Planning your wedding and searching for the dress? Every bride deserves to feel like royalty on her big day. From classic ballgowns to boho-chic gowns, we’ve compiled 15 dreamy wedding dress ideas that will make you feel like a princess.
Whether your style is traditional or free-spirited, and whether your budget is big or small, there’s a magical dress out there for you. Let’s dive into the inspiration!
1. Classic Ballgown Elegance
When you imagine a fairy-tale princess, you probably picture a ballgown. This timeless silhouette features a fitted bodice and a full, voluminous skirt that instantly creates a regal hourglass shape.
Ballgowns are perfect for making a grand entrance – think Cinderella or Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Layers of tulle or satin add to the drama, and you can even sprinkle in sparkly embellishments (crystals, anyone?) for extra magic on the dance floor.
2. Flattering A-Line Silhouettes
If you want something a bit simpler but still romantic, an A-line gown is the way to go. The A-line wedding dress is one of the most coveted silhouettes—its fitted bodice highlights your waist, while the skirt flows softly in an A-shape from the hips.
This cut flatters virtually every body type and gives you that princess feeling without as much bulk as a ballgown. You can find A-line dresses in countless designs, from minimalist crepe to tulle skirts with lace overlays.
3. Glamorous Mermaid Silhouettes
For brides who want to channel their inner mermaid princess (Ariel, anyone?), consider a mermaid or trumpet silhouette.
Nothing turns heads quite like a sexy mermaid-style wedding dress – this silhouette hugs your body through the bust, waist, and hips, creating an instant hourglass shape. The skirt then flares out dramatically around the knees or mid-thigh, giving you a red-carpet moment.
Mermaid gowns often come with wow factors like luxurious beading or lace. As an expert wedding vendor said, don’t shy away from adding a little bling to pull in the spotlight – a row of beads or sequins on a mermaid dress can make you sparkle with every step.
4. Sleek Sheath and Minimalist Styles
Not every princess wears a poofy dress – some prefer chic simplicity. Sheath dresses (also called column dresses) have a slim, straight silhouette that skims the body. Paired with minimal ornamentation, a simple sheath gown exudes modern elegance.
This style is perfect for the bride who loves clean lines and a contemporary look (think Meghan Markle’s sleek ceremony dress or Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic slip dress).
carolyn bessette-kennedy’s iconic wedding dress, it was designed by her friend narciso rodriguez (whom she met thru work at calvin klein) pic.twitter.com/FJlY2ejRYB
— corinne ☆ (@MIUCClAMUSE) December 19, 2022
Despite the minimalist vibe, you’ll still feel like royalty because the focus is on you wearing the dress, not the dress wearing you.
Many modern princesses add subtle touches like a boatneck, satin fabric, or a long veil to give a nod to tradition while keeping the overall look crisp and chic.
5. Timeless Lace Gowns
There’s a reason lace has been beloved by princess brides for generations. Lace wedding gowns instantly radiate romance and timeless elegance.
From the demure charm of gowns with long lace sleeves to sultry fit-and-flare dresses covered in lace, this fabric suits every style. In fact, “nothing says ‘bride’ quite like cascades of fine lace”.
You might opt for all-over lace or just touches of it on the bodice and train. Either way, lace adds texture and a vintage-meets-modern vibe that makes you feel like you stepped out of a storybook. (Designers like Maggie Sottero frequently feature exquisite lacework in their princess-inspired collections.)
To top it off, lace dresses can be boho, modern, or traditional – it’s all about the pattern and placement. No matter how you wear it, the minute you step into a lace gown, you’ll feel like “the perfect bride”.
6. Boho-Chic Dream Dresses
Maybe your princess style is less “Cinderella at the ball” and more free-spirited bohemian princess.
Boho wedding dresses are a perennial favorite for the easy-breezy, effortlessly romantic bride. There’s nothing so chic (and comfortable!) as a soft, relaxed silhouette with airy layers, crochet or eyelet lace, and maybe bell sleeves or off-the-shoulder neckline.
These gowns have a “day-dreamy, vintage-inspired, free-spirited” vibe perfect for an outdoor or beach celebration. Think flowing chiffon skirts that catch the breeze, unique lace patterns, and possibly a flower crown instead of a tiara.
Boho dresses prove that you can feel like a princess and channel your inner hippie goddess at the same time. (For example, Anthropologie’s BHLDN line carries gorgeous boho wedding dresses that blend vintage romance with modern individuality.)
7. Off-the-Shoulder Magic
One instantly regal detail to consider is an off-the-shoulder neckline. Showing off your shoulders and collarbone gives any dress a romantic, princess-like charm.
Off-the-shoulder gowns can be found in many silhouettes – from ballgowns to fitted mermaids – and they add a touch of whimsy and elegance. This neckline is flattering on many body types, as it draws the eye upward and frames your face beautifully.
You can go with off-shoulder straps/sleeves for a soft look or a more structured off-shoulder satin bodice for a sophisticated vibe.
Many modern royal-inspired gowns (including some worn by real-life princesses and duchesses) feature off-the-shoulder designs for that modern fairy-tale look.
If you love Belle’s gown from Beauty and the Beast, this style will make you feel just like a Disney princess. (Check out some off-shoulder designs at your bridal boutique – even a simple A-line dress becomes extra enchanting with this neckline.)
8. Regal Long-Sleeve Styles
Long sleeves are having a major moment in bridal fashion, thanks in part to Princess Kate and Meghan Markle.
There’s something truly enchanting about long sleeve wedding gowns – they “embody sophistication, romance, and timeless elegance”, making them a favorite among brides of all styles.
Lace sleeves in particular give that regal, Grace Kelly-inspired look that never goes out of style. A dress with illusion lace sleeves can feel both modest and alluring, perfect for a classic princess vibe.
But long sleeves aren’t just for traditional gowns; you can find sleek crepe dresses with minimalist long sleeves that feel very couture.
hailey bieber’s wedding dress by virgil abloh pic.twitter.com/S4fRq8pMpP
— ℳ (@verscevision) June 25, 2024
Sleeves also make a gown great for fall or winter weddings, or simply for the bride who wants a bit more coverage without sacrificing style.
If you’re dreaming of a dress that exudes grace and poise, a long-sleeve gown might be your happily-ever-after.
(Fun fact: From Grace Kelly to Hailey Bieber, long-sleeve lace wedding dresses have graced some of the most iconic weddings, proving their royal charm stands the test of time)
9. Short & Sweet: Tea-Length Retro Dresses
Who says a princess gown has to be long? Tea-length dresses (hemline around mid-calf) bring a retro 1950s flair that’s perfect for a bride who wants to feel like Audrey Hepburn or a rockabilly princess.
These dresses are short & sweet – literally! A tea-length wedding dress often has a full skirt (think swing dress or ballerina-length tulle) that gives you that fun, twirl-able volume.
You’ll feel like a princess and be able to show off a cute pair of shoes. This style is ideal for casual weddings, garden ceremonies, or even as a second dress for the reception so you can dance all night.
Many tea-length designs feature lace overlays or illusion necklines to keep them bridal-looking and not just like an evening dress.
Plus, if you love vintage fashion, a tea-length gown nails that retro look while still making you feel special and princess-y. It’s a great reminder that sometimes less length can still mean more fun!
10. Illusion Details & Necklines
For an ultra-romantic touch, consider gowns with illusion details. Illusion necklines or backs use sheer tulle or lace to create the appearance of appliqués floating on your skin – it’s a magical effect fit for a princess.
For example, an illusion neckline can allow delicate lace, flowers, or even little sparkles to trail up your décolletage as if by enchantment. Illusion backs often feature floral lace or beading that looks tattooed on the skin, adding surprise detail when you turn around.
This style lets you have the look of a strapless or low-back dress while actually providing a bit of coverage with sheer fabric – the best of both worlds!
Many princess-style dresses incorporate illusion sleeves or necklines to add that ethereal quality. It’s a subtle “wow” factor that will have your guests taking a second look at all the intricate details on your gown.
If you’re after a dress that’s equal parts sexy and fairy-tale, illusion elements are a perfect choice. (Picture a ballgown with an illusion lace back and hundreds of buttons – talk about dreamy!)
11. Whimsical Floral Appliqués
To feel like you’ve stepped into an enchanted garden, try a dress with floral appliqués or embroidery. 3D floral appliqués (lace or fabric flowers sewn onto the gown) are a huge trend that gives a gown dimension and whimsical beauty.
Imagine walking down the aisle draped in blossoms – you’ll literally feel like a flower princess or a woodland fairy.
These floral details can be soft and subtle (scattered ivory lace flowers on a tulle overlay) or bold and colorful (pastel embroidered blooms for a pop of color). Designers often place appliqués on the skirt, bodice, or sleeves to accentuate the gown’s lines.
This style is perfect for spring weddings or for any bride who loves nature-inspired elements. Paired with a flower crown or a bouquet of wildflowers, a floral-accented dress creates a cohesive fairy-tale theme.
It’s feminine, romantic, and oh-so-dreamy. Plus, florals can pair with any silhouette – you might find an A-line with floral lace or a sheath with big organza flowers. If Rapunzel or a flower fairy is your princess mood, don’t skip this idea!
12. Sparkling Embellished Gowns
Every princess deserves some sparkle! If you’re envisioning a glitzy vibe for your wedding, a gown with plenty of sparkle and embellishments will literally light up your happily ever after.
Think beads, sequins, crystals, and metallic embroidery catching the light as you move. A sparkly ballgown can make you feel like you’re wearing starlight. Even a slim-fitting dress with all-over sequins can look incredibly glamorous.
The key is to choose the level of sparkle that matches your personality: it could be a few delicate crystal accents on the bodice or a fully beaded bodice that shines.
Keep the rest of your accessories simple if your dress is heavily embellished, so you remain the star of the show. Remember, it’s your time to shine – literally!
Designers often create special “bling” collections for brides who love sparkle, so you’ll have no shortage of options.
13. A Hint of Color: Blush, Champagne & More
While white and ivory are traditional for wedding dresses, today’s princess-worthy gowns come in many hues.
Pastel shades like blush pink, champagne, dusty blue, or lavender can give your dress a unique twist while still feeling bridal. From soft pastel tones to bold rich hues, a touch of color offers a romantic twist on the traditional white gown.
Blush and nude underlays beneath ivory lace are very popular – the contrast makes the lace stand out and gives a warm tint to the dress. Champagne or gold gowns evoke an antique, regal vibe (picture a gold-embroidered ballgown – very princess!).
Some brides even opt for pale blue or silver-gray, inspired by Cinderella’s and Elsa’s dresses. If you’re a non-traditional bride or just love a particular color, don’t shy away from it. You can also incorporate color more subtly with hand-sewn floral embroidery (a mix of pale pinks and greens) or ombré tulle layers.
A colorful gown still feels like a wedding dress but shows off your personal style and makes the look truly your own. As highlighted in Pastel Is the New White: Why Blush, Pistachio and Periwinkle Dresses Are Dominating the Aisle, you’ll definitely have that “princess moment,” especially if the color reflects in the lighting or complements your bouquet.
Dare to be different – your gown can be something blue and something beautiful!
14. Convertible Two-in-One Dresses
Can’t decide between a big princess skirt and a slinkier silhouette? You can have both with a convertible wedding dress. These designs feature detachable elements (often an overskirt, train, or sleeves) to give you two looks in one.
For example, you might wear a grand tulle overskirt for your ceremony, then remove it to reveal a form-fitting mermaid gown for the reception.
Detachable overskirts have become really popular, as they allow a bride to transition from a formal, dramatic look to a lighter, dance-friendly style. It’s basically a modern-day Cinderella transformation!
Some dresses also come with removable lace toppers or capes: wear a cape or jacket during the vows (for a regal cape look or added modesty), then slip it off later. Not only is this fun and practical, it’s often cost-effective compared to buying two separate dresses.
Many bridal brands offer overskirt add-ons or “2-in-1” designs now. You get the wow factor of a princess ballgown and the ease of a sleek gown when you want to move freely.
If versatility is your thing, a convertible dress is the ultimate princess hack – one dress, multiple fairytale moments.
15. Bridal Separates and Two-Piece Sets
Last but not least, embrace your inner fashionista princess with bridal separates. This trend lets you mix and match a bridal top (or bodysuit or crop top) with a skirt.
For instance, pair a lace long-sleeve top with a tulle ballgown skirt, or a sleek satin camisole with an A-line organza skirt. The result is a unique, customized look that still feels bridal and princess-worthy.
Separates can be great if you want to add a personal twist – maybe a hint of midriff for a modern princess look, or the ability to change the top for the reception. Many brides love this option for the flexibility: you could do a more conservative topper for the ceremony and a strapless bustier for the party.
BHLDN (Anthropologie’s bridal line) was a pioneer in popularizing bridal separates, offering gorgeous pieces that work together or on their own.
The beauty of two-piece sets is that you can sometimes even re-wear one of the pieces after the wedding (imagine styling that beautiful lace bodysuit with a blazer and jeans – instant date night outfit!).
This choice is perfect for the bride who wants a non-traditional princess look that’s fashionable, fun, and totally her own.
Final Tips for Your Princess Moment
No matter which style you choose from these ideas, the most important thing is that you feel amazing in your dress.
Try on different silhouettes to see what makes you stand up straighter and smile wider. Don’t be afraid to channel your favorite princess or mix elements (like a lace boho gown with a hint of color).
This is your fairytale! Remember that many designers and retailers offer customization, inclusive sizing, and budget-friendly options, so every bride can find “the one”.
When you walk down the aisle, in a dress that reflects your personality and dreams, you truly will feel like the princess of your own beautiful story.
Happy dress hunting, and enjoy your happily ever after!