they relax on our couch, stylists engage in genuine conversations, establishing connection and calming nerves. To begin the appointment, the bride and stylist collaboratively choose 5 gowns. Our qualified staff excel in creative customisations blending the bride’s in-store selection with an anticipated selection of ‘sister styles’ suited to the preferences mentioned in the booking questionnaire. Our generous appointment times mean brides are never rushed, and there’s always time to try favourite gowns on again. We pride ourselves on our pressure-free approach meaning brides are encouraged to ‘sleep on it’ and return at a later date.

What advice can you share for choosing a wedding gown?

Begin your gown search 9 to 12 months prior to the wedding. This timeframe will help avoid rush fees and rushed decisions, also allowing enough time for all the important alterations. Try your gown on more than one occasion before purchasing. With fresh eyes comes new insight and with consideration comes confidence. We encourage all brides to return more than once prior to purchasing their gown. Finally, trust the process and remember how a gown makes you feel, not only how it photographs.

How should a bride prepare before the appointment?

We encourage brides to consider 3 styles they may like prior to their appointment. You can find our available gowns on our website. If you are on the search for something specific or wish to confirm the size or price of a sample, don’t hesitate to contact us. When the day of your appointment comes, wear nude underwear and a nude strapless bra just in case. Early on, we find less is more when it comes to opinions. We recommend attending initial appointments with only a trusted advisor and revealing your favourite gowns to the whole entourage at a later date.

“Placing you centric to the whole experience, Twelve South have curated a private consultation that feels languid, intimate and beautifully unexpected.”

Schedule your visit through the Twelve South Bridal website.

Photography Kristy Visscher