Directory Wedding & Bridesmaid Dresses in Manukau, Auckland

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Nicola Dawson Design

Manukau, Auckland
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Read 21 reviews

At a glance

About Nicola Dawson Design

Nicola has been creating stunning gowns for Brides, Bridesmaids, and Mother of the bride and groom for over 21 years, not to mention the myriad of ballgowns and eveningwear. She is an Award-winning designer/dressmaker who has taken top honours in design competitions since she was 15 years old.

Nicola’s signature style is romantic and elegant. It is the finer details and the use of beautiful fabrics that make each of her brides unique. From stunning simplicity, to totally extravagant, Nicola Dawson Design gowns epitomize the true meaning of the word ‘Couture’.

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30 reviews for Nicola Dawson Design Write a review

Louise McMillan
Louise McMillan
Bride • June 20, 2017

Nicola did a really great job of assessing what styles I liked, and what would suit my figure, and although the initial design didn’t show much of the detail the final dress was exactly what I’d wanted, as well as within my budget. The dress fitted really well and was very comfortable to wear. She was very flexible in terms of timing for appointments and very friendly and helpful every time I visited. I would highly recommend her services.

Wedding Date: April 15, 2017

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Zailie Madsen
Zailie Madsen
Bride • January 25, 2017

Having my dress made by Nicola was such an amazing process. From wo to go, Nicola listened to what I had in mind, designed it with me and made it to tailor for my body. At each stage Nicola was so accomodating with any changes or adjustments I wanted and also had great advice as a designer! On my wedding day, I felt so proud to have a custom made dress and everyone loved the fact that it was unique and had something different about it - I couldn’t find this at any of the bridal stores I went to. I would HIGHLY recommend Nicola (have already sent a few friends her way!)

Wedding Date: October 23, 2016

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Lisa Cunningham
Lisa Cunningham
Bride • November 06, 2016

I loved the dress that Nicola made for my wedding in October. I was unable to find anything that I liked in bridal shops, who kept telling me that I was running out of time to find a dress that I liked and that I would just have to settle.

When I went to see Nicola, she told me that there was plenty of time, and that she would be able to make the exact dress that I was after with no problem at all. I showed her pictures of parts of dresses that I liked, and asked her to put them all together for me into my ideal dress.

The dress she made was exactly as I had imagined. It was finished beautifully, fit perfectly and was comfortable to wear for the day. I felt really amazing in it.

I would highly recommend Nicola. She was great from the start, through all of the fittings and it really showed in the final product.

Wedding Date: October 28, 2016

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Jessica Hanna
Jessica Hanna
Bride • May 14, 2016

Nikki was absolutely amazing, I went for a consultation and immediately knew she was the perfect person to make my dress. Nikki was really honest about what would be best to fit my shape and really helped in the thought process around designing my dress to fit my body too. She had all the tricks too that I would never have thought of.

Nikki was really great through the whole thing, made me feel great in my dress and we had a laugh when we went through the long fittings.

The end result, well it was perfect. Even better than what I was expecting. I was so happy with my dress.

Honestly, couldn’t have picked a better person to make my dream wedding dress! Thanks Nikki!

Wedding Date: April 16, 2016

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Ashika Chhana
Ashika Chhana
Bride • April 04, 2016

I absolutely loved my wedding dress that Nikki made!  I wasn’t too keen on the wedding dresses I had seen in stores, but Nikki helped me figure out what I wanted and she made the whole process so easy and fun, and her new location in Epsom was really handy for fittings.  My wedding dress was exactly what I wanted and I loved wearing it - thanks so much Nikki!

Wedding Date: March 7, 2016

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Jo Clement
Jo Clement
Family • March 07, 2016

My daughter’s wedding gown was made by Nikki Dawson. What incredible talent Nikki has to turn Kendal’s vision into a gown so exquisite that it took my breath away. Using two layers of silk chiffon for the full skirt created a stunning float and lift effect in the light breeze during the beach ceremony. The top was created with the most gorgeous lace. Nikki had the foresight and skill to use a special skin coloured net fabric underneath which gave the illusion of skin while still maintaining modesty. Nikki was very skilled at translating Kendal’s vision exactly - and that takes enormous talent.

Wedding Date: February 13, 2016

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Kendal
Kendal
Bride • March 06, 2016

I had a great experience having my wedding dress made by Nikki. She was super helpful when I was explaining what I wanted, and was on the same page as me. She provided amazing lace and material which worked perfectly with my vision for the dress. She was very easy-going and made the process really enjoyable. She created an AMAZING two-piece gown for me which I absolutely adored. I had SO many compliments on the day, and felt incredibly special wearing the dress. I would recommend other brides-to-be to have your dress made by Nikki as she delivers exceptional results and is reasonably priced too.

Wedding Date: February 13, 2016

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Gemma Bradly-Jacka
Gemma Bradly-Jacka
Bride • July 03, 2015

Knowing that I wanted a yellow wedding dress, the hunt for a dressmaker was on, and Nikki was the first and only dressmaker I contacted. After receiving such a warm response, and then having a lovely meeting to discuss my ideas and her schedule, I knew that she would be the one to make my dress. What a great decision that was! Nikki was fabulous to work with - friendly, professional, welcoming (even when I had my noisy children with me!), and a very, VERY talented dressmaker.
My dress was absolutely gorgeous, and everything I dreamed it would be. Nikki was able to combine the two designs I showed her into one dress, seemingly with ease. On the day I felt like an absolute princess in a dress that fit me perfectly and I had so many compliments on its design and colour.
Nikki even helped with my flowergirl dresses, helping to poof the skirts a little more with added tulle, and they also looked fantastic. My flowergirls nearly outshone me on the day!
One of the best - and easiest - decisions I made about our wedding, and I would highly, HIGHLY recommend working with Nikki.

Wedding Date: March 28, 2015

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Lindsey bedford
Lindsey bedford
Bride • May 04, 2015

After searching through heaps of wedding dress stores I still couldn’t find my perfect dress and decided to look for someone to make it. Upon finding Nicola’s details and arranging my first visit I knew I had found the person to make my vision real. Nicola was so accommodating, understood 100% exactly what I wanted (and I am pretty picky). She even drew my design exactly as I described it. Nicola kept me updated every step of the way as the dress ‘progressed’ and advised on the perfect fabric with choices of lace for the back design. I couldn’t have been happier with the end result it was absolutely stunning and I just want to thank Nicola for everything she did- she is such a talented designer and I would have no hesitation in recommending her to future brides! You couldn’t find a better wedding dress maker than Nicola, the detail, finish and quality was absolutely perfect!!! .... And surprisingly cheaper to have my design made by Nicola than buying a dress from the shop where I would have needed further alterations made! A very happy bride!!

Wedding Date: January 11, 2015

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Nicki
Nicki
Bride • November 09, 2013

I found Nikki through an internet search as I was initially looking for bridesmaids dresses.  When I met with Nikki, I also showed her my top two favourite wedding dresses, and she designed one dress combining both designs.  I was sold, and proceeded to get my dress made through Nikki.  Nikki also offered amazing, realistic, honest pricing. 
Nikki listened to everything I said.  When I was stuck or needed guidance she gave it to me.  When I just wasnt sure, I asked her to make the decision, fully trusting her expertise. 
Nikki captured everything about me in the dress, it suited our style of wedding, and all the photography locations; beach, orchard, homestead. 
On the morning of the wedding, I cant describe how I felt when I put it on.  Through all of our consultations and as the dress went from being fabric on a roll to an item to wear, I knew that it was a great dress.  But that morning, once my hair and makeup were done, and I put on my dress, in the context of the situation, I felt amazing, proud to be in such a beautiful dress…that was my princess moment.  When I look at our photos now, I remember how happy that dress made me feel.  Thank you so much Nikki, Im so glad your stunning product was such an important part of my day.

Wedding Date: July 6, 2013

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Joanne Williams
Joanne Williams
Bride • September 12, 2013

Hi
Nikki was excellent to deal with.  Together we designed my wedding dress which was beautiful.  Her knowledge, creativity and skill is exceptional.  I briefed Nikki in January for my wedding in Rarotonga on 24 May the same year.  It was ready on time and fitted like a glove.  Nikki has a great personality and very easy to deal with.  WE are going back to Rarotonga next year and will get Nikki to design me another dress to celebrate.

Wedding Date: May 25, 2013

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Tui Moore
Tui Moore
Bride • August 05, 2013

Nicola was able to create the difficult gown that I had envisioned with ease. I absolutely love my dress and hope I and wear it again one day!! Throughout the whole process she was extremely helpful, understanding and friendly, even when I had last minute changes to make a few days before the wedding. Not only was her workmanship and customer service of high quality but she also offers her services for a very reasonably price. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone who is looking for a custom made dress.

Wedding Date: 16/02/2013

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Jennifer
Jennifer
Bride • August 05, 2013

I had my wedding dress and veil made by Nikki for my wedding last year and she did an amazing job.

I had fallen in love some aspects of a designer gown and though that I might be able to find it in Australia (it wasn’t available in NZ) and have alterations made. I did find the dress in Sydney, but they refused to do any alterations for me and wanted close to $7,000 for the gown.

I hunted around Auckland for months trying to find someone who could make the dress for me. All I found were a number of people who told me that the dress I wanted could not be made (or was next to impossible and would cost a ridiculous amount) and tried to sell me completely different dresses which were nothing like what I wanted.

By the time I found Nikki I had almost given up on my dream dress. I was so shocked when Nikki said that although it would be difficult she thought that she could do it.

And she did! My dress was and still is amazing, and was everything I ever dreamed. I’ve had so many compliments about it and would highly recommend Nikki to anyone who is looking to have their dream gown made.

Thank you again Nikki for making me the perfect dress.

Jenn

Wedding Date: July 20, 2012

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Melisha
Melisha
Bride • August 04, 2013

10/10!  I love my dress.  Nikki did a great job on my gown, was for our vow renewal in Rarotonga so I wanted something appropriate but cool and comfortable.  Nikki achieved all of this.  My dress was made up of a satin underdress with a separate chiffon overdress (semi grecian style) with a gorgeous crystal belt - this really “made” the dress. Plus it could be worn with both the underdress and chiffon layer (split down the front) - so 2 dresses for the price of one.  Our photographer said “that dress is mean” haha, and it was.  Also it was very flattering, slimming and incredibly comfortable.
I really appreciated Nikki’s easygoing, honest manner…if it wasn’t going to work she said so.  Plus she had beautiful fabric to chose from which made it completely hassle free for me!
I would highly recommend Nikki to any prospective bride or girl/woman wanting a formal gown…she is great, quick and easygoing.
I wish we could put up photos as I was just stoked that my dress was so gorgeous and made me feel amazing.  Thanks Nikki grin

Wedding Date: July 25, 2013

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Tarryn Donaldson
Tarryn Donaldson
Bride • August 04, 2013

I chose Nicola to design my dress after searching online for peoples recommendations. I travelled 45 minutes each way to visit her and it was well worth it!

She was able to make my custom designed dress at a fraction of the price as other companies had quoted me with beautiful quality and exceptional customer service!

My dress turned out to be everything that I wanted it to be and I looked forward to the journey out to Nicola for fittings as she is such a lovely down to earth person to deal with.

I would highly recommend Nicola for any dress you may need!!

Wedding Date: May 25, 2013

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Gaynor
Gaynor
Bride • August 04, 2013

After many months of trying on wedding dresses and visiting/calling dressmakers I found Nikki’s details on the internet.  I am 46 and didn’t want a traditional white/ivory gown and Nikki had a beautiful black & silver gown on her website which were the colours I wanted.  From the moment we met I knew I’d found the right person to make my gown.  Nikki made me feel instantly comfortable, I had a bit of an idea as to what I wanted and Nikki was fantastic at putting forward suggestions so that we came up with the final design.  There were a few changes made to the design as the dress was being made and Nikki took these all in her stride.  The finished gown was beautiful and I felt fantastic in it, I got so many wonderful comments.  Nikki also made my 11 year old daughter’s bridesmaid dress, sitting down with her and designing the dress from scratch, Nikki took on board all her ideas and the finished product was stunning!  I would highly recommend Nikki.

Wedding Date: February 10, 2013

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Jenna Evans
Jenna Evans
Bride • May 05, 2012

Nikki was just fantastic. From the first consultation she (seemingly effortlessly) took on all of my many ideas, added her own unique design ideas and came up with something really beautiful and just perfect for me. I also liked how Nicola sourced the fabric for me but had heaps of swatches to choose from and had really good advice about how each of the fabrics would look in my style of gown. As an added bonus, Nikki is very reasonably priced for the work she does.
It was a great and very relaxed process of fittings and tweaking until my dress was just perfect. Nikki has a great eye and was very good at adapting as she went along, changing her designs (with my consent of course) to the sleeves on the dress as she worked and they ended up looking much much nicer and more unique than the original design.
On the day my dress fit like a glove and I felt amazing. I got so many comments from guests on how stunning, perfect for me and extremely well tailored my dress was. It also photographed amazingly!
I couldn’t be happier with my dress, thank you so much Nicola!

Wedding Date: April 5, 2012

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Rachel
Rachel
Bride • April 28, 2012

During my initial consultation with Nicola I knew I wanted her to make my gown.  The end result - a gown I loved!  Every aspect was perfect - design, fit, detail, sewing, etc.  On my wedding day, I stepped into my dress and felt amazing.  Nicola was great to deal with, even when I changed the entire skirt of my gown one month in.  I loved the process of getting my dress made - being able to change details and each week having fittings and watching it take shape.  I would recommend getting a gown made and Nicola to any bride!

Wedding Date: February 18, 2012

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Lauren
Lauren
Bride • May 23, 2011

Nicola is just fantastic! I envisioned the most difficult dress to have designed and made - and she pulled it off brilliantly!
When first looking for a dressmaker, she showed genuine interest in my idea and offered me a very reasonable price for it. The fabric quality and construction were flawless and for an incredibly detailed gown, I could not name one fault. Nicola was very friendly and very professional, making me feel confident my dress was going to be a success throughout the entire process. She was quick to adapt to changes that either her or myself felt were necessary to make the gown be at its best, constantly making sure I was satisfied with how it was shaping out. My entire wedding evening was spent talking about how fabulous my dress was! The only down side is I could only wear it once - and have since been contemplating ways I could eventually incorporate it into my wardrobe… another challenge I think Nicola is would be well capable of.

Wedding Date: April 23, 2011

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susan cooper
susan cooper
Bride • April 16, 2011

after wedding dress shoping through all of auckland, hamilton and christchurch i still couldnt find the right dress for me!!! i finaly decided to get it made through another dress maker who in the end decided not to do it but gave me nikkis number.
i went in feeling tierd and very unsure that i would ever get my perfect wedding dress. we sat down and i showed her a few photos of sevral dresses i wanted all put into one dress. not only did she grasp my ides she seemed as excited about the dress as i was!  id been told by dress makers only one fabric could be used for the dress (one i did not want!) however nikki whent the extra mile, looked though her books and found the most beautiful fabric, at that point i relised i was infact going to have the dress of my dreams! i live 45 minutes away from nikki but every drive was worth it, and she was always fexabil. i felt so comfortabil with her, she gave an opinion if i asked her and i always left feeling very excited
the end result was breath takeing! it fit me beautifuly! it realy made my big day just that bit more magical
nikki also made 2 of my 4 bridesmaid dresses after the original dressmaker pulled out, she made the gooms shirt, altered the flowere girls dresses and i hierd a hoop for my dress from nikki. when she gave me the invoice the price for all of these was less that what id expected to pay just for my dress alone!
i would and do highly recomend nikki to every bride to be

Wedding Date: January 8, 2010

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