Get the Look: Spring Bride

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One of the most popular times of the year to get married is spring – the weather is divine and beautiful blooms are in abundance. The exquisite soft floral details on this Alon Livne dress make it perfect for brides of this season, complimented nicely by jewellery and accessories featuring soft touches of gold and subtle crystals.

Spring generally needs a very light feeling to the overall styling, which can be achieved with nude and blush tones in accessories such as shoes and bags, and other aspects of the wedding including the table setting. A nude feel can be replicated in a ‘naked’ wedding cake option too. 

Florals of course can also be a large feature for any spring bride, even down to the smallest details such as fragrance. The table flowers in our look here incorporate both tiny buds and bigger blooms that are emulated on the wedding gown in its intricate floral details and larger silk organza flowers on the shoulder.

And don’t forget that spring is about new beginnings and therefore has a very fresh and romantic feel to it. Heels such as these nude Louboutin Toufrou pumps are the perfect finish to complete this heavenly spring look.

The Top Wedding Dress Trend Predictions for Next Year

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Amid the stunning new Spring 2018 collections from New York Bridal Fashion Week in April, there were definitely some key trends appearing which gives us a good indication of what brides will now soon be wearing.

Using her keen eye for luxury bridal and years of experience in the industry, Helen Rodrigues recently gave her top predictions for next year’s wedding looks to Doltone House – the popular Sydney wedding venue space which also featured many of her boutique’s international designer gowns in their wedding showcase event last month.

Helen’s key bridal predictions for 2018 are:
1.    Fuller skirts
2.    Clean lines
3.    Romantic
4.    Floral appliqué
5.    Capes and capelets
6.    Not white
7.    Pantsuits

To read more of Helen’s predictions for next year’s bridal styles you can view the full article from Doltone House here.

Helen on Weddings: After 16 years in the bridal business fitting thousands of brides personally, Helen Rodrigues certainly knows a thing or two about weddings. Follow our Helen on Weddings (HOW) blog series as Helen and her team share their knowledge and stories to help make your big day as beautiful and memorable as possible.

Louise - A Real Bride Story

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Louise’s story

Who: Louise & Zach
When: 6 October, 2016
Where: The Grounds of Alexandria, Sydney
Dress: Monique Lhuillier from Helen Rodrigues Bridal

The search for the perfect wedding gown can be long and tricky, but sometimes you can also get lucky – just like our gorgeous real bride Louise who ended up selecting the first gown she tried on at Helen Rodrigues.

“When I first stepped into the boutique I was excited! All the ladies were lovely and made me feel very comfortable,” says Louise, who then began her appointment by trying on a stunning Monique Lhuillier gown.

“I felt amazing...even though I had no idea what style of dress I wanted I knew straight away that it was perfect. Feminine, romantic and so elegant; and the lace detail, open back and silhouette was what I fell in love with,” she adds.

Louise then also found the experience of fittings with Helen Rodrigues a breeze in the lead up to the actual wedding.

“Any questions I had were answered. Appointments were made in advance which made the whole process seamless and stress free,” she says. “Staff were helpful and honest, and also helped with jewellery and veil ideas as I wasn’t sure what I wanted.”

And when preparations for a wedding come off without a hitch, it really does help to make the big day go smoothly as well.

“My favourite memory is the first time Zach and I saw each other,” says Louise. “The overall atmosphere of the day was magical.”

And even though Louise found her bridal gown straight away, her advice to other brides who are not sure what they want is to try on a few different styles, because you may be surprised once you have it on.

We’re so happy we could help Louise find her dream dress and hope her and Zach have a wonderful life together. 

All photography by: Lara Hotz Photography

Focus Feature: Lee Petra Grebenau

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One of Israel’s most prestigious fashion brands, Lee Petra Grebenau, is heading to Australia for the first time later this month. Known for its exquisite evening and wedding gowns, Helen Rodrigues has carefully handpicked a selection from the latest bridal collection which will soon be available at the boutique.

The designer, Lee Grebenau, discovered her passion for fashion and art at a young age with her family owning an international textile business. After graduating with honours from ‘Shenkar’ – one of the top fashion design colleges in the world – she then established her couture design house in 2011.

Attracting exclusive clientele by word of mouth thanks to her signature couture craftsmanship and hand-sewn embroideries; Grebenau’s gowns are now sold in over 11 countries including the USA, UK, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong and most recently Australia. 

According to Grebenau, her early inspirations were female Hollywood screen icons.

“In my youth, I was exposed to old movies my mother was watching. Powerful women like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren influenced me, and to this day in my designs I draw inspiration from these characters,” she says.  “They represent something which is timeless and that’s what I wish people to think about my designs.”

Grebenau has always been interested in bridal wear, but it wasn’t until she got married herself that it took hold of her. “I’m a real romantic, dreamy person and I enjoy escorting my brides through the process of creating their dream dress and realising their fantasies,” says the designer.

And it’s her combination of special materials and couture craftsmanship that she believes is most evident with her work. “I also love using three-dimensional flowers, beading, Swarovski elements and lace combinations,” she adds.

Once the brand began to be recognised outside of Israel, it wasn’t long before Australian brides had their eye on her designs.
“Once our brand began to be recognised outside Israel, we received a lot of requests from Australian brides. Their only option was to buy online without even measuring, so I'm really happy about the partnership now with Helen and her stunning store,” she says.

Available exclusively at Helen Rodrigues from late July will be a selection of the leading gowns from the stunning Lee Petra Grebenau Swan Lake collection – perfect for anyone looking for impeccable quality and timeless, stylish luxury.

“The Lee Petra Grebenau bride appreciates quality, knows how to recognise the quality of our handwork and is passionate about it,” says the designer. “She is someone seeking a stylish, elegant but also timeless look – a fashion forward bride with a classic touch.  Our bride is definitely not one who doesn't want to feel unique with her choices.”

To celebrate the launch of Lee Petra Grebenau in Australia, Helen Rodrigues will be holding an exclusive Trunk Show on the 21st and 22nd of July. Spaces are limited so don’t miss your chance to be one of the first in the country to wear her incredible designs. 

For all the Trunk Show details click here and for further enquiries or to book your appointment please phone 02 9904 5700.
 

Get the Look: Winter Bride

Alon Livne ‘Caroline’ dress from Helen Rodrigues.

Alon Livne ‘Caroline’ dress from Helen Rodrigues.

Winter weddings can be a wonderland delight with a cosy and intimate feel, candles for atmosphere and possibly even snow (depending on the location) to make your photos even more magical. There are some incredible options for sleeved gowns and shrugs, plus it allows you to introduce warm tones through your blooms and other accents.

Being a less busy time of year to get married it also gives you more flexibility, and ensures your wedding will stand out in a season where there aren’t many other social engagements on the agenda.

So if you’re thinking of getting married in the winter (either here or overseas), check out our ‘Get the look: winter bride’ edit below for some inspiration for the big day.

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Brides Ready to Swoop on Discount Designer Wedding Gowns

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End of Financial Year Sale

22 & 23 June 2017

Exciting news for all brides in Sydney and beyond! Helen Rodrigues is having its first ever End Of Financial Year clearance sale on Thursday 22nd June and Friday 23rd June 2017, where dozens of international designer sample dresses will be sold at a fraction of the original cost.

Almost too good to be true; luxury sample gowns from the likes of Oscar De La Renta, Jenny Packham, Inbal Dror, Sabrina Dahan, Zuhair Murad, Alon Livne, Monique Lhuillier and many more international designers, will be available at the sale which is expected to see a huge response from brides seizing this rare opportunity.

An increasingly popular trend, purchasing a sample wedding gown is not just for those looking to spend less on their dress. They’re a great idea if you’re getting married quickly or overseas and don’t have the time to invest in multiple fittings, because you can still have a stunning designer bridal gown straight off the rack (and at a great discount as well). 

Sample dresses are also perfect for those wanting a second gown to change into on the big day, or for brides who may have overspent their wedding budget in other areas too. Weddings aside, some women also just love the opportunity to get an incredible designer dress for a special occasion at an amazing price.

What is a sample gown?
They are wedding gowns that are either samples, ex floor stock or are now discontinued. Most have been tried on or have been used in photo-shoots or shows. Many of the gowns are in wonderful condition (particularly if it was only discontinued), while others may need a little bit more love e.g. a bead could be missing or a dry-clean required, but nothing that can’t be fixed. The End Of Financial Year sale will take place at our sister store, Sincerely. Located just a few doors down from the original Helen Rodrigues boutique, Sincerely is an extension of the brand into affordable luxury, with the added benefit of experienced and personalised service.

Helen Rodrigues EOFY Sample Clearance Sale:
Date/time: Thursday 22nd June (3-8pm) and Friday 23rd June (9am-5pm)

Where: Sincerely store, 1A 211 Ben Boyd Rd, Neutral Bay NSW 2089 (upstairs from Home Property Agents)

Cost/bookings: Free with no appointments required

Sale details: All sales are final, no exchanges or refunds. Items are sold as seen. First in, best dressed! Most gowns will be between size 8-12 and will start from $2,000 upwards. All gowns need to be paid for in full on the day.

More information: For a sneak preview of some of the gowns available on the day visit www.sincerely.com.au. For further details or enquiries please phone 02 9904 5700.

Make sure you don’t miss your chance to get your dream gown at a dream price.

Lee Petra Grebenau Coming to Australia

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After a very busy trip to the New York Bridal Fashion Week (NYBFW) in April 2017 and searching for the next big name to bring to the Australian bride, we are thrilled to announce the arrival of Lee Petra Grebenau in late July 2017.

The Lee Petra Grebenau gowns are well known for their signature couture craftsmanship using exquisite hand-sewn embroideries, the finest fabrics and materials to uphold high end finishes with meticulous and flawless detail.

“I am very excited to be working with Helen Rodrigues and have her represent us exclusively in Australia, said Lee Grebenau.

“It is really important to me that our brides feel special in their gown and that they are well looked after in Australia. Working with Helen gives me this confidence,” she adds.

“Our wedding gowns are made uniquely and will suit any bride that appreciates high standards of quality and are looking for a one of a kind experience,” says Lee.

The Lee Petra Grebenau bridal gowns are all made to measure and start from $12,000. To be one of the first in Australia to view her exquisite collection, simply book your appointment now at the Helen Rodrigues exclusive launch day on Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd July. Bookings are $150 and include a glass of bubbles.

For more information on Lee Petra Grebenau please visit her website here or for enquires on the collection simply phone the Helen Rodrigues boutique on (02) 9904 5700.

Get the Look: Autumnal Bride

Naeem Khan Niagra gown available from Helen Rodrigues.

Naeem Khan Niagra gown available from Helen Rodrigues.

Spring and summer may be the most popular months to get married but with its cooler days, beautiful light for photography, and higher availability of venues and suppliers; autumn is now a new favourite for many and can be just as magical. Check out our ‘Get the look: autumnal bride’ edit below for some ideas for anyone getting married at this lovely time of year.

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