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Weddings

The Wedding Dress Designers to Know, Based on Your Personal Style

Who's your bridal fashion soulmate? Find out with our list of the best wedding dress designers for every style.

Watters
Watters

Watters
Watters

If you’re about to begin shopping for your dream wedding dress, a great way to start your search is by familiarizing yourself with different wedding dress designers and (hopefully) finding someone whose designs speak to your personal style. Similar to ready-to-wear clothing, wedding dress designers each have their own philosophy and approach to fashion — and choosing a designer who aligns with your wedding day vision can make all the difference. But unless you’re a loyal bridal fashion enthusiast, you’re probably wondering where the heck to start, which is exactly where we come in.

We’ve made a list of the top wedding dress designers to know, based on your personal style. Our tip: if you find a designer you like, find out if their dresses are stocked by any of the bridal shops in your area. Even if you don’t end up falling in love with a dress by that exact designer, the shop will likely carry dresses by designers that have similar options and styles. Easy, right?

Here are your must-see wedding dress designers, based on your personal style. 

Dan Lecca, Anne Barge, Sareh Nouri
Dan Lecca, Anne Barge, Sareh Nouri

Dresses by Justin Alexander, Anne Barge, and Sareh Nouri

If your style is classic:

Classic bridal style often means traditional silhouettes, structured fabrics, and an overall understated vibe that avoids anything too trendy or flashy. More importantly, lace is almost always a given! Classic wedding dresses will frequently feature long sleeves, button details, modest necklines, and ball gown skirts, all of which have seen a return to fashion thanks to the royal wedding craze. If you love classic style, one of the top wedding dress designers to know is Sareh Nouri, who released a collection of gowns inspired entirely by famous princesses (yes, there’s a dress named Meghan). Many classic wedding dress designers will create updated versions of patterns that could have been worn decades ago — for example, full skirts and satin fabrics à la the 1950s — or dresses that are a nod to historical fashion icons, such as Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Jackie O. Other names to know: We love Anne Barge for classic couture, Justin Alexander for romantic, timeless style, and Modern Trousseau for undeniably chic gowns with a hint of Southern charm.

Savannah Miller, Watters, Grace Loves Lace
Savannah Miller, Watters, Grace Loves Lace

Dresses by Savannah Miller, By Watters, and Grace Loves Lace

If your style is bohemian:

We’re guessing that you love relaxed, easy pieces in your everyday wardrobe. Whether it’s a long maxi dress, a cheerful floral print, or a unique detail like fringe, you’re all about comfortable and effortless design with a bit of artistic flair. Bohemian wedding dresses tend to be more casual than traditional gowns, and they often incorporate unconventional touches (like bell sleeves or colorful embroidery!) that will speak to your free-spirited side. For the trendiest take on boho style, Willowby by Watters is one of the top wedding dress designers to know — the models at their latest bridal fashion show walked the runway wearing straw hats and fedoras. Savannah Miller nails minimalist bohemian designs, while Claire Pettibone is known for her dresses that evoke an ethereal, vintage-inspired vibe through whimsical touches. BHLDN and Grace Loves Lace are two of our picks if you're in the market for beach wedding dresses or destination wedding dresses. 

Reem Acra, Fernando Paz, Rachel Brennecke
Reem Acra, Fernando Paz, Rachel Brennecke

Dresses by Reem Acra, Francesca Miranda, and Honor Bridal

If your style is edgy & non-traditional:

Some of our favorite wedding dress designers are the ones who break bridal fashion norms to bring us head-turning looks. If you’re the type of bride who loves to take a sartorial risk, then we definitely encourage you to embrace your fashionista side on the big day! From total conversation pieces like jumpsuits and bridal shorts, to classic gowns with avant-garde elements (think puffy sleeves or dramatic black details), the bridal fashion world is getting cooler by the minute. Reem Acra is always at the top of our trendsetter list — this season, the models for her latest collection could be spotted wearing everything from sunglasses to elbow-length gloves, oversized bows, tailored blazers, and tulle tiaras. Check out Francesca Miranda and Victoria Kyriakides for traditional-meets-unexpected options, and under-the-radar brand Honor for cool, editorial styles. 

Collin Pierson, Galia Lahav, Pronovias
Collin Pierson, Galia Lahav, Pronovias

Dresses by Berta, Galia Lahav Couture, and Pronovias

If your style is glamorous:

A couture-loving bride needs a wedding dress that’s fit for a red carpet. Strut your stuff in a glamorous gown featuring luxe details, like a full tulle skirt, allover sequins, or a jaw-dropping V-neckline. You’ll find incredibly glam styles from wedding dress designers like Berta and Galia Lahav, who never fail to wow us with their curve-hugging silhouettes, illusion bodices, and blinged-out beading. Barcelona-based brand Pronovias is another big name to know if you love glamorous wedding style — this haute couture fashion house is known for its impeccable designs and celebrity-worthy dresses (actress Gina Rodriguez wore a Pronovias gown for her recent nuptials!). 

Rodin Bianca, Alexandra Grecco, JP YIM
Rodin Bianca, Alexandra Grecco, JP YIM

Dresses by THEIA, Alexandra Grecco, and Amsale

If your style is minimalistic modern: 

Lace, corsets, and over-the-top embellishments not exactly your cup of tea? Don’t stress. If you have a ‘less is more’ approach to your everyday style, then you’ll be relieved to hear that simple wedding dresses are more en vogue than ever. We think the minimalist bridal look is here to stay for the long haul, and there are a few must-know wedding dress designers who totally own this streamlined aesthetic. Headquartered in New York City, Amsale is one of the top bridal houses that specializes in creating simplistic, feminine designs with a timeless feel. We love THEIA for ultra-sophisticated, sleek gowns, while Halfpenny London and Alexandra Grecco are two go-to designer for dresses that are airy and refreshing.