When it comes to weddings, it all starts with the dress. While a made-to-order wedding gown typically takes about six to nine months to create, shopping for a dress online will save you time and, often, money. Luckily, today's top wedding fashion retailers offer diverse collections of high-quality, on-trend, ready-to-wear gowns.
Whether you had a rotation ofdream wedding dressespinned to your wedding Pinterest boardlongbefore your partner popped the question, or you're still looking for inspiration, consider your wedding venue,body type, and budget, so you'll knowhow to choose the best wedding dressfor you.
To help you with your search, we tapped Brides editors to find the best wedding dresses of 2023. Here, you'll find everything from traditional gowns with lace embroidery, embellished bodices, and dramatic trains to modern minis perfect for destination weddings and dancing the night away. Happy shopping!
Emilia Wickstead Diamond Duchesse-Satin Gown
Size Range: UK 6-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
If your bridal mood board includes pictures of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, this classic gown is for you. Yards of white duchesse-satin fabric create a gathered full skirt, and hidden boning tapers the empire waist into a sweetheart neckline. It's the ne plus ultra of traditional wedding dresses.
Shop more: Wedding dresses at Net-a-Porter
Olivia Bottega Ella Dress
Size Range: 2-34 | Materials: Satin, Tulle, Glitter | Length: Floor
For the bride that wants a long-sleeved dress with tons of drama, this is it. Bishop sleeves feel extra modern when made from transparent, glittery fabric. Plunging necklines in the front and back show some skin, while the sky-high slit heightens the sex-appeal and makes it easier to walk in the sweeping train. Consider it a grown-up version of a princess dress. Best of all, the dress comes in a wide size range and you can even order a custom size for the ideal fit.
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Rihoas The Water Ripple Textured Cami Dress
Size Range: XS-3XL | Materials: Polyester, Elastane | Length: Midi
OK, we have to say this dress looks way more expensive than just $40! The brand takes inspiration from European cinema, and we can certainly see the attention to detail from the water ripple texture to the pearl straps. Made from polyester and elastane, the dress is stretchy and comfortable. In fact, many reviewers rave it's the ideal maternity outfit to wear while pregnant. Thanks to the midi length, it's an elegant choice for your rehearsal dinner or ceremony if you prefer a shorter dress.
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Cocomelody A-Line Court Train Tulle Wedding Dress
Size Range: 0-28 | Materials: Lace, Tulle, Satin | Length: Floor
Who says you have to wear a white wedding dress? If your dream is to differ from the norm, we recommend this stunning A-line dress from Cocomelody. It comes in black and black with dusty pink (pictured) as well as ivory. With its voluminous tulle skirt and lace bodice, it looks as majestic as a traditional wedding dress while the dark shades make it extra regal. You can also make it extra unique by ordering a custom size for an extra $129. We recommend styling it with a tiara, for a fierce, majestic look.
Shop more: Cocomelody dresses
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Sachin & Babi Tara Gathered High-Low Gown
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester, Nylon, Elastane | Length: High-Low
Whimsy in the front, drama in the back. A high-low silhouette adds an element of surprise and showcases your legs. This satin-finished Sachin & Babi gown has a structural bodice and a dramatic Obi-inspired knot, complementing the romantic cascading waterfall hem.
Shop more: Sachin & Babi wedding dresses
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Elnor Bridal Minimalist Design Mermaid Wedding Dress
Size Range: 2-26 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor
From Meghan Markle to Sofia Richie, high-neck halter necklines are a celebrity favorite for wedding dresses, and this dress from Etsy flaunts the style beautifully. Made from satin, this dress is all about structure rather than embellishments. The halter neck tapers down into a curve-hugging mermaid skirt with a modest train. In the back, you'll find two straps elegantly highlighting you shoulder blades. The seller also earns bonus points for all the customization options. You can enter your measurements for a made-to-order dress and even select a custom shade. Not to mention the dress also comes in ivory, champagne, red, and black in addition to white.
Shop more: Elnor Bridal dresses
Zimmermann Wonderland Corset Midi Dress
Size Range: 0/2-10/12 | Materials: Linen, Silk, Polyester | Length: Midi
The floral details on the straps make this midi dress perfect for a garden wedding. The fitted bodice gives it just enough structure, while the swing skirt allows lots of movement on the dance floor. If you want to go the non-traditional route, it's also available in dusty pink.
Shop more: Wedding dresses at Saks Fifth Avenue
ZHCHUI V-Neck Mermaid Dress
Size Range: 2-26 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor
We love how this mermaid dress hugs your curves in all the right places. Strategic ruching flatters your waist while a plunging neckline and open back show some skin in a tasteful way. It's a stellar design for the petite bride who wants to show off her frame and play up her curves. Coming in 34 different colors, it's also great for the bride who wants to stray away from white. You'll definitely need an adhesive bra for this one, so we recommend buying one at the same time.
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Vivienne Westwood Bridal Freyja One-Shoulder Silk Gown
Size Range: XXS-L | Materials: Silk | Length: Floor
Vivienne Westwood was the undisputed queen of punk fashion, and this draped silk gown strikes the perfect balance of romance and irreverence. The one-shoulder silhouette is regal, and the pointed bodice detail is pure rock 'n roll.
Shop more: Wedding dresses at Mytheresa
Reformation Ronda Silk Dress
Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Silk | Length: Floor
You'll cascade down the aisle in this stunning ivory silk maxi dress from Reformation. Adjustable spaghetti straps keep the asymmetrical cowl neck in place, and the A-line cut is undeniably feminine. It looks expensive, but it can be yours for under $800.
Shop more: Wedding dresses at Reformation
Willowby by Watters Cameron Tiered-Sleeve Off-Shoulder Mesh Column Wedding Gown
Size Range: 0-26 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
Make a statement with your sleeves in this tiered, off-the-shoulder, mesh (yes, we said mesh) gown from Anthropologie. The corseted bodice leads to a pleated waistline and a subtle train for a look that evokes a princess bride.
Shop more: Anthropologie wedding dresses
WeWoreWhat Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi
Folklore meets cottage core in this satiny puff-sleeve midi dress. The gathered sleeves are sweet, and the boned bodice and side seam slit provides a hint of sexiness. The vintage vibe is perfect for a courthouse ceremony.
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Mac Duggal Ruffle Lace-Up Back High-Low Tulle Gown
Size Range: 0-18 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
Pastel appliqués add color and dimension, and sequins give this floral-themed column gown a subtle shimmer. The lace-up detail highlights your back, while the high-low hem lets you show off your stilettos.
Shop more: Wedding dresses at Nordstrom
ML by Monique Lhuillier Strapless Tulle Dress
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Tulle | Length: Mini
Live out your manic pixie dream girl bridal fantasy in this strapless mini from ML by Monique Lhuillier. Embellished tulle, a sweetheart neckline, and an above-the-knee hem make it the perfect dress for a petite frame. Planning an outfit change after the ceremony? This would be a great after-party look.
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Markarian Evora Strapless Mirror Gown
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Silk with floor embellishments | Length: Floor
Your wedding day is a time to look forward to your future, but thanks to the mirrored embellishments on this stunning strapless gown, you'll also get the chance to reflect. It goes without saying you'll be the center of attention at the reception—imagine the light hitting you as you hit the dance floor!
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Katie May Elle Mini Dress
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Tulle | Length: Mini
If you want your wedding day look to be whimsical, wrap yourself in layers of ivory tulle! The fullness of the fabric is reigned in by a fitted bodice, so it'll show off your silhouette—and your arms and legs.
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Norma Kamali Maria Draped Satin Mini Dress
Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Satin | Length: Mini
Slip dresses are back! This Norma Kamali number evokes pure 90’s style, with a draped cowl neckline that makes room for lots of accessories. Pair it with matching satin heels for a coordinated look or sandals for a casual beach ceremony.
Shop more: Wedding dresses at Net-a-Porter
Halfpenny London Dion Stretch-Duchesse Satin Gown
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor
This stretch-duchesse satin column gown is more forgiving than it looks. The strategically-placed darting will flatter your curves, and the elasticized spaghetti straps will keep it in place. The triangular godet train adds a little drama to the look but won't trip you up for your walk down the aisle.
Shop more: Wedding dresses at Net-a-Porter
Staud Prunella Skirt and Nyla Top
Size Range: 00-16 | Materials: Cotton, Polyester | Length: Midi with floor length cape
Bridal separates are an of-the-moment look. Pair this white midi skirt—and its detachable "cape"—with the brand's grosgrain cropped top, and you've got a chic take on the trend.
Shop more: Staud wedding dresses
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A.L.C. Moira Cut-Out Maxi Dress
Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
Perfect for the cool girl bride, this A.L.C. maxi is boho beautiful. The bandeau halter top features subtle cut-outs, perfect for showing off a summer tan, and the accordion pleated maxi skirt creates a hypnotic sway as you move.
Shop more: A.L.C. wedding dresses
BHLDN Marguerite Peplum Corset Lace Wedding Gown
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
This lace gown pairs timeless peplum—a detail that works particularly well on hourglass figures—with vintage-inspired lace to dramatic effect. The ruffled sleeves and fitted bodice give Renaissance bride vibes mixed with 80s-era Madonna.
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Khaite The Bruna Dress
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Heavyweight Jersey | Length: Floor
Yes, you can be casual and chic on your wedding day. Khaite's draped crepe jersey off-the-shoulder gown features a sculpted V crossover effect that shows off your décolletage. It's free of fussy closures, so slip it on and you have a perfect summer wedding look.
Shop more: Khaite white dresses
Danielle Frankel Jules Gown
Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Wool, Tulle | Length: Floor
You'll look like you've just emerged from 20,000 leagues under the sea in designer Danielle Frankel's Jules gown. Silk wool layered over a trumpet of soft tulle creates a stunning mermaid silhouette. An internal belt cinches the waist, and the draped back shows a flash of the boned organza bustier.
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Liposa Bohemian Wedding Dress Spaghetti Strap with Adjustable Drawstring
Size Range: 2-24 | Materials: Lace | Length: Floor
This gown features imported lace panels and a sweeping floor-length hem. Lace-up details, adjustable straps, and a built-in bra mean you won't have to budget time for alterations—not to mention Amazon's speedy delivery window—making it the perfect dress for a last-minute elopement.
Shop more: Wedding dresses at Amazon
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What to Look for in a Wedding Dress
Sizing
Always check the sizing guide for a particular dress before you click the buy now button. Most online retailers will offer information on sizes for their bridal offerings, advising you to size up or down or stick to your conventional clothing size. (It’s a good idea to know your measurements before you start shopping.) Aside from the fact that it may take some time to find the perfect dress, you'll need to time fittings for any custom alterations. Have a reputable tailor or seamstress ready to change the hem length, straps, and waist to ensure the perfect fit.
Materials and Seasonality
Not all wedding dresses are created equally, especially regarding quality, and seasonality, so it helps to understand wedding dress fabrics, and when (and where) they are meant to be worn. Materials like mikado and faille are best suited for structured designs, while cotton, crepe, and chiffon are great for diaphanous silhouettes. Want a larger-than-life ball gown? Look for dupioni, gazar or tulle. You can always break the rules and choose whatever you love no matter what time of year—just be prepared to feel the heat if you wear a heavy fabric like satin for an outdoor wedding in the summer months.
Shipping Times and Return Policy
Finding the perfect wedding dress is an exercise in futility if it arrives too late. Check the shipping times on the retailer site and scan the reviews to see if other customers received their orders within the promised shipping window. Often, you can score a dream dress at a discount if you shop around, but read the fine print before you buy so that you'll know whether or not you can return or exchange it if you bought it on sale.
FAQ
When should I order my wedding dress?
Plan well in advance in case of shipping delays, and aim to have your dress at least a month before your wedding to avoid stress. (Our list includes a few options that will arrive in time for a last-minute ceremony, like this Liopsa boho gown, which can be at your door in under a week, thanks to Amazon's speedy shipping policy.)
How much should I pay for a wedding dress?
The cost of a ready-to-wear wedding dress varies widely, depending on factors such as materials, the complexity of the style, and the designer name. On average, wedding gown prices range between $500 and $10,000 or more. What you decide to spend will depend largely on your budget—luckily there are hundreds of options available at every price point.
Why Trust Brides
Bronwyn Barnes has over two decades of experience covering celebrity weddings and ready-to-wear fashion. For this article, she tasked Senior Fashion Editor Corrine Pierre-Louis and other Brides contributors with finding the best wedding dresses available now, including picks from beloved designers and top wedding fashion retail sites.
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