Love is in the air

It may surprise you to learn that the festive season is one of the biggest times of year for proposals in Australia - according to the Australian Wedding Industry Report from Easy Weddings, the top three dates for Australian proposals in 2023 were the 25th, 31st, and 26th of December, followed closely by January 1st in 7th position.

With all these couples getting ready to tie the knot, local formal and bridal retailers can expect an influx of interest over the coming weeks and months. Anita Wheeler of Honey Fawn Boutique is one of them.

“We’ve already seen a number of brides come into the store and say yes to their dream dress who only got engaged this Christmas,” says Honey Fawn Boutique owner Anita Wheeler. “There is such a buzz in store with the new engagements and with brides having their loved ones home for the holidays.”

“The bridal shopping experience is like nothing else. There are so many emotions and celebrations involved. It is just such an honour to be trusted with bringing our brides’ dreams to reality,” continues Anita.

“We have already seen an influx from the engagement season with appointments flowing in and website browsing up 60% from just Christmas day.”

If you said yes over the Christmas break (or if 2024 is your wedding year and you've been procrastinating), it might be time to start looking for your perfect dress - and Launceston boutiques are here to provide!

Honey Fawn Boutique

Honey Fawn is a store dedicated to catering to every bride. Stocking a wide range of styles and sizes (including plus sizes at no extra charge), this boutique's intimate and romantic atmosphere, combined with the personalised attention of the expert staff, creates a magical experience that will leave customers feeling pampered and inspired. Whether you're looking for a classic princess ballgown, some lacy boho chic or a modern and sleek silhouette, Honey Fawn Boutique has a wide range of styles to suit every taste and body type.

Find Honey Fawn at 91 York Street, Launceston.

Timeless Elegance Bridal and Formalwear

A business with a 20 year history in Launceston, Timeless Elegance strives to help clients find the gown of their dreams from their extensive list of exclusive designers including Maggie Sottero, Rebecca Ingram, Zavana bridal and many more. They pride themselves on being a one stop shop with a selection of Bridesmaid gowns, Jewellery, shoes and clutch bags as well as a selection of Mother of the bride and mother of the groom outfits. An in-store alterations service is also available.

Find Timeless Elegance in the Hotel Grand Chancellor at 29 Cameron Street, Launceston.

MaoCouture Bridal

If a custom made dress is what you're after, this award-winning bridal boutique is the place to go. MaoCouture designs custom gowns and reworks existing ones to give them new life, as well as offering some beautiful dresses off the rack. With services to suit a variety of budgets, owner and seamstress Anh Woodward goes out of her way to make something that truly fits the personality and style of each bride that comes through the doors.

Anh is understatedly modest about her experience, which started with designing for high street brands including Marks and Spencer and H&M, shows at London Fashion week, representing England in the Miss World Designer Awards at the Miss World 60th Anniversary, and even designing for the likes of Kate Middleton amongst other career highlights and accolades.

Find MaoCouture at 94 York Street, Launceston.

For the lads

Don't worry, men are well catered for in the city when it comes to weddingwear, too!

Routleys

Whether you’re looking for an outfit for weekends, work or a wedding, Routleys’ understanding of classic style and current trends will have you dressed for success no matter what the occasion. Since its modest beginnings in the 1920s, Routleys Menswear has had a long tradition of supplying quality menswear and accessories, to discerning customers, at realistic prices.

Find Routleys at 123 Brisbane St, Launceston.

Neil Pitt's Menswear

Neil Pitt’s Menswear has been helping men feel confident about what they wear and how they look since 1949. They offer an exceptional range of quality products across a wide variety of men’s clothing and fashion lines, including the biggest range of men’s suits in Tasmania. Whether you're after a standard fit, slim fit, short, stout, extra-long, formal suits, lounge suits, wool, blends or synthetics, Neil Pitt's will have a suit to suit.

Find Neil Pitt's at 76 Brisbane Street, Launceston.