Felicitys.

If you are looking for a gown in Auckland, New Zealand, look no further than Felicitys. In fact, even if you’re not in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, we recommend checking out their website to be inspired by the essence of timelessness. Our interview with Felicitys below describes the careful selections and experience that a bride will find at the boutique.

How would you describe the aesthetic and overall concept of Felicitys Bridal?

Our concept and aesthetic are paired back and simple. Felicitys offers a thoughtful selection of bridal gowns in a calm and relaxing environment. Our gowns are classic yet modern, fashion forward yet timeless. We love the process and encourage mindfulness for our brides while making decisions.

How do you curate the dresses in your boutique and what is important to you when choosing designers to become a part of your brand?

I take my time to make any decisions and consult closely with my amazing Manager and Alterations Manager. The balance needs to be perfect. Not too many but not too few and the gowns need to work with our aesthetic. The collections sit alongside each other, holding their own without competing with each other. I am very particular about fabrics, fit and construction, and as Felicitys complete all tailoring in house, these elements are so important to us to create the perfect final look.

Do you offer any other services at Felicitys such as bridal accessories, shoes or tailoring?

We offer a complete service. We have a paired back selection of shoes, veils and jewellery and in addition we offer a full alterations service reserved exclusively for our brides. My alterations manager has worked with me since 2010 and is incredible. Every gown will require some tailoring prior to the wedding day. We look after our brides throughout this entire process and ensure the perfect fit. The final look is our responsibility, one that we take very seriously.

What can a bride expect when stepping into your boutique? How do you create a unique experience for this special moment in their journey to becoming a bride?

A sense of calm. As you leave the hustle and bustle of Auckland CBD, you enter a welcoming and relaxing space filled with natural light and minimal interior design. You are greeted warmly and led to your private fitting room with space for your guests to enjoy. We allow you time to consider each gown as you try them on, time to learn about the process, design and construction and time to make your final decision. We do not like to hurry this experience and we encourage a thoughtful mindset when making the final decision. Knowing that Felicitys takes care of you from selecting your gown right through to your final fitting helps with this process.

What are your hopes and dreams for the boutique in the coming years?

More of this please. I absolutely love where we are and what we are doing. I hope to continue to encourage brides to embrace their confidence and to make brave choices.

Do you find couples are increasingly interested in sustainability in choosing a designer? How important is sustainability to Felicity?

It is very important to me and part of why I love what I do. The nature of this business is made-to-order. Each piece is made specifically for you and all of our showroom samples are eventually sold. As sustainable products become more available this is definitely the direction most couples will consider for other elements of their day. Your wedding gown may become a treasured piece that is kept or on-sold. Our designers carefully consider their practice and look to improve where they can as each collection is released.

Planning your wedding can be extremely overwhelming for a bride. What is your advice on choosing the perfect dress?

Trust your own decision making process. Perhaps you like to make a quick decision and not think about it again or perhaps you need time to think, try on again and again. Maybe others opinions are what help you to make decisions. As you are individual, so is this process. We completely understand this and allow time for you to find your own path to choosing your wedding gown or gowns.

Lastly, if you could have dinner with one bridal designer who would this be and why?

This is a tricky one! Being based in NZ, coupled with a Covid environment means that contact with designers is not usually in person. I am yet to meet personally with any of my designers so I would have to choose them first! Made with Love, Jane Hill and & For Love. Perfect!

To find out more visit felicitysbridal.co.nz or @felicitysbridalnz

Images by: Jono Parker @parker (Store Photos) Skye Carter Photography @_skyecarterphotography (Styled Shoot)