Karen Willis Holmes: One of the Dreamiest Melbourne Bridal Boutiques

Karen Willis Holmes: One of the Dreamiest Melbourne Bridal Boutiques

Wedding Dress Spotlight: Karen Willis Holmes

Karen Willis Holmes (KWH) is a place for dreamers. With timeless silhouettes, romantic designs and a visionary designer, this chic (and *super gorge*) Melbourne bridal boutique knows how to create a unique look that’ll pierce any rom-com-obsessed heart. 

Seriously, though, it’s a curated collection of wedding dresses Melbourne brides adore. 

Armed with a friendly team of ultra-profesh boutique assistants, KWH makes sure when you walk in the room, your unique dress will make the whole place shimmer (sneaky Taylor Swift ref!). 
Whether you’re getting married under the stars of regional Victoria’s hinterland or surrounded by Melbourne city lights, your dream dress is only one fitting away.

We caught up with Erin Dempsey from Karen Willis Holmes to chat about all things Melbourne bridal boutiques and how to make the dress choosing process an informed and easy-peasy one.

The 411 on The Karen Willis Holmes Brand

While Karen first opened her bridal couture business in Sydney in 2001, it wasn’t until September 2006 that the Melbourne KWH wedding dress store swung its doors open – quickly captivating hearts across Melbourne’s bridal boutique scene. Home to multi-award-winning designs, today this store is the highlight of Armadale’s High Street.

Do her designs look familiar? Chances are you’ve caught one of her modern-yet-elegant dresses featured in Vogue, Marie Claire or Harper’s Bazaar.

It’s no wonder a trip to KWH has become a beloved rite of passage for brides across the Victorian region. Though, unsurprisingly, wedding dresses Melbourne brides love are also loved by those out of the city, and even the state. Read: the *best* excuse for a road trip!
Having been named one of Marie Claire’s top 13 Australian wedding dress designers, and featured on the likes of ABC, Channel 7, Channel 9 and Channel 10, we’re thrilled to take you behind the curtain with KWH. Where we chat about everything from Melbourne wedding dress trends through to predictions and even how to choose the perfect ‘fit for your big day.

The vibe

“Karen loves touches of art, and makes each and every gown with care and dedication, which can be seen right from the flattering shapes to the precisely designed seam work in each gown,” says Erin. 

We couldn’t agree more. This is perhaps the most prominent reason why KWH’s are wedding dresses Melbourne brides dream about (and trust us, they’re even better in person).

The look

“The KWH signature style is structured gowns with corsetry and exquisite fabrics like Mikado, Heavy Crepe or Silk Shantung. All true to Karen’s couture background,” Erin explains.

“As a brand, we take timeless shapes, silhouettes and designs, then add a modern and eclectic twist. Karen takes inspiration from high end designer runway shows and viral trends, then she sees what she would want to work into her bridal line.”

Erin Dempsey

What makes the KWH design, inspo and collection process a winner?

From the birth of the boutique, Karen Willis Holmes has had one idea in mind: “fashionable statements that fit any and all weddings,” says Erin. I mean, it’s your special day! You should be illuminated with a dress that represents you. Luckily, the KWH designs span a wide variety of styles fit for every bride.

The team behind KWH firmly believe that your gown should be an extension of you. “Many of our gowns are designed to be able to be mixed and matched to create the ultimate piece of self-expression. Meaning that your gown is one in a million, not one of millions,” says Erin.

The signature style of wedding dresses Melbourne brides adore

According to Erin, there’s nothing that Melbourne brides love more than a dress that blends edgy techniques with a modern wedding dress style. And even better if it touches on all the romantic classics! #nostalgia

“Melbourne brides love something with a modern edge that still nods to classic bridal,” says Erin. “Gowns with structure, artistic elements and high quality fabrics are all cornerstones of Melbourne bridal dresses,” she continues.

“Melbourne has always been a fashion-forward city, and Melbourne bridal boutiques are

no different,” notes Erin. 

So get ready to see Melbourne bridal shops booming with gowns boasting high quality fabrics this season. Think: drop waist ball gowns adorned with jaw-dropping statement jewellery. And even bodices and skirts featuring soft and delicate draping.

Melbourne bridal boutiques: this year’s rising trends

So, what do Melbourne’s wedding dress style front-runners mean for the top of this year’s trending charts? 

“Melbourne wedding dresses are about to see some of the most exciting trends!”, Erin predicts. “[These include] features like Basque waistlines, intricate lace and embroidery, and a meshing of timeless design with modern fabrics.”

“From classic Edwardian silhouettes, to statement bows and shoulder draping. There’ll be a timeless elegance to Melbourne bridal fashion that will still look right at home on a Paris high-fashion runway.”

Erin Dempsey

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4 major wedding dress tips from the boutique

#1 Remember who your dress is for (you!)

Erin begins with a clear message to brides-to-be: “Your wedding dress should be about you, and what you love.” Something that can often get lost in the process when mums and bridesmaids shed tears for dresses you’re yet to choose! 

#2 Limit how many are in the fitting #squad

“Many times, we see brides shop with large groups of clashing opinions. We recommend bringing no more than three of your most trusted friends and family members.” Wise words, we say!

“If you’re new to bridal shopping, we’ll work with you to uncover the perfect silhouette and the best fabric options for your vision,” Erin reassures. 

#3 Make the most of your stylist

“Keep an open mind and trust your stylist,” Erin smiles. “Gowns look very different on the hanger, and if we had a dollar for every bride that completely flipped their original vision – well, we’d be very rich indeed!”

#4 Plan, plan, plan

Erin reminds us, too, that time is your friend! “Start shopping 8-12 months before your wedding. If you leave it too late, you might find that your dream gown is no longer available!”

She also recommends ordering your dress at least 6–8 months in advance. Erin notes that most designers need longer lead times for fabric orders and customisation, as well as any alterations you may need. 
Don’t forget, you can always hire someone (*ahem* me!) to handle the planning and styling of your nuptials, so you have more time to find your ideal wedding dress in Melbourne.

Want to spend more time sipping Champers and trying on dresses?

Well then, Karen Willis Holmes really is a one-stop shop for you to let your imagination run wild!

While you spend your time popping bubbly and stepping into gowns, leave all your worries to me. I’ll make sure the rest of the (admittedly less fun yet very important) tasks are taken care of to perfection. This way, you can focus on the tasks that genuinely thrill you, while I fill in the gaps so absolutely nothing is missed. 

I’m talking:

• Venue quotes and site inspections booked
• Styling intel, planning and even setting up for a picture perfect day
• Sourcing vendors within budget (and scoring my industry-only discounts!)
• Me as your venue and vendors’ go-to for troubleshooting (so you can enjoy your day!)

…And soooo much more. 
Make a booking with Karen Willis Holmes directly, and contact me for a chat about your wedding day!