The 13 Best Utterly Romantic Wedding Dresses

Person wearing the Odylyne the Ceremony Casden Gown

Odylyne the Ceremony

It's no secret that shopping for a wedding dress can be a stressful process. After all, there are seemingly endless styles and silhouettes to choose from. But if you can't help but picture yourself walking down the aisle in a gown that's soft, ethereal, and feminine, then a romantic wedding dress is the perfect style for you. So, what makes a romantic wedding dress, well, romantic? We asked the experts. 

“A romantic dress will always have details that evoke lightness or fluidity," says Valentine Avoh, the designer behind her eponymous label. "Think lace edging, delicate fabric-covered buttons down the back, and floral embroidered tulle," According to Yemi Osunkoya, founder and designer of Kosibah, romantic wedding dresses usually have a soft fullness in the skirt often achieved by layers of transparent or opaque fabrics. However, Osunkoya notes that one of the most striking details of a romantic dress is the train. "Romantic dresses usually have a train of some sort, from puddle and chapel lengths to dramatic cathedral lengths,” he tells Brides.

While still dreamy and feminine, many of today's romantic wedding gowns have evolved to appeal to all bridal styles, from laidback to modern. “Romantic silhouettes have become more unique and playful," says Stephanie White, founder and creative director of Odylyne The Ceremony. "In the past, romantic silhouettes were often considered to be bohemian. Now the trend has now gained more respect by the industry, with designers finding different ways to express romanticism."

If you’re dreaming of walking down the aisle in a romantic wedding dress, read on for the best romantic wedding dresses.

Best Sheer Bodice: Mywony Bridal Ivory Mesh Wedding Dress

Etsy Mywony Bridal Ivory Mesh Wedding Dress

Etsy

The Ivory mesh wedding dress features multiple layers of tiered mesh fabric that provide plenty of movement. We love the handcrafted embroidered floral detailing that cascades over the bodice and down the front of the gown.

Fit: True to size | Sizing: 2-12 | Materials: Hand-beaded french lace and soft mesh | Shades: Ivory

Price at time of publish: $1,140

Best Separates: The Lotus Bloom Co. Ivory Maxi Tulle Skirt

Etsy The Lotus Bloom Co. Ivory Maxi Tulle Skirt

Etsy

This handcrafted romantic skirt contains a satin waistband and floor-length tulle. The dress is simplistic yet stunning when you walk in it.

Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-16 | Materials: Tulle and satin | Shades: Multiple

Price at time of publish: $208

Best Lace Details: Valentine Avoh Jackie Dress

Valentine Avoh Jackie Dress

Courtesy of Valentine Avoh

This utterly romantic dress is for the bride who appreciates subtle details like lace-cap sleeves, a décolletage-baring neckline, and a gentle train. This style is perfect for both a city hall ceremony or a garden party event.

Fit:
True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: N/A | Shades: White

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Best Corset Bodice: Kosibah Ophelia Dress

Kosibah Ophelia Dress

Kosibah

Perhaps the epitome of what a romantic wedding dress should look like, this gown by Kosibah features organza overlay and a corset with lace appliqué touches.

Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: N/A | Shades: White

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Most Unique: Valentine Avoh Rita Dress

Valentine Avoh Rita Dress

Valentine Avoh

Avoh says don’t get too stuck on the exact fit of a romantic dress. Although the fit is typically focused on the gown’s fullness, it does not always have to stay within those classifications. "It doesn’t really matter as long as it moves with the body," says Avoh."A tight bias cut dress can be as romantic as a flowy silk tulle skirt."


Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: N/A | Shades: White

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Best Train: Calliope Melpomene Dress

Kosibah Melpomene Dress

Courtesy of Kosibah

This gorgeous gown features cap sleeves and a full, tulle skirt that makes major statement when you walk down the aisle. The cathedral train adds a dramatic touch that's worthy of a royal wedding.

Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: N/A | Shades: White

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Most Regal: Martina Liana Luxe High-Neck Ball Gown

Martina Liana Luxe High-Neck Ball Gown

Martina Liana Luxe

With a high neck and lace detailing, this gown is an absolute stunner. On the back, there's a keyhole detail for a modern take on a classic design. The long sleeves are carefully crafted, and the bodice remains sheer, but with coverage over the chest. The train is the real statement piece—it also features lace motifs throughout the entire length.

Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: Lace, tulle, and royal organza | Shades: Ivory/white

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Best Ballgown: Emilia Wickstead Diamond Duchesse Satin Gown

Emilia Wickstead Diamond Duchesse Satin Gown

NET-A-PORTER

This gown is very Bridgerton- reminiscent and contains duchess-satin through the entire gown. The bodice had a sweetheart neckline that adds a feminine silhouette. The skirt has pleats which keep the skirt full and voluminous even when it falls to the floor once you put it on. 

Fit: True to size, size up if in-between sizes | Sizing: UK 6-16 | Materials: Polyester | Shades: White

Price at time of publish: $5,775

Most Dramatic: Odylyne the Ceremony Casden Gown

Casden Gown

Odylyne the Ceremony 

With sheer puff sleeves and a bold ruffle neckline, this unique dress will steal the show. “A romantic dress should embody personal details that the bride loves and finds endearing. It should provide elements of something that makes them feel the exact emotions they have always dreamed about,” White notes.

Fit: True to size | Sizing: 2-20, petite, tall, and sizing above 20 available upon request | Materials: Silk organza | Shades: White

Price at time of publish: $3,750

Best Plus-Size: Bridal by ELOQUII Sequin Gown With Detachable Skirt

Bridal by ELOQUII Sequin Gown With Detachable Skirt

Eloquii

Bring on the sparkle! From the spaghetti straps to the square-neck bodice, it seems every detail on this size-inclusive gown is filled with sequins and/or embellishments that highlight the lace design. Our favorite feature of the dress is the detachable skirt, which attaches at the waist with a hidden hook, drawing the eyes in to the form-fitting style of the dress.

Fit: True to size | Sizing: 14-28 | Materials: Nylon | Shades: Off-white

Price at time of publish: $599

Best Strapless: Reformation Lorrane Dress

Reformation Lorrane Dress

Reformation

Simple but timeless, this Reformation strapless dress is perfect for the bride who prefers a more minimalist look. It's maxi-length and has a straight neckline that folds beautiful above the bust. We adore the mermaid-like style the dress—it will fit you in all the right places for an ultra-flattering look.

Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-12 | Materials: Deadstock polyester fabric | Shades: Ivory

Price at time of publish: $398

Best Sleeveless: Maggie Sottero Albany

Maggie Sottero Albany Wedding Dress

Maggie Sottero

This Maggie Sottero dress is inspired by nature, as seen through the floral lace scattered across the dress up to the square neck-line and straps. The dress is pretty much customizable, and can be purchased with a detachable skirt or can be requested with a different type of tulle to layer underneath.

Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-28 | Materials: N/A | Shades: Ivory/blush, ivory/ivory, ivory/mocha, ivory/pearl

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Most Modest: Melissa Sweet Embroidered Illusion Mock Neck Wedding Dress

David's Bridal Melissa Sweet Embroidered Illusion Mock Neck Wedding Dress

David's Bridal

A dress that's both sexy and modest? Sign us up. This gown is vintage-inspired in all aspects—especially the lace detailing and floral applique along the neckline and shoulders—but has touches of modern design. The look is finished with a chapel train, a-line skirt, scalloped ends, and glowing sequins.

Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-14, plus and petite available | Materials: Polyester and nylon | Shades: Ivory

Price at time of publish: $1,299

What to Look For in a Romantic Wedding Dress

The details

When it comes to romantic wedding dresses, it's all in the details. Special touches like intricate lace, full skirts, ruffled necklines, and poet sleeves instantly transform a simple, classic silhouette into a romantic one.

When shopping for your wedding dress, if you're unsure about where to start, keep this in mind: “I suggest looking for something with delicate lace detail, like a see-through lace back, lace cap sleeves, or a lace edge highlighting your décolleté," says Avoh.

The material

While lace is an obvious choice for many romantic wedding dresses, it doesn't have to be the main event. Free-flowing fabrics that verge on the bohemian can also be a great addition to a romantic dress. "If you're not a fan of lace, I suggest going for silk mousseline or silk tulle,” adds Avoh.

FAQ
  • Are romantic lace wedding dresses more expensive?

    If the gown features handcrafted details like lace or embroidery, it al depends on the amount of time that goes into creating it. There are many affordable options out there and you can definitely find something that suits every budget.

  • Can a romantic wedding dress feel modern?

    Romantic styles are definitely having a moment right now! The modern take on this trend includes more streamlined interpretations, but using traditional materials like lace, embroidery, and layered tulle or silk,

Meet the Expert


Why Trust Brides

Taylor Lane loves all things beauty and began her career in the editorial industry as a fashion assistant at Glamour. From 2018 to 2019, Taylor was a beauty writer at The Zoe Report. During that time, she was also contributing beauty and fashion stories to a variety of publications including W, Women’s Health, Aedit, The Zoe Report, The Sunday Edit, and Self. In June 2021, she became an e-commerce writer at Instyle and Shape.

Hillary Hoffower has been a Brides contributor since 2015. She made her first foray into the wedding world as an intern at Colin Cowie Weddings, and has since covered everything from bridal fashion to wedding decor trends.

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