Book Your Appointment with
Brides by Donna Rae
Congratulations, lovely!
You’re on your way to finding your dream dress, and we’re thrilled to be a part of your journey. Booking an appointment with us is easy, and we’re here to make sure it’s as fabulous as you are. Our one-on-one styling sessions are designed to make you feel pampered and supported every step of the way.
Just pick a time that suits you, and we’ll have everything set up, ready for you to shine. If your preferred appointment date and time is not available, please feel free to send us a message, or add yourself to the waitlist, as there may be other appointments available.
Our schedule can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so don’t wait too long to lock in your spot.
We look forward to meeting you and your loved ones, and to share this exciting time in our relaxed, fun atmosphere.
Donna xo
Your Yes Moment, Handled with Love
Preparing for Your Bridal Appointment
We know finding “the one” is more than just about the dress; it’s about the whole experience. We want you to feel as fabulous as possible, so here are a few tips to make sure your appointment is all you’ve dreamed of — and then some!
Dress Comfortably
You’ll be trying on a variety of gowns, so we suggest something easy to slip on and off. A strapless bra and nude undergarments can be helpful, but don’t stress if you don’t have them. This is all about feeling fabulous, not fussy.
Your Inner Circle
As for your entourage, it’s best to keep it small. Bring along a couple of trusted friends or family members whose opinions mean the most to you. Too many voices can make it harder to hear your own, and trust us, your voice is the one that matters most here.
Bring Inspiration
Bring along any dress inspiration you have, whether it’s pictures, Pinterest boards, or even just ideas you’ve been daydreaming about. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed with choices, relax — that’s what we’re here for. Our stylists are experts at spotting what suits you best, even if you’re not sure yet. Think of us as your bridal fairy godmothers, ready to turn dress dreams into reality.
Let the Dress Find You
Finally, the best advice we can give? Keep an open mind. Many brides fall in love with a gown they never expected. Our job is to help you discover a style that truly makes you feel like the best version of yourself, even if it’s a little unexpected. This is your moment, and we’re here to make it unforgettable.
Ready to Say Yes?
We can’t wait to meet you and be part of this exciting chapter. When you step into our boutique, you’re not just a bride; you’re our bride, and we’re here to make sure your experience is unforgettable.
Ready to find your perfect dress? We’re just a click away.
Questions? We’ve Got You Covered!
We understand that you probably have questions, and we’re here with answers! Let’s start with the most common ones.
To ensure you receive our undivided attention and personalised service, appointments are necessary.
Bridal consultations typically last between one to one and a half hours.
Yes, our styling fee is $50. This includes a dedicated personal bridal stylist who will work with you one-on-one to find your perfect wedding dress. If you schedule additional appointments within one month of your first visit, they are free of charge.
Our wedding dresses range from $1,700 to $5,600, with most gowns priced between $2,200 and $3,000. We also offer sample sale dresses ranging from $300 to $1,500, and we hold sample sales twice a year, usually around March and July, where dresses are reduced by up to 75%.
Bring pictures of dresses you’ve seen on our website, in magazines, or that you’ve tried on elsewhere. Light-colored underwear is recommended, and while a strapless bra isn’t necessary, it can be helpful.
We recommend bringing one to three close friends or family members whose opinions you trust and value. Bringing more than three people can sometimes take the focus away from the bride.
We have samples ranging in sizes 6 to 30.
Our designers do not permit photos during the consultation due to possible duplication. However, once you’ve purchased your gown, you may take as many pictures as you like. During the consultation, our consultants can take photos of your preferred dresses to help with the decision-making process.
Deciding at the time of ordering your gown is helpful to complete the look. However, we carry a selection of veils that can be purchased at a later stage.
Absolutely! Many brides find their dress on the first visit and also select their veil, headpiece, and jewelry to complete their look.
We carry a selection of designers, including Stella York, Essense of Australia, Martina Liana, Morilee, Cizzy, Zavana, Sophia Tolli, Martin Thornburg, Jessica Couture, White April, and Rachel Rose.
It can take between 6 to 8 months for your wedding dress to arrive, with rush options available on some dresses. We recommend starting your search at least one year prior to your wedding date. If you have a shorter timeframe, all of our 300 sample wedding dresses are available for purchase off the rack.
We accept MasterCard, Visa, Eftpos, and online banking.
If you’re ordering your gown, we require a 50% deposit at the time of order. When the gown arrives and passes our quality check, the remaining balance is due.
Love Letters
Our Boutique
49 Dee Street,
Invercargill
Every Bride Has a Story, Let’s Start Yours Together
For nearly a decade, Brides by Donna Rae has been helping brides from all over New Zealand find their dream dresses. Whether you’re local or travelling to us for that “Yes” moment, we’re here to make your experience special, joyful, and all about you.
If you’re ready to find a dress that celebrates you and makes you feel like a queen, then we’d love to meet you.
Donna x