Congratulations on your engagement! You're at the start of an exciting journey towards your dream wedding. Along with the joy comes a long list of things to plan, from the venue to the guest list.

For most brides, the checklist looks something like this:

Hair and make-up
Florals
Shoes
Photography
And, most important of all, the dress

If you're planning a simple Registry of Marriage (ROM) or an intimate solemnisation, you may want a dress that matches the scale of your day, without stretching your budget.

A Simpler Ceremony Calls For A Simpler Dress

If your celebration is a small ROM or solemnisation, you don't need the full ball gown experience. Here are two options to consider from Frieda Brides.

Option 1: A Little White Dress (LWD), For Purchase

Our LWDs are priced under $1,200 for purchase with the majority between $500-$700+. They are made to proper bridal standards, using bridal-grade fabrics, and designed by renowned bridal designer Jenny Yoo.

There is a huge perk to buying rather than renting -- the dress is yours to keep and use over and over again. You can wear it again for anniversary photos or a future occasion, without paying to rent it a second time. This makes it a practical choice if you'd like to get more wear out of your dress beyond the big day itself. In addition, you can alter or customise the dress however you want.

Option 2: Two Rental Dresses

If you're planning an intimate ROM followed by a grander reception, you might prefer to rent two dresses instead. Frieda Brides offers $200 off your first rental gown and a further $500 off a second rental dress. The overall cost would be really affordable for both your solemnisation or ROM and the grander reception, with two dresses coming up to less than $2800 (nett) on average, depending on your choices.

This route works well if you'd like a different look for each part of your celebration, without the commitment of purchasing.

Our Favourite Dresses For Simple ROMs & Solemnisations

The Little White Dress has exploded in popularity over the past few years. They promise ease, playfulness and a whole new level of unique styling. These dresses are simple, refined, and well-suited to intimate ceremonies, elopements and photoshoots.

Shop Little White Dresses

Planning A Pre-Wedding Photoshoot

Why Do Brides Do It?

A pre-wedding photoshoot (PWS) gives you the chance to capture relaxed, professional photos in a meaningful location, away from the pace of the wedding day itself. Many brides also use these photos on their wedding day, in entryway posters, invitations, and slideshows.

Some couples choose a casual, themed shoot, such as a "high school sweethearts" concept. Others prefer a more bridal look, which means wearing a wedding dress for the shoot.

If you enjoy taking your time to pose, or have a location in mind that means something to you, your PWS photos can end up being just as meaningful as your wedding day photos.

What Dress Should You Wear?

An LWD is a good option here too. You can wear it for your photoshoot, then again for your solemnisation or ROM, since it's yours to keep after purchase.

If you'd prefer to wear your wedding day dress for the shoot, you can re-rent the same dress a second time at a reduced rate. Additionally, with the two-dress option above, you'll get $500 off the second dress rental.

In Short

Buying an LWD means a lower price point, and a dress you keep for future wear.
Renting two dresses means more variety across your celebration, at $500 off the second dress.

Whichever you choose, we're here to help you find a dress that fits your day, and your budget. Book an appointment with us here!

Simple, chic bridal looks for ROM and intimate solemnisation ceremonies