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FIT FOR A PRINCESS  The RC guide to ballgowns Simple wedding dresses are totally on trend for 2018, but there’s nothing like a classic ballgown to mark the formality and enchantment of your occasion. Featuring voluminous layers and opulent details, these princess style wedding dresses have the glitz, glamour, and charm your happily-ever-after deserves. Keep scrolling for our current selections of striking silhouettes, unique illusion details, and shimmering embellishments. Found a favourite? Make an appointment to try one of these beautiful ballgowns on today!
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“THE RIGHT SILHOUETTE TRANSFORMS A GIRL INTO THE BRIDE SHE IS MEANT TO BE.” - Maggie Sottero

WAISTLINES

The waistline of a wedding dress is the horizontal seam that connects the bodice to the skirt. The bridal waistline is one of the most important decisions to make as it can be the key to creating the most flattering silhouette for your body type.
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Nicole Spose 18009 available in our Armadale Emporium
NATURAL WAIST ___ A waistline that falls at the smallest part of a waist minimising and flattering a longer torso. IDEAL: hourglass figures and helps to minimise a long torso.
BASQUE WAIST ___ A waistline that begins just below or at the actual waist with a downward centre to form a ‘V’. IDEAL: most body types, accentuates and defines the waist.
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San Patrick Leisen available in our Armadale Emporium
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Allure Bridals C405 available in our Brunswick Emporium
DROP WAIST A low, horizontal waistline that falls near the level of the upper hips 1-2 in. below the natural waist.

IDEAL: hourglass figures, taller brides and most body types.

NECKLINES

Correctly chosen necklines can elongate a bride’s neck and torso. Sweetheart and scoops are the most universally flattering. Boat necklines follow the line of the collarbone, almost to the tip of the shoulders and flatters a smaller busted bride. A jewel neckline is also flattering for a smaller busted bride. The V-neckline dips into the shape of a V and flatters women with average bust sizes. Square necklines follow the bottom shape of a square and can be cut wider toward the shoulders and/or lower for a more daring look. A surplice neckline flatters virtually all brides and features a wrap or diagonal look.
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Sottero and Midgley Safira available in our Armadale & Brunswick Emporiums OFF THE SHOULDER
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Maggie Sottero Dylan available in our Brunswick Emporium STRAIGHT NECKLINE
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Maggie Sottero Rory available in our Brunswick Emporium   V NECKLINE
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​Muse by Berta Amata available in our Luxury Bridal Suite - Armadale
PLUNGING V NECKLINE
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Rosa Clara Apolo available in our Armadale Emporium BOAT NECKLINE
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Rosa Clara Armand available in our Armadale Emporium SWEETHEART NECKLINE
5 EXQUISITE GOWNS...  Now you've found the perfect neckline and waistline it's time to find your dream ballgown wedding dress! Here are our top 5 picks from our new seasons.
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EMERY  by Sottero and Midgely, vintage-inspired beading and Swarovski crystals dance over the bodice of this tulle ballgown wedding dress, completing the illusion jewel over sweetheart neckline, illusion cap-sleeves, and illusion back with keyhole cutout. Finished with crystal buttons over zipper closure. Available in our Armadale Emporium
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BIANCA  by Maggie Sottero. Made of Shavon organza, this simple yet striking ballgown features handmade rosettes accented with pearls. A strapless scoop neckline and flowing train evoke chic romance. Finished with covered buttons over zipper and inner elastic closure. Available in our Brunswick Emporium
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DRAMIA  by Pronovias. Gauze and tulle combined create this vaporous dress lending it lots of movement. A two-piece effect design, combining its straight skirt with fitted V-neck bodice, and crossed back in tulle and guipure. A romantic dress that will make your heart soar. Available in our Armadale Emporium
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ANASTASIA  by Demetrios Platinum. Who says you can’t wear flowers on your wedding day, in addition to carrying them? We are the 3-D floral appliqués and floral lace embroidery that features on this couture wedding dress. A masterpiece, this gown is fit for the modern day princess looking to wow on her wedding day. Available in our Brunswick Emporium
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ALLISON by Rebecca Ingram, this gorgeous ballgown features a layer of lace appliqués over tulle. A V-neckline and open back with lace illusion trim add hints of alluring romance. Accented with Swarovski crystal belt and embellished straps. Finished with covered buttons and zipper closure. Available in our Brunswick Emporium
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THE LOVE STORY Celeste & Nicolas #rcrealbride Celeste wore the stunning Madison James MJ158 gown for her wedding at Tatra Receptions in Mount Dandenong on the 9th of September 2017 ATEIA Photography and Video
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THE FIRST SIGHT Nic and I met each other through mutual friends during our last year in high school. We started getting to know each other more after we graduated. Nic made the decision to attend my friend Cecilia's New Year's Eve party and it all happened from there, almost ten years ago now.
THE PROPOSAL Nic proposed to me at Mandurah, a coastal city outside of Perth, W.A. We were standing on the jetty at sunset when he bent down on one knee. We had lived in Perth together for a year and Mandurah was the last place we wanted to visit again before heading back home to Melbourne.
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THE VENUE Nic and I chose Tatra Receptions because we wanted something comfortable yet elegant. Tatra offers beautiful gardens with an abundance of photo opportunities. We had the convenience of having the ceremony, photos, reception and accommodation all at one lovely location.
THE FAVOURITE MOMENT A lot of people say that your wedding day goes by in a flash. I can remember almost every part of it and I cherish every moment from getting ready with my bridesmaids, to my sister, Stefania singing at the ceremony and the first dance; which Nic and I practised a few weeks before the wedding. The whole time I was happy and excited. Those feelings, which were shared with my husband, family and friends was my favourite part of the wedding.
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THE DRESS I felt absolutely wonderful in my Madison James wedding gown.FINDING THE ONE ___Rina assisted me at the Armadale store. She made me, my mum and my bridesmaids feel very welcome. Rina knew exactly what I wanted in a dress and what would make me feel comfortable. CELESTE WEARS MADISON JAMES 158 WEDDING DRESS
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ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES Go with what feels right. Don't overthink things.
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Photographer: ATEIA Photography and Video  / Bride's dress: Madison James MJ158 / Bridal Store: Raffaele Ciuca, Armadale store  / Hairstylist: Jessica Lee  / Make-up Artist: Stefania De Vecchi  / Bouquet: Peppercorn Floral Design  / Flowers on Chapel beam: Posies and Twine  / Boutonniere and Corsages: Josie Brennan (family friend) Venue: Tatra Receptions  / Wedding Cake: Special Treats by Carolyn