Essense of Australia Wedding Dresses: The Real FAQ Brides Ask
- jmajors
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
If you’ve been researching Essense of Australia wedding dresses, you’re in good company, this designer is known for polished, wearable bridal fashion that spans everything from clean satin to romantic lace. Here are the questions brides ask us most (with straight answers, stylist tips, and planning guidance you can actually use).
What is Essense of Australia?
Essense of Australia is a designer bridal label inspired by the natural grandeur of Western Australia, creating wedding dresses that feel traditional and timeless with a modern twist and distinctive detailing.
What styles does Essense of Australia make?
Essense of Australia offers a wide range of silhouettes and aesthetics, from boho to ballgown and everything in between so brides aren’t “stuck” in one look.
Common style categories you’ll see include:
A-line, ballgown, fit-and-flare, mermaid, sheath, trumpet
Vibes like modern, modest, boho, simple, vintage, beach
Features like corset styling, pockets, overskirts, sparkle, slits, statement backs, sleeves
What fabrics are most common in their gowns?
You’ll frequently see fabrics like lace, satin/mikado, crepe, tulle, chiffon, jacquard, charmeuse, and more, often chosen to match the gown’s structure and movement.
Do they make plus-size wedding dresses?
Yes. Essense of Australia offers plus-size wedding dresses with sizing listed as ranging from 2–34/36 (by their plus-size collection page).
What is EveryBody/EveryBride (and should I care)?
EveryBody/EveryBride is Essense of Australia’s size-inclusive initiative. The brand explains that participating stores carry a broader selection of plus-size sample gowns (often sizes 18–34/36) and that the plus-size gowns prioritize construction and comfort for a flattering, supportive fit.
How do Essense of Australia wedding dress sizes run?
Like most bridal designers, sizing is not the same as everyday street size. The best approach is to be professionally measured and use the designer’s size chart through your authorized retailer then tailor for a perfect fit (which is normal).
Do their gowns need alterations?
Almost always, yes. Essense Designs notes that most brides need some level of tailoring for the ideal fit, common changes include hem adjustments, bodice tweaks, and adding a bustle. At J. Major’s Bridal Boutique, we don’t do in-house alterations, but we’ll happily guide you on what to ask a seamstress and what to plan for in timing.
When should I start shopping for my dress?
Essense Designs emphasizes having a planned shopping timeline so you don’t underestimate production + fittings and can shop with less stress.
A practical guideline you’ll see echoed in bridal retail: order far enough ahead to allow delivery, alterations, and any customizations. True Society recommends ordering at least 6–9 months before the wedding for a smoother experience.
Can I buy them online?
Essense of Australia directs brides to use their store locator to find an authorized bridal shop and make an appointment, these gowns are generally sold through retailers rather than direct-to-consumer checkout.
Where can I try on Essense of Australia gowns in person?
Use Essense of Australia’s official store locator to find an authorized retailer near you. (If you’re in Charlotte, we’re in South End at 1900 South Blvd, Ste 150.)
How much do they cost?
Pricing varies by style, materials, and whether you’re purchasing off-the-rack or ready-to-order. True Society explains that wedding dress costs can vary based on design, fabric quality, and how the gown is sold (off-the-rack vs. ready-to-order).
Stylist tip: bring a comfortable budget range to your appointment so your consultant can pull the best options immediately.
Can I customize them (sleeves, lining, straps, neckline)?
Many Essense/retailer listings show that gowns can have option sets (for example, strapless vs straps, sleeve options, and color/lining variations on specific styles). Customization depends on the gown, collection, and what the designer offers for that style, your stylist can confirm what’s possible for the exact gown you love.
Are Essense of Australia dresses good for a “clean and modern” bride?
Absolutely, Essense of Australia’s collection includes minimalist and modern options alongside lace-forward romance, and their range of silhouettes/fabrics supports both aesthetics.
Are Essense of Australia dresses good for a romantic/lace bride?
Yes, lace is a core part of the brand’s design language, often paired with tulle and dimensional appliqués (you’ll see many lace-and-tulle fit-and-flare examples across retailer pages).
What’s the overall “vibe” of this designer?
Essense describes designs influenced by European fashion houses and New York’s fashion center, with details meant to feel both classic and fashion-forward.
What is a trunk show ?
A trunk show is a limited-time event where a boutique brings in an expanded selection, often including new collection styles so brides can try on more than the usual in-store sample range.
If you already love Essense of Australia, trunk shows can be especially helpful when you want:
More styles in your preferred silhouette
More size availability in samples
A focused appointment experience while the selection is at its peak
How do I prepare for my bridal appointment?
Essense’s own FAQ content emphasizes working with a stylist to find a silhouette that fits your personal style and makes you feel confident.
Practical prep that helps your stylist nail it faster:
Save 6–10 inspiration photos (and note what you like: neckline, fabric, waistline)
Know your venue + season
Bring nude seamless undergarments and shoes similar to your wedding heel height
Keep your entourage small and supportive (the people who help you decide, not pressure you)
I’m petite / curvy / busty, can Essense of Australia still work for me?
Yes!
Essense offers a wide range of silhouettes and necklines, and True Society’s education content stresses matching the silhouette to your proportions, comfort, and venue rather than “rules.” For plus-size brides, EveryBody/EveryBride is specifically designed around supportive, flattering construction.
Do I need shapewear under a wedding gown?
It depends on the gown and how you want to feel. Essense’s plus-size page notes that shapewear depends on the specific dress and recommends matching undergarments to the gown you choose.
Final “stylist truth”: how do I know it’s the one?
When the dress matches your body, your venue, your movement, and your personality, and you stop thinking about what you “should” wear. Essense’s guidance repeatedly points back to confidence and feeling like yourself, supported by an expert stylist.
If you’re shopping Essense of Australia in Charlotte, we’d love to help you find the silhouette that fits your wedding vision and your real life, comfort, movement, and photos included. Visit us at J. Major’s Bridal Boutique in South End (1900 South Blvd, Ste 150, Charlotte, NC 28203).
