The Bridal Trail
From fittings to feasts, this is a bride-to-be's journey through Adelaide’s best bites and boutiques
As the wedding roulette wheel of style continues to spin at an unprecedented pace, it’s no wonder that for some brides-to-be, finding the perfect dress can feel akin to hunting for a needle in a haystack – overwhelming, tiresome, and daunting.To help things to run a little smoother for you, we’ve put together an exciting list of Adelaide designers located in the vibrant city of Norwood, Payneham, and St Peters. From custom and couture, to veils and bridal accessories, these beautiful ateliers all have something to offer. And with the city home to a variety of exciting restaurants and cafes, we’ve created a seamless itinerary of our favourite bridalwear stores and pitstops for you and your entourage to make as you search for the one.
1. Tell Henry, 39a Rundle St, Kent Town.
A day of perusing showrooms requires a sharp eye, and for that we suggest starting your morning with a strong brew at Tell Henry. A hole in the wall café located in Kent Town, Tell Henry has become renowned for their friendly service, speciality coffees, and small bites. Take a seat in their cosy interior, pull up a chair outdoors, or grab a takeaway before heading to showroom number one.
2. Caleche, 43-45 Chapel St, Norwood.
The third stop on our itinerary is an absolute no-brainer. Located just a five-minute walk from our second destination, Caleche is a family-owned business that’s been handcrafting elegant gowns since their Parisian inception in 1973. From ready-to-wear, made-to-measure, bespoke and couture, Caleche’s stunning collection ranges from size 6 to 22 and has something for every bride. With fifty years of experience, and four categories to suit your timeline, budget, and desired style of gown, Caleche invites you to stay a while and explore their designs. Their philosophy? to keep the process as calm and as memorable as possible. (Appointment recommended)
3. Greta Kate, 3 Charles St, Norwood.
If the clock hasn’t yet struck lunchtime, may we suggest another atelier?
Motivated at a young age by her grandmother, Greta took an inspired leap of faith in 2010 launching Greta Kate; a contemporary fashion label creating beautifully designed gowns crafted with exquisite materials. The Adelaide fashion designer offers a range of both collections and couture, using high-quality imported fabrics to produce rich, textural garments that are made to fit. Priding herself on her expertise, Greta relishes in the opportunity to become an important part of a bride’s special day. “It’s more than the garment you create, it’s the relationships you develop along the way”. (Appointment only: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays)
4. Bar Madrid, 4/47 The Parade, Norwood.
Wagyu beef baguettes, Portuguese tarts, croissants, and an intimate interior are just some of the note-worthy aspects of Norwood’s Bar Madrid. Offering a curated list of Spanish and local South Australian wines with complimentary tapas, we think this is the perfect mid-shop pitstop for a moment of welcomed respite.
5. Alexis George, 86 Fullarton Rd, Norwood.
Just a 4-minute drive, or a 10-minute walk from Bar Madrid, this studio located on Fullarton Road has been crafting custom bridal couture for more than 40 years. The creative directors behind Alexis George – Pat and George Georgiou – pride themselves on their exceptional craftsmanship and extraordinary customer service. Taking the extra time to get to know you, the duo understands how to exceed expectations and bring your design dreams to life. The beauty of this studio is that there’s something for everyone, from bridal couture to bridesmaids’ dresses – your entourage can get behind the dressing-room curtains too.
6. Couture + Love + Madness, 1/258 The Parade, Norwood.
Last but certainly not least on our list, Cristina Tridente’s Couture + Love + Madness is underlined as an absolute must. With CLM, you can expect nothing less than breathtakingly romantic silhouettes with immaculate attention to detail. Crafting over 800 gowns since the label began 16 years ago, every piece is made with expert artistry, personal touches, and time-honoured couture techniques. With Tridente and the skilled team at CLM with you for every step of the design process, you can be assured that your gown will be unique, flawless, and meticulously fashioned from scratch. (Appointment only; virtual appointments for brides outside of Australia)
7. Lola’s, 88 Magill Rd, Norwood.
We can’t think of a better way to end your day than by letting the team at Lola’s show you the true meaning of hospitality. Red, white, bubbles, a cocktail? Located on Magill Road, its Norwood’s newest addition intertwining a bar, bottle shop, and restaurant. Offering chic interiors, a menu fit for sharing, and a seemingly endless cellar, it’s the perfect place for a glass of whatever takes your fancy, and a revision of your favourite silhouettes.
