Online, in store, off the rack, and custom made… whatever your bridesmaids are wearing, we know where you can get it.
New Zealand has a wealth of options for bridesmaid dresses. Depending on your location, budget, and style, there are so many different dress (or jumpsuits, or separates, or whatever else you want) out there for you. First, you need to consider the construction: There are three options to choose from.
Ready-made: Off the rack, standard sizes, no customisation. This is ideal if you need something now, and the people wearing the dresses are a standard size. It’s likely a few alterations will be required to fit perfectly, and these can be offered in-store, or you can use an alteration tailor or seamstress.
Made to order: You supply measurements and any customisations required from a range of options, and they are supplied as required. For instance, there may be three neckline options, knee or full-length. The pattern will be modified to fit the wearer.
Custom/ bespoke from a dressmaker: You supply or choose fabric, specify the style, and the dress is custom made to fit in person.
<H2>New Zealand Bridesmaid Dress Suppliers
Alma J: This Auckland store stocks the Sorella Vita range. Your bridal party can try on dresses, and then order the colours that you require.
Baby’s Breath: Offer a range of ready made and made-to-order bridesmaid dress stylesv. With a huge range of fabrics, styles, and colours, as well as the ability to try dresses on at home before you buy, this is a great, flexible option. Auckland based, ships throughout NZ.
Ballgown, Bridal and Beyond: There are a large range of dresses to try on in their Henderson, Auckland store. The website does not list all their options. Most dresses are available in a large range of sizes.
Bella Bridesmaids: A large collection of bridesmaid dresses, accessories, and other wedding-related clothing. Based in Papamoa, you can try on in-store or get delivered to try on in the comfort of your home.
BLAK Bridesmaids: You can try these dresses on in-store in Newmarket or Mt Maunganui, or they can ship the dresses out to trial at home. Three different fabric choices, a range of dress styles (and a bridesmaid jumpsuit!), and with a number of colour ways, there is something for all.
Bridal Brilliance: A large range of dresses from Tania Olsen, Lexi, Adore, and other brands, these come in a selection of colours and sizes. Try on in their East Tamaki store, or you can order online.
Bridal and Ball: This North Shore shop also allows online sales. As well as off the rack dresses, they have a selection that can be ordered in sizes up to 24.
Céline Rita: These beautiful NZ designed-and-made dresses are chic and available in sizes 6 to 16. The colour range is limited but the classic styling mean they are endlessly adaptable.
Chiffon Boutique: These online-only off the rack dresses typically go up to a size 14, and come in very limited colours. Their bridesmaid dresses are glamorous, sexy, and sparkly.
City Chic: Well known in NZ for their plus-size outfits, City Chic are in every major town and city. This retail store has flattering styles and colours, but only stock for size 14 and above.
David Bridal: This Christchurch, Riccarton, store has been around for over 35 years. A huge selection of gowns to try on with a number of fabrics and colours to choose from. This Christchurch main stay is well worth a visit, especially if you have no idea where to start.
Dress Rental NZ: On a budget or wanting an eco-friendly wedding? Renting bridesmaid dresses is an option. This site has a limited range and there is unlikely to be larger sizes, but it’s worth a look.
Etcetera Bridal: This Whanganui store has a massive range of bridesmaid dresses in store, and in sizes from 6 to 16. Typically, they can be ordered in a number of colours to suit.
Evolution Bridesmaids: Based in Mt Maunganui with samples shippable NZ-wide, this store has made to order stock sizes with no alterations. They offer custom colours and have sizes from 6 to 20. They offer a range of colours, styles, and two fabric options.
Forever New: These off the rack dresses are usually very feminine, elegant, and come in a small range of colours. Only go up to size 16. They have multiple branches throughout NZ, making it easy for geographically diverse wedding attendants to try on at their leisure.
Jessica Bridal Couture: This Auckland based store offers a limited but exclusive range of beautiful bridesmaid gowns. They offer an online styling and consultation appointment, and then deliver the dress of your choice to your home to try on.
KILT: NZ made and designed clothes, based in Dunedin. This store has a surprisingly large selection of dresses and colours.
Madison Rose Bridal: This Tauranga store stocks a range of styles and brands, with varying colours and sizes.
Mille Feuille: These whimsical, bohemian style bridesmaid dresses are available in sizes 8- 18 in a wide range of colours. This Halswell, Christchurch based boutique has an exclusive selection of luxe gowns.
Modes: Modes have a huge range of dresses in a selection of colours and styles and fabrics, and in sizes from 6 to 24. They have a long history of dressing Auckland brides and bridesmaids.
Pagani: If you want off-the-rack dresses in a hurry or you’re on a budget, Pagani could be the answer. With almost 30 branches across NZ, they have a rapidly-changing selection of dresses.
Pretty Things: This Christchurch mainstay creates gorgeous tailor-made dresses for that something ‘extra’ for your day. While they are closed for 2022, they are highly recommended in terms of quality and style.
Vanilla Bridal: This Sorella Vita stockist in Tauranga have standard sizes and colours in stock to try on. They can order in a large range of colours and sizes.
Wilkins Bridal: This Christchurch store carries Sorella Vita and Jenny Lea designs. In a huge range of colours, fabrics, and styles, these ready made and made to order dresses can be tried on in-store.
Custom Made Bespoke Dresses
If you want a tailored made style, there are a range of dressmakers, tailors, and seamstresses available. Word of mouth is a great way to find a quality dressmaker. They generally work from home and will need a reasonable time frame to create the dresses.
A Word of Caution
Please note, we have not included any international dress sites. This is for a few reasons. We prefer to buy in New Zealand and support local businesses when possible. Also, shipping times can be variable from overseas, there are no guarantees of quality or accurate sizing, sometimes with no right of return. Also, online orders can be liable for customs duties, so a bargain purchase might end up costing you more than you expected. In order for full peace of mind, it’s best to buy local.