The 21 Best Wedding Dress Designers In The World

The decision of what to wear on your big day might not be the most important decision you’ll ever make, but it is definitely one of the most fun. Let us ease the pressure of your planning and introduce you to some of the best wedding dress designers to consider when starting to look around. From classic couture to bohemian bridal, luxe silk to head-to-toe lace, see our edit of the best wedding dress designers out there.

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The Best Wedding Dress Designers

1. GAÂLA

This family-owned slow fashion label combines elegant French design with European craftsmanship, resulting in beautiful wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses crafted from luxurious upcycled textiles and sustainable fabrics. GAÂLA was founded by husband-and-wife duo Kelly de Gaalon and Alexander Zhalezka, who work with a team of talented artisans to make each design a reality.

Perfect for: Brides looking for the perfect balance of fun and sophistication, as well as a more eco-conscious choice for their wedding wardrobe.

EXPLORE: gaala.com

2. Valentine Avoh

No stranger to fashion’s Haute Couture circles, Valentine Avoh worked alongside big-name brands like Alexander McQueen, Alexis Mabille and San Andrès Milano before setting up her own brand in 2014. The wedding dress designer, who works from her studio in Brussels, creates playful wedding dresses inspired by old Hollywood movies and musical trailblazers from bygone eras.

Perfect for: Old-school glamour and Gatsby vibes. The designer notes how ‘the songs of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald exude their charm in her creations.’

EXPLORE: valentineavoh.com

3. Christos Costarellos

With over 25 years of experience designing and crafting beautiful gowns, Christos Costarellos specialises in fine tailoring and intricate details. The designer is know for experimenting with the cut of his dresses, and creating unique pieces that blend modernity and free spiritedness.

Perfect for: Outdoor settings and summer weddings (although don’t let that stop you from exploring the brand’s AW collections). This is an ideal stop for brides with a relaxed aesthetic – think puff sleeves, slit skirts and lots of bohemian-style lace panels.

EXPLORE: costarellos.com

4. Monique Lhuillier

LA-based bridal boutique Monique Lhuillier is a romantic’s dream wedding dress destination. Monique’s designs are both elegant and playful, with classic silhouettes embellished with delicate embroidery, flowers, sequins and layers upon layers of ruffles.

Perfect for: Glamorous brides that want to make a sophisticated statement without compromising on character.

EXPLORE: moniquelhuillier.com

5. Claire Pettibone

Artsy gowns with ultra-feminine silhouettes are the key pillars that uphold the vision of American wedding dress designer Claire Pettibone, who is known for her bohemian and vintage-inspired wedding gowns. The label has a big fanbase of celebs, including the likes of actors Nikki Reed, Elizabeth Moss and Cameron Diaz.

Perfect for: Fairytale-themed weddings with lots of fine, whimsical details. Claire Pettibone also has a great range of gowns that incorporate more vibrant colours, if you’d like an alternative to the traditional wedding dress.

EXPLORE: clairepettibone.com

6. Odylyne The Ceremony

Wedding dresses by Stephanie White, the founder of LA-based bridal brand Odylyne The Ceremony, are a true bohemian’s dream. Created as an alternative to modern bridalwear, with a focus on the ethereality and emotional connection, dresses are decked out in puff sleeves, ruffles, lace and sweeping, asymmetric skirts.

Perfect for: Brides after a free-spirited vibe, with plenty of dreamy accents and details.

EXPLORE: odylynetheceremony.com

7. Pnina Tornei

Israeli wedding dress designer Pnina Tornei has been rising in popularity over the years, especially in the US where she regularly features on TV series Say Yes To The Dress. Now one of the most sought-after wedding dress designers in the world, her designs are known for their grandeur, featuring genuine Swarovski crystals and layers of lace.

Perfect for: Urban glamour with plenty of sparkle. This is one for the modern romantic who wants to shine on their big day.

EXPLORE: pninatornai.com

8. Halfpenny London

Launched by former costume designer and celebrity stylist Kate Halfpenny in 2005, Halfpenny London is renowned for bringing a touch of vintage whimsy to bridal design. Designs encompass dresses, veils and separates (tops, skirts, trousers and sleeves), and prospective brides can pop in to try on their dream combination at Halfpenny London’s boutique and atelier in Bloomsbury.

Perfect for: Brides that want a flexible wardrobe of mix-and-match pieces, with an emphasis on romance and glamour.

EXPLORE: halfpennylondon.com

9. Oscar de la Renta

Runway favourite Oscar de la Renta is a stalwart of the wedding industry, having founded his eponymous brand in 1965. While the man behind it all is no longer designing the dresses we see today, the brand continues to embody his creative vision with stunning gowns that wow brides-to-be every season.

Perfect for: Brides that want ALL the drama when it comes to the dress. Expect nothing less of a bold statement.

EXPLORE: oscardelarenta.com

10. Emilia Wickstead

A favourite among members of the royal family, Emilia Wickstead’s creations have graced the wardrobes of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle on many occasions. The brand is described as ‘the epitome of modern femininity’, and has been making waves on the runway since SS12.

Perfect for: A town wedding, whatever the weather. Emilia Wickstead’s dresses are synonymous with modern elegance (with a touch of fun, if you fancy). Think refined silhouettes, minimal design and clean lines. Ideal for the contemporary bride.

EXPLORE: emiliawickstead.com

11. Jenny Packham

The Coco Chanel of wedding dress design, many brides-to-be have picked out a Jenny Packham dress months (or even years) before they’re proposed to. Glamorous yet elegant, show-stopping yet understated, Packham is the master of flattering bridal design.

Perfect for: With brides including Halle Berry and Kim Sears choosing Jenny Packham for their big days, whether you’re opting for a country or town celebration, Jenny will have a dress that makes you look beautiful.

EXPLORE: jennypackham.com

12. Hermione de Paula

British wedding dress designer Hermione de Paula worked at Dior, Galliano, McQueen and Giles before launching her eponymous bespoke bridal line. Think English country garden floral motifs, heavy on the romance.

Perfect for: An English country wedding in the summertime. Pops of colour fabric petals (from pastel pinks to fuchsia) woven in to add drama are a lovely touch in some of her bolder bespoke creations.

EXPLORE: hermionedepaula.com

13. Elie Saab

As well as opting for a couture creation (and hopping over to Paris for the atelier appointments and fittings), you can also now get your hands on Elie Saab’s mainline bridal collection in a range of boutiques. Expect lots of lace and breath-taking romance.

Perfect for: Classic country or town grandeur. The designer also has a range of accessories for brides that want to be top-to-toe Elie Saab for their big day.

EXPLORE: eliesaab.com

14. Alice Temperley

Every bit as romantic and feminine as you’d expect from the beloved British designer, Temperley’s wedding dresses are executed from the finest tulles, silks and lace with signature embroidery in pretty flowers and motifs.

Perfect for: A country manor or bohemian outdoor wedding.

EXPLORE: temperleylondon.com

15. Vera Wang

American bridal designer Vera Wang has been at the top of many prospective brides’ dream dress designer list for years. Known for creating stunning traditional gowns with a contemporary edge, Wang’s designs are often instantly recognisable.

Perfect for: Decadent city celebrations, with all the bells and whistles. The Vera bride is elegant and refined – but knows how to have a good party.

EXPLORE: verawang.com

16. Vivienne Westwood

Made to measure by London ateliers, Vivienne Westwood’s bridal designs reflect her classic British heritage with a signature edge. Think elegant silk with a thigh split or corseted bodice teamed with a thousand tulle layers on the skirt for a play on volume.

Perfect for: Those that want just a hint of rock ‘n’ roll on their wedding day. This bride doesn’t follow rules – she breaks them.

EXPLORE: viviennewestwood.com

Look Inside Vivienne Westwood’s Bridal 2024 Collection

17. Phillipa Lepley

Meticulously crafted by hand, these couture dresses are simple, timeless and elegant. Renowned for giving brides a slimmer waistline, it’s no wonder Phillipa is high on every bride’s wish list. The in-store appointments are a real treat too, taking place in the dreamy atelier in South Kensington. An expert team is on hand to offer advice on the best silhouettes, fabrics and corsetry for you, ensuring the experience feels personal and thoughtful rather than overwhelming and rushed.

Perfect for: Country weddings on old English estates or lofty British castles.

EXPLORE: phillipalepley.com

18. Charlie Brear

The North London bridal designer’s eponymous label was born out of a vintage dress business (the Vintage Wedding Dress Company) so her creations reflect her love of interesting, playful takes on traditional bridal looks. Her permanent collection of Additions, a range of styling pieces such as skirts, sashes and sleeves designed to help brides create a bespoke look are fantastic.

Perfect for: Bohemian brides looking for a really unique look.

EXPLORE: charliebrear.com

19. Sassi Holford

Handmade in England, wedding dress designer Sassi Holford has the perfect dress for every bride. The long sleeves, high neck and large train are just three things which make this the most elegant wedding dress around.

Perfect for: There’s something for everyone in Sassi’s collections. Her ready-to-wear collections are also worth a glance for those that fancy slipping into something more comfortable to dance the night away.

EXPLORE: sassiholford.com

20. Caroline Castigliano

Effortless glamour shines out of Caroline Castigliano’s designs as she’s been at the forefront of luxury bridal and evening-wear for 28 years. Castigliano’s main bridal collection is available at selected stockists worldwide. The ‘Knightsbridge Collection’, as well as couture and bespoke bridal gowns, are offered exclusively at the Knightsbridge store – all gowns are handcrafted in the United Kingdom. The place to go to make an impact from the moment you walk into the room…

Perfect for: Ultra-feminine gowns, clean classic lines with contemporary touches.

EXPLORE: carolinecastigliano.com

21. Carolina Herrera

One of the best wedding dress designers out there, Carolina Herrera’s creations always reflect her vision of the bride today, and off the shoulder is so in right now, even for brides.

Perfect for: The Traditional Bride (with a twist).

EXPLORE: carolinaherrera.com

The Questions To Ask

And in case you were wondering…

How Far In Advance Should You Start Shopping For A Wedding Dress?

When it comes to shopping for a wedding dress, it is advisable to start the process well in advance (not least because this will allow you the maximum time to enjoy this part of the process!). Typically, brides begin shopping for a wedding dress around nine to 12 months before the wedding date, which allows for ample time to find the perfect dress, accommodate alterations needed, and ensure a stress-free experience leading up to the big day.

Can Your Designer Wedding Dress Be Customised?

Yes, most wedding dress designers offer some level of customisation to tailor the gown to the bride’s preferences. Customisation can include adjustments to the design, fabric, embellishments, and sizing to create a unique and personalised gown. If you have something specific in mind, speak to your chosen designer about the extent of customisation available and any additional costs associated.

Featured image: Phillipa Lepley 2024

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