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Book an Appointment
Which appointment should I choose?
I’m looking for my wedding dress
I want to try on wedding dresses in person at the Mount Maunganui studio. This is the best pathway for exploring the main collection, trying sample sale pieces, narrowing down favourites, returning for a second consultation, or discussing a bespoke gown.
Recommended appointment types
I’m shopping remotely or want virtual guidance
I can’t easily visit the studio and would like personalised guidance with sizing, styling or measurements before ordering. Or I’d like virtual support while trying on a Gown + Altar Try At Home dress.
I already have a Gown + Altar dress
I need to book my next fitting or collect my gown.
Recommended appointment types
I need bridal alterations
I need alterations to my wedding dress. Whether it’s a Gown + Altar gown, another designer’s dress or a vintage wedding dress, I’d like expert advice on fit, tailoring or customisations before the wedding.
Recommended appointment types
I’m interested in a trunk show
I want to try on Gown + Altar wedding dresses outside the Mount Maunganui studio. Join the mailing list to hear when Christchurch or Wellington appointments are announced, or book if dates are currently available.
Recommended appointment types
Trunk Show Appointment, when dates are live.
Trunk Show waitlist, when no dates are live
Select your Appointment
Once you know which appointment is right for you, use the booking form below to choose your preferred time.
What to expect from your appointment
Whether you’re visiting our Mount Maunganui studio, booking virtually, or trying on gowns at home, we’re here to make finding your wedding dress feel relaxed, enjoyable and stress-free.
In-Person Bridal Appointments
During your appointment, you’ll have dedicated time with an experienced bridal stylist to explore the Gown + Altar collection and try on your favourite designs.
Depending on your appointment type, we’ll help you:
- Explore different silhouettes, fabrics and styles
- Try on selected gowns from our collection
- Discuss fit, sizing and customisation options
- Compare favourite styles
- Explore veils, scarves, bridal tops and accessories
- Discuss timelines, ordering and next steps
If you find your gown during your appointment, we’ll guide you through measurements, ordering and what to expect throughout the production process.
Travelling from Out of Town?
Many of our brides travel from throughout New Zealand to visit our Mount Maunganui studio.
If you’re travelling, we recommend booking a 1.5-hour Bridal Consultation, which allows extra time to explore the collection, discuss design alterations and complete measurements if you decide to place your order on the day.
Virtual Appointments & Try It On At Home
Not local? Many of our brides find their gown without ever visiting the studio.
Our virtual appointments are designed to provide personalised support wherever you are. We can help with:
- Taking measurements and advising on sizing
- Discussing customisations
- Answering questions about ordering and timelines
Our Try It On At Home service allows you to experience selected gowns in the comfort of your own home before making a decision.
Fittings & Collection Appointments
Once you’ve ordered your gown, we’ll guide you through the next stage of the process.
During your fitting appointments we’ll:
- Check the fit of your gown
- Confirm any alterations required
- Review styling and accessories
- Answer any final questions before your wedding day
We recommend bringing your wedding shoes and any undergarments you intend to wear with your gown to your fitting and collection appointments.
At your collection appointment, you’ll have a final try-on and a chance to move around in your gown before taking it home. We will then package your dress in a gown bag to keep it protected — and concealed until the big day.
Bridal Alterations
We offer bridal alterations for both Gown + Altar gowns and wedding dresses purchased elsewhere.
Your alteration consultation includes:
- Assessing the fit of your gown
- Determining the alterations required
- Discussing any restyling requests
- Measuring the hem if required
- Providing an alteration quote
If hemming is required, please bring your wedding shoes to this appointment.
Helpful Information
Studio Location: Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
Appointment Days: Tuesday to Saturday
Booking Fees: Most consultation types require a booking fee. Bridal consultation fees are credited towards your gown purchase when you place your order within two months of your first consultation. This excludes sale gowns.
Not Local? We offer virtual appointments, Try It On At Home and annual trunk shows around New Zealand.
What Should I Bring?
- Nude seamless underwear
- Wedding shoes (if you already have them)
- Inspiration photos (optional)
Appointment FAQs
How many wedding dresses can I try on during an appointment?
The number of gowns you can try on varies depending on the appointment type and how quickly decisions are made on the day.
Most brides try on around 4 gowns during a Sample Sale Appointment, 4–8 gowns during a standard Bridal Consultation, and up to 10–12 gowns during an Extended Bridal Consultation.
Our stylists will help narrow down your favourites and make the most of your appointment time.
Do I need to pay for a bridal consultation?
Yes, bridal consultations require a booking fee. The appointment fee ranges from $30 for a sample sale consultation to $120 for a bespoke consultation
The booking fee helps us prepare your appointment and reserve dedicated styling time for you. If you purchase a gown during your appointment, your consultation fee will be credited towards your order.
Alteration consultations and bespoke consultations are charged separately and are not credited towards a gown purchase.
Can I book if I live outside Tauranga?
Absolutely.
Many of our brides travel from around New Zealand to visit our Mount Maunganui studio. If you can’t visit in person, we also offer virtual bridal consultations and our Try It On At Home service, allowing you to experience our gowns from the comfort of your own home.
We also host trunk shows in selected locations throughout New Zealand each year.
Can I try on veils, scarves or bridal tops?
Yes. We have a collection of veils, scarves, bridal capes, overskirts and bridal separates available to try on during your appointment.
You’re also welcome to book an appointment specifically to explore accessories or pieces such as the Lovely Top, bridal scarves, veils or separates if you have already found your dress.
Do you offer bespoke wedding dress consultations?
Yes.
Our bespoke consultation is designed for brides who would like a completely custom gown or wish to significantly modify one of our existing designs.
During your appointment we’ll discuss your ideas, inspiration, fabrics and silhouettes before preparing a personalised quote. Whether you have a clear vision or are still exploring possibilities, we’ll guide you through the process.
Can I book a sample sale appointment?
Yes.
Our sample sale appointments allow you to try on a curated selection of discounted sample gowns available for immediate purchase.
Most brides try on 3–4 gowns during their appointment, depending on availability and timing.
If you find the one, you can purchase and take home your gown on the day.
What should I bring to my appointment?
We recommend bringing:
- Nude, seamless underwear
- Your wedding shoes (if you already have them)
- Inspiration photos (optional)
Most importantly, come with an open mind. Many brides fall in love with a style they hadn’t initially considered.
Do you offer bridal alterations for gowns not purchased from Gown + Altar?
Yes.
We offer alteration services for both Gown + Altar gowns and wedding dresses purchased elsewhere.
Please contact us before booking to check availability for your wedding date, as lead times can vary throughout the year.
A quote will be provided following your consultation.
What happens if trunk show dates are not currently available?
Our trunk shows are offered at selected times throughout the year.
If dates for your region are not currently available, we recommend joining our mailing list to be the first to hear when future dates are announced.
In the meantime, you can visit our Mount Maunganui studio, book a virtual consultation, or try selected gowns through our Try It On At Home service.
What Others Are Saying
Our Brides
I absolutely adored my gown. It was even more beautiful in person, so comfortable to wear, and truly felt like a showstopper as my second look on the wedding day. I loved it so much that I have it hanging where I can see it every day because it’s simply too beautiful to put away. The whole experience was wonderful from start to finish, and I can’t wait for an excuse to wear it again someday. Thank you so much, Isabel — I loved working with you and couldn’t have been happier with my dress.
Janay
A huge thank you to Isabel and the team for creating my dresses. They were an absolute hit. It was so special to wear a reception dress made from my nana’s wedding gown. I couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out.
Vintage mini also created by Gown and Altar from Morgan’s grandmothers dress.
Morgan C
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“I am lost for words, my dress was stunning!! You and the girls have done an amazing job and helped my vision come to life. Thank you so much for taking the time to make my dress, I had so many compliments on how stunning it was and the quality. “
