The 11 Best Feather Wedding Dresses for Every Style and Budget

By
Laura Lajiness Kaupke
laura lajiness
Laura Lajiness Kaupke
​Laura Lajiness 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.
Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on 06/23/23 05:06PM
cult gaia

Courtesy of Cult Gaia

Wedding dresses with feathers are perfect for brides who’ve dreamed of a bold, fanciful gown on their big day. And lately, bridal designers are delivering in spades, from Monique Lhuillier’s A-line gown with hot-pink plumes to Oscar de la Renta’s strapless silk organza dress with a full-feathered skirt (which features 81 yards of ostrich feather trim!). But not all feathered wedding dresses have to be over the top. There are also many styles with delicate feathered details as playful accents to minimal and classic designs.

“One of my favorite details right now would have to be the feather accent,” says Pia Panaligan, director of styling and visual design at David’s Bridal. “It’s very sleek and modern, especially as a trim around the neckline or hem!” The bridal expert also suggests feathers for a party dress, whether it's chosen as a second dress for the reception, after-party, or another wedding-related event. She says that it adds a modern flair to the traditional wedding outfit and “gives off a fun, flirty look."

“Today's bride is all letting her personality shine, addss Senior Brand Stylist Lindsey Lovehile. “These optimistic touches bring a sense of whimsy and fun—and who couldn’t use more of that!?” And feathered dresses work for a range of styles—whether your look is more feminine, boho, glamorous, or refined, there’s a gown out there for you.

Read one for the best wedding dresses with feathers for every style and budget. 

For the Chic Bride: Elizabeth Fillmore Veronika Feathered Wedding Gown

Elizabeth Fillmore Bridal Veronika Feathered Wedding Gown

Elizabeth Fillmore

Sleek and simple, the Veronika is chic perfection. The effortlessly tailored couture fit and sleek satin fabric speak for itself—it's the perfect gown for a minimalist bride with a whimsical flair.

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Material: Satin, crepe, feathers | Length: Floor | Shipping: Inquire with retailer | Return Policy: Inquire with retailer

Best Wrap Silhouette: Markarian Artemis White Silk Dress with Feather Detailing

Markarian Artemis White Silk Wedding Dress with Feather Detailing

Markarian

Although this wrap dress is structured in design, the feather trim and pretty puff sleeves add a touch of retro charm. We love this for city hall brides or intimate ceremonies.

Price at time of publish: $3,595

Material: Silk, crystals, feathers | Length: Midi | Shipping: Rates vary | Return Policy: Final sale

Best Mermaid Gown: Galia Lahav Style G-108 Feathered Wedding Dress

Galia Lahav Style G-108 Feathered Wedding Dress

Amazon

Feather-embroidered netting and 3D petals make this mermaid dress a distinctive choice. It’s versatile, too—the dress includes a hand-beaded top intended to be worn under the fanciful feathers.

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Material: Beading, 3D petals, feathers | Length: Floor | Shipping: Inquire with retailer | Return Policy: Inquire with retailer

Most Embellished: Justin Alexander Signature Lenox Off The Shoulder Beaded Gown With Marabou Feathers

Justin Alexander Signature Lenox Off The Shoulder Beaded Wedding Gown With Marabou Feathers

Justin Alexander

Lean into a glamorous vibe on your wedding day in this fully beaded gown which features delicate marabou feather sleeves. The detachable straps offer you the option to start sans feathers, then add them on once the celebration kicks into gear at the reception. 

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Material: Tulle, beading, embroidery, marabou feathers | Length: Floor | Shipping: Inquire with retailer | Return Policy: Inquire with retailer

Best One-Shoulder: Christian Siriano Silk Cascading Feather Sleeve Wedding Gown

Christian Siriano Silk Cascading Feather Sleeve Wedding Gown

Christian Siriano

Effortlessly sophisticated, this Christian Siriano gown is a pure bridal dream. We're obsessed with the slinky draping and shoulder-baring neckline.

Price at time of publish: $5,200

Material: Silk, feathers | Length: Floor | Shipping: Rates vary | Return Policy: Free within 10 days

Best Bridal Mini: Anne Barge Twinkle in Time Feather Lace One-Shoulder Mini Dress

Anne Barge Twinkle in Time Feather Lace One-Shoulder Mini Wedding Dress

Amazon

Featuring a one-shoulder neckline and exceptionally tailored fit, this Anne Barge mini is fresh and fun. Its feathered design is paired with intricate beading for a sparkly finish.

Price at time of publish: $825

Material: Beading, feathers | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free standard | Return Policy: Free within guidelines

Best With Train: Casablanca Bridal Style 2385 Adeline Feathered Wedding Dress

Casablanca Bridal Style 2385 Adeline Feathered Wedding Dress

Casablanca Bridal

The exquisite feather-filled train of this Casablanca gown speaks for itself. Paired with a classic fit-and-flare silhouette and strapless neckline, the Adeline dress photographs especially well.

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Material: Stretch chiffon, lace, feathers | Length: Floor | Shipping: Inquire with retailer | Return Policy: Inquire with retailer

Best Slip Dress: Wiederhoeft Long Bias Feather Embroidered Wedding Dress

Wiederhoeft Long Bias Feather Embroidered Wedding Dress

Wiederhoeft

Calling all minimalist brides! This pretty little number is as comfortable as it is chic. We absolutely adore the subtle cowl neckline paired with its dainty straps and silky column fit.

Price at time of publish: $2,090

Material: Hammered crepe-back satin, crystals, feathers | Length: Floor | Shipping: Inquire with retailer | Return Policy: Inquire with retailer

Best With Ostrich Feathers: Retroféte Dolly Sequin Feather Dress

Retroféte Dolly Sequin Feather Dress

Courtesy of Retrofete

Ostrich feathers have a uniquely soft, fluffy look, which enhances the flirty strapless neckline of this stunning dress. But that's not all we love. The slinky gown is covered in sequins, hitting your curves in all the right ways while showing just enough skin with a thigh-high slit.

Price at time of publish: $995

Material: Viscose, sequins, ostrich feathers | Length: Maxi | Shipping: Varies by retailer | Return Policy: Varies by retailer

Best Illusion: Mac Duggal Illusion Sequin Lace Feather Sleeve Mermaid Gown

Feather Cap Sleeve Illusion V-Neck Sheer Back Mermaid Gown

This gorgeous dress from Mac Duggal flaunts a mermaid silhouette with sweep train, a hand-embellished sequin overlay, a lace bodice, and an illusion bateau neckline. The back also features a sheer covering for a flattering illusion effect. As for the feathers, you'll find them adorning the delicate cap sleeves.

Price at time of publish: $798

Material: Polyester, lace, sequins, feathers | Length: Floor | Shipping: Varies by retailer | Return Policy: Varies by retailer

Best Blush: Mac Duggal Feather-Waist Strapless Tulle Gown

Feather-Waist Tulle Gown

If you want to make a statement in a color other than white, blush is a stellar choice. We love this pale pink princess-inspired number by Mac Duggal, with its statement full-ballgown skirt, tiered tulle overlay, corset bodice, and sweetheart neckline—not to mention the feather plume at the waist.

Price at time of publish: $998

Material: Polyester, tulle, feathers | Length: Floor | Shipping: Varies by retailer | Return Policy: Varies by retailer

What to Look for When Buying a Feathered Wedding Dress

The Silhouette

The When it comes to saying "yes!" to a wedding gown with feather details, it's all about letting your personality shine through. With its bold and fashion-forward connotation, a feathered dress is the ultimate way to make a chic bridal statement.

For those looking to style this soft texture to the max, we recommend a full ballgown with a flurry of feathers from head to toe, like the Elie Saab Look 1 Feathered Wedding Ballgown, or a design featuring an ombré effect. Of course, the look pairs especially well with intricate beading or embroidery. Plus, it adds an irresistible sparkle that ensures all eyes on you.

If you're searching for a more subtly chic feathered bridal look, we can't get enough of silky slip dresses adorned with luxurious draping and feathered trims or necklines, like the Retrofête Dolly Sequin Feather Dress. Pair the ensemble with chandelier earrings and a statement shoe to instantly elevate the effortlessly elegant look.

Balance of details

No matter how opulent the feathered gown you ultimately choose may be, be mindful of balance. If the gown features a heavy volume of feathers toward the hem of the dress, opt for a strapless or open neckline. Conversely, for a piece with a large volume of feathers along the neckline or bodice, keep the skirt more straight such as a column silhouette, like the Wiederhoeft Long Bias Feather Embroidered Wedding Dress. Keeping the voluminous nature of your feathers balanced will help ensure that the details don't consume you.

The materials

Feathers can come in all shapes and sizes. And they can add to the warmth and weight of the dress! Make sure to consider the amount of feather detail on the dress in relation to the venue—hot, tropical locales may be better suited with a free-floating, simple gown to help you stay cool.

FAQ
  • Should I buy a wedding dress with feathers?

    Yes, wedding dresses with feathers and fun and festive! They come in many different styles for all bridal tastes from delicate detailing to bold, fully-feathered designs. 

  • Where and when can you wear a wedding dress with feathers?

    You can wear a wedding dress with feathers to any wedding year-round. We love them best for whimsical and formal themes.

  • How do you style a wedding dress with feathers?

    A general rule of thumb: For more ultra-glamorous and dramatic designs, simple shoes, veils, and minimal pieces of jewelry are ideal. If you choose a simpler feather wedding dress, you can consider a detailed veil, statement shoes, or bolder jewelry. 

  • Can you wear feathers to a wedding?

    Absolutely! A wedding gown with feathers is a statement choice for brides, but guests can rock plumes too. It could be a dress with feather accents, a feather-embellished hair piece, or even a flirty boa. Feathers works for various wedding themes year-round.

Meet the Expert

  • Pia Panaligan is the director of styling and visual design at David’s Bridal and is based in Philadelphia, PA. With a thorough knowledge of bridal fashion, current trends, and an acute eye for fit and detail, she articulates the brand's voice each season by styling their digital and print fashion editorials and brand visuals.
  • Lindsey Love is a senior brand stylist at Anthropologie Weddings. With a deep understanding of the industry, she has styled many brides from head to toe. Her favorite perk of the job: trying on every single gown! 


Why Trust Us

Contributing writer Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a professional writer and editor covering all things bridal fashion. With a degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona, she later became the senior fashion editor at The Zoe Report and POPSUGAR. Her work has appeared on ELLE, InStyle, Refinery29, Well+Good, and Barneys New York in addition to Brides.

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