Find the perfect wedding fit at this Wickham bridal studio
Photography courtesy of Little Black Bow Photography
When Bettina Hook decided to step away from her finance career and create Loved Bridal, she was searching for a way to reconnect with her passion for community and her love for weddings.
Bettina Hook
The concept started with a simple lunch conversation among friends – a conversation about the struggle to buy and sell wedding gowns, particularly when sentimental value and the high cost of new gowns are involved.
“One friend had a nightmare trying to sell her dress on Facebook Marketplace, and another was struggling to find a space to bring her family along for an intimate try on experience,” Bettina said.
These shared experiences sparked an idea; a consignment bridal studio where brides-to-be and newlyweds could find or sell quality dresses in an inviting and private setting.
In August 2023, Loved Bridal Studio was born at her family home. Building the brand, one gown at a time, Bettina now has over 100 gowns available to peruse and as of January 2024, moved into a boutique studio space at Greenway St, Wickham.
“I get to play dress-ups every day, I get to see girls experience one of their happiest moments, and it just makes me so happy.”
Loved Bridal Studio is a consignment boutique that combines the elegance and excitement of traditional bridal shopping with the flexibility and affordability of pre-owned gowns. It offers an intimate experience for brides, many of whom are drawn to the studio’s unique model and Bettina’s attentive and fun approach.
Brides are welcome to bring up to four guests to each private appointment, making for a truly personal and comfortable experience, otherwise difficult to find across Newcastle.
“This is a very intimate time as a bride; you want to have one-on-one time with your people.”
The current collection offers a diverse range of silhouettes from mermaid and A-line to fitted styles. Covering designs by Pallas Couture, Karen Willis Holmes, Made With Love, Lee Petra Grebenau, Grace Loves Lace, Oksana Mukha, Demetrios Bridal, Sophia Tolli, and Zavana Bridal, ranging from sizes 6 through to 24; creating a space promoting inclusivity for every bride.
“I feel like you should never change yourself to fit a dress, instead, find a dress that fits you and shows your beauty.”
Brides who find their dream gown, can take it home the very same day – an uncommon convenience in the wedding industry, where typical waiting times for a new gown can stretch to six or eight months.
For those looking to consign their dress, Bettina is meticulous in managing every detail of the process. Dresses must come from recognised designers, be less than five years old (though she’s currently considering a three-year cap), and have been professionally dry-cleaned before coming into the studio.
“We create a contract with terms and conditions that the dress owners agree to, and then from there, I handle everything; from marketing to appointments and everything in between.”
Bettina has also embraced the trend of brides swapping from traditional gowns to shorter minis for their receptions, a style that Loved Bridal Studio is able to meet through their rental offerings.
“All of our minis are available for hire and they start at just $50 for a four-day hire.”
Since launching in August 2023, Loved Bridal Studio has already attracted brides from far beyond Newcastle including clients travelling from Wollongong, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Adelaide, and of course, Sydney.
For those needing alterations, Loved Bridal Studio has partnered with Saving Grace by Ashleigh Maree, who offers a complimentary consultation for brides purchasing through the studio.
For Bettina, Loved Bridal Studio is about more than just dresses; it’s about creating a memorable, joyous experience for each bride and her family. As the studio continues to grow, she will no doubt continue to put her heart into helping brides find their perfect dress.
