The short answer: a robe or a slip you can step out of without touching your hair or makeup. Everything else is taste.
I've been designing bridal robes since 2012, and this is still the question I get asked most. Here's how I'd choose.
What should the bride wear while getting ready?
Something that opens at the front. Hair goes up, makeup goes on, and then the dress goes on over your head or is stepped into. Anything you have to pull off over your head at the end is a mistake. That rules out most T-shirts and button-less tops. It leaves three good options.
1. A robe
The classic. A long lace or chiffon robe reads as "bride" in every photo, and it unties in one movement. The Peyton Maxi Lace Kimono and the Ophelia Lace Maxi Robe are the two I'd point most brides to. If you want something shorter for a summer wedding, the Sian Mini Lace Robe is light and sits at the thigh.
2. A slip
A slip dress is the quieter choice. It looks like an outfit rather than a dressing gown, so it works if you're having a first look with your partner or parents before the dress. The Peyton Long Lace Slip comes in white and ivory as well as black. Wear a robe over it while makeup is happening.
3. A pyjama set
Buttons down the front, so it passes the hair test. Pyjama sets are the practical pick if you're getting ready somewhere cold, or you want to match your bridesmaids. The Grace Lounge Pyjama is the set most bridal parties choose.
What photographs well?
Ivory and white on the bride, one colour on the bridesmaids. Long sleeves photograph better than none from the back, which is where most getting-ready shots are taken. Lace catches window light. Heavy satin can shine under flash, so if your photographer uses flash indoors, go for lace, chiffon or a matte fabric.
What to avoid
Anything that goes over the head. Anything with a hood. Bright colours next to your face before makeup is finished. And robes that are too short to sit down in comfortably; you'll be sitting for a long time.
When to order
Embroidery is done in our Gold Coast studio with a 1–2 business day turnaround, then shipping on top, so about a week to most Australian metro areas. Order earlier than that for a bridal party of six or more, so there's room to swap a size. Free standard shipping Australia-wide on orders over $250 AUD ($10 under that), express is $25, and most Australian orders arrive in 1–4 business days, 5–10 for remote areas. Allow an extra 2 business days over the Christmas period.
Quick answers
Do I need a special robe or can I wear any robe?
Any front-opening robe works. A bridal robe is designed to look good in photos and be light enough to wear for hours.
Should the bride's robe match the bridesmaids'?
Usually the bride wears white or ivory and the bridesmaids wear one shared colour. Same style, different colour is the easiest way to do it.
Can I get the robe personalised?
Yes. Monogramming is complimentary on most Homebodii robes and sets, with a 1–2 business day turnaround in our Gold Coast studio before it ships.
The pieces I'd actually choose
Five styles that cover every kind of wedding morning, from a long lace robe for photographs to a slip you can wear under the dress.
Peyton Long Lace Slip Dress — long lace-trimmed satin slip dress for the honeymoon or the wedding morning.
Sian Mini Lace Robe — short lace robe in white, light enough for a summer wedding morning.
Helena Lace Robe — long chiffon and lace bridal robe.
Grace Lounge Pyjama Set — long satin pyjama set in rose pink with champagne piping.
Bride Satin Eye Mask — satin eye mask embroidered with the word Bride.
Questions? Message our Style Concierge team or tag us on Instagram @homebodii.
— Ingrid Bonnor, Founder, Homebodii. Gold Coast, Australia.
