Gala by Galia Lahav is the much love ready-to-wear collection from bridal Haute Couture designer Galia Lahav. This 11th collection retains the signature sweet-and-sexy cuts and fashion-forward features that Galia is known for and adds a stylistic, emotional response to the changing modern times that has come to be due to Covid-19. With unpredictable lock downs, travel restrictions, limits on guest numbers and unexpected changes from a global pandemic, the way weddings are held, and couples are celebrating their life-long union has also changed.

In the recent twelve months, more and more couples choosing to say "I do" in their home cities due to restrictions on travel, and weddings seem to have guest lists sized down ever so smaller; it is the year of urban weddings and "Urban Love Story". This collection features inspiration from the urban environment, such as silver sparkles and scattered beading complimenting city lights, more stylistically simple designs to match the modern sleekness of the metropolis, and lighter dresses designed to walk down a city street. Of course, the signature Galia Lahav touch is still present in the bridal dress collection's extravagant use of layered tulle, detailed lacework, matte satin and crepe that come in shades of ivory, silver, nude and blush. With so many whimsically stunning gowns to choose from, our city wedding inspirations are going into overdrive, so here are some of our favourites this season.

Made For City Garden Weddings

Every city has that one lush garden that always hosts weekend weddings. Be it Central Park in New York, the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney or the hidden gem of your local council garden, it is a slice of pretty green oasis where brides can incorporate a touch of romance and save on the florist bills during the right season.

The Josi dress with her soft off-the-shoulder puff sleeves and deep V sweetheart necklike makes a romantic match for garden weddings. The wedding dress's delicate floral embroidery and sparkly sequins will get picked up with the sunlight for a touch of elegant drama. The best part? The sheer lacework in the lower legs and bodice will help keep the wearer cool in the outdoor sun.

If a fitted wedding dress is not romantic enough, the Jessie A-line ballgown will make you feel like an ethereal princess. The airy tulle skirt is adorned by detailed floral lace appliques, which cascades down from the soft lace sweetheart bodice. The light Chapel length train will give its wearer just enough whimsical drama without being too heavy or create too much drag in the garden's grass.

For the Metropolitan Rooftop Red Carpet Weddings

Imagine saying "I do" to the best view of the evening sun lighting up the geometric city skyline. Each rooftop of towering metropolitan buildings will offer different perspectives, so there is a wide range of options to choose from. Rooftops provide the perfect setting for an intimate wedding inside a bustling city. They are usually glamourous but not as opulent as large city hotels. It's ideal for couples wanting a sleek, modern and minimalist wedding while still staying stylish. 

Adi will help you channel your inner metropolitan goddess with its minimalist chic crepe fabric, daring cutouts and dramatic shoulders. The pointed cuffed leg-o-mutton sleeves and high cutout mock neckline will give you a stylish, clean-cut, modern boss-lady look, while the curved waist cutout will help add a touch of sexy feminine touch. 

Sparkle like the reflection of the dimming sun rays on the towering glass towers in the skyline with this head-to-toe beaded wedding dress, Jay. The scoop neckline and thin straps add a touch of class elegance to the dress, while the side cutouts, low back and glittering sparkle tulle chapel-length train will add a touch of Hollywood red carpet glamour. 

Go bold and romantic with Faye and her sheer leg-o-mouton sleeves, dramatic shoulders and 3D floral lace. The striking plunge V-neck and open low back design add a touch of sexy, while the small trail of buttons at the back adds elegance. Because there is no need to move around all the time on a rooftop, you can go all out on the drama with the dramatic flared skirt and long train. 

Perfect for Golf Club Weddings

If gardens seem to be too much of a sensory overload on the eyes, but you still want to have a lush green backdrop for your special day, look into your local golf club. While gardens can appear to be a marriage of ethereal and rustic, golf clubs will give you more sleek elegance with a touch of nature.

Add a touch of chic romance with this figure-hugging stunner. Bay is fully embroidered to make a bold feminine. Together with the sheer fitted sleeves, discrete plunging neckline and curved, semi-see-through low back, it is both sophisticated and sexy. The lacework will add a touch of detail to complement the orderly greens of a golf course, while the short train adds some drama without creating too much drag as you walk.

Create a touch of Hollywood style glamour and sparkles with Ari dress. The drama is in the dramatic form-fitting fit and flare silhouette and the sparkle geometric fabric. The sheer halter neckline will give extra security for brides who love a deep-V sweetheart neckline but is afraid of dress slips. The unique triangular cutout back design will make a statement while drawing the eye down to the small sparkling train that trails you. 

Wear It for The Industrial Building Weddings

Converted historic warehouses, factories and old tram sheds are popular picks for couples looking to recreate a rustic styled wedding. The raw brick and rusty metal structure of buildings are often married with nudes, golds and dusty pink florals.

Go chic with a slight touch of classic vintage with a Mimi dress. The minimalist play with texture by contrasting a smooth satin corset top with a soft, voluminous silk tulle skirt will make you stand out from the rough surfaces of an industrial building. The dress also adds a touch of romantic with its puffed off-the-shoulder tulle sleeves. If you love the feel of Mimi but want to add a more romantic and whimsical feel, try Mel. The addition of delicate silver beading and embellishment all over the dress takes it to a different level of soft glamour. 

If a vintage glamour is what you want instead of a dreamy ballgown, look no further than Vic. This fitted mermaid gown and her geometric sequin lace will make you shine against the rough exposed brickwork of the industrial building. The low plunging neckline and the low open back gives just the right amount of sexy, while the sweeping chapel-length train will provide you with an extra touch of luxurious drama. 

For the Water View Venue Weddings

Be it beach-side, sea cliff-side or river-side, there is a dress here for the waterside lovers. The addition of waterview to a wedding brings a unique type of beauty that inland weddings don't have. Many cities will have a place where couples can marry against the backdrop of such views. But Marrying near the water does come with its unique set of practical requirements, and these dresses have met them.

Marrying by the sea cliff side can mean battling strong sea wind. The last thing you want is an out of control skirt that gets in the way of your "I do". Paz gown with her fitted silhouette will solve this problem. The padded shoulders and low V-neck is sure to make a bold statement, while the glimmering floral beaded lace will match the glimmer of the lapping waves. The sheer lace sleeves will give a bit of warmth in the biting seaside wind while adding a touch of sophistication. This dress comes with a chapel-length train that adds to the drama without getting in the way when walking. 

Lou one is for beach lovers with its lightweight and sexy yet sweet style. The lingerie-inspired look features a plunging V front and a low open back with cheeky sheer sides. The flowy, soft lace skirt will prevent things from getting too hot and make walking on the sand easier. In addition, the small train will mean less snagging as you trod barefoot on the uneven white sand. If strapless is more your thing and you want a little more drama with the train, Rae dress is the one. With a sweetheart corset bodice and plunging V neckline, this glitter-embossed silk tulle dress will make an enchanting choice for the beach-side wedding. 

 

For a waterside venue that has slight gentle breezes, this flowy, soft A-line ballgown, Indie, is a glamorous choice. Featuring delicate embroidered floral details of petals and leaves that form interweaving lines that curve like the ripples of water and oversized puff lantern sleeves, this gown is one for the hopeless romantics. The skirt and sleeve will move with the waterside breeze, and you exchange vows, and the short train will give you maximum freedom to move around without losing the touch of whimsical romance. 

Eternal Bridal is excited to welcome Gala by Galia Lahav's "Urban Love Story" ready-to-wear bridal dress collection and Galia Lahav's 'Do Not Disturb' Haute Couture wedding dress collection to our Galia Lahav trunk show in July 2021. Be one of the first Australian brides to try on gowns from Galia Lahav's brand new SS22 "Do Not Disturb" and "Urban Love Story" collections complemented by a selection of spectacular bridal gowns from past collections. To register or for more information, click here.