Wedding Dresses - Find Your Dream Bridal Gown
What Makes the Perfect Wedding Dress for Your Special Day?
Finding your dream wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. Whether you envision yourself in a classic ball gown, elegant A-line, figure-hugging mermaid silhouette, or romantic boho style, the perfect wedding dress should make you feel confident, beautiful, and authentically you. At David's Bridal, our collection of over 400 wedding dresses ensures every bride finds her ideal gown, regardless of style preference, body type, or budget. Try our new AI-powered Pearl wedding planning app that helps walk you and your party through all the important planning steps, for free.
What Wedding Dress Styles Are Available?
Wedding dresses come in numerous silhouettes and styles, each offering unique benefits for different body types, venues, and personal preferences. Understanding the key characteristics of each style helps you find the perfect gown for your wedding day. Check out our comprehensive silhouette guide to learn more about each style:
Ball Gown Wedding Dresses
Ball gown wedding dresses create the ultimate fairytale bridal look with their fitted bodices and full, dramatic skirts:
- Classic princess silhouette that creates a waist-defining shape with maximum skirt volume for traditional elegance. These timeless designs feature structured bodices that provide support and create an hourglass figure, while the full skirt adds grandeur perfect for formal ceremonies and creates stunning photos as you walk down the aisle.
- Perfect for formal venues including churches, ballrooms, and estates where dramatic styling complements grand settings. The full skirt photographs beautifully in large spaces and creates the regal presence expected at formal celebrations, making ball gowns ideal for black-tie weddings and traditional ceremonies.
- Flattering for pear-shaped figures by emphasizing the waist and balancing proportions with voluminous skirts. The fitted bodice highlights the narrowest part of the torso while the full skirt creates visual balance, making this silhouette particularly stunning for brides who want to create curves in the bust area.
- Various neckline options from sweetheart and strapless to off-shoulder and high neck designs that complement different personal styles. Whether you prefer classic elegance or modern sophistication, ball gown bodices can be customized with different necklines to suit your comfort level and aesthetic preferences.
Explore our complete ball gown wedding dresses collection for dramatic elegance.
A-Line Wedding Dresses
A-line wedding dresses are universally flattering and perfect for every body type:
- Universally flattering silhouette that suits all body types by fitting snugly through the bodice and gradually flaring from the waist. This classic shape creates an elegant line that enhances natural curves while providing comfortable movement, making A-line dresses the most popular choice among brides worldwide.
- Versatile for any venue from casual beach ceremonies to formal church weddings, as the balanced proportions work beautifully in any setting. A-line dresses photograph gorgeously both indoors and outdoors, making them perfect for brides who want one dress for ceremony and reception.
- Comfortable for all-day wear with construction that allows easy movement for walking, dancing, and celebrating without restriction. The fitted bodice provides support while the flowing skirt enables natural movement, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident throughout your wedding day.
- Available in all lengths from short tea-length styles for casual ceremonies to dramatic floor-length gowns with trains for formal celebrations. This versatility allows you to choose the perfect formality level while maintaining the classic A-line silhouette you love.
Shop our extensive A-line wedding dresses collection.
Mermaid Wedding Dresses
Mermaid wedding dresses create dramatic, curves-enhancing silhouettes:
- Form-fitting through hips before flaring dramatically at or below the knee to create a stunning hourglass silhouette that celebrates feminine curves. These show-stopping dresses hug your body beautifully through the torso and hips, then open into a dramatic flare that creates movement and visual impact as you walk.
- Perfect for hourglass figures and brides who want to showcase their curves with confidence and sophisticated styling. Mermaid dresses are designed to enhance natural proportions while providing the support needed for a comfortable, secure fit that allows you to move gracefully throughout your celebration.
- Ideal for evening ceremonies where the dramatic silhouette creates stunning photos under romantic lighting. The form-fitting construction and flowing train photograph beautifully in formal settings and create memorable moments as you dance with your partner.
- Various flare points from knee-length flares for subtle curves to dramatic hip-level flares for maximum impact. This customization allows you to choose the level of curve emphasis that makes you feel most beautiful and confident on your wedding day.
Discover our mermaid wedding dresses for curve-enhancing elegance.
Boho Wedding Dresses
Boho wedding dresses combine free-spirited romance with effortless elegance:
- Flowing, romantic fabrics like chiffon, georgette, and soft laces that move beautifully with your natural grace and create ethereal, dreamy silhouettes. These lightweight materials are perfect for outdoor ceremonies and photograph gorgeously in natural light settings, capturing the organic beauty of bohemian style.
- Relaxed, comfortable fits that prioritize natural beauty and ease of movement while maintaining bridal elegance. Boho dresses embrace your natural silhouette without restriction, making them perfect for brides who want to feel authentically themselves on their wedding day.
- Artistic details and embellishments including delicate lace appliques, vintage-inspired beading, and romantic sleeve treatments that add personality without overwhelming your natural beauty. These handcrafted touches create visual interest and reflect the artisanal aesthetic that defines bohemian style.
- Perfect for outdoor celebrations including beach weddings, garden parties, and rustic venue ceremonies where the natural, romantic aesthetic complements beautiful outdoor settings. The flowing fabrics and relaxed styling work harmoniously with natural backdrops to create cohesive, stunning wedding photography.
Browse our boho wedding dresses for romantic, free-spirited style.
Plus Size Wedding Dresses
Plus size wedding dresses in sizes 14W to 30W with expert construction and flattering designs:
- Expertly constructed for curves with strategic seaming, supportive bodices, and thoughtful proportions designed specifically for plus-size figures. These dresses provide the support and structure needed for all-day comfort while creating beautiful silhouettes that enhance your natural curves and make you feel confident and radiant.
- All popular styles available from ball gowns and A-line to mermaid and boho designs, ensuring plus-size brides have the same style options as all other brides. Our inclusive approach means you never have to compromise on your dream dress style because of your size.
- Flattering design elements including empire waistlines, wrap-style bodices, and flowing fabrics that create elegant silhouettes while providing comfortable wear. These thoughtful design choices enhance your best features while ensuring you feel beautiful and confident throughout your wedding celebration.
- Quality construction and materials with reinforced seaming, structured corsetry, and premium fabrics that provide durability and support for your special day. Every plus-size dress is constructed with the same attention to detail and quality materials as our entire collection.
Shop our complete plus size wedding dresses collection.
How Do You Choose the Right Wedding Dress Length?
Short Wedding Dresses
Perfect for casual ceremonies, beach weddings, and reception dancing:
- Tea-length wedding dresses that fall elegantly at mid-calf, offering vintage charm while showcasing beautiful bridal shoes. This classic length works wonderfully for garden parties, courthouse weddings, and casual outdoor ceremonies where you want bridal elegance with easy movement and vintage-inspired sophistication.
- Knee-length styles for intimate ceremonies and casual celebrations where comfort and ease of movement are priorities. These shorter lengths are perfect for brides who plan to dance the night away, have beach ceremonies, or prefer a more relaxed approach to their wedding day styling.
- Perfect for casual ceremonies, beach weddings, and reception dancing where comfort and ease of movement are priorities. These shorter lengths are perfect for brides who plan to dance the night away, have casual ceremonies, or prefer a more relaxed approach to their wedding day styling.
- High-low hemlines that combine the drama of a longer train with the practicality of a shorter front hem. This contemporary style allows you to showcase your shoes while still maintaining flowing, romantic movement and provides the perfect balance of formal elegance and practical comfort.
Long Wedding Dresses
Ideal for formal ceremonies and traditional wedding venues:
- Floor-length wedding dresses that create elegant, sweeping silhouettes perfect for traditional ceremonies and formal wedding photography. These classic lengths provide the drama and elegance many brides envision for their wedding day while creating stunning photos as you walk down the aisle.
- Wedding dresses with trains that add dramatic flair to your bridal look while creating unforgettable moments as you move through your ceremony. Choose from subtle sweep trains to dramatic cathedral lengths depending on your venue and the level of formality you desire for your celebration.
- Court and chapel train options that provide elegant extension without overwhelming smaller venues or intimate settings. These shorter train styles add sophistication and photogenic appeal while remaining practical for most wedding venues and celebration activities.
What Wedding Dress Fabrics Should You Consider?
The fabric of your wedding dress affects both its appearance and comfort throughout your wedding day. Understanding different fabric characteristics helps you choose the perfect material for your style, venue, and season:
Luxurious Formal Fabrics
- Satin for classic elegance with its smooth, lustrous finish that creates sophisticated styling and photographs beautifully. This traditional bridal fabric offers structure and support while maintaining an elegant drape that works perfectly for formal venues and traditional ceremonies.
- Mikado for structured sophistication combining silk and nylon for a fabric that holds its shape beautifully while providing subtle texture. This modern bridal fabric creates clean lines and structured silhouettes perfect for contemporary brides who want refined elegance without excessive shine.
- Taffeta for dramatic volume that creates full skirts and structured silhouettes with crisp, formal texture. This traditional fabric is perfect for ball gowns and formal styles where you want maximum impact and traditional bridal elegance.
Romantic Soft Fabrics
- Chiffon for flowing movement that creates ethereal, romantic silhouettes with lightweight, airy texture. This delicate fabric is perfect for beach weddings, outdoor ceremonies, and brides who want soft, feminine styling that moves beautifully and photographs gorgeously in natural settings.
- Georgette for delicate draping that combines the flow of chiffon with slightly more structure for versatile styling. This romantic fabric works beautifully for bohemian styles, A-line dresses, and brides who want soft elegance with enough structure for all-day comfort.
- Tulle for dreamy layers that adds volume and romantic texture without weight, perfect for creating fairy-tale silhouettes. This classic bridal fabric works beautifully for ball gown skirts, romantic overlays, and adding ethereal details to any wedding dress style.
Textured Detail Fabrics
- Lace for vintage romance with intricate patterns and delicate femininity that adds artisanal beauty to wedding dresses. From subtle accent details to full lace overlays, this timeless fabric brings texture, visual interest, and romantic appeal to both traditional and contemporary bridal styles.
- Crepe for modern sophistication that holds its shape beautifully while providing comfortable stretch and clean, contemporary lines. This versatile fabric works perfectly for sheath dresses, modern silhouettes, and brides who want refined styling that feels current and comfortable.
- Organza for subtle texture that adds body and structure while maintaining translucent beauty and formal elegance. This crisp fabric is perfect for creating volume in ball gown skirts, adding texture to overlays, and providing structure while maintaining bridal sophistication.
What Occasions Call for Different Wedding Dress Styles?
Choosing the right wedding dress style depends on your venue, season, time of day, and personal preferences. Understanding how different styles work for various occasions helps you select the perfect gown:
Formal Church and Ballroom Weddings
- Ball gowns and formal A-line dresses that provide the grandeur and elegance expected in traditional, formal venues. These classic silhouettes complement the architecture and formality of churches, hotels, and ballrooms while creating the dramatic presence perfect for formal ceremonies and reception photography.
- Floor-length gowns with trains that add ceremonial significance and create stunning photos in large, formal spaces. The extended length and formal construction demonstrate the importance of the occasion while providing the elegance expected at traditional wedding celebrations.
- Structured fabrics and traditional styling that honor the formality of the venue while ensuring you look appropriately dressed for the significance of the ceremony. Classic satin, mikado, and taffeta fabrics create the refined appearance expected at formal religious and traditional venue weddings.
Beach and Destination Weddings
- Flowing chiffon and georgette dresses that move beautifully in ocean breezes while remaining comfortable in warm, humid climates. These lightweight fabrics are practical for outdoor settings while maintaining the elegance needed for wedding ceremonies, and they photograph gorgeously against natural beach backdrops.
- Shorter hemlines and high-low styles that prevent your dress from dragging in sand while maintaining elegant coverage for your ceremony. These practical yet beautiful designs allow comfortable movement on beach terrain while preserving the formal significance of your wedding attire.
- Minimal embellishments and simple construction that focus on beautiful fabric and flattering silhouettes rather than elaborate details that might be damaged by salt air or beach elements. Clean lines and quality fabrics create sophisticated elegance that complements natural beach beauty.
Garden and Outdoor Venue Weddings
- Romantic A-line and boho styles that complement natural outdoor settings with their organic, flowing silhouettes and comfortable construction. These styles work harmoniously with garden backdrops and outdoor photography while providing the freedom of movement needed for outdoor celebration activities.
- Natural fabrics and soft textures that photograph beautifully in natural light and complement outdoor environments. Lace details, flowing chiffon, and organic embellishments create cohesive styling that works with rather than against natural outdoor beauty.
- Practical considerations like weather-appropriate fabrics and construction that can handle outdoor elements while maintaining beauty throughout your celebration. Choosing the right fabric weight and construction ensures your dress looks perfect regardless of outdoor conditions.
How Should You Accessorize Your Wedding Dress?
The right accessories complete your bridal look and allow you to personalize your wedding dress style. Understanding how different accessories complement various dress styles helps you create a cohesive, beautiful ensemble:
Bridal Jewelry
- Classic pearl or diamond pieces that provide timeless elegance without competing with your dress design (shop bridal jewelry)
- Statement earrings for strapless dresses or delicate studs for high necklines that balance your overall look appropriately
- Bracelets and rings that complement your engagement ring and add personal touches that reflect your style
- Necklace choices based on neckline from bold statement pieces for simple dress to delicate chains for elaborate bodice designs
Bridal Footwear
- Heel height appropriate for your venue considering outdoor terrain, long ceremony standing, and all-day comfort (shop bridal shoes)
- Style coordination with dress formality from elegant pumps for formal gowns to strappy sandals for casual styles
- Color choices including classic white, nude for invisible elegance, or bold colors for personality and fun
- Comfort considerations for all-day wear including cushioning, proper fit, and break-in time before your wedding
Veils and Hair Accessories
- Veil length coordination with dress train ensuring proportional balance and elegant styling (shop bridal veils)
- Hair accessory alternatives including tiaras, headbands, and hair vines for brides who prefer alternatives to traditional veils
- Style matching with dress aesthetic from classic cathedral veils for formal gowns to bohemian hair vines for relaxed styles
Cover-ups and Wraps
- Weather-appropriate coverage including faux fur stoles for winter weddings and light shawls for air-conditioned venues
- Modesty considerations for religious ceremonies or conservative venues with appropriate sleeve additions or coverage
- Style-coordinated options that enhance rather than hide your dress design
Complete your bridal look with our comprehensive bridal accessories collection.
How Do You Find Your Perfect Wedding Dress Size?
Finding the right size for your wedding dress is crucial for both comfort and appearance. Wedding dress sizing differs from regular clothing, so proper measurement is essential:
- Measure your bust at the fullest point while wearing your preferred wedding undergarments, keeping the measuring tape level and snug but not tight
- Measure your waist at the narrowest point, typically just above your natural waistline, ensuring the tape measure is parallel to the floor
- Measure your hips at the widest point, usually about 7-9 inches below your natural waist, maintaining level tape measure placement
- Check dress length from your collarbone to your desired hemline while wearing your planned wedding shoes for accurate length measurement
- Consider your undergarments when measuring, as different bra styles and shapewear can significantly affect fit and size requirements
Our size chart ranges from size 0 to 30W, with specialty junior and misses sizing available. Since wedding dresses are typically ordered to fit your largest measurement and then tailored, it's important to order based on your measurements rather than your usual clothing size. Visit our wedding dress styles guide for detailed information, then compare your measurements to each dress's specific size chart.
Why Choose David's Bridal for Your Wedding Dress?
- Extensive wedding dress collection with over 400 styles in various silhouettes, sizes, and price ranges, ensuring every bride finds her perfect gown regardless of style preference, body type, or budget constraints. Our diverse inventory spans from classic traditional styles to contemporary fashion-forward designs.
- Comprehensive size range from 0 to 30W that ensures every bride can find her perfect fit in her dream style. Our inclusive sizing includes specialty fits and proportions designed to flatter different body types, making bridal elegance accessible to all women regardless of their size or shape.
- Multiple fabric and style choices from luxurious satins and romantic chiffons to structured mikados and delicate laces. This variety allows you to choose not only the perfect silhouette but also the ideal fabric for your venue, season, comfort preferences, and aesthetic vision for your wedding day.
- Free shipping on orders $99+ (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), making it convenient and affordable to get your perfect wedding dress delivered directly to your door with adequate time for alterations and preparations. This service saves time and money while ensuring safe, timely delivery.
- Expert alterations available nationwide at our salon locations with experienced seamstresses who specialize in bridal wear and understand the construction and fitting requirements of wedding dresses. Professional alterations ensure your dress fits perfectly and flatters your unique figure for your special day.
- Convenient online filtering and search options to help you find your perfect dress quickly by narrowing choices based on silhouette, size, neckline, length, fabric, price range, and specific style elements. These user-friendly tools help you efficiently browse our extensive collection without spending hours searching through incompatible options.
Wedding Dress Shopping Timeline and Tips
Planning your wedding dress shopping timeline ensures you have adequate time for selection, ordering, delivery, and alterations:
- 12+ months before: Begin browsing styles and gathering inspiration to understand your preferences and budget
- 8-10 months before: Start serious shopping, try on dresses, and narrow down your top choices
- 6-8 months before: Place your order to ensure adequate production and delivery time
- 2-3 months before: Schedule your first alteration appointment for initial fitting
- 2-4 weeks before: Complete final alterations and pickup your finished dress
Need Your Dress Sooner?
David's Bridal offers the largest selection of ready-to-ship wedding dresses for brides who need their gowns in a shorter timeframe. Our extensive ready-to-ship collection includes hundreds of styles in various sizes that can be delivered quickly, perfect for:
- Last-minute weddings or elopements with shorter planning timelines
- Destination weddings where you need your dress delivered to a specific location
- Rush situations when your original dress doesn't work out
- Budget-conscious brides who want beautiful gowns without special-order wait times
Many of our ready-to-ship dresses can be delivered within days rather than months, giving you more flexibility with your wedding timeline while still ensuring you have the perfect dress for your special day.
Remember to bring your planned wedding shoes and undergarments to fittings, and don't forget to schedule time for pressing or steaming before your wedding day. For more detailed guidance, visit our wedding dress styles guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I order my wedding dress?
Order your wedding dress at least 6-8 months before your wedding date to allow time for delivery and alterations. This timeline ensures you have the best selection and adequate time for proper fittings and any needed customizations. Rush orders are possible but may limit style options.
What wedding dress style is most flattering?
A-line wedding dresses are universally flattering because they suit all body types. The fitted bodice highlights the waist while the gradually flared skirt creates an elegant silhouette that's comfortable and timeless. However, the most flattering dress is the one that makes you feel confident and beautiful in your own skin.
Do you offer plus size wedding dresses?
Yes! We offer plus size wedding dresses in sizes 14W to 30W with designs specifically constructed to flatter curves. Our plus size collection includes all popular styles from ball gowns to A-line and mermaid silhouettes, ensuring plus-size brides have the same style options as all other brides.
What's included with wedding dress alterations?
Wedding dress alterations typically include hemming, taking in or letting out seams, adjusting straps, and bust adjustments. Our expert seamstresses work with you to ensure your dress fits perfectly for your special day. Additional services may include bustle installation, length adjustments, and structural modifications.
Can I return or exchange my wedding dress?
Wedding dresses are typically final sale due to their special-order nature. However, we offer a satisfaction guarantee and work with you to ensure your dress meets your expectations. If you're not satisfied, our customer service team will work to find a solution that meets your needs.
How do wedding dress sizes compare to regular clothing sizes?
Wedding dress sizes typically run smaller than regular clothing sizes and vary by designer. Always use your actual measurements rather than your usual size when ordering. Our size charts provide specific measurements for bust, waist, and hips for each dress style, ensuring the best fit for your body.
What should I bring to my wedding dress appointment?
Bring the undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day, including your bra and any shapewear. Also bring:
- Shoes with your planned heel height
- Hair tie to see how updos look with different necklines
- Any sentimental jewelry you plan to wear
- Photos of styles you like for reference
- Your budget parameters
When should I schedule wedding dress alterations?
Schedule your first alteration appointment 2-3 months before your wedding date, with your final fitting 2-4 weeks before the wedding. This timeline allows for multiple fittings if needed and ensures your dress fits perfectly. Avoid losing or gaining weight after your final fitting for the best results.
What's the difference between wedding dress silhouettes?
Wedding dress silhouettes vary in their shape and fit:
- A-line: Fitted bodice, gradually flaring skirt - flatters all body types
- Ball gown: Fitted bodice, full dramatic skirt - creates princess silhouette
- Mermaid: Fitted through hips, flares at knee - showcases curves
- Sheath: Straight, column-like silhouette - modern and minimal
- Empire: High waistline under bust - elongates torso
What's your price range for wedding dresses?
Our wedding dress collection offers options for every budget, with styles ranging from under $200 to over $2,000. Most of our popular styles fall between $300-$800, providing excellent quality and beautiful styling at accessible prices. Use our price filters to find dresses within your specific budget range.