About Us

At Grace Brides we are passionate about celebrating & honoring marriage, the joining of a man and a woman in love and commitment. As a small family business, we offer an alternative option for Christchurch Brides seeking a beautiful yet affordable wedding dress.

The dresses are a carefully selected range of new, pre-loved and vintage pieces. The majority of our range is priced under $595, with nothing over $1000.

We have approximately 80 dresses in store between size 6-20 and are working to increase this up to size 24 in future. Some brands currently in store include Chancery, Essence of Australia, Lulus, Stella York, Luna Novias, Noodz Boutique, Ever Pretty, House of St Patrick, Emmy Mae and Symphony of Venus. All of our dresses are available to purchase ‘off the rack,’ making Grace Brides a must visit for brides needing a dress at short notice!

Come and enjoy the bridal shopping experience at our friendly, comfortable boutique store. We are located in a rustic setting in the peaceful countryside of West Melton, just out of Christchurch.

We have committed to giving a percentage of proceeds to our chosen charities, Child Rescue and Focus on the Family NZ.

Maternity Leave Update

To our valued customers,

Grace Brides is currently temporarily closed for new appointments due to maternity leave. We will be checking and responding to emails when possible during this time, and can still arrange pickup of dresses for existing customers.

We are looking forward to re-opening and welcoming new brides in late September 2026!

Appointment slots will be published on the booking calendar closer to the time.

Thank you for your support x

Appointments

Standard Bridal Appointments are $25 for 1 hour, giving you the opportunity to try on a range of dresses in different styles.

Quick Look Appointments are $15 for 30 minutes, a great option for brides who know what they are looking for, and would just like to try on 3-4 dresses in a particular style.

Second Try-On Appointments are for brides who would like to come back to try on their favourite dress/es for a second time; this is free of charge.

If you decide to buy a dress, the fee will be deducted from the purchase price.

You are most welcome to bring bridesmaids, friends or family to help you decide on a dress - we have space to comfortably accommodate up to 3 other guests.

All bookings include:

  • Our bridal studio set aside as a private space for you and your guests

  • A dedicated bridal assistant to help and assist you

  • Advice on alterations if needed and referral to a seamstress

  • Opportunity to try on a range of accessories including veils, bridal wings, wraps & sleeves

FAQs

  • It is helpful to wear neutral coloured underwear, and if you already own any special bras or shapewear then consider bringing them along. It’s also useful to bring heels if you plan to wear them on your wedding day. Please avoid any scents, tanning products or heavy makeup that could transfer on to the dresses.

    With a 1 hour appointment it is not necessary to know what style you want, as you will have the opportunity to try on a range of dresses. Most brides find it helpful to bring at least one person with them for that all important second opinion!

  • The majority of our dresses are sourced from the second-hand market within NZ. We have chosen to concentrate on pre-loved gowns rather than importing new dresses, as a way to offer affordability while operating in a way that is ethical and sustainable.

    All pre-loved gowns are freshly washed or dry-cleaned, and quality checked prior to coming into the store.

    Many of the gowns have actually never been worn, as brides who brought them online found that once the dress arrived, the fit or style was not right for them but were unable to return the dress (a common issue with buying online).

  • Yes you are welcome to email info@gracebrides.co.nz, and we will send photos of the dresses currently in stock. Keeping in mind that all of the dresses are one-off individual pieces in store, so may sell out without notice.

    If it is your first bridal appointment, it can be really helpful to come and try on with an open mind, as many brides end up loving a style different from what they first imagined!

  • Sorry, we sell dresses in store only.

  • We don’t offer an in-house service; any alterations that may be required would be organised separately with the alterations person of your choice. However we are happy to refer you to a very skilled and experienced seamstress, who has special rates for Grace Brides customers.

  • Yes you are welcome to bring a baby not yet walking. There is a toilet on site although no baby change facilities.

    As the dresses are very delicate, unfortunately it is easy for them to be accidentally damaged by a curious or excited child. If you are wanting to bring along an older child, please do email us first to discuss.

  • We offer Afterpay which allows you to take your dress away on the day, and pay it off via the Afterpay app, in four interest-free instalments over 6 weeks.

  • We are not currently buying new dresses, but thank you for your interest, and all the best with selling your dress.