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Photo by Volvoreta; Dress by Viktor & Rolf
Who doesn't want to feel like royalty on their big day? While we may not be fairy godmothers per se, we've got a few princess-worthy gowns that should do the trick. Cue the fanfare.
What Is a Princess Wedding Dress?
A princess wedding dress is a full-skirted ball gown typically featuring embellishments, sparkles, and beading.
While always romantic, feminine, and a guaranteed show-stopping entrance, modern updates to the princess wedding gown bring on some refreshing edge. From blush tones and unexpected hues to clean architectural lines and oversized bows, there's a perfect style for every bride. With a fitted bodice and full skirt, we love how universally flattering this style is. Not to mention, twirl-worthy for sure!
Below, we've rounded up 26 gowns for the modern princess bride that will have you giving any real-life princess a run for her money.
Best Back: DB Studio Low Back Mid-Sleeve Crepe and Satin Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of David's Bridal
This crepe and satin princess wedding gown features a low back with classic button detail and a modest neckline. Three-quarter-inch sleeves remind us of the gown Meghan Markle wore in her 2018 royal wedding to Prince Harry. The encrusted belt-like appliqué at the waist adds a pinch of sparkle.
For the Traditional Bride: Carolina Herrera Manuella Dress
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Courtesy of Carolina Herrera
Carolina Herrera gowns exude classic taste, and this number is no exception. Plus, floral embroidery takes this tried-and-true princess silhouette up a notch.
For a Garden Wedding: Lela Rose Bennett Dress
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Courtesy of Lela Rose
This floral-patterned gown features a draped off-the-shoulder neckline. The full skirt is stunning, while the overall look is simple and chic.
Best Embroidery: Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Platinum Collection Belle Dress
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Courtesy of Kleinfeld
Inspired by Belle of Beauty and the Beast, rose and floral appliqués, crystals, and sequins adorn the bodice and trail across the illusion sleeves of this ball gown. A lace-up corset back with crystal buttons complements the sparkle tulle.
Most Vintage-Inspired: Naeem Khan Arcadia Dress
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Neem Khan
Modern yet classic, this dress is where the old world and new collide. Beautiful beaded pattern work adds visual dimension to the stark overskirt.
Best Illusion Lace: Isabelle Armstrong Perugia Dress
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Courtesy of Isabelle Armstrong
The gown is made of Fielle, a soft, light-woven fabric with a ribbed texture, originally made of silk. It features a scoop-neck length bodice with long sheer, embroidered sleeves, and a keyhole back. The lace turtleneck style collar adds sophisticated charm.
Most Minimal: Nouvelle Amsale Mac Dress
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Courtesy of Amsale
A classic princess silhouette of timeless elegance and grace. This silk faille piece features a flattering sweetheart neckline and 3D embroidery.
Best Print: Reem Acra Flock of Angels Dress
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Courtesy of Reem Acra
A beautiful mix of glamour and romance, this Reem Acra gown is sure to turn heads. The sweetheart neckline is sweet, the slit is flirty, and the floral print is unique.
For the Classic Bride: Sareh Nouri Blaine Dress
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Courtesy of Sarah Nouri
This off-the-shoulder diagonally draped top pairs well with a pleated modified ball gown. It features a signature side bow, plus petals adorn the side of the skirt.
Most Unique: Odylyne The Ceremony Casden
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Courtesy of Odylyne the Ceremony
This 100-percent organza silk gown has a sweetheart strapless bodice and billowing ruffles. The modern sheer puff sleeves and full skirt with a ruffled overlay are charming.
Best Strapless Neckline: White by Vera Wang Textured Organza Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of David's Bridal
This textured organza wedding dress from White by Vera Wang features a flattering draped bodice and an asymmetrical skirt with a split-front overlay.
Best Bateau Neckline: Amsale Emery Dress
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Amsale
Lace is the physical embodiment of majestic grace. This silk faille composition gets a romantic touch with a lace bateau neckline and long sleeves.
Best All-Over Lace: Kosibah Alexandria Dress
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Courtesy of Kosibah
This structured princess wedding dress has a modified fishtail and sheer sleeves with lace details. The bodice features all-over lace.
Best Bodice: Pronovias Dietrich Dress
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Courtesy of Pronovias
The intricate geometrical beading and embroidery combined with a unique scalloped neckline add a regal touch to the layered tulle skirt. Full-length sleeves are reminiscent of Kate Middleton’s 2011 wedding look.
Most Sparkle: Monique Lhuillier Sparkle Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier
An alluringly simple strappy bodice and voluminous skirt pair perfectly with the eye-catching fabric. This gown was made for brides looking to glitter down the aisle.
Best Pearl Details: David’s Bridal Collection Lace and Tulle Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of David's Bridal
A sheer tulle tank featuring a pearl-beaded lace bodice meets a skirt crafted of tulle, netting, and crinkle chiffon. A slim ribbon sash completes the look.
Best Overall Neckline: Viktor & Rolf Spring Dream Gown
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Courtesy of Viktor & Rolf
Effortless and flirty, this delicately draped bodice is framed with handmade oversized blooms. A generous tulle skirt is a fitting end to this breezy, youthful style.
Best Blush Dress: Monique Lhuillier Secret Garden Gown
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Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier
Princess fantasies come to life in the form of blush tones and a plethora of feminine frills. With a gathered off-the-shoulder bodice and indulgent textured skirt, this look is sweet as can be.
Best Sleeves: Maggie Sottero Stevie Gown
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Courtesy of Maggie Sottero
Poetic elegance is all in a tender bishop sleeve. The beautiful cold-shoulder creation is an idyllic concoction of sheer organza, sparkling tulle, horsehair trim, and ornate beaded lace.
Best 3D Florals: Rivini by Rita Vinieris Reagan Ball Gown
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Courtesy of Kleinfeld
Hand-appliquéd embellishments completely engulf this stunning floral creation. A plunging neckline delicately spreads into a ball gown shape before descending into a chapel train.
For the Traditional Bride: Monique Lhuillier Emilia Gown
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Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier
This masterpiece checks off all the royal dress codes and expectations of sartorial propriety. Constructed from luxurious lace and finished with a stately train, an open back adds a coy little peek-a-boo effect to this gown.
Best Off-the-Shoulder Neckline: Naeem Khan Moriane Dress
Courtesy of Naeem Khan
Naeem Khan designed this gown with a princess bride in mind. The regal off-the-shoulder style is flirty, while the drop waist ball gown offers up classic bridal flair. The thin belt and pockets are a modern surprise.
For the Feminine Bride: Sottero & Midgley Thatcher Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of Maggie Sottero
Inspired by champagne bubbles and pretty, pearlescent finishes, this dress was created for fabulous festivities. Glittering tulle, chandelier patterns, horsehair hemming, and a flowy skirt are princess-party perfection.
Most Romantic: Ines Di Santo Embrace Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of Ines Di Santo
There are few things more romantic than flowers and ball gowns—and when combined they make for the dreamiest of wedding gowns. This Ines Di Santo dress was made for an unforgettable walk down the aisle.
Best A-Line: Morilee Madeline Gardner Ama Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of Morilee
This gown by Morilee features feminine floral embroidered appliqués throughout the tulle A-line ball gown and sheer train. The sleeves are sheer and fitted, while a plunging V-neckline trimmed in linear lace is lovely.
Most Versatile: Allison Webb Clara Dress
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Courtesy of JLM Couture
There's something eternally regal about a jacquard gown. This sexy ball gown boasts a button-detailed bustier bodice, grandiose chapel train, and a flirty rolled neckline. Bonus: This dress has pockets!