Meet Our Stockist: Hansel & Gretel Bridal
Tucked away in the heart of Gunskirchen, Austria, Hänsel & Gretel Bridal Boutique has been a destination for brides since 1981. In this exclusive interview, we spoke to the lady at the helm of this pioneering bridal destination, Christine, to uncover the story behind the boutique’s success, her approach to curating designers, and what she loves most about working with brides. From timeless advice to the latest bridal fashion trends, Hänsel & Gretel offers a glimpse into the passion and personal connection that makes their bride’s journeys so unforgettable.
Tell us the story behind your boutique - how did it start and how long have you been open?
Hänsel & Gretel was founded in 1981 by my mother, Erika Baudisch, and started as a second-hand boutique for children’s clothing. Over time, it evolved into a bridal and eveningwear store and eventually became Austria’s largest bridal boutique. I, Christine Rührlinger, joined the team in 1993 and took over full leadership in 2009. We are guided by a simple philosophy: “Come in as a customer, stay as a guest, and walk out as a friend.”
How do you curate the designers in your store - what makes you connect with the brands that you carry?
I choose our designers with great care. Always looking for craftsmanship, quality, and a unique signature. But just as important is the emotional connection: we work with brands that share our values, understand our brides, and bring something truly special to the table. It’s not about trends alone, it’s about finding collections that inspire, move, and complement the individuality of every woman who walks through our doors.
How would you describe the style and atmosphere of your boutique?
Our boutique is both grand and welcoming. Spread across a spacious, thoughtfully designed building, we offer a one‑stop experience for brides, grooms as well as the bridal party with everything under one roof. From bridal gowns, men's suits, and eveningwear to accessories, wedding bands, bridal party attire, formal fashion for guests and even wedding rings and fine jewelry . Inside you’ll discover an impressive breadth of styles from clean‑chic minimalism, couture, fit‑and‑flare, plus‑size, bohemian, vintage, two‑pieces, jumpsuits, and much more. We aim to be your complete bridal destination where space, selection, and service come together to make your entire wedding wardrobe journey effortless and memorable. Furthermore, we have our own atelier with around 15 “magicians“ who can alter every single piece and guarantee the very best fit.
What do you love most about working with brides?
What I love most is the emotional connection. Every bride brings her own story, style, and dreams and being part of that journey is incredibly special. Although I no longer do fittings myself, I stay closely involved. I often stop by during consultations, give feedback, support the team, and especially like to be there when important changes are being discussed. As managing director, it’s important to me to stay connected with our brides and to understand firsthand what moves and inspires them.
What is one piece of advice you give your brides during their wedding dress shopping journey?
Trust yourself. That’s the one thing I always tell our brides. From the very beginning, like choosing the date of your appointment, it should be about you. Don’t plan it around when your bridesmaids are free; do it when you feel ready. And once you're trying on dresses, listen to your own feelings. The only thing that matters is how you feel in the dress, not what your mother imagined, not what someone else expects. If you feel confident, you’ve found the right one.
What bridal trends or styles are inspiring you right now?
I love that bridal fashion is becoming more expressive again. We are seeing bigger gowns - more extravagant, and full of personality but, also more adaptable to each bride’s needs. Detachable sleeves, overskirts, and versatile cuts allow brides to shape their look throughout the day. It’s exciting to see how individuality and elegance go hand in hand right now.
Do you have a favorite Catherine Deane piece/s? Tell us what draws you to this garment/s. 
Yes, I do! My favorite piece is the Anya Topper. I love how delicate and detailed it is, with soft tulle, hand-beaded pearls, and that elegant high neckline.
What draws me most to this design is its versatility. It can be styled in so many different ways, layered over a clean dress or combined with separates to completely change the look. That flexibility is exactly what many brides are looking for today: something personal, unique, and true to their own style. Catherine Deane’s mix-and-match concept makes it easy to create a custom look without having to go fully bespoke and that’s something I deeply value in the collection.
What is one thing you think brides absolutely must have on their wedding day (this could be anything from a make-up item to a trinket, to a song - anything goes!)
When it comes to fashion or personal items, I believe every bride should feel completely free; there are no rules. But what I always recommend is practical care: drink enough water, have a little dextrose on-hand to keep your energy up, and give your maid of honor a small emergency kit. That kit could include a stain remover pen, tissues, your lipstick, deodorant, and anything else you might need to freshen up or feel comfortable. It sounds simple but these little things can make a big difference.
Are there any exciting dreams or opportunities you are looking forward to in the future for you and your boutique?
Absolutely. Our shop is constantly evolving. I'm always expanding our selection, welcoming new designers, and staying open to fresh ideas and trends in bridal and eveningwear. It’s exciting to see how the industry changes and even more exciting to bring those changes into our house. I truly look forward to continuing to grow, discovering inspiring collections, and offering our brides even more beautiful options to choose from.
Where can brides find you, and how can they book an appointment to visit your store? (Please provide us with your social handles and booking options to share)
Our boutique is located in Gunskirchen, Austria and you can find all the details about our location and booking an appointment with us on our website. To book an appointment, simply fill out the request form online or send us an email at info@haenselundgretel.at.