Vinnies Bridal Expo: ‘Insane’ 6am Bondi scenes expose Aus reality

A “crazy” queue snaking the streets of an affluent Sydney suburb have revealed the dire state many Australians are currently facing.

A video showing women queuing for hours in the rain outside an op-shop in a swanky Sydney suburb has exposed a huge reality for many Aussies right now.

Vinnies Bridal Expo has returned following its success in 2023, offering a large selection of unworn designer gowns at heavily discounted prices, as well as suits, bridesmaids’ dresses, formalwear, accessories and shoes.

But the charity event, held at the Waverley store in the prestigious eastern suburbs, attracted so much attention hopeful bargain hunters were left waiting for hours on the street in wet and windy conditions.

A video shows an incredibly long line of punters snaking the streets of Bondi under huge umbrellas, all anxiously waiting for a chance to buy a cut-price wedding gown.

“Hundreds of people showed up over the weekend, on Saturday morning we had many eager brides hoping to be first in line, some sleeping in their cars and travelling from out of state, all waiting in front of the store by 6am,” a Vinnies spokesperson told news.com.au.

“The atmosphere in the line was incredibly positive, with cheers and congratulations offered to those brides who had purchased their dresses.

“We never anticipated such a high level of excitement and engagement.”

The huge response might have surprised Vinnies, but statistics show the average cost of a wedding in Australia is $36,000.

While that figure hasn’t gone up since 2015, everything else couples have to pay for such as food, accommodation and utilities has risen during a time period when wages have stagnated.

Recent research conducted by the Per Capita think-tank states Australians are still living with the consequences of severe wage stagnation from 2012 to 2022.

It estimates that the average yearly wage today is almost $12,000 lower than it would have been if wage growth had kept up with its historical average in that period.

With wedding dresses setting brides back between $2000 and $3000, it’s little wonder so many turned out to try and snag one at Vinnies for under $300.

Footage filmed inside the store was equally as hectic. Picture: Vinnies

Dresses were being sold for $300 and under. Picture: Vinnies

“A brand new designer wedding dress for under 300? That’s brilliant,” one wrote on TikTok.

“I wish this was in Qld! I dream of finding a second hand dress,” said someone else.

However, some cash-strapped Aussies argued the prices were “too expensive”, stating even op-shops had become “unaffordable” these days.

“The prices are insane!!!! What happened to op shops being affordable for those who can’t afford to shop at traditional stores,” one raged.

“That’s dear considering they were donated,” agreed another.

Vinnies said stock for the “Bridal Expo”, which is running until April 4, provides brides the chance to “walk down the aisle knowing that their purchase is supporting people in need, as every dollar spent will help fund Vinnies’ programs and services in the community”.

“We currently have 200 preloved wedding dresses still available, along with many new options,” the spokesperson said.

“Please note that our new dresses in size 12 are sold out, but we still have a selection available in sizes 6 to 22.”

Originally published as Vinnies Bridal Expo: ‘Insane’ 6am Bondi scenes expose Aus reality