Melbourne bridal boutique offers $500 'dress grant' to brides-to-be in lockdown

Coronavirus has put a halt to many dreams of matrimonial bliss — but for the state of Victoria, currently suspended in the harshest lockdown in the world, the effects have been arguably greater.

But now, Melbourne bridal boutique Eternal Bridal is offering a cheeky twist on the "job seeker" payment with their very own "dress seeker" grant.

For 1000 brides-to-be in the state, a $500 grant will be available at the store, for anyone who has had to postpone their wedding plans as a result of COVID-19.

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Sebastian Lee, who opened the boutique alongside his wife Lyndell in 2008,  tells 9Honey "we want our brides to feel absolutely perfect on their day."

"Life is going on and we're going to get used to the new normal, but for a lot of couples, this pandemic has completely changed one of their biggest milestones."

Lee reveals his Melbourne office has been shut for six out of ten months of the year due to the pandemic.

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"All the stories of how this pandemic has affected people - both in business and in their personal lives - has been incredible," he explains.

Privy to the plans of many brides-to-be, Lee notes the biggest concern facing couples is the constant "uncertainty."

"They don't know when it's feasible to start planning, and considering everything that's happened that's no surprise."

"But we hope that this is a way for brides to start seeing light at the end of the tunnel."

Director of wedding planning service Hire a Bridesmaid Kerstyn Walsh previously told 9Honey she has done less planning and more "rescheduling" amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As the second lockdown settled over the state of Victoria, Walsh was faced with a second wave of future spousal disappointment.

"It's been so stressful and saddening for these poor couples," she explained, detailing how many of her clients have spent "years" planning for their dream day.

"So many couples come to me telling me they're getting married with plans of starting a family, or buying a home after it. All those plans have to be postponed as well," she shared.

Still, in the face of economic downturn, and a looming health crisis, Lee notes his company hopes to help all brides beam once again when they walk down the aisle.

"2020 has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone and we feel it is important that we take part in something that can help our fellow Victorians" he shares.

"You may have to compromise but you can still have a beautiful, meaningful day."

Dress Seeker grant applications are available on the company's website, and applications close December 15.