13 Empire Waist Wedding Gowns That Will Flatter Every Bride

For the Nontraditional Bride

Sandra Mansour Forêt Dense

View On Sandramansour.com

Runs: True to size | Size Range: 34-46 (French sizing) | Length: High-low floor-length, Made to measure

This ruffled taffeta dress demands attention, so it’s the perfect pick for the bride who wants to dial up the theatrics and throw away the rulebook. Also, the flared sleeves, underbust cutout, and lace-up fastening are just as much fun as the striking lime green hue.

Price at time of publish: $2,382

Best Modest Dress

Macgraw Romantic Gown

View On Farfetch.com View On Macgraw.com

Runs: True to size | Size Range: 6-14 | Length: Floor-length

Everything about Macgraw’s Romantic Gown screams sophisticated. The square neckline emphasizes the delicateness of your collar bones, and the subtle slits at the arm cuffs will make sure that your wedding day wristwear doesn’t go unnoticed. 

Price at time of publish: $1,495

Best Silk Dress

Rixo Jazi

View On Rixolondon.com

Runs: Generous sizing | Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Ankle-length | Care: Dry clean only

Who says you can’t wear feathers down the aisle? If you want to add a bit of theatrics while staying tonal and somewhat traditional, the Jazi’s bell sleeves, deep V-neckline, and hem feathers amp up the wow factor without distracting from the bridal vibe.

Most Romantic

Alexandra Grecco Cassia Gown

View On Alexandragrecco.com

Runs: True to size | Size Range: 00-20 | Length: Floor-length

The Cassia’s flutter sleeves and floral embroidery are reminiscent of Charlotte’s second wedding gown on Sex and the City, right? It’s hard to look away from the handmade details at the illusion bodice—but when you’re the bride, that’s totally the point. 

For the Jane Austen Obsessed Bride

LoveShackFancy Sho Maxi Gown

View On Loveshackfancy.com

Runs: True to size | Size Range: 00-12 | Length: Floor-length | Care: Dry clean in net bag

Is Gwyneth Paltrow in Emma the main inspo for your bridal look? Let us direct your attention to the Sho Maxi Gown, LoveShackFancy’s textured take on regencycore. We’re crushing on the lacey bodice, the pearl-trimmed neckline, and the train.

Price at time of publish: $725

Most Comfortable

Twobirds Slit Dress

View On Twobirdsnewyork.com

Runs: True to size | Size Range: 2-24 | Length: Floor-length | Care: Dry clean or machine wash cold

There’s a reason why Twobirds is a go-to brand for many bridal parties. The poly-spandex jersey material and the empire-cut silhouettes look great and feel great on every body type. So why can’t brides partake, too? The convertible straps also mean that you can switch things up between the ceremony and reception.

Price at time of publish: $250

Best Floral Design

BHLDN Daphne Gown

View On Anthropologie

Runs: True to size | Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length 

Drawing inspiration from Regency-era wallpaper, the floral printed design gives it an earthy and ethereal edge. This gown is perfect for those planning a garden celebration in the springtime.

Price at time of publish: $1,395

For the Wow Factor

Vera Wang Bride Liane

View On Verawangbride.com

Runs: True to size | Size Range: 32-60 | Length: Floor-length 

This dress is the main event. For brides who believe that more is more, the romantic off-the-shoulder sleeves, full tulle skirt, and floral accented train are sure to strike a chord. There’s nothing wrong with unleashing your inner maximalist, after all.

Best Affordable

DB Studio Bubble Sleeve Georgette V-Neck Wedding Dress

View On David's Bridal

Runs: True to size | Size Range: 32-60 | Length: Floor-length 

A little bit of bohemian flair without breaking the bank. If you want a more playful look on your big day, the bubble sleeves, slit, and semi-open back on this dress can bring you there for less than $200.

For Victorian Vibes

Rixo Ciara

View On Rixolondon.com

Runs: Large, brand recommends sizing down  | Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Care: Dry clean only

If you’re still dreaming about Ellie Goulding’s gown from her 2019 nuptials or more recently, the Grace Kelly-inspired gown that Lady Kitty Spencer wore down the aisle last year, this will pique your interest. Rixo’s Ciara dress is made using cotton broderie Anglaise. While the style is reminiscent of two modern Brits, the high neck with frill detailing feels very Old English.

Price at time of publish: $695

For the Whimsical Bride

Odylyne the Ceremony Emilia

View On Odylynetheceremony.com

Runs: True to size  | Size Range: 2-20 | Length: Floor-length | Care: Dry clean only

Hello, frills. Odylyne the Ceremony’s silk organza Emilia dress is what we’d imagine Daphne Bridgerton would wear if she lived in the Lower East Side. The sheer puff sleeves and ruffled skirt panels are playful touches that modernize the classic silhouette.

Price at time of publish: $3,650

Best High-Neck

Savannah Miller Eowyn

View On Savannahmiller.com

Runs: True to size  | Length: Floor-length | Care: Dry clean only

Empire waist gowns don’t always need to have straight silhouettes, and the slight curve in the waist seam gives the Eowyn gown a more fitted shape. The double spaghetti strap detailing is also a delicate touch if you want your back to be the main event on the big day.