Who doesn't want to feel like royalty on their big day? While we may not be fairy godmothers, we've got a few princess-worthy gowns that should do the trick. Cue the fanfare.
A princess wedding dress is a full-skirted ball gown typically featuring embellishments, sparkles, and beading. They make for a show-stopping entrance, whether you choose an oversized and romantic dress or a more modern and streamlined one. “It's a classic-meets-regal look that immediately evokes a fairy tale,” says Beverly Osemwenkhae, a NYC/London Style Expert. A dress like this can fit a lavish venue or something more whimsical. Whatever vibe you choose, your debut down the aisle will surely be an ornate event.
Below, we've rounded up our favorite princess gowns for the modern bride. With designs this stunning, you'll be giving real-life princesses a run for their money.
Best Overall: David's Bridal Off the Shoulder Satin Gown Wedding Dress
Timeless, romantic, and fit for a royal: this is everything a princess wedding dress should be. The silk-look fabric is artfully gathered into a full skirt with a chapel-length train, and along with the sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves, it’s a romantic, princess-worthy look that will wow on the big day.
Price at time of publish: $699
Size Range: 0-14, petite and plus sizes available | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Ballgown
Best for a Traditional Bride: Emilia Wickstead Diamond Duchesse-Satin Gown
This dress was actually inspired by real-life women, including Princess Grace Kelly. The elegant, full skirt drapes beautifully thanks to the fabric, and is topped by a sweetheart neckline bodice.
Price at time of publish: $5,775
Size Range: UK 6 - UK 18 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: A-line
Best for a Garden Wedding: Lela Rose The Bennett Dress
This floral-patterned gown features a draped off-the-shoulder neckline. The full skirt effect is stunning, while the overall look is simple and chic.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size Range: Made-to-order | Materials: n/a | Silhouette: Ballgown
Best Appliqué: Morilee Madeline Gardner Ama Wedding Dress
This gown by Morilee features feminine floral embroidered appliqués throughout the tulle A-line ball gown and sheer train. The sleeves are sheer and fitted, while a plunging V-neckline trimmed in linear lace is a lovely touch.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size Range: 16W-32W | Materials: Tulle, lace | Silhouette: Ballgown
Best Embroidery: Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Platinum Collection Belle Dress
Inspired by Belle of Beauty and the Beast, rose and floral appliqués, crystals, and sequins adorn the bodice and trail across the illusion sleeves of this ball gown. A lace-up corset back with crystal buttons complements the sparkle tulle.
Price at time of publish: $7,460
Size Range: 2-32 | Materials: n/a | Silhouette: Ballgown
Best Vintage-Inspired: Lara Sheer Bodice Lace Bridal Gown
Modern yet classic, this dress is where the old world and the new collide. A sheer bodice with beautiful floral patterns adds visual dimension to the full skirt.
Price at time of publish: $538
Size Range: 4-18 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Ballgown
Best Print: Jenny Yoo by Jenny Yoo Holden Off-Shoulder Floral Lace Wedding Gown
A beautiful mix of glamour and romance, this gown is sure to turn heads. The sweet, off-the-shoulder sleeves are fluttery (and removable), and the all-over floral pattern adds interest to this white dress.
Price at time of publish: $1,895
Size Range: 0-19, plus sizes available | Materials: Polyester, rayon | Silhouette: Ballgown
Best Classic Design: Sareh Nouri Blaine Gown
This elegant dress exudes sophistication. The off-the-shoulder, diagonally draped top is paired with a pleated, modified ball gown for a modern silhouette. The design features a signature side bow, plus petals that adorn the side of the skirt.
Price at time of publish: $5,490
Size Range: 0-30, petite and plus size available | Materials: Stretch Mikado | Silhouette: Ballgown
Best Unique Design: Odylyne the Ceremony Casden Gown
This 100-percent organza silk gown features a sweetheart strapless bodice and billowing ruffles. The modern sheer puff sleeves and full skirt with a ruffled overlay are charming.
Price at time of publish: $3,750
Size Range: 2-20, petite and tall lengths available | Materials: Silk Organza | Silhouette: Ballgown
Best Bodice: Pronovias Dietrich Dress
Intricate geometrical beading and embroidery are combined with a unique scalloped neckline and layered tulle skirt. The result? A truly regal statement gown. The full-length sleeves are reminiscent of Kate Middleton’s 2011 wedding look.
Price at time of publish: $3,990
Size Range: 0-28 | Materials: n/a | Silhouette: Ballgown
Best Sparkle: Lulus Loved For Life White Sparkly Tulle Embroidered Sleeveless Gown
An alluringly simple strappy bodice and voluminous skirt pair perfectly with the eye-catching, sequined fabric. This gown was made for brides looking to glitter down the aisle.
Price at time of publish: $312
Size Range: 2-10 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: A-line
Best Pearl Details: ASOS EDITION Sienna Bead and Embroidered Plunge Bodice Wedding Dress
Details make a princess wedding dress stand out, and the pearl-beaded lace on the bodice of this dress is beautiful. The skirt is less full than other dresses, but the small train makes up for any missing drama.
Price at time of publish: $329
Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: A-line
Best Sleeves: Maggie Sottero Stevie Gown
The elegant bishop sleeves on this dress give off a poetic elegance and romantic charm. This idyllic, off-shoulder creation is crafted out of sheer organza, sparkling tulle, horsehair trim, and ornate beaded lace.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size Range: 0-28 | Materials: Organza, tulle | Silhouette: A-line
Best 3D Florals: Rivini Reagan Ball Gown Wedding Dress
Hand-appliquéd embellishments completely engulf this stunning floral creation. A plunging neckline delicately spreads into a ball gown shape before descending into a chapel train.
Price at time of publish: $5,445
Size Range: 2-22 | Materials: n/a | Silhouette: Ballgown
Best Off-the-Shoulder Neckline: Lulus Fairytale Love Story White Lace Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress
This gown was designed with a princess bride in mind. The regal off-the-shoulder style is flirty, while the all-over lace offers up classic bridal flair. The deep-v neck illusion neckline is a modern surprise.
Price at time of publish: $366
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: A-line
Best for the Feminine Bride: Lulus Fantasize About Forever White Tulle Lace A-Line Maxi Dress
The delicate details make this the perfect dress for a bride who loves ultra-feminine designs and accents. The sheer bodice features a lace-illusion embroidery that continues down the gown, and the voluminous skirt seems to float with multiple layers of lightweight tulle.
Price at time of publish: $342
Size Range: 2-10 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: A-line
Best A-Line: Ieena for Mac Duggal V-Neck Lined Pocketed Sleeveless Ball Gown
The full A-line skirt still leaves room for dancing. The simple design is just waiting to be enhanced with jewel-filled necklaces — or even a luxurious crown. Did we mention it has pockets?
Price at time of publish: $398
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: M
Best Long Sleeve: Oleg Cassinni Lace Long Sleeve Keyhole Back Wedding Dress
Long sleeves add a demure look to a princess dress, but the deep-v neckline and open back are anything but boring. This dress has all-over lace, sheer sleeves, and a chic tulle gown with a chapel train.
Price at time of publish: $1,599
Size Range: 0-14, petite and plus sizes available | Materials: Polyester, nylon | Silhouette: Ballgown
Most Minimalistic: Jenny Yoo Abernathy Organza A-Line Ball Skirt Wedding Gown
Princess gowns are known for their ruffles and frills, but even streamlined looks are royal-worthy. This dress has an airy floral applique on the bodice and down the skirt, but the main focus is on the weightless and dreamy full ball gown silhouette with a chapel-length train.
Price at time of publish: $1,450
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester organza | Silhouette: Ballgown
Best Strapless Gown: Lulus Now and Always White Beaded Embroidered Strapless Gown
Show some skin with the thigh-high slit in this dramatic, full-ballgown skirt. The sweetheart neckline is romantic, and the bodice is covered in intricate beading and embroidery.
Price at time of publish: $529
Size Range: 2-10 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Ballgown
What to Look for in A Princess Wedding Dress
Fabric
A big, ball gown silhouette is the star of any princess wedding dress, but consider the fabric type, too. “Princess wedding dresses are elegant and timeless, but there's always a glam factor with the details,” says Osemwenkhae. That detail can come in the form of embellishments, like beading, or in lace overlays and appliques. Of course, you can also choose a princess gown in a simple all-over silk, which is especially appropriate for a more traditional weddings.
Neckline
A particular neckline isn’t exclusive to a princess wedding dress, but the type of neckline you choose can change the vibe of your look. For example, a sweetheart neckline is perfect for romantics and pairs well with an ethereal-style wedding. Square and scoop neck dresses are best for a traditional look, and those who want to up the sex appeal should look for a plunging or deep-v neckline.
Venue
Princess wedding dresses are a statement and deserve a venue equally as striking. Osemwenkhae suggests “a historic destination or a beautiful countryside estate—after all, you are creating a fairy tale moment.” Ultimately, choose a location you love, and you'll be able to create a royal-worthy venue anywhere you desire.
Meet the Expert
A stylist based out of New York and London, Beverly Osemwenkhae is the CEO and founder of Project Bee Consulting, a wardrobe consultancy firm that specializes in bridal.
Why Trust Brides
Joline Buscemi is a freelance writer for Brides. She writes beauty and wellness stories for publications including HuffPost, Byrdie, and Glamour. For this story, she spoke with style expert Beverly Osemwenkhae to learn the features of a princess wedding dress to look for, along with pairing the style with the right venue and accessories.