Wedding dress embellishments run the gamut from intricate beading to shimmering crystals and lace appliqués. But for a look that's a little less glitzy, a tad more classic, and utterly elegant just the same, look no further than wedding dresses with pearls. Like a timeless pearl strand or pair of stud earrings, a wedding dress with pretty pearl detailing equates to total sophistication, whether you choose a voluminous ball gown, minimal sheath, or spirited mini.
Now that pearl wedding dresses are quite popular, it can be challenging to navigate all the options from expensive real pearl stunners to designs dotted with faux pearls. When choosing a pearl dress, you also want to make sure you don’t overdo it with other accessories. So we spoke to fashion experts for their advice on how to find and style pearl wedding dresses. With their advice, we found the best pearl wedding gowns in a range of sizes, prices, and aesthetics.
Best Budget: Lulus Ready For Forever White Satin Pearl Tie-Back Maxi Dress
Just like the gemstone itself, this pearl wedding dress is simple yet timeless. The real star of the show is the back, which features a plunging back lined with pearls and a bow at the waist. Pearl straps accent the halter top which connects to a princess-seamed bodice. A high waist and an A-line skirt create one long and lean line for a universally flattering dress. You can’t beat the price either.
Price at time of publish: $142
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Length: Floor
Best Mini: Watters Macaron Square-Neck Tulle Embellished Mini Dress
Complete with puff sleeves, a square neckline, and a short A-line skirt, this mini dress is the epitome of girly glee. The sheer sleeves can be worn both on or off the shoulders, so you can dance the night away without getting too hot. Pearl and sequined embellishments dot the dress for a glimmering look. With a built in corset top and padding, you may even be able to get away without wearing a bra.
Price at time of publish: $495
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Nylon, Tulle, Polyester | Length: Mini
Best Plus-Size: Bridal by ELOQUII Pearl Cuff Gown
Blouson sleeves with pearl-embellished cuffs make this trumpet dress extra special. The satin fabric has subtle cutouts out at the shoulders and back for a modern spin on the classic silhouette. An asymmetrical neckline highlights your decolletage.
Price at time of publish: $299
Size Range: 14-28 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
Best for a Courthouse Wedding: Sachin & Babi Gemma Strapless Back-Bow Pearl Midi Dress
If this dress doesn’t scream courthouse chic, we don’t know what does. The midi length is ideal for the less extravagant wedding, but the pearl details and oversized bow keep it sophisticated and special. The strapless neckline and column skirt will never go out of style.
Price at time of publish: $598
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi
Best Cap Sleeve: Oleg Cassini Cap Sleeve Pearl Tulle Wedding Dress with Low Back
If you prefer the look of a cap sleeve, this dress is it. The coverage of the sleeve balances out the plunging neckline and stunning open back. The entire tulle skirt is dotted with tiny pearls while the bodice has a mix of floral appliques and pearl beading. It truly is the epitome of romantic.
Price at time of publish: $849
Size Range: 0-30 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
Best A-Line: Wtoo by Watters Constance Square-Neck A-Line Wedding Gown
Feel like a princess in this voluminous A-line wedding gown. It comes with pearl-embellished spaghetti straps and a removable pearl encrusted topper, so you can take it off if you prefer an embellishment-free look for the reception. The low back is accented with covered buttons going all the way down the church length train. Talk about making an entrance.
Price at time of publish: $1,550
Size Range: 00-32 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
Best Over-Sized Bow: Sachin & Babi Pippa One-Shoulder Pearl-Embellished Mini Dress
Who says a mini dress can’t feel formal? With the oversized bow and pearl details, this short number feels just as bridal as a floor-length gown. The tulip mini skirt will make your legs go on for days, and the oversized train will have everyone turning their necks for a double take.
Price at time of publish: $598
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini
Best Off-the-Shoulder: Watters Garance Off-Shoulder Satin Sheath Wedding Gown
With a cowl back, pearl accents, and corset back, this gown is checking off all the trends while still remaining tasteful. The off-the shoulder neckline is dotted with pearls along the bust as well as down the side of the bodice. The cowl back reveals a corset closure with pearl details and buttons. The sheath skirt and satin fabric hugs your curves beautifully.
Price at time of publish: $2,311
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
Best Vintage-Inspired: BHLDN Theodora Beaded Lace V-Neck Wedding Gown
Planning a Gatsby-inspired wedding? This dress is giving major Roaring 20s vibes thanks to its slip-like silhouette and all-over beading. Underneath the intricate beading is a lace design for an extra glam touch. The looser silhouette is balanced by a plunging neckline and back. We call it effortlessly chic.
Price at time of publish: $1,995
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
Best Plus-Size Mini: ASOS LUXE Curve Faux Pearl Embellished Long Sleeve Mini Dress
This dress just screams after-party. The long-sleeved mini is covered in droplets of pearls and silver sequins. A pearl belt defines your waist while a sash in the back lets you adjust the fit as well as adds that bridal touch. Needless to say, this dress is made for dancing.
Price at time of publish: $359
Size Range: 12-26 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini
Best High-Neck: BHLDN Clemence Beaded Overlay Mesh Wedding Gown
A peal-embellished overlay creates a gown that is both goddess-like and geometric. Though it’s covered in pearls, it remains lightweight and easy to walk in. The illusion high neckline and back shows off your skin in playful manner. A chapel-length train finishes it off.
Price at time of publish: $1,650
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Nylon, Polyester | Length: Floor
Best Floral: Melissa Sweet A-Line Wedding Dress with Double Straps
This quintessential bridal gown epitomizes romance featuring its full A-line skirt and waist-accentuating bodice. For a modern touch, delicate pearls dot blush flowers, and the double straps act as a beautiful counterbalance to the voluminous silhouette. We love how you can customize the dress by adding length or removing the train.
Price at time of publish: $999
Size Range: 0-30 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
Best Halter: BHLDN Johanna Pearl Strap Satin Wedding Gown
For just a touch of pearls, we love this simple dress that features thick halter straps embellished with pearls in both the front and back. The cowl neckline is flattering on all chest sizes while the high waist elongates the frame. Cutout details in the back make for a beautiful photo opp as the satin skirt cascades into a chapel length train.
Price at time of publish: $950
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
Best Back: Jenny Yoo Pearl Satin Fit & Flare Halter Wedding Gown
The combination of pearl straps and cowl back is absolutely breathtaking. Even the front stands out with a fierce pointed halter top and thigh-high slit. Here’s to making a grand entrance.
Price at time of publish: $1,250
Size Range: 0-26 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
Best Plunging Neckline: Savannah Miller Dora Pearl-Trimmed V-Neck Crepe Wedding Gown
Savannah Miller’s minimal gown including pearl embroidery is utterly modern, with a romantic touch of pearls along the neckline, straps, and bodice. We can picture this on a bride at a sleek city venue.
Price at time of publish: $1,795
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
Best Corset: Bronx and Banco Mademoiselle Bridal Gown
Calling all glam brides! Your search stops here. This gorgeous pearl-embellished, shimmer tulle ballgown is beyond statement making. You'll practically float down the aisle in this beauty.
Price at time of publish: $1,200
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Elastane | Length: Floor
Meet the Expert
Pia Panaligan is a freelance fashion consultant and artistic director based in Philadelphia. She has previously worked on the design team of retailers like David’s Bridal, Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters.
What to Look for in a Wedding Dress with Pearl Details
Level of Embellishment
Before shopping for a pearl wedding dress, think about how much embellishment you want on the dress. As you can see from this list, some designs only have a touch of pearl, like Lulus Satin Tie Back Pearl Dress. This is a good fit for the minimalist bride or if you want another feature to stand out in the dress, like a low back or statement sleeves.
On the other hand, you can find gowns covered in pearls and other beading, like BHLDN Theodora Beaded Lace V-Neck Wedding Gown. If you prefer to go full on glam on the dress, and perhaps skip on the accessories, the blinged out look is for you. “Whether all over or lightly splattered, [pearls are] such an elegant and classic accent,” says Pia Panaligan, a freelance fashion consultant and artistic director.
Fabric
Panaligan says pearls accents work on all types of fabric, with each material lending a different type of vibe. For instance, tulle designs dotted with pearls tend to feel romantic and girly, like By Watters Macaron Square-Neck Tulle Embellished Mini Dress. Sleek satin comes across more mature and sophisticated, as in the case of BHLDN Johanna Pearl Strap Satin Wedding Gown. Think about what aesthetic best suits your venue, dress code, and of course, your personality.
Budget
Since pearls are precious gemstones, designs made from real pearls tend to be more expensive, especially if the beading is extensive. If you are on a tight budget but still want the pearl accents, look for designs that use faux pearls, like Lulus Toast to Romance White Ruched Pearl Bodycon Midi Dress.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a writer and editor with expertise in all things fashion, accessories, and fine jewelry. With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and as the former senior fashion editor at The Zoe Report and Pop Sugar, she has extensive experience researching and sourcing the best fashion items.
Emily Cieslak is an Associate Commerce Editor at Brides, covering all things beauty and fashion.