How should I accessorize my wedding dress for desert nuptials?

When it comes to wedding accessories, it's best to follow the aesthetic of your gown and bridal theme. For light and airy vibes, stick to dainty gold or silver pieces. For a more bold look, opt for colorful accessories that will complement the desert landscape.

What kind of shoes should I wear for a desert wedding?

Given the rocky terrain, your footwear choice will need an extra bit of consideration. It's important to wear shoes that you can comfortably walk in and aren't afraid to get dirty. Flats, sandals, wedges, and block heels are all great options for brides getting married in the desert.

Should I invest in a cover up for our evening reception?

Yes, a cover up is a very smart idea because desert temperatures can drastically drop at night. Some of our favorite styles include moto jackets and floor-length capes—both are fashion-forward and fun style options.

16 Best Desert Wedding Dresses of 2023

desert wedding dress portrait — Photo by Zoe with The Foxes Photography.

When it comes to wedding locations, the desert is a beautiful, untamed, and unique venue choice. It’s also one that requires a little extra thinking when it comes to your bridal style, since your outfit choice will have to work amidst the stunning, natural ecosystem.

“Your first point of consideration should be a style option that’s lightweight, easy to pack, and made from a fabric that is fairly wrinkle-resistant as you may have little-to-no access to a steamer at your wedding location,” says Angel Spendlove, co-owner and head designer of & For Love. “Stay away from any kind of heavy silk or a very structured ballgown. Keep the fashion mood boho and relaxed.”

Spendlove notes that the iconic slip dress is a perfect desert wedding fashion choice, and she's also a fan of lace or sequin designs. However, if you're looking for more coverage, the designer recommends opting for looks with sleeves made of sheer fabrics, like tulle, for a look that's dramatic and modern.

30 Desert Wedding Ideas to Enhance Your Earthy Nuptials

To help you find the perfect gown for your desert wedding, here are our top style choices featuring everything from luxe lace dresses to light and airy pantsuits.

Our Top Picks

Best Bell Sleeves:

Azazie Clover BG at Azazie.com

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Best Jumpsuit:

Temperly London Dreamer Jumpsuit at Temperleylondon.com

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Best A-Line:

Morilee by Madeline Gardner Clara Wedding Dress at Morilee.com

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Best Puff Sleeves:

Essence of Australia Boho Wedding Dress at Essensedesigns.com

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Best Graphic Lace:

Grace Loves Lace Chelo Dress at Graceloveslace.com

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Best Convertible:

Two Birds Straight Maxi Dress at Twobirdsnewyork.com

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Dreamiest Mermaid:

Lulus Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress at Lulus

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Best Mini:

Anne Barge C’est La Vie Dress at Annebarge.com

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Best Slip Dress:

Jenny Yoo Gabriela Dress at Jennyyoo.com

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Most Romantic Floral:

BHLDN Daphne Gown at Bhldn

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Courtesy of azazie

View On Azazie.com

Runs: True to Size | Size: WD00-WD30 | Materials: Lace | Length: Floor

Statement sleeves are always a favorite, and they don’t get more dramatic than these bell sleeves! The flared silhouette on this Azazie gown is beautifully paired with the subtle mermaid skirt.

Price at time of publish: $449

Courtesy of Temperley London

View On Temperleylondon.com

Runs: True to Size | Size: UK6-UK20 | Materials: Sequins | Length: Ankle

The sequin pattern on this jumpsuit is designed to mimic the effect of snakeskin, which makes for a very fashion-forward bridal choice. The draped georgette sleeve also adds a touch of softness to this very graphic design.

Morilee by Madeline Gardner wedding dress

Courtesy of Morilee by Madeline Gardner

View On Morilee.com

Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-28 | Materials: Lace and tulle | Length: Floor

Can’t you just picture this gown artfully blowing in the desert breeze? The swingy silhouette, coupled with the lightweight tulle and lace, make it a perfect bridalwear choice for your dramatic outdoor wedding venue.

Essence of Australia desert wedding dress

Courtesy of Essence of Australia

View On Essensedesigns.com

Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-18 | Materials: Lace | Length: Floor

The vintage, lace-inspired illusion sleeves are just one of the many incredible details we love about this boho-beautiful gown. Bonus points for the plunging neckline, keyhole back, and dramatic fit-and-flare skirt.

Courtesy of Grace Loves Lace

View On Graceloveslace.com

Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-20 | Materials: Lace | Length: Floor

This gown by Grace Loves Lace instantly makes a style impact and is simply divine. It features hand-placed lace panels on the sides, creating an elongating and curve-enhancing effect.

Price at time of publish: $3,400

Courtesy of Two Birds

View On Twobirdsnewyork.com

Runs: True to Size | Size: A (2-12) or B (14-24) | Materials: Jersey | Length: Floor

If you want multiple looks on your wedding day, this flowing jersey gown is a beautiful way to do it. You can wear it in eight different ways by easily twisting and tying the bodice fabric.

Price at time of publish: $230

Lulus

View On Lulus

Runs: True to Size | Size: XS-3X | Materials: Lace | Length: Floor

Off-the-shoulder gowns remain a key trend in bridalwear. This lacey mermaid style is totally fab and is available in a wonderfully inclusive size range up to 3X!

Price at time of publish: $119

Courtesy of Anne Barge

View On Annebarge.com

Runs: True to Size | Size: XS-XL | Materials: Lace | Length: Mini

If you're searching for a mini dress for your desert celebration, this Anne Barge number is a great option. The lace design, drop cap sleeves, and swingy silhouette are majorly fun!

Price at time of publish: $420

Courtesy of Jenny Yoo

View On Jennyyoo.com

Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-20 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor

We love the flattering bias-cut silhouette of this slip dress from Jenny Yoo. The burnout silk satin fabric has a gorgeous texture that looks incredible in a wild and wonderful landscape.

Price at time of publish: $325

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On Bhldn

Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-26W | Materials: Cotton | Length: Floor

Bring a touch of Bridgeton’s Regency elegance to your desert wedding with this fabulous floral chintz gown. The empire waistline, tiered ruffles, and dusty rose tones make this dress a serious bridal beauty.

Price at time of publish: $1,395

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On Anthropologie

Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-26W | Materials: Tulle | Length: Floor

This peach-toned tulle caftan was made to be seen set against golden sand and gorgeous green cacti. We love the shimmering embellishments, and the easy and effortless silhouette.

Price at time of publish: $2,500

Courtesy of & For Love

View On Andforlove.com

Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-5 | Materials: Lace | Length: Floor

Want a wedding dress that’s totally extra? Graphic lace combined with an incredible fringed backline makes this dress totally unique and ultra-fashionable.

Price at time of publish: $3,950

Courtesy of Galvan London

View On Galvanlondon.com

Runs: True to Size | Size: UK 34-44 | Materials: Satin | Length: Tea-length

If you're searching for an elegant, sleek, and trendy desert wedding gown, this Galvan London piece will be the dress of your dreams. Follow the styling lead and pair with gold earrings and shoes.

Price at time of publish: $1, 295

Courtesy of Savannah Miller

View On Savannahmiller.com

Runs: True to Size | Size: Contact the brand | Materials: Satin viscose | Length: Floor

If you want a minimalist gown for your day in the desert, this is a perfect pick. We love its simple silhouette complete with ruching at the bodice, a cowl neckline, and detachable drop sleeves featuring draped satin streamers.

Courtesy of Reformation

View On Reformation

Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-12 | Materials: Deadstock satin back crepe | Length: Floor

This look is totally chic, and the most perfect pantsuit we could imagine for a desert wedding. Wear the jacket with a high-neck lace blouse or dare to go bare, and accessorize with statement gold jewelry.

Price at time of publish: $488

Photo by KT Merry

View On Moniquelhuillier.com

Runs: True to Size | Size: Contact the brand | Materials: Crepe | Length: Floor

The square neckline is currently trending thanks to Nicola Peltz Beckham, and it’s a silhouette that's completely modern and incredibly flattering. Opt for this Monique Lhuillier gown for a stunning and elegant moment once it's time to say "I do."

Meet the Expert

Angel Spendlove is the co-owner and designer of & For Love, a Canadian-based bridalwear brand that was founded in 2014.

What to Look for in a Desert Wedding Dress

There are a few considerations to keep top of mind when shopping for a desert wedding dress. As mentioned, paying attention to the fabric is most important, as you'll want something light and airy. You will also want a dress with a relaxed silhouette in order to effortlessly maneuver walking on more rugged terrain. The desert is not an ideal location for ballgowns or sharp architectural lines, so it's best to keep the vibe easy, breezy, and beautiful.

FAQ

How should I accessorize my wedding dress for desert nuptials?

When it comes to wedding accessories, it's best to follow the aesthetic of your gown and bridal theme. For light and airy vibes, stick to dainty gold or silver pieces. For a more bold look, opt for colorful accessories that will complement the desert landscape.
What kind of shoes should I wear for a desert wedding?

Given the rocky terrain, your footwear choice will need an extra bit of consideration. It's important to wear shoes that you can comfortably walk in and aren't afraid to get dirty. Flats, sandals, wedges, and block heels are all great options for brides getting married in the desert.
Should I invest in a cover up for our evening reception?

Yes, a cover up is a very smart idea because desert temperatures can drastically drop at night. Some of our favorite styles include moto jackets and floor-length capes—both are fashion-forward and fun style options.

The 24 Best Beach Wedding Dresses of 2023

About the Author

Alison McGill is an award-winning editor, writer, creative producer, media personality, and brand strategist. She was the Editor-in-Chief of Weddingbells for two decades, a role which also included being the Editorial Director of Weddingbells' sister publication Mariage Quebec. Her work has appeared in The Kit, Fashion, Hello! Canada, The Toronto Star, and more.