Bernice Fashions
Bernice Fashions is a by-appointment bridal store and alterations workroom on Fitzroy Street in Geelong, run by Yvonne Bowdler.
Bridal Dress Stores · Geelong / Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria · Visit in person
Embrace Bridal Boutique is on Ryrie Street in central Geelong, and it is family owned and run since 1932 — the oldest lineage of any bridal store in this directory. It has traded under the Embrace name for more than ten years. Its own promise is “truth in pricing – prices are clearly marked and are not inflated”, and it says plainly that its staff are “not motivated by commissions”.
Around 120 gowns in its own catalogue across six bridal labels — Purple Fox Bride, Jean Fox, Gilded Rose Bride, Jack Sullivan Bridal, Tania Olsen Designs and DAMA Couture — plus a debutante range and the Eliza & Ethen multi-wrap dress. Silhouettes run A-line, ball gown, fitted and mermaid, with tea-length and short styles as well. It makes a point of stocking “no common brands available at the ‘chain’ bridal stores”.
A bride who wants to know the number before she falls in love. The boutique publishes its range outright: gowns from $1,295, most brides spending $1,800 to $2,800, and embellished designs to $4,595. Sizes 6 to 28 are in store to try and gowns can be ordered from 0 to 32.
An appointment is essential, though it can often be arranged the same day. There is no charge and no limit on how many gowns you try, and you can come back as many times as you need. Most brides bring two or three guests, and anyone who cannot be there can join by FaceTime. Allow four to six months for an ordered gown; a 50% deposit secures it, and rush orders are usually possible for an extra fee. Open Monday to Friday 10am–4pm and Saturday 9am–4pm, closed Sunday.
1932. The same family has been dressing Geelong brides for more than ninety years. Alongside that, it publishes what a gown actually costs before you walk in — and it keeps a large off-the-rack selection for a wedding that is close, so a short engagement is not a problem.
Bernice Fashions is a by-appointment bridal store and alterations workroom on Fitzroy Street in Geelong, run by Yvonne Bowdler.
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