In conversation with: Helen Rodrigues
Helen Rodrigues Bridal is Australia’s trusted and official stockist of the world’s leading bridal designers.
Established in 2001, today the HR boutique carries the largest curated selection of luxurious international bridal gowns in the nation. In short: if you’re looking to indulge yourself in a designer gown, it’s the spot to book an appointment.
As Australia prepares itself for what’s predicted to be one of the busiest wedding-seasons on record, we wanted to chat to the master of gowns herself!
We asked Helen about this seasons upcoming trends, who she’s following on Instagram and when to start trying on dresses.
Here’s Helen
MF: Can you show us some of your favourite HR brides to date?
Helen: All of our brides have been absolutely gorgeous in their own right but Montarna Pitt and Georgie Karloci who wore Inbal Dror and Jocelyn Petroni who wore Elie Saab are worth a mention!
Montarna in Inbal Dror
Montarna visited Mona Farm in March 2021. You can view her trip via her Instagram highlights - here.
Jocelyn in Elie Saab
You can see more of Elie Saab’s jaw-dropping bridal gowns, here.
Georgie in Inbal Dror
Wedding maven and founder of ‘After The Rock Weddings’, Georgie has several couples tying the knot at Mona Farm in 2022. You can view more of Georgie’s porfolio - here.
MF: What’s trending this season?
Helen: Having the ability to achieve different looks in the one gown is certainly trending this season!
Other trends we’re seeing are…
Layering
Feminine silhouettes
Soft and romantic gowns
The use of lace in a really classic way
Printed fabrics and sparkles
MF: What are we seeing less of?
Helen: Overskirts and super sexy gowns
MF: Name three designers we should keep our eyes on
Helen: Inbal Dror, Lee Grebenau and Halfpenny London
Who should we be following on Instagram for wedding inspiration?
Veil or headpiece?
Helen: Why not both!? We love a veil and headpiece combo for the ceremony and changing it up to a fun headpiece and earrings for the reception.
The bride wears Keren Wolf
The bride wears Elie Saab
The bride wears Inbal Dror
MF: How many months out from the wedding should BRIDE’s start to try on dresses?
Helen: Twelve months out from the wedding is an ideal time to be trying on gowns. With that being said, we’ve turned around gowns in less than 3 months for those on a tight timeline (or those who have been impacted by Covid-19 delays).
MF: What should BRIDE’S consider when searching for bridesmaids dresses?
Helen: Brides should make sure that the colour, length and shape of their bridesmaids dresses complements their own dress. Bridesmaids dresses should never take away from the bride’s gown, only add to it.
The bride wears Suzanne Neville
MF: When booking an appointment with you, how should BRIDE’S prepare?
` Helen: Come as yourself! If you feel your best when you have your hair done - book in an appointment with us post blow-dry.
You can leave the rest with us. Here at HR, we provide shoes, shape-wear, veils, and accessories! The only thing we kindly ask is that brides do not wear fake tan, body oil or makeup - to ensure our sample gowns retain their beauty.
MF: What advice would you give to brides beginning the search for their perfect dress?
Helen’s Steps
Secure your date and venue
Do your research via Instagram and Pinterest
Decide on your budget
Think about how you want to feel on the day ( beautiful, comfortable, sexy?)
Book in your appointment
You can book your bridal appointment with Helen, here.
For more conversations with Australia’s leading creatives, friends of Mona Farm and current wedding inspiration - bookmark the Mona Farm journal.
To access our curated list of suppliers, get in touch with Mona Farm’s dedicated Weddings Team below.