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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.
Best Tea-Length
Bronx and Banco Mademoiselle Bridal Midi Dress
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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
Best Sparkly Bodice
BHLDN Written In The Stars Gown
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Courtesy of BHLDN
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
Best Pearl-Embellished
Willowby Aeryn Gown
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Anthropologie
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
Best Crystal Detail
Azazie Saskia Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of Azazie
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
Best Gold Sparkle
Amsale Elaine Gown
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Courtesy of Amsale
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
Best Long Sleeves
Retrofête Camille Sequined Chiffon Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of 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
Most Festive
Lulus Endless Festivities Rose Gold Sequin Fringe Lace-Up Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of 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
Best Sparkle Illusion Neckline
Wtoo Damali Gown
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Courtesy of Watters
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
For a Civil Ceremony
Erdem Austin Cape-Effect Chiffon Midi Dress
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Courtesy of 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
Most Vintage-Inspired
Karen Miller Beaded Fringed Woven Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of Karen Miller
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
Best Spaghetti Strap
BHLDN Lisle Gown
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Courtesy of 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
For the Minimalist
Jenny Yoo Collection Zara Dress
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Courtesy of BHLDN
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
For a New Year's Eve Wedding
Alex Evenings Women's 3/4 Sleeve Long Dress with Cinched Tie Waist
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Courtesy of Amazon
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
Best Statement Sleeve
ASOS EDITION Ciara Sequin Kimono Sleeve Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of 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
Best Halterneck
Galvan Salina Sequined Tulle Halterneck Gown
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Courtesy of 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
Best Midi
ASOS EDITION Eva Embellished Cami Midi Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of 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.
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.