What the red carpet is for celebrities, so is the wedding day is for brides-to-be. This is the opportunity to go all-out glam! So, why not really shine on your big day with a sparkly wedding dress? There are many ways to incorporate sparkle into your bridal look, from glitzy gowns covered in sequins and rhinestones to subdued glimmer by way of metallic fabric and beaded detailing. If you prefer a traditional wedding dress when saying ‘I do’ but want to make a dazzling entrance at the reception or after-party, sparkly dresses also make a perfect post-ceremony look.
A sprinkling of sequins or beads is a chic way to go for classic brides seeking a bit of sparkle. For a vintage-loving bride? Pile on the drama with cascading fringe beading á la the roaring ’20s. If you’re craving a soft and feminine look, flouncy tiers of chiffon with glittering beadwork or elegant pearl detailing is oh-so-lovely. Modern, minimalist brides can also incorporate sparkle by opting for an uncomplicated silhouette like a slip or column sheath. A touch of sparse beading, unique arm accents, or reflective embellishments will do the trick without going over the top.
Best Tea-Length: Bronx and Banco Mademoiselle Bridal Midi Dress
Material: Lace | Length: Floor-length | Size: XS-XL
This shimmering tea-length wedding dress is sweet and scene-stealing all at once. The sequin, pearl, and bead-embellished mesh fabric will glisten from every angle while the boned bodice and full skirt give off a decidedly feminine feel.
Price at time of publish: $805
Best Pearl-Embellished: Willowby Aeryn Gown
Material: Tulle | Length: Floor-length | Size: 00-24W
This fairytale ballgown will suit the bride who dreams of twirling in layers of tulle on her wedding day. For glamorous sparkle and shine, the ombré pearl-and-crystal beaded bodice is utterly scene-stealing.
Price at time of publish: $2,481
Best Crystal Detail: Azazie Saskia Wedding Dress
Material: Tulle | Length: Cathedral | Size: 00-24W
This gown combines traditional with glamour as off-the-shoulder crystal sleeves adorn the classic silhouette. A shimmering tulle overlay further dials up the allurement for an utterly striking bridal moment.
Price at time of publish: $499
Best Long Sleeves: Retrofête Camille Sequined Chiffon Maxi Dress
Material: Chiffon | Length: Floor-length | Size: XS-XL
If you thought slits and V-necks were inelegant for a wedding, think again. Crafted from lightweight sequined chiffon, the plunging gown with wide sleeves comes with a vintage nod that we love for retro-loving brides.
Price at time of publish: $985
Best Sparkle Illusion Neckline: Wtoo Damali Gown
Material: Tulle, lace | Length: Floor-length | Size: 00-32W
This wedding dress is the ideal way to combine classic design with sparkling features. If you’re a traditional bride craving sparkle, look no further than this allover beaded number.
Price at time of publish: $2,290
For a Civil Ceremony: Erdem Austin Cape-Effect Chiffon Midi Dress
Material: Viscose, sequined chiffon | Length: Tea-length | Size: UK-UK22
We can’t think of a better vintage-inspired sparkler to wear for a civil ceremony or intimate celebration. The cape-effect silhouette is unexpected and effortlessly chic–and the glossy sequins deliver on shine.
Price at time of publish: $3,765
Most Vintage-Inspired: Karen Miller Beaded Fringed Woven Maxi Dress
Material: Polyester | Length: Floor-length | Size: XS-L
Amp up the Great Gatsby drama with this gorgeous jazz-era-inspired dress. This crystal-scattered gown is meant to move, featuring tassels and fringe.
Price at time of publish: $808
For the Minimalist: Jenny Yoo Collection Zara Dress
Material: Polyester, elastane with sequin embellishments | Length: Floor-length | Size: 0-19
Simple but full of sparkle, this sequin slip dress is a must for minimalist brides in the mood for shine. A tulle layer plays up the romance, making it a dreamy choice for your wedding day.
Price at time of publish: $495
For a New Year's Eve Wedding: Alex Evenings Women's 3/4 Sleeve Long Dress with Cinched Tie Waist
Material: Polyester, spandex | Length: Floor-length | Size: 4-18
What’s more glamorous than allover sequins? This sparkly gown column gown is timeless and festive for a holiday or New Year’s Eve-timed wedding.
Price at time of publish: $239
Best Halterneck: Galvan Salina Sequined Tulle Halterneck Gown
Material: Tulle | Length: Floor-length | Size: FR34-FR44
This sequined tulle halter-neck gown feels incredibly modern. Featuring an open back and cut for a close fit, this bridal look is both elegant and unconventional–a stylish option for the stylish bride.
Price at time of publish: $2,295
Best Hidden Sparkly: Wtoo Cicely Gown
Material: Organza and polyester | Length: Floor-length | Size Range: 00–32
A romantic, Cathedral-style ball gown is an elegant way to make an entrance. We love the hidden sparkle that are scattered throughout that add dazzle and glamour in an unexpected way.
Price at time of publish: $1,841
What to Look for in a Sparkly Wedding Dress
Fabric
Choose from a high quality fabric like silk or satin to help catch and reflect the light and enhance the sparkly factor. Organza, tulle, and chiffon are also choices to consider for a sparkly effect, as these fabrics can shimmer in the light for a higher wattage effect.
Embellishments
When it comes to shopping for a sparkly wedding dress, you'll want to consider what types of shimmering embellishments work best for your style and wedding theme. For example, the glamorous bride seeking out a princess moment may want to go for a lace ballgown adorned with luminous pearls and intricate beadwork, while the bohemian bride might opt for something with just a hint of sparkle such as a diaphanous gown featuring metallic thread or twinkling sequins, crystals, or rhinestones. All-over embellishments create a glitter effect, while strategically-placed sparkle can add dramatic tension by creating head-turning details.
Why Trust Brides
Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a writer and editor who covers fashion, accessories, beauty, and fine jewelry for Brides. Her work also appears in ELLE, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery29, POPSUGAR, Well+Good, and Barneys New York.