Essense of Australia Wedding Dresses: Sizes, Ordering, and FAQ
- Jan 5
- 5 min read
Essense of Australia is one of the lines we are proudest to carry, and one of the most searched bridal designers we stock, so brides come to us with a lot of specific questions about it. As an authorized Essense of Australia retailer in Charlotte, here are straight, first-hand answers to what brides ask us most, from sizing and ordering to what makes the line special.
What is Essense of Australia?
Essense of Australia is a designer bridal label inspired by the natural grandeur of Western Australia, with gowns that feel timeless and traditional with a modern twist and distinctive detailing. It is one of the most popular designers we carry, and a line we hand-select styles from each season for our Charlotte brides.
What is Essense of Australia known for, and what makes it different?
Essense is known for polished, wearable design that runs the full range from clean satin minimalism to romantic, lace-forward gowns, so brides are never stuck in one look. What sets the line apart for us is the balance of fashion-forward detailing and real wearability, gowns that photograph beautifully and still let you move through your whole day comfortably. The construction quality and the sheer breadth of silhouettes are why it is one of the first lines we pull for so many brides.
Why do our stylists recommend Essense of Australia?
It earns its place in our collection every season. As our stylist Brooklyn puts it, Essense is a perfect middle, great elegance without being too expensive, which is exactly why it works for so many of our brides. You get designer construction and detailing at a price that still leaves room for the veil, the accessories, and everything else the day needs. That balance of quality and value is one of the main reasons it is among the first lines we pull at an appointment.
What styles and silhouettes does Essense make?
Essense offers a wide range of silhouettes, from boho to ball gown and everything in between, including A-line, fit-and-flare, mermaid, sheath, and trumpet shapes. You will see everything from modern and minimal to vintage and beach, with features like corset styling, statement backs, sleeves, overskirts, slits, and pockets. If you are still narrowing down your shape, our guide to wedding dress silhouettes walks through each one.
What fabrics does Essense use?
You will most often see lace, satin and mikado, crepe, tulle, chiffon, jacquard, and charmeuse, usually chosen to match each gown's structure and movement. Lace and dimensional appliqués are a signature of the line, frequently layered over tulle for that soft, romantic effect.
Does Essense make heavily embellished and lace gowns?
Yes. Lace is at the heart of the brand's design language, often paired with tulle and dimensional appliqués, so there is plenty for a bride who wants romance and sparkle. At the same time, Essense does clean satin and crepe beautifully, so if your taste runs modern and minimal, the line has you covered there too.
What sizes does Essense of Australia come in, and what is the largest size?
Essense is a genuinely size-inclusive line. We can order most styles up to a size 34, with only a few exceptions, and the brand's EveryBody EveryBride program means a broader range of plus sample gowns to try on in person. Like every bridal designer, Essense sizing runs differently from everyday street size, so the right approach is to be measured by your stylist and order to the designer's size chart. You can see more about our size-inclusive selection here.
Can I customize an Essense of Australia gown?
Essense gowns are not custom-designed, so the cut and build of a style stay as the designer made them. What you can do is choose from the ordering options Essense offers on many styles, which can include different colorways and the choice to order a gown with or without its lace appliqués. Those options vary by style, so your stylist will confirm exactly what is available for the gown you love. Anything beyond that, such as a hem or bodice adjustment, happens through alterations after the gown arrives.
How long does it take to order an Essense gown, and is there still time if my wedding is soon?
A standard Essense order usually takes about five months to arrive, so ordering with that much runway is ideal. If your timeline is shorter, do not count yourself out, rush options can bring delivery in as little as ten to twelve weeks on many styles. If your wedding is only a few months away, come in and we will tell you exactly what is possible for the styles you love.
Can I see and try on Essense dresses before I order?
Yes, and we recommend it. We keep Essense samples in the boutique for you to try on in person, so you can feel the fabric, see the silhouette on, and know exactly what you are ordering before anything is placed. Trying before you buy is the whole advantage of shopping with an authorized retailer rather than ordering blind online.
How does buying an Essense gown actually work?
Essense sells through authorized retailers rather than direct-to-consumer online, so the process starts with a private appointment. You try on samples, your stylist measures you and helps you choose your size from the designer's chart, and we place the order in your size. The gown is made and delivered to us, and from there you arrange alterations for a perfect fit. Booking an appointment is the first step, and you can do that here.
Do Essense gowns need alterations, and how does that work?
Almost always, yes. Most brides need some tailoring for the ideal fit, commonly a hem adjustment, a bodice tweak, or adding a bustle. We do not do alterations in house, but we will guide you on what to ask a seamstress and how to plan the timing, and our Charlotte alterations guide covers what to expect.
Can I try Essense of Australia on in Charlotte?
Yes. We are an authorized Essense of Australia retailer in Charlotte's South End, at 1900 South Blvd, Suite 150. Book a private appointment and we will pull the Essense styles that fit your vision, alongside the other designers we carry.
What about veils, toppers, and accessories with an Essense gown?
We help you style the whole look, not only the gown. Our boutique carries veils, capes, toppers, and jewelry that pair beautifully with Essense silhouettes, and your stylist will pull accessories alongside your dress so you can see the complete picture. If you love the idea of more than one look, a detachable overskirt or second look can take an Essense gown from ceremony to reception.
What is a trunk show, and should I wait for one?
A trunk show is a limited-time event where we bring in an expanded Essense selection, often including new-collection styles and more sizes in the samples than we keep year-round. If you already love Essense, timing your appointment to a trunk show means more styles in your favorite silhouette and a focused experience while the selection is at its peak. Our trunk show guide explains how they work.
If you are shopping Essense of Australia in Charlotte, we would love to help you find the silhouette that fits your wedding vision and your real life. Visit us at J. Major's Bridal Boutique in South End, 1900 South Blvd, Suite 150, Charlotte, NC 28203.
About the author: Madison is co-owner, buyer, and in-house designer at J. Major's Bridal Boutique in Charlotte, where she hand-selects the Essense of Australia collection each season and works with brides on the floor at every appointment.
