Newly engaged brides quickly learn that weddings aren’t always a one-day, one-dress affair. Getting engaged is just the first of many excuses to start curating a closet full of white dresses So when the wedding planning begins, so does the search for all-white outfits tailored to each occasion—from the shower to the after-party.
No bride is required to have several outfit changes over the course of an engagement, let alone in one night, but multiple looks can be a fun way to marry fashion and convention and offer brides-to-be a chance to play into the many different styles on the market.
If your ceremony dress is traditional but you love a ton of bling, opt for a little white dress adorned with sequins and crystal embellishments for the reception and after-party. For practical brides who prefer a laid-back look that they can wear again, spend the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner in a summery linen dress.
As a summer 2024 bride, I’m wrapping up planning my wedding wardrobe and have scrolled through every little white dress for every potential event on a bride’s calendar (including my own). Ahead, shop 51 dresses that run the gamut, from classic wedding styles to cult-favorite bridal designers to new styles that hone in on the latest bridal trends.
For the Bridal Shower
Bridal showers are the first of many wedding-adjacent events where the bride might want to opt for white. These parties tend to feel more casual, and it's appropriate to mix in relaxed fabrics like cotton or linen—but no one will stop you from going all-out in a sweet satin mini.
The sheer delicate lace on the sleeves of each cuff makes this lacy mini dress a study in romance.
Hill House Home's Ellie Nap Dress has been reimagined in tiers of white lace, perfect for wearing to just about any daytime wedding event.
Sachin and Babi make the sweetest little white dresses, like this bow-adorned style.
This Reformation dress's combination of silk and chiffon is where romance meets sophistication. A pair of white ballet flats would complete the effortless look.
Linen dresses are ideal for hot summer weddings (and outdoor bridal showers). This SIR. design's one-shoulder silhouette and longer length make it ideal for wearing, thanks to its breathability.
This easy, breezy midi-dress from Cleobella can be worn with heels, flats, or sandals to the bridal shower. So versatile!
This sweet tweed mini from Sau Lee feels a little 1950s-inspired but has a modern twist courtesy of the shorter length. The capped sleeves are also so classic.
Dreamy and lightweight with a plunging neckline, this Anna October gown defines beachy glam.
This dress from Banana Republic has a simple silhouette that you can buy now and wear again. The breathable cotton poplin fabric is so lightweight.
Subdued brides, this is for you. The timeless silhouette on this Tory Burch midi dress makes it well worth the investment.
For the Rehearsal Dinner
If you're not having a welcome party, the rehearsal dinner is the first time your guests get a taste of your wedding aesthetic. I'm considering longer semi-formal options for my rehearsal dinner, but you can also play with sheer fabrics and relaxed, shorter silhouettes.
This silky maxi dress from cool-girl brand Bevza is great for brides who want to add an if-you-know-you-know twist to their wardrobe.
Norma Kamali always manages to make gowns that you want to live in. This one defines quiet luxury, thanks to its softly draped cowl neck and maxi length.
Wear this slip dress from Vince to play with sheer textures. A tad '90s-inspired and a little modern, it's a breezy pick perfect for a summer evening.
The back of this high-neck satin dress from The Bar is even better in person. It's designed with beaded strands that drape across the low hanging backline.
I wore a Jenny Yoo dress to my engagement brunch and can attest to the quality. Perfectly lined and elegantly cut, Yoo's frocks are a dream. This dress meets a semi-formal rehearsal-dinner dress code with its off-the-shoulder neckline and fluttery mid-length skirt.
V. Chapman dresses have been popping up all over my TikTok feed. This corseted one feels very Bridgerton-coded.
For all the boho brides, meet this airy laser-cut detailed dress from Sea.
I have been dreaming about this Bernadette Antwerp dress for weeks. The maxi length and the sweet rose decal are like a softer version of this season's bow trend.
For a casual party look for the night before the nuptials, this blazer dress from Sans Faff is the way to go.
For the Wedding Reception
The formal part of the wedding is over—now it's time to change into something fun and lightweight for dancing the night away. Go all out with fringe, sparkles, and decals.
British designer Molly Goddard dipped her toe into bridal with a collection that matches the rest of her line's feminine, bright energy. This drop-waisted gown is made from taffeta, giving it a confectionary twist.
This under-$200 dress from Dress the Population makes for a timeless addition to your wardrobe. It's great for brides with a minimalist sensibility.
This sequined midi dress is the personification of a mermaid core and will add a nice shimmer to photos. Its silhouette leans a little bit '90s, and the paillettes a little bit early aughts;
Staud speaks to the minimalist in all of us. This tube-style strapless dress from the brand is covered in micro sequins that catch the light and give it a sultry liquified look.
This dress is technically silver, but that's perfectly fine for dancing the night away.
Brides can wear whatever they want, including huge silver sequins. This dress from J.Crew is a classic slip shape, but the paillettes make it a special party dress.
Eloquii nails it with this sheer-bodiced midi dress from its new bridal range. Re-wearable, it's a perfect option for a summertime event.
I can't stop thinking about the sleek silhouette of this LPA mini dress. It feels like something Hailey Bieber would wear.
Elsa Hosk's Helsa label is full of model-off-duty essentials, including the wedding weekend. This long-sleeved slip dress has a swooping low-back design and an easy, relaxed silhouette—made for the bride who prefers low-key cocktails to a rowdy reception.
A mod silhouette gets a modern upgrade courtesy of Amanda Uprichard's feather hem.
For the Courthouse Wedding
Lean into the formality of the courthouse setting by choosing classic silhouettes. You can incorporate florals and pastels to shake up the look.
I can't stop thinking about this Self-Portrait midi dress I've seen all over the internet. The slight peplum silhouette is classically feminine, and the chiffon skirt will move with you.
Celebrities like Hailey Bieber love Wardrobe.Nyc's selection of minimally designed pieces. This one has an elegant off-the-shoulder neckline that feels especially timeless.
Courthouse weddings are often a little more casual, so it's completely fine to incorporate other colors (like black) in your ensemble, as evidenced by this dreamy Doen midi dress.
Tweed instantly conveys "quiet luxury". This under-$100 dress from Endless Rose plays into the look without the luxury price tag.
Preppy brides should consider this mini from Meshki. It's simple, timeless, and can be worn again with ease.
If you want some romantic texture at the courthouse, consider this tulle mini dress from By Watters. Short and sweet—just like the wedding itself.
The boning through the bodice on this dress from House of CB will keep you supported if you need it.
I love how classic this silky dress from Rails is. The draped high neckline is so elegant for the occasion.
Play with the idea of formalwear with this blazer mini from A.L.C. The ruffled hem gives it a feminine twist.
After-Party Dresses
If you don't want the party to stop, there's nothing better than an after-party to really show off your bridal style. This is the time of night when your friends are (most likely) the only ones left on the dance floor, or maybe you've changed locations entirely. Either way, it's an appropriate moment for a dialed-up outfit change.
Thanks to its A-line silhouette, this sweet Area dress is so easy to dance around in. Pair it with sparkly white sneakers or ballet flats to comfortably wear it all night.
You may recognize the name Sleeper from the world of matching pajamas, but this feather-trimmed slip dress was made for wedding after-party material.
I audibly gasped when I saw this dress from Significant Other. It's the shorter version of this longer dress from the brand, making it ideal for brides who prefer to show a little skin.
Cool brides, this dress is for you. Made from lightweight crepe, its breathable fabric is a great choice for dancing.
Australian brand Aje makes dresses for brides who love slightly dramatic details. Case in point: this ruffled V-neck number.
After spending the day in your formal gown, it makes sense to change into something more breathable. This halter dress from Superdown (which is amazingly priced at under $100) is a perfect match for beach weddings.
Bachelorette Weekend
The Bachelorette weekend is the time to play with textures, sparkles, and colors. Whether you're going away for a day or two or just having a celebratory night out with your girlfriends, it's the ideal time to have fun with your looks.
I'm picturing this layered over a white bikini next to the pool. The 3D pearl detailing makes it a little dressier if you also wanted to wear it over a slip dress at dinner.
Retrofete makes dresses for everyone's inner party girl, and this one is fashioned with a flower at the neck for your next tropical bachelorette party.
Yes, this mini dress is actually a skort. You won't have to worry about wardrobe mishaps as you celebrate with your friends.
There's no better time to wear a sheer gown than while with your closest friends, right?
Rat & Boa has achieved cult fame for its range of breezy, sexy silky dresses. I'm imagining how good this will look while it sparkles in the sunlight.
For a subtler take on the whole glitter-and-glam thing, try this demure beaded option from Self-Portrait.
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