The 20 Best Edwardian Wedding Dress Ideas

Bride looking down in a long-sleeved lace wedding dress, pearl earrings, and a pearl necklace — Photo by Bonnie Sen Photography

Whether it’s a sequined ensemble that channels the Roaring Twenties or a sleek slip recreated from the ‘90s, vintage wedding dresses are having a moment in the bridal fashion space. Even though they’re inspired by past decades, these retro garments seem to always transcend time; and one decade, in particular, that’s been influencing current trends is the Edwardian era.

From 1901 to 1910, this period marked the reign of King Edward VII in the United Kingdom, which gave way to lavish, elegant, and whimsical regalia. When it came to wedding dresses, specifically, many were made of intricate lace, flowing fabrics, and draped designs, while tunic dresses with shorter sleeves started to emerge in the second half of the decade, stylist Grace Thomas of Builtgracefully explains.

With this in mind, if you’re a classic or romantic bride who’s on the hunt for an outfit with a whimsical and old-world flair, then Edwardian-style attire might suit your personal style and preferences. Thomas also suggests leaning into this vintage-inspired look if you’re tying the knot in a church ceremony or an outdoor venue with facets that naturally complement these graceful styles.

Meet the Expert

Grace Thomas is a Portland, Oregon-based wardrobe stylist and the founder of Builtgracefully. She’s been styling clients for 15 years.

In addition to the dress itself, accessories will help you reference this time period, such as embellished headpieces, cathedral-length veils, or beaded tiaras, in order to infuse your attire with opulence, romance, and whimsy. The stylist also advises settling on a simple pair of shoes, like white or cream pointed heels, to ensure your dress is the star of the show.

So to help you find the right look for your affair, we’ve scoured our Real Weddings for the best designs that resemble the decade. Keep scrolling for 20 of our favorite Edwardian wedding dresses straight from real brides.

01 of 20

A Corseted Ensemble With Ruffled Details

Bride in a corset wedding dress with puff sleeves and a ruffled peplum top overlooking the mountains — Photo by Megan Robinson

Corsets were a popular design element in the Edwardian era, so lean into this detail if looking to channel this romantic time period. To duplicate this throwback style, consider selecting a wedding dress with a figure-flattering bodice, like this fit-and-flare Galia Lahav getup that bride Nicole wore for her fête on a ranch in Utah. In addition to the corset top, the gown’s ruffled sleeves, peplum facet, and scalloped hem are all delicate details that nod to the past decade.

02 of 20

A Column Dress With a Bejeweled Pattern

Bride Outside Greenery-Covered Wedding Venue Wearing Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress and Sheer Gloves While Holding White Bouquet — Photo by Alen Karupovic

For more glamorous styles or venues, deck out your attire in all-over sparkles. A strapless column gown made of silk and beaded embellishments will transport you back in time, while also demanding everyone’s attention as you walk down the aisle. Bride Kevwe wore this piece to her royal-inspired soirée in Barcelona, and hers included over 40,000 beads, plus a 10-foot cape. Accessorize with a strand of pearls and a bejeweled headband to finish off this elegant yet striking look.

03 of 20

An Old-World Silk Wool Outfit

Bride in a high-neck silk satin slip dress featuring a cowl back, paired with lace gloves — Photo by Paula Jackson Photography

To emphasize the draped fabrics and fluid designs of the Edwardian era, opt for a column gown in silk wool, similar to the one bride Santana sported at her high-fashion wedding in Miami. The high neckline is tasteful, while the low cowl back gives it an alluring edge. Pair your look with lace sheer gloves to complete your vintage attire.

04 of 20

A Silk Slip With a Balloon-Sleeve Top

Bride in a silk slip dress with balloon sleeves leaning on a car and putting her hand on her groom — Photo by JFK Imagen Social

If your personal style is minimalist but you still want to make a statement on your wedding day, consider choosing a gown with puff sleeves, which are a hallmark of the Edwardian era. Specifically, this silk satin gown from Veronica Miranda, which bride Georgina wore at her elegant affair in Spain, is a great reference point. The column fit and square neckline are simple and classic, while the organza balloons sleeves give it an ethereal edge.

05 of 20

A Long-Sleeved Lace Look

Photo by Bonnie Sen Photography

Wedding dresses during the Edwardian era were often created with ornate lace, so a gown covered in this meticulous fabric is one of the best ways to tap the decade’s designs. This long-sleeved getup by Cortana, which bride Kate found for her vintage nuptials in Virginia, is full of romance and refinement. The sheer layer and a nude slip underneath give it a unique twist that emphasizes depth and dimension.

06 of 20

An Ethereal Design With Statement Sleeves

Bride in a silk slip dress with pleated balloon sleeves holding hands with her groom on a patio at a monastery — Photo by Adriana Rivera

If searching for another look with statement sleeves, consider a version of bride Robeyda's wedding gown, which featured long, pleated sleeves. Constructed with silk wool satin, this Danielle Frankel dress gave her elegant soirée in Guatemala a vintage and dainty touch. Since this fabric is a bit thicker, however, it's better suited for colder climates and seasons.

07 of 20

A Long-Sleeved Crepe Gown

Bride in a long-sleeved crepe wedding dress standing on a cliff overlooking the ocean and holding hands with the groom — Photo by Madeline Barr Photography

Since draping is the quintessential Edwardian style, this Reformation gown that bride Grace wore to her cliffside ceremony in Maine is an exemplary choice for your nuptials. With crepe fabric, long sleeves, and a deep V-neck, your outfit will exude sophistication in a laid-back way. What's more, the movement that this dress creates makes it a gorgeous option for a beachside bash.

08 of 20

A Sweet Second-Hand Piece

Bride walking down stairs in her wedding dress with organza sleeves and a ruffled skirt — Photo by Jamie Street of St Chelle

When Harry Potter star Bonnie Wright said “I do” on a farm in California, she walked down the aisle in a 100-year-old dress that’s reminiscent of the Edwardian time period. The flowing organza flutter sleeves and subtle ruffled detailing on the skirt nod to the romance of the decade. With floral embroidery scattered across the garment, we love this look for a garden service decked out in vibrant blooms.

09 of 20

A Silk Stretch Getup With a Mock Neck

Bride in a silk stretch wedding dress with sheer sleeves and a mock neck posing next to the groom — Photo by Ivan L'Astorina

For a bold take on the luxurious garments that define the Edwardian time period, take a cue from bride Yeti’s silk stretch gown, when she donned for her multi-day wedding in Florence. The sleek fabric is undoubtedly sumptuous, while the leg slit, sheer sleeves, and high neckline give the outfit a daring touch.

10 of 20

A Flowy, Off-the-Shoulder Fit

bride in a chiffon off-the-shoulder wedding dress with a birdcage veil and a white bouquet — Photo by Chi-Chi Ari Love

Are you looking for a minimalist take on Edwardian-style fashion? A gown composed of smooth chiffon and sleeves that fall off the shoulders, like bride Marleni sported at her elopement in Brooklyn, is a strong candidate to keep in mind. With flowing fabric and a no-frills design, this piece is ethereal and dreamy in an understated way. In addition to elopements, this garment also befits backyard nuptials in the spring or summer.

11 of 20

A Gold Sequined Number

bride in Marc Jacobs gold sequined gown with long sleeves, paired with a floral necklace — Photo by Brian D. Smith Photography

White isn’t the only option for an Edwardian wedding dress, and if you want to show off some color when you marry your significant other, a gold gown will bring the lavishness that epitomizes this period to your look. Plus, covered in 3D sequins (like bride Hunter’s Marc Jacobs frock at her gold-themed wedding in South Carolina), you’ll really up the ante. This bejeweled outfit will complement glamorous ballroom soirées or swanky château venues.

12 of 20

A Lace-Embroidered Garment

bride in a sleeveless lace wedding dress looking off to the side in front of a Lake Como backdrop — Photo by Ross Harvey

By donning an all-over lace design for your nuptials, you’ll feel like you traveled back in time to the early 1900s. More specifically, a sleeveless column gown covered in embroidery and pearls is a contemporary way to honor vintage aesthetics. Top off your outfit with a cathedral-length veil and an elegant updo for added old-world romance, which is what bride Kelly did at her wedding weekend in Lake Como.

13 of 20

A Lace Frock With a Tiered Skirt

bride in Zimmermann dress featuring lace fabric, a ruffled collar, long sleeves, a tiered skirt, and gold sandals — Photo by Brandi Crockett

If you’re looking for an alternate way to wear lace, draw inspiration from bride Sarah's tea-length dress, which she wore to her roadside motel wedding in California. A ruffled skirt and collar will give your look a chic and contemporary touch, while still staying true to Edwardian fashion. The best part? This style lends itself to a variety of locales, like backyard weddings, garden ceremonies, or courthouse nuptials.

14 of 20

An Airy Tulle Vision

Bride in an off-the-shoulder tulle dress with floral embellishment on the bodice while holding hands with groom in burgundy tuxedo jacket — Photo by Magi Fisher

We’ve already established that draping is the cornerstone of designs during this decade, and tulle is one of the best fabrics to welcome movement. The fluffy material also elicits fairy-tale vibes, especially with a few floral appliqués scattered across the bodice, like bride Jordan’s number at her dream-themed fête in Philadelphia. Paired with sheer balloon sleeves that are draped across the shoulder and a corset top, this dress checks all of the boxes for an Edwardian-style look.

15 of 20

A Simple Silhouette

Bride sitting on a couch in her long-sleeved crepe dress, paired with a veil and gold hoops — Photo by Dani Toscano

On the other hand, if your personal style is more simple and minimalist, stick to a blank canvas and clean lines for your wedding dress. As seen above, bride Kianna’s long-sleeved crepe Pronovias gown, which was worn at her country club celebration in Santa Barbara, is a great example. The design is a pared-back take on the Edwardian era’s fashion, making it a gorgeous accompaniment to traditional aesthetics.

16 of 20

A Semi-Sheer Design With All-Over Lace

Bride in a long-sleeved lace gown with sheer detailing while holding a bouquet of roses and looking out the window — Photo by Nora Photography

No matter how you wear it, lace always leads to a delicate look. But to bring an ounce of drama and allure to your Edwardian-style wedding dress, consider a semi-sheer design, which is what bride Feyi sported at her Lake Como nuptials.

17 of 20

A Voluminous Ball Gown

Bride in a lace strapless ball gown while walking in the gardens of her palace venue — Photo by Love Is My Favorite Color

Since the Edwardian era took place during King Edward VII’s reign, a princess-inspired wedding dress is a natural selection. This strapless ball gown with a subtle lace pattern, which bride Kate wore for her colorful wedding in Portugal, is a regal look that nods to the decade. Style with a long veil and voluminous waves to channel your inner royalty.

18 of 20

A Timeless Beaded Trumpet Gown

Bride posing outside of her venue in an off-the-shoulder lace beaded trumpet gown — Photo by Kiyah C Photography

Though an off-the-shoulder, lace trumpet dress is a timeless choice, it still pays homage to the early 1900s. Plus, if it’s covered in shiny sequins, like bride Indhira’s gown for her Gilded Age-inspired Washington D.C. wedding, you’ll radiate luxury and refinement no matter what decade you get married in. We recommend duplicating this look at a ballroom soirée to match the intricate architecture.

19 of 20

A Silver Sparkly Jumpsuit

Brides holding hands while taking couple portraits outside, with one bride in a silver sequined jumpsuit — Photo by Sylvie Rosokoff

Silver sequins embody the grandeur of this time period, so why not add the detail to your Edwardian-style look? Instead of a dress, though, a jumpsuit will juxtapose vintage elements with a contemporary silhouette, allowing the outfit to feel more unique. This design would make a fun and playful after-party look at any locale, even though bride Jen donned hers at her Airbnb venue in the woods of Connecticut.

20 of 20

A Dreamy Lace Dress With a Plunging Neckline

Bride in a lace wedding dress with a plunging neckline, holding hands and looking at her maid of honor — Photo by Katherine Ann Rose

Even though lace materials often give the appearance of a modest look, you can add some edge with certain design elements like a plunging neckline. Case in point: bride Tracy's wedding ensemble which she wore for her Palm Springs dinner party wedding. We also love the three-quarter length sleeves and layered skirt for a unique take on an Edwardian-inspired garment.

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