20 of the Most Gorgeous White Bridal Dresses for Walking Down the Aisle – PureWow
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So, your big day is coming up and you’re looking for that perfect white dress. As fun as it is to schedule a day of bridal appointments at boutiques, it can be draining. And maybe you want to do things low-key and grab something off-the-rack or even purchase online to suit your style. The beauty is that you can get a dress altered to fit perfectly once you find your dream one.
Whether it’s a simple midi dress or an elaborate, bejeweled gown complete with train, you do you—and we’re here to help. We’ve researched the top trends, and culled dozens of websites and reviews to bring you the most gorgeous white bridal dresses on the internet.
Heather McReynolds is an expert in the bridal business, having worked with David’s Bridal for almost a decade. But her career in fashion and retail spans decades. Prior to joining David’s, she led merchandising and buying teams for major retailers including Target Australia, Catherines, Charming Shoppes and Brooks Brothers.
McReynolds highlights a few key considerations when wearing a white bridal dress. Along with aesthetic, you should be mindful of climate, location and time of year. White tends to be cooler, so if you’re getting married on a frigid winter day, you might want to opt for long sleeves or forego a shorter dress. Naturally, be mindful of makeup like foundation, always putting the dress on before you apply to avoid marks or stains.
McReynolds also says to consider “how the gown will photograph in certain venues and locations.” She suggests consulting with the photographer for any tips they might have to make sure you get A+ photos.
We took the above considerations into account when making this list, offering options for every climate, season and location, as well as choosing white wedding dresses that fit with current wedding dress trends. Additionally, we took into account that, according to McReynolds, a lot of brides are incorporating a bit of color into their white dresses for a “chic and dramatic look.” Finally, we included many dresses with an A-line cut, since this is one of the most popular styles right now thanks to how it flatters all body types.
1. Melissa Sweet A-Line Wedding Dress
The sweetheart tank style wedding dress is stunning and will offer great support for your chest. The A-line, meanwhile, is flattering for all body types, while the lace appliques make this dress ready for your special day. With a sweep train below and sweetheart neckline, it’s perfect with a silver necklace or a clean neck and updo. It’s easy to put on and take off via the back zipper and it’s fully lined so you don’t need to worry about pesky panty lines.
2. Reformation Ronda Silk Dress
In a stunning ivory hue, this dress slips right on like a glove, and fits cool and comfortable thanks to the silk material and adjustable spaghetti straps. The A-line frame will hug your curves in all the right places while the asymmetrical neckline draws the eyes upwards. Perfect for wearing with a strapless bra since it hangs off one shoulder, keep in mind that it’s not lined so you might want to add a slip. The best part about this dress, however, is that it, like other products from Reformation, is made using sustainable practices and recyclable materials. So, you’re helping the planet by slinking into this beauty.
3. Bronx And Banco Megan V-Neck Lace Gown
This evening gown is the perfect lace dress for a wedding, but the great news is that you can wear it again and again after. Just change up the look by adding a blazer and other accessories. Dressed up in floral lace with an A-line silhouette, we love the sleeveless design and floor length. The lining inside adds a subtle pop of color to complement a variety of skin tones.
4. Amsale LW202 Floral Sheath Dress
Slip this dress on and it will flow nicely over your curves, sitting right above your knees, depending on your height. The white slip dress is covered by a floral-patterned, hand-beaded material with cap sleeves. We love that the two pieces come separate, so you can dress up the slip dress with a black blazer and belt for other occasions after your special day of wedded bliss. Plus, with plenty of sizes and the simple draping style, it’s great for all body types. Summer wedding, here we come!
5. Amsale LW226
Sitting just below the knee, depending on your height, this midi dress is what your grandma might call a “frock.” The A-line opens up to a bellowing skirt that will complement and show off your legs, and let those lovely heels shine through. Perfect for an outdoor summer wedding, even on the beach complete with flip flops, you can pop on a shawl or shrug, pair this dress with a belt and colored purse and heels and wear it again and again.
Not only does this stunning wedding dress have a plunging V-neck, it also has a scoop-back. Promising to bring old Hollywood glamor to your 21st century wedding, the delicate spaghetti straps help highlight those shoulders and collarbone you’ve been working on in your weight training. Slinking nicely over all types of curves, the court length train brings a sense of elegance, too.
7.BHLDN Bonaire V-Neck Embroidered Wedding Gown
You’ll feel like a princess in this dress that features flowing chiffon embroidered with flowers. It’s simple in design with a plunging V-neckline and spaghetti straps, making it perfect for an outdoor summer wedding. Wear it on its own or complement it with a silk sash. While it’s fitted at the bust and waist, it’s looser at the hip so you can move freely. We love the sweep train in the back and the easy-open zipper so it slips right off when you’re ready to change into your dancing outfit. But with the loose hips, you can shake what your mama gave you right in this dress, too. Just add flats.
8. Azazie Moonlight Wedding Dress
Not only is this dress super affordable, it’s also a gorgeous diamond white with a flattering mermaid pleated pattern on the front. Combined with the crepe back satin chapel train and the high slit at the front and you’ll be taking stunning photos to last a lifetime. The scoop neck and off-the-shoulder straps make this dress a sexy option, too. If you’re taller than average, it was designed with added length to fit beautifully with 5-inch heels or alter as needed.
9. Herve Leger Recycled Metallic Fringe Draped Gown
Need a little fringe in your life, and, more importantly, on your wedding day? Put some on with this lovely dress that’s draped and tiered with metallic fringe so you’ll be the life of the party and can take some lovely action photos as you twirl to show it off. It has a high neckline and hook and eye back so you’ll need some help getting it on and off. The column silhouette is flattering and you can feel good about the fact that it’s made from recycled materials.
10. Talbot Runhof Metallic Voile Cape Gown
Feel like royalty in this cape-style, off-the-shoulder gown that comes in a metallic hue for a subtle sheen versus traditional matte white. The long sleeves add some cover if it’s a chillier season or you tend to always be cold. The floor-sweeping hem, meanwhile, will make you feel like you’re walking a red carpet at the Met Gala. This wedding dress is glamor at its finest. Keep in mind that it fits large so you might want to size down, or leave time for alterations.
11. Sachin & Babi Petra Gown
If you’re looking for something a bit more conservative, the Sachin & Babi Petra gown is gorgeous, covering the entire torso up to your neck with lovely custom bib necklace accents of crystals and faux pearl so you don’t have to worry about finding the perfect necklace. But there’s a true party in the back, with a deep V design and playful bow. We love the combination of classic and conventional with a bit of sass in the back. And a dress with a built-in necklace? Sign me up!
12. Reimagine DB Studio Recycled Crepe Swag Sleeve Wedding Dress
Sleek and sexy, this wedding dress hugs you in all the right places and shows off your shoulders with the lovely swag sleeves. Made of recycled crepe fabric, it features a draped bodice that criss-crosses at the front while the sheath skirt adds a touch of elegance. The sweep train at the back will photograph beautifully as well. You can even customize the dress with extra length as well.
13. Fanciest Lace Wedding Dress
Be the belle of your own ball with this ball gown-style wedding dress that’s straight out of a Disney princess movie. Made of lace with sequins and a drawstring closure, this dress is a showstopper at a formal wedding. You’ll have all eyes on you while walking down the aisle in this off-the-shoulder dress. Don’t forget to pair it with a flowing veil to complete the look.
14. David’s Bridal Chiffon A-Line Wedding Dress
Who doesn’t look a classic look? For some, weddings mean white dresses that lace up in the back for a bodice look. This one adds beaded lace appliques in the front to complement the corset-style lace-up back. The sweep train means those over-the-shoulder smoldering photos will look stunning. Made of polyester, it’s easily dry cleaned and you can custom order it with extra length if needed.
15. Oleg Cassini Wedding Dress
For something more modest that covers your full body, this dress fits the bill. Made of polyester with a chapel train, it goes on using the back zipper and gives the feel of satin and lace. It’s totally modest with long sleeves and a high neckline, and there’s a touch of luxury thanks to the beaded lace appliques over the bodice and chapel train. For a religious wedding, this dress is the perfect option, even accommodating religious undergarments.
16. DB Studio Long Sleeve Sheath Wedding Dress
If you’re getting married in a cooler month, or maybe somewhere indoors with air conditioning where you know you’ll probably be chilly (heck, you’re always cold!) opt for comfort with a long-sleeve wedding dress. This one has full sleeves to keep you warm. But because they’re also made of lace, you won’t overheat either. The entire dress is made of stretchy nylon and spandex fabric so you need not worry about skipping wedding cake for fear of buttons bursting. This dress is not only beautiful, it’s also thoughtful in its material and fit so you can both look great and feel comfortable, all night long.
17. Jenny Yoo Fit & Flare Wedding Gown
When you’re a little girl dreaming of your wedding day, you probably picture yourself all dressed up like a princess, complete with a tiara and a dress with a long train. This dress is what little girls’ dreams are made of. It’s simple yet stunning, seemingly easy to take in or let out as needed to ensure a perfect fit. It’s a versatile option as well since there a sash on the back you can wear a multitude of ways: tie it up in a bow or knot, or let it go completely free, like your own superhero bride cape. We love that the back zipper is hidden, allowing for a completely seamless look.
18. Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Gudrum Halter Ruffle Gown
Halter-style dresses are so flattering, and with this dress, you get not only a mock halter style but also full neck coverage so you don’t have to worry about wearing that unflattering “something blue” necklace your soon-to-be mother-in-law gifted you. (“Sorry, mom, it just doesn’t work with the dress!”) The dramatic ruffles at the hip, meanwhile, create a slimming effect, with the exaggerated ruffles on the side adding a bit of playfulness. Made of stretchy fabric with a hidden back zipper, you’ll be able to limbo and Macarena the night away in comfort.
19. Solace London Maddison Maxi Dress
Peplums aren’t for everyone, but if you like that style, consider this dress. With a cream finish that’s a bit off white, it’s made of polyester and elastane with a hidden back zipper closure. The boned bodice is complemented by a peplum hem while the strapless design allows for dressing it up with whatever jewelry you want. Or go ahead and stick to the latest naked neck Hollywood trend. If you’re self-conscious about your midsection (but babe, you totally shouldn’t be!), you might like having a dress like this one that draws attention away from the area, and cinches your waist in.
20. Amsale Sable Wedding Dress
A few big trends in wedding dresses these days are playful bows, floral designs, and transparent tops. And this dress has it all, so if you’re looking to be as chic and on-trend as possible, this dress will put you in the fashionista books. The top is transparent to provide added support but also makes room for gorgeous floral embellished detailing, both front and back. That leads down to the fun bow at the lower back. The train runs wide and long so your pictures will need a widescreen lens to capture the absolute stunner of a dress. Oh, did we mention it has pockets? Whether it’s to hold your custom vows, tissues, or something blue for luck, it’s about time wedding dresses got pockets.
Queen Victoria was actually the first bride to wear white way back in the 1800s. Interestingly, she received flak for it, with some calling the subtle color too conservative. (Interestingly, at the time, white was known as the color of mourning, which made her decision even more ground-breaking.) Seeing as the royal majesty was not one to be told what to do, the vivacious queen made her own call and started a trend in royal wedding dresses that eventually extended to the general populace.
Not surprisingly, after the Queen donned her white dress, other women began to follow suit. It became a symbol of wealth and status, not only because of the Queen but because wedding dresses in those times were worn again and again. Having a white one meant you had the money to have it cleaned. After World War II, white wedding dresses started to become the norm for all socioeconomic classes.
According to the Godey’s Lady Book, white is considered to be “the most fitting hue, whatever may be the material.” It is also, as many believe to be the dominant reason for white being popular for weddings, an “emblem of the purity and innocence of girlhood, and the unsullied heart she now yields to the chosen one.” Heather McReynolds, vice president and general manager of Bridal and Dresses at David’s Bridal, adds that white bridal gowns “give delicate, classic and timeless vibes,” not to mention that wearing white is a great way to stand out among guests.
Note that this is a Western culture trend: Brides in Eastern cultures do not typically wear white.
A whopping 82 percent of brides in the U.S. wear white. McReynolds says David’s Bridal is seeing a trend toward adding more color in Western culture as well, but white “is still the dominant color when it comes to bridal gowns.”
Naturally, the most logical choice when it comes to the color of shoes to wear with a white dress is, well, white. If you have a long gown and train, chances are no one will see the shoes anyway. However, if you’ve opted for a midi or even mini dress, the shoes matter even more.
McReynolds says the wedding day offers a great opportunity to “get creative and express yourself, especially if you are opting for a more traditional white/ivory gown.” If you want to add a pop of color, other popular choices when it comes to wedding shoes include neutral, violet, grey, purple and yes, even black. Some brides nowadays, says McReynolds, are coordinating their shoes with their florals or bridesmaids’ gowns, instead of their accessories.
For going the traditional route, consider a soft blue which will count for your “something blue,” an idea McReynolds says she loves. Whatever shade of white your dress is, you can never go wrong with a nude or neutral shade.
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