5 of the Best Wedding Designers for the Whimsical Bride

Zavana Bridal - ZB8311

Much like in our Boho blog, having a whimsical vibe to your wedding and wedding dress can mean a few different things to different people. Just look up the word on Google and it comes up with all sorts. For me when I think of the word "whimsical" I immediately go to billowing tulle skirts and sleeves, little nature inspired embellishments, romance, fairy garden, pastels... you get where I'm going. I love this theme and I love it when a bride comes in wanting it! I actually once had a bride come in wanting to look whimsical but called it "wanting to look like something straight out of book-tok".

Follow along for some beautiful, whimsical designs from designers who in my opinion really nail this theme and have something for everyone!

CLAIRE PETTIBONE

Claire Pettibone - Cherry Blossom

Starting off strong is one of my favourite designers by the name of Claire Pettibone.
These designs are full of beautiful, coloured appliques and embellishments, delicate laces and silhouettes for any bride. This brand was created back in 1994 with their designs showcased all over the world and delivering the most perfect fairy goddess weddings! Every piece is handmade out of Los Angeles and is perfected into a piece of art. The new collection "Les Fleurs" makes my heart sing with all of the beautiful embroidery, dainty  lace and subtle colour. The starting point for these gowns around $8,000AUD so a little on the pricier side but with all the work that goes into these gowns it is definitely justified! Claire Pettibone gowns are only stocked in a handful of international stores and are unfortunately not stocked in Australia - but gosh they are pretty to look at!

JENNIFER GIFFORD

Jennifer Gifford - Florence Overlay

Going from not being available in Australia to some home-grown talent with Jennifer Gifford. Jennifer has been working in the wedding industry for over 20 years and creates beautiful, unique and romantic designs you will struggle to find any traditional boutique to have. Even though Jennifer custom makes these gowns she can still whip you one up in 6 months if a sample in her studio doesn't fit. Take the time out and read Jennifer's "About Me" section to get all the warm and fuzzies about wedding dress shopping. Now onto the designs - whilst the silhouettes of many of the gowns ring true to a traditional dress, boy do the fabrics take them to a whole new level. Her collection is filled with dainty laces and appliques and floaty tulles. Many of the pieces are overlays meaning you pair them with whatever you like whether that be a bodysuit, slip dress or a little bralette and shorts moment - super versatile and personable! With prices below $3,000 this designer can deliver all of your whimsical dreams with a great price - win WIN.

BERTA BRIDAL

Muse by Berta - Kylie

If you do not have at least one Berta dress pinned on your board - I would be BAFFLED. Want to look like a sexy woodland fairy? Then look no further. Berta Bridal are probably THE most Pinterest-y, insta famous designer out there and for good reason. This designer creates the most stunning gowns you will ever see  featuring beautiful, romantic and whimsical shapes and details. With such a power house brand with a lot of gowns and collections - I would go straight to the "Muse by Berta" collection and cop a eyeload of floaty tulle, romantic cuts, embellishments galore! Ever since beginning the brand in 2004, Berta Bridal have always stuck to their very signature and iconic style - which would be why they are now proudly stocked in over 150 retailers around the world! Some of the collections are stocked over east in Australia. Price wise you are looking at over $6,000 and even up to $50,000 - but my gosh what a statement (or investment hehe).

WATTERS DESIGNS

Another one of my favourite design houses would be Watters Designs. Home to sister brands such as W.Too, Watters and Willowby. They have so so many gowns and collections available but all seem to nod to a touch of whimsical magic and floaty romance. From one singular woman making dresses for herself and her friends/family to a whole family running such a huge brand is commendable. Watters definitely have something for every bride along with a collection of bridesmaids, little party dresses and even accessories. Now back to the gowns - I would say that these gowns are probably a little more on the softer side of "whimsical" and maybe not too much of full blown garden pixie. All the collections feature tulles, floral embellishments and even more simple details but with romantic shapes. A brand that is so versatile and cool it's easy to see why it is one of my favourites. Another brand that is stocked worldwide and luckily enough in Australia as well. Because there are so many sister brands and collections - the prices vary quite a lot starting from about $2000.

Ines Di Santo - Symphony

INES DI SANTO

Our final mention, drumroll please...the gorgeous designs from Ines Di Santo! This brand features a lot of different styles ranging from modern, classic to our beautiful romantic whimsical styled dresses. Ines Di Santo is not afraid of bold silhouettes, colour or unique details. If you wanted to be the star of the show (which you obviously should at your own wedding) then look no further. Ines was brought up in Buenos Aires and is now based out of Toronto. She brings with her classic couture meets bold and exquisite textures and fabrics. The newest collection has me in a chokehold for sure. Some of the gowns are definitely more on the formal side but with the most precious whimsical touches. They are only stocked in one store in Australia (lucky ducks!), otherwise they are absolutely everywhere around the world. Price wise, you will be looking at anything over $7,000 - for good reason!

These are just a few designers that really kill this theme! There are so many other brands that dabble from time to time and it always pays off to look at the entire collection of designers. A whimsical romantic vibe is such a beautiful way to show off the softer side in a unique and beautiful way. Whether it be a whimsical/sexy look, dainty fairy princess look or come straight out of the woods look - these designers definitely know what they are doing!