So your big day’s coming up and you’ve got everything planned down to a T: venue, décor, flowers, invitations, hair, and makeup. The one thing missing? The Dress.
Before you blow your bridal budget on that vintage Chantilly lace veil, set a limit and narrow your options accordingly. Whether you go designer, rent the runway, or do the full monty and custom-make a creation, we’ve handpicked a selection of the best in the business.
Trinity Gallery
Designed for You
If you’re a true blue fashionista and get weak at the knees at the mere mention of big-name designers like Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier, check out multi-label boutiques like Trinity Gallery, The Atelier Bridal, and The Prelude Bridal.
Following its success in Hong Kong, Trinity Gallery launched last year, showcasing classic designers such Oscar de La Renta, Jenny Packham, and Reem Acra. Similarly, The Atelier Bridal exhibits New York labels Marchesa and Carolina Herrera, as well as an exquisite range of bridal accessories from Oscar de la Renta and Tia Mazza.
Love, Yu
For more adventurous brides-to-be, The Prelude Bridal carries a curated range of hard-to-find labels including edgy British designer David Fielden, New York-based Junko Yoshioka and Love, Yu by home-grown talent Ee Lyn-Tang.
Love, Yu‘s Spring 2014 bridal collection is an enviable catalogue of soft tulle, French lace, and an array of silks, perfect for the modern day bride.
Tip: While these boutiques focus exclusively on bridal gowns, envie de Pois carries cocktail and evening dresses that can double up as wedding wear for the more practical bride.
Something Borrowed
Style Steal
Brides who want the runway look without the designer price tag can turn to Something Borrowed, which sources internationally from brides and retailers who place their gowns on consignment. For a more local flavour, My Dream Wedding and Di Gio Bridal also offer rental services.
Rest assured – renting does not mean compromising your fantasy. Alterations are possible where there is allowance to tuck straps, nip waists or lengthen hems. It’ll be our little secret and The Dress will look like it was made just for you.
Tip: Get more bang for the buck and browse high-end boutiques to shortlist designers before cross-checking whether they are available for rental.
Tan Yoong
Made to Measure
At the other end of the spectrum, tailor-make a dress so it’s uniquely yours. Silhouette the Atelier is a veritable institution, marrying wearable couture with impeccable workmanship. Alternatively, local designers Renée Leung, Amanda Lee, and Tan Yoong are couturiers in the purest sense.
A hot favourite with society belles, Renée L. Privé fuses the finest fabrics and European lace with intricate hand embroidery, semi-precious crystals and pearls. In contrast, Amanda Lee Weddings caters to the bolder bride with pops of colour, contrasting textures, and personality-driven pieces.
Fashion-forward brides may find their dream come true in Tan Yoong’s award-winning avant-garde creations. Known for his delicate layering of organza and nature-inspired shapes, Yoong exerts poetic license with exacting skill, juxtaposing structure and fluidity to surreal effect.
Tip: Make a Pinterest inspiration board and collate images that best communicate your style and personality.
Even if it feels like you’re searching for a needle in a haystack, hang in there. Your quest to find The One can be an enjoyable, stress-free process without Bridezilla crashing the wedding. Looking for more places to find that wedding dress? Check out Say Yes to the Dress.
Top image: Love, Yu