When it comes to bridal wear companies in Johannesburg, Vonve Bridal Couture stands out as an elegant, opulent brand. Offering everything from wedding dresses to accessories and shoes, it’s a one-stop shop for your wedding needs. 

As we booked our appointment on Vonve Bridal’s website, I found the process straightforward. Upon arriving, I was met by warm smiles and an inviting staff of tailors who had catered to our every need. 

I was most impressed by the dress called Nouvelle from their Millanova collection. This halter neck gown, with its open back, long, flowing train, and rose-shaped neckline, is definitely for daring brides who want to make a statement. 

With that being said, luxury quality does necessitate luxury prices. While high prices are to be expected, Vonve’s catalogue will still leave the average buyer’s head spinning. 

Even with their cheaper products in the “End of Range” line, these prices might be even harder to justify for more value-conscious consumers. After all, when you’re shopping luxury, you gotta go big or go home, right? 

With this kind of dress quality and customer service, however, it’s hard to deny their value. If money isn’t an issue for your perfect wedding, Vonve Bridal Couture might be the shop for you.

A classy, welcoming store with supportive and patient staff

I had the pleasure of finding my dress at Vonve! The shop was very classy and we got welcome drinks on arrival. Chrystyna was an absolute angel and was so kind and patient with me. She listened to what I liked/didn’t like and found many other options for me to try on. She was supportive and honest, helping me figure out what suited me and ultimately helped me find the one! I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would recommend Chrystyna to all other brides! Thank you for such a wonderful day! 

Ally McCann, Google Review

Finding a wedding dress becomes an easy and fun experience with an expert staff

I cannot express how amazing the team is at Vonve, especially Chrystyna! She really knows how to make you feel special, and puts your mind at ease. I found her knowledge and expertise on wedding dresses really helpful. She offered advice on how things could be altered and just made the whole experience easy and fun. Would definitely recommend, there is no better place to find your wedding dress than Vonve! 

Angela Valente, Google Review

Located at the luxurious Melrose Arch mall, Bridal Wardrobe has a stunning array of wedding dresses, with the best value for money so far. With a luxury catalogue that is neatly organised by silhouette, neckline, and fabrication, I find Bridal Wardrobe to be a particularly extensive store that will more than likely have the dress you’re looking for. 

I was impressed by the different kinds of appointments you could book on their website, ranging from a “luxury” option with complimentary drinks, food, and gifts, to the free-fitting option available on Wednesdays only. There are others too, including a standard appointment schedule, a free alteration appointment, and a half-off appointment on Fridays.

This appointment system, alongside the option to rent wedding dresses for significantly less money, gives Bridal Wardrobe some of the best value you could get amongst its competitors. We sprung for the standard appointment, and we were met by incredibly welcoming and attentive staff who listened to our every query. 

The dress that was recommended to me was the Urvashi, a vintage-inspired fit-and-flare dress with a puff shoulder jacket and a sequin corded floral lace adorning the whole piece. It was a beautiful dress, one definitely meant for brides who want a more traditional look on their special day. 

Unlike its competitors, however, Bridal Wardrobe focuses solely on its wedding dresses. The option to buy other accessories, such as the bridal shoes or the veil, is not available in-store, which might make finding complementary shoes and accessories more of a hassle. 

Absolutely amazing service from a welcoming, friendly staff with a wonderful fitting process

Bridal Wardrobe is absolutely amazing! I visited the Melrose Arch branch and was met with welcoming, friendly faces who they immediately made me feel comfortable and special. The whole process, from finding my dream dress, payment arrangements, alterations and collection was phenomenal. I cannot recommend them enough if you are wanting a dress that will not only suit your personality but be altered so well that it looks like it was made for you. Thank you so much for making the process smooth and for making me feel beautiful on our special day! 

Jodie Watson, Google Review

Finding the dream wedding dress with an incredible, supportive team 

Bridal Wardrobe was everything I could have asked for and more on my wedding dress journey! From my chats via email prior to my appointment, to the actual appointment itself, to the alterations and the final collection. Everything was perfect. 

Anzel was so incredible at my appointment, having picked out and ready all the dresses I had seen online that I loved, including one that I thought was and ended up being “the one.” I never felt rushed or like I was being indecisive, she was just so supportive. My dress was incredible, and the spectacular seamstress Sonia was just an absolute joy, the kindest and funniest person, she altered my very complicated dress perfectly and it fit like a glove!

Thank you to the incredible team at Bridal Wardrobe for making picking my dress an absolute dream! 

Dani “H3eartRockNRoll” Selesnick, Google Review

Located at The Zone, Icon Square offers a diverse set of wedding dresses. Out of all of their offerings, I really liked this red, slim-fitting, empire-shaped wedding dress adorned with red sequins and a long train. 

Their vast catalogue alongside their relatively affordable prices means that Icon Square Bridal offers wonderful value for the price. Furthermore, their customer service made dress shopping a breeze. 

That being said, the company’s lack of an online appointment service makes scheduling a fitting a much more tedious task than it needs to be. Their prices are also not listed anywhere online, so even if they offer great value, you’d really need to visit the store just to have an idea of what you would want from them. 

An amazing experience with a helpful and considerate staff

“I had the most amazing experience looking for a wedding dress. From the moment I stepped into the store, i felt like a real princess. The people were so helpful and made me feel beautiful in each dress that I fitted, and they did not mind helping me fit as many dresses as I wanted to, until I was happy. For the best Bridal experience, I would suggest this place. They are worth more than 5 stars!”

Izabel Labuschagne, Google Reviews

A wide selection, stunning fabrics, and an absolutely incredible store 

“Icon Square Rosebank is absolutely incredible! From the moment I walked in, the staff was so friendly and welcoming, making me feel so special. A huge thank you to M.Y and Rumaanah for their kindness and amazing assistance – they truly went above and beyond! The quality of their wedding gowns is exceptional, with the most stunning fabrics and the widest selection to choose from. I also loved the beautiful dressing room for brides – it made the whole experience feel magical. Highly recommend to any bride-to-be! A DREAM bridal experience, indeed.”

Sabeehah Goolam, Google Reviews

Grandiflora Bridal is another luxury bridal dress store that made quite the impression on me because of their uniquely beautiful store, adorned with flowers and has a coffee shop. 

I walked into the store, invited by the friendly and attentive staff, who showed me this form-hugging, drop-waist dress called “Emma,” which would be perfect for more confident brides. 

Even more impressively, Grandiflora is able to convey luxury and beauty through its catalogue while being targeted to more value-conscious consumers through reasonable prices and an option to rent. 

However, its location is a little out of the way for those unfamiliar with the Rosebank area, being nestled in a quaint corner behind Joburg Market. 

Furthermore, their dresses, while stunning, can be too similar. While this is good if you resonate with their designs, people who want other styles might find their offerings lacking. 

Affordable pricing, professional and friendly staff, beautiful decor 

“I called in an hour before I arrived. Very professional and friendly staff that will treat you with joy, respect, and eagerness. The venue decor is out of this world. I felt like a princess. Pricing… yes affordable with payment plan.”

Carlyle Quadflieg, Google Reviews

Excellent service, exquisite dress quality 

“Service was excellent! I would definitely recommend! The quality of Grandiflora’s dresses are exquisite!”

Caty Rose, Google Reviews

A self-described “unconventional bridal paradise,” Silk Stitches’ uniquely gorgeous outdoor bridal dress store sits in the heart of Fourways and is notable for its beautiful dress selection, stellar staff, and picturesque venue. 

I found their dress selection to be quite diverse, spanning a whole set of shapes, designs, and tones, but the one that stood out the most was the mermaid style “Nelly” dress, a simple but beautiful piece that’s perfect for brides who want a clean, modest look.

Furthermore, their price ranges are reasonable and span from expensive, luxury prices to being very consumer-friendly.

That being said, this is another store that focuses solely on the wedding dress, so finding matching accessories may be a hassle. 

An amazing bridal experience throughout with a warm, helpful assistant

“AMAZING BRIDAL EXPERIENCE! Thank you thank you again for such an amazing experience finding a dressing! From the first appointment to the last one where i came to pick up the dress, everything was well planned and was always greeted with a smile by Bobbie! I absolutely love her! She is so warm, professional, and helpful! I’m so glad I got to walk down the aisle with one of your stunning dresses!”

Esuthu Boti, Google Reviews

A kind, caring staff and a comfortable, beautiful dress

“I came here 2 months before my wedding and found the perfect dress. Nkele showed me the different looks I could achieve from the dress, and Themba altered it for me until it fit my body and specifications perfectly. I had such a great time in my wedding, felt like a princess and got a ton of compliments, it was even very comfortable so I wore it the entire day and night of the wedding. Thank you for your kindness and care Silk Stitches Boutique. Best Experience Ever!”

Esther Moloto, Google Reviews