26 Best Princess and Ball Gown Wedding Dresses of 2021

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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.

How to Choose Your Dream Wedding Dress: 70 Things to Know

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Best Back: DB Studio Low Back Mid-Sleeve Crepe and Satin Wedding Dress

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.

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For the Traditional Bride: Carolina Herrera Manuella Dress

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.

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For a Garden Wedding: Lela Rose Bennett Dress

This floral-patterned gown features a draped off-the-shoulder neckline. The full skirt is stunning, while the overall look is simple and chic.

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Best Embroidery: Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Platinum Collection Belle Dress

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.

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Most Vintage-Inspired: Naeem Khan Arcadia Dress

Modern yet classic, this dress is where the old world and new collide. Beautiful beaded pattern work adds visual dimension to the stark overskirt.

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Best Illusion Lace: Isabelle Armstrong Perugia Dress

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.

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Most Minimal: Nouvelle Amsale Mac Dress

A classic princess silhouette of timeless elegance and grace. This silk faille piece features a flattering sweetheart neckline and 3D embroidery.

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Best Print: Reem Acra Flock of Angels Dress

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.

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For the Classic Bride: Sareh Nouri Blaine Dress

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.

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Most Unique: Odylyne The Ceremony Casden

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.

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Best Strapless Neckline: White by Vera Wang Textured Organza Wedding Dress

This textured organza wedding dress from White by Vera Wang features a flattering draped bodice and an asymmetrical skirt with a split-front overlay.

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Best Bateau Neckline: Amsale Emery Dress

Lace is the physical embodiment of majestic grace. This silk faille composition gets a romantic touch with a lace bateau neckline and long sleeves.

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Best All-Over Lace: Kosibah Alexandria Dress

This structured princess wedding dress has a modified fishtail and sheer sleeves with lace details. The bodice features all-over lace.

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Best Bodice: Pronovias Dietrich Dress

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.

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Most Sparkle: Monique Lhuillier Sparkle Wedding Dress

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.

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Best Pearl Details: David’s Bridal Collection Lace and Tulle Wedding Dress

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.

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Best Overall Neckline: Viktor & Rolf Spring Dream Gown

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.

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Best Blush Dress: Monique Lhuillier Secret Garden Gown

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.

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Best Sleeves: Maggie Sottero Stevie Gown

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.

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Best 3D Florals: Rivini by Rita Vinieris Reagan Ball Gown

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.

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For the Traditional Bride: Monique Lhuillier Emilia Gown

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.

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Best Off-the-Shoulder Neckline: Naeem Khan Moriane Dress

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.

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For the Feminine Bride: Sottero & Midgley Thatcher Wedding Dress

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.

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Most Romantic: Ines Di Santo Embrace Wedding Dress

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.

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Best A-Line: Morilee Madeline Gardner Ama Wedding Dress

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.

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Most Versatile: Allison Webb Clara Dress

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!

Shopping FAQs

Considering a princess wedding dress? Here are a few things to know.

Can I wear a princess wedding dress no matter my venue? Yes! While your venue can help you determine your bridal style, you can wear a ball gown down the aisle no matter where you say "I do."
Does my princess dress have to have beading? While common, a princess wedding dress does not require embellishments. If you are a simple bride, stick with an A-line silhouette with minimal frills.
Who are some of the most famous princess brides? Today, many brides draw inspiration from the bridal looks of Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle. They all had very different takes on the princess style and looked equally stunning!

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