Can I wear a sparkly wedding dress for my wedding?

Absolutely! Sparkly wedding dresses run the gamut from statement-making to subtle and work for a wide range of weddings. What's more, sparkly embellishments add dimension to your look and make for eye-catching photos.

What makes a wedding dress sparkle?

If you're looking for a wedding dress that shimmers and sparkles, go for styles adorned with all-over sequins, beadwork, metallic embroidery, and glittery fabric.

How do I style a sparkly wedding dress?

When it comes to sparkly wedding dresses, sometimes it's best to keep accessories minimal and let the dress do all the talking. However, if you're looking to bring on the glitz and glamour, accessorize with a sparkly clutch and a pair of statement-earrings for maximum impact.

The 16 Best Sparkly Wedding Dresses for Brides in 2023

What the red carpet is for celebrities, so is the wedding day is for brides-to-be. This is the opportunity to go all-out glam! So, why not really shine on your big day with a sparkly wedding dress? There are many ways to incorporate sparkle into your bridal look, from glitzy gowns covered in sequins and rhinestones to subdued glimmer by way of metallic fabric and beaded detailing. If you prefer a traditional wedding dress when saying ‘I do’ but want to make a dazzling entrance at the reception or after-party, sparkly dresses also make a perfect post-ceremony look.

A sprinkling of sequins or beads is a chic way to go for classic brides seeking a bit of sparkle. For a vintage-loving bride? Pile on the drama with cascading fringe beading á la the roaring ’20s. If you’re craving a soft and feminine look, flouncy tiers of chiffon with glittering beadwork or elegant pearl detailing is oh-so-lovely. Modern, minimalist brides can also incorporate sparkle by opting for an uncomplicated silhouette like a slip or column sheath. A touch of sparse beading, unique arm accents, or reflective embellishments will do the trick without going over the top.

From head-to-toe adornment for a scene-stealing wedding look to subtle glitz, read on for the best sparkly wedding gowns.

Our Top Picks

Best Tea-Length:

Bronx and Banco Mademoiselle Bridal Midi Dress at Revolve

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Best Sparkly Bodice:

BHLDN Written In The Stars Gown at Anthropologie

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Best Pearl-Embellished:

Willowby Aeryn Gown at Watters.com

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Best Crystal Detail:

Azazie Saskia Wedding Dress at Azazie.com

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Best Gold Sparkle:

Amsale Elaine Gown at Amsale.com

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Best Long Sleeves:

Retrofête Camille Sequined Chiffon Maxi Dress at Net-a-Porter

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Most Festive:

Lulus Rose Gold Sequin Fringe Maxi Dress at Lulus

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Best Sparkle Illusion Neckline:

Wtoo Damali Gown at Watters.com

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For a Civil Ceremony:

Erdem Austin Cape-Effect Chiffon Midi Dress at Net-a-Porter

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Most Vintage-Inspired:

Karen Miller Beaded Fringed Woven Maxi Dress at Karenmillen.com

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Courtesy of Revolve

View On Revolve

This shimmering tea-length wedding dress is sweet and scene-stealing all at once. The sequin, pearl, and bead-embellished mesh fabric will glisten from every angle while the boned bodice and full skirt give off a decidedly feminine feel.

Price at time of publish: $805

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On Anthropologie

This blush ballgown shines subtly with twinkling beads and sequins—a lovely choice if you’re after a subtle hint of color on your wedding day. Even better, the frothy skirt with a thigh-high slit makes it fun and flawless for dancing.

Price at time of publish: $1,495

Courtesy of Watters

View On Watters.com

This fairytale ballgown will suit the bride who dreams of twirling in layers of tulle on her wedding day. For glamorous sparkle and shine, the ombré pearl-and-crystal beaded bodice is utterly scene-stealing.

Price at time of publish: $2,481-$2,647

Courtesy of Azazie

View On Azazie.com

This gown combines traditional with glamour as off-the-shoulder crystal sleeves adorn the classic silhouette. A shimmering tulle overlay further dials up the allurement for an utterly striking bridal moment.

Price at time of publish: $519

Courtesy of Amsale

View On Amsale.com

We couldn’t dream up a more idyllic wedding dress for a fantasy-inspired wedding than this dazzling Amsale creation. The elegant iridescence of the beads enhances the delicate nature of the tulle to utter perfection.

Price at time of publish: $7,400

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

If you thought slits and V-necks were inelegant for a wedding, think again. Crafted from lightweight sequinned chiffon, the plunging gown with wide sleeves comes with a vintage nod that we love for retro-loving brides.

Price at time of publish: $985

Courtesy of Lulus

View On Lulus

A sequined rose-gold wedding dress makes a megawatt bridal moment or second-look dress. Plus, what better detail to dance in than festive fringe that sways with every move?

Price at time of publish: $98

Courtesy of Watters

View On Watters.com

This wedding dress is the ideal way to combine classic design with sparkling features. If you’re a traditional bride craving sparkle, look no further than this allover beaded number.

Price at time of publish: $2,290-$2,443

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping

Courtesy of Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

We can’t think of a better vintage-inspired sparkler to wear for a civil ceremony or intimate celebration. The cape-effect silhouette is unexpected and effortlessly chic–and the glossy sequins deliver on shine.

Price at time of publish: $3,765

Courtesy of Karen Miller

View On Karenmillen.com

Amp up the Great Gatsby drama with this gorgeous jazz-era-inspired dress. This crystal-scattered gown is meant to move, featuring tassels and fringe.

Price at time of publish: $808

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On Bhldn

This sequin and beaded sheath gown is the epitome of elegance, skimming the figure so beautifully from every angle. For extra drama and shine, go big by styling yours with rhinestone earrings or hair accessories.

Price at time of publish: $998

Courtesy of BHLDN

View On Anthropologie

Simple but full of sparkle, this sequin slip dress is a must for minimalist brides in the mood for shine. A tulle layer plays up the romance, making it a dreamy choice for your wedding day.

Price at time of publish: $495

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dillards.com

What’s more glamorous than allover sequins? This sparkly gown column gown is timeless and festive for a holiday or New Year’s Eve-timed wedding.

Price at time of publish: $239

Courtesy of ASOS

View On Asos

We adore the kimono sleeves and plunging neckline combo on this sequined gown. Perfect for the fearless glam bride craving an effortless look.

Price at time of publish: $350

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

This sequined tulle halter-neck gown feels incredibly modern. Featuring an open back and cut for a close fit, this bridal look is both elegant and unconventional–a stylish option for the stylish bride.

Price at time of publish: $2,295

ASOS EDITION Eva Embellished Cami Midi Wedding Dress

Courtesy of ASOS

View On Asos

We can picture this sequined midi dress for a holiday-timed civil ceremony. Every inch boasts exquisite detail work, from the pin-thin spaghetti straps to the square open-back. This sparkly frock would also be a great option for your reception or after-party look.

Price at time of publish: $270

What to Look for in a Sparkly Wedding Dress

Whether you're opting for a subtle sequin style or going bold with beadwork, a sparkly wedding dress is a surefire way to make a dazzling entrance on your wedding day. When it comes to shopping for a sparkly wedding dress, you'll want to consider what types of shimmering embellishments work best for your style and wedding theme. For example, the glamorous bride seeking out a princess moment may want to go for a lace ballgown adorned with luminous pearls and intricate beadwork, while the bohemian bride might opt for something with just a hint of sparkle such as a diaphanous gown featuring metallic thread or twinkling sequins. And when it comes to trying on your sparkly wedding dress, make sure you're in a well-lit room so that you can see how the embellishments catch the light.

FAQ

Can I wear a sparkly wedding dress for my wedding?

Absolutely! Sparkly wedding dresses run the gamut from statement-making to subtle and work for a wide range of weddings. What's more, sparkly embellishments add dimension to your look and make for eye-catching photos.
What makes a wedding dress sparkle?

If you're looking for a wedding dress that shimmers and sparkles, go for styles adorned with all-over sequins, beadwork, metallic embroidery, and glittery fabric.
How do I style a sparkly wedding dress?

When it comes to sparkly wedding dresses, sometimes it's best to keep accessories minimal and let the dress do all the talking. However, if you're looking to bring on the glitz and glamour, accessorize with a sparkly clutch and a pair of statement-earrings for maximum impact.

Why Trust Brides

Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a writer and editor who covers fashion, accessories, beauty, and fine jewelry for Brides. Her work also appears in ELLE, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery29, POPSUGAR, Well+Good, and Barneys New York.

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