What is a fairy-tale wedding dress?

A fairy-tale wedding dress gives off enchanting vibes and elegant details that are fit for a princess. Look for magical additions like sequins and shimmer, in addition to voluminous silhouettes and royal aesthetics.

What type of wedding best suits a fairy-tale wedding dress?

You can wear a fairy-tale wedding dress in any setting. From the courthouse to a seaside escape, the options are endless. “A fairytale wedding dress knows no boundaries,” adds Martin. “It's meant to be worn anywhere, from the desert vibes of Coachella paired with high boots and glowing makeup to a romantic Italian escapade on a Vespa along the Amalfi Coast."

What celebrities have worn fairytale-inspired dresses?

There are many celebrities who have donned fairy-tale wedding dresses both on and off the aisle. For instance, Priyanka Chopra wore a tulle gown from Georges Hobeika to the Canne Film Festival, while Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore a flowing gown from Ralph Lauren (fully embellished with sequins and lace details) to the 2018 Met Gala.

20 Best Fairy-Tale Wedding Dresses of 2024

bride smiling holding her wedding bouquet while wearing a long sleeve ball gown — Photo by Sanaz Photography

Calling all princess brides! If you’re currently in the process of planning the wedding of your dreams, we highly suggest that you consider wearing a fairy-tale wedding dress. That's because this specific bridal style is both timeless and whimsical, and gives off a romantic aura that will leave a smile on your face when looking back at photos and videos in the years to come.

The best part? Whether you’re going for an enchanted forest vibe or sparkles galore, there’s a fairy-tale wedding dress that was made just for you. What's more, from silky fabrics to tulle overlays and flowy chiffon, this versatile style is perfect for brides with magical and royal-inspired aesthetics, and is also a lovely option for a wide range of heights, body shapes, and sizes.

Ahead, we put together a list of some of our absolute favorite fairy-tale wedding dresses, with gowns from top designers and bridal fashion houses like Justin Alexander and Amsale. Keep reading below to find a look that'll help make your fairy-tale dreams come true.

Our Top Picks

Best Sleeves:

Willowby by Watters Persephone Sweetheart Off-the-Shoulder Lace Wedding Gown at Anthropologie ($1,795)

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For the Whimsical Bride:

Selkie The Ivory Flower Gown at Selkiecollection.com (See Price)

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Best Strapless:

Justin Alexander Strapless Sequin Tulle Ball Gown with Exposed Boning at Justinalexander.com (See Price)

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Most Ethereal:

Azazie Vendela Wedding Dress at Azazie.com (See Price)

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Best Tulle:

Amsale Koa Gown at Amsale.com (See Price)

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For the Princess Bride:

Olivia Bottega Organza Cinderella Wedding Dress at Oliviabottega.com (See Price)

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Most Modern:

For Love & Lemon x Revolve Willow Gown at Revolve (See Price)

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Best Silk:

Amsale Marisol Dress at Amsale.com (See Price)

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Best Off-the-Shoulder:

Eloquii Twisted Off-the-Shoulder Gown at Eloquii.com (See Price)

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For the Romantic Bride:

Oleg Cassini High Neck Long Sleeve Illusion Wedding Dress at David's Bridal (See Price)

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Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie $1,795

There’s something about sweep trains that scream fairy tales, and this gown from Willowby by Watters accomplishes just that. With lace, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and a stunning low-back, you’ll feel like a true princess when wearing this look.

Size Range: 00-24 | Material: Tulle, lace | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $50

Selkie

View On Selkiecollection.com

Shopping for a whimsical princess dress on a budget? Look no further than Selkie’s ivory flower gown. This style features a square neckline, puff sleeves, and ruffles galore, details made to be worn to a fairy-tale-inspired celebration.

Size Range: XXS-6X | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $350

Strapless Sequin Tulle Ball Gown with Exposed Boning

Justin Alexander

View On Justinalexander.com

Strapless gowns that stay in place are hard to come by, but this dress from Justin Alexander was crafted to perfection. The sweetheart neckline and lace details make for one feminine look, and we especially love the exposed corset bodice for an added touch of drama.

Size Range: Inquire with retailer | Material: Sequins, lace, net, tulle | Shipping: Inquire with retailer

Azazie

View On Azazie.com

For the bride who wants to frolic through flower fields, we can’t think of a better dress than Azazie’s Vendela. You’ll look like a dreamy princess in this ethereal gown that boasts a chapel train and exaggerated off-the-shoulder sleeves.

Size Range: 0-30 | Material: Tulle, lace | Shipping: Free shipping

Amsale

View On Amsale.com

Tulle is a must when it comes to fairy-tale wedding dresses, and the Koa dress by Amsale features layers upon layers of this romantic material. The tiered mushroom pleated bodice paired with matching sleeves also makes for one feminine style.

Size Range: Inquire with designer | Material: Tulle | Shipping: Inquire with designer

ORGANZA CINDERELLA WEDDING DRESS WITH PUFF SLEEVES

Olivia Bottega

View On Oliviabottega.com

Go back in time and opt for a full-on princess ensemble with this Cinderella-inspired wedding dress. With transparent organza sleeves and a deep V-neck that features beads and sequins, this storybook look will look stunning when worn on your special day.

Size Range: 4-24 or made-to-order | Material: Organza, tulle | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $300

Revolve

View On Revolve

Fairy-tale wedding dresses don’t always have to be in your face, which is why we love this modern and pared-back option from For Love & Lemon. Between the long bishop sleeves and side slit, there's so much to love about this contemporary style.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Silk, spandex | Shipping: Free shipping

Silk crepe fit-to-flare gown with hand beaded silk organza flower appliquÃ© and tulle

Amsale

View On Amsale.com

Sleek and lustrous in design, Amsale's Marisol gown shows off hand-beaded organza flowers atop a silk crepe material. More specifically, the tulle backing and fit-to-flare style are perfect for fairy-tale brides.

Size Range: Inquire with designer | Material: Silk crepe, tulle | Shipping: Inquire with designer

Eloquii

View On Eloquii.com

Opt for a classic off-the-shoulder neckline in the form of this dress from Eloquii. Between the corseted bodice and wrap-style silhouette, this striking gown will certainly hug you in all of the right places.

Size Range: 14-28 | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $125

high neck long sleeve illusion wedding dress

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

With a high neck and floral embroidery atop sheer sleeves, this Oleg Cassini wedding dress is idyllic in the best way. The sweep train, layered lace, and tulle skirt also allow for the perfect amount of movement.

Size Range: 0-30 | Material: Lace, tulle | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $120

FLORAL EMBROIDERY CORSET WEDDING BALL GOWN

Galia Lahav

View On Galialahav.com

This fairy-esque wedding dress from Galia Lahav features unique lantern sleeves and large floral detailing, fit for any boho bride. We can picture it being worn to a garden ceremony or a glamorous outdoor celebration.

Size Range: Inquire with retailer | Material: Tulle | Shipping: Inquire with retailer

View On David's Bridal

One-shoulder wedding dresses aren’t common, but if you want to stand apart, we think this option from Galina Signature is the way to go. The beading throughout the gown, in addition to the thigh-high slit, is both eccentric and romantic.

Size Range: 0-30 | Material: Nylon, lace | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $120

Selkie

View On Selkiecollection.com

Selkie is known for its puff sleeves and ruffles, and we love how these two components come hand-in-hand in the form of this bridal gown. Featuring a voluminous skirt and ruffle accents, this is the perfect look to wear when on the dance floor.

Size Range: XXS-6X | Material: Silk satin organza | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $350

V-Neck Convertible-Sleeve Lace Wedding Gown

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie $1,695

Whether you love everything folklore or simply want to have a Taylor Swift moment at your wedding, this garden-inspired gown from Jenny by Jenny Yoo is an excellent choice. This dress offers tons of dimension from the lace to the removable sleeves and floral motifs.

Size Range: 0-26 | Material: Lace | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $50

A-Line Sequins Lace Cathedral Train Dress Diamond White

Azazie

View On Azazie.com

If you want to create the illusion of a narrow waist and wider hips, you need to get your hands on an A-line dress, like this one from Azazie. We can’t get over the sheer sleeves and hand-appliqued lace, a true example of a princess-inspired gown.

Size Range: 0-30 | Material: Lace, tulle | Shipping: Free shipping

View On Saks Fifth Avenue $598 View On Lordandtaylor.com View On Dillards.com

Affordable and fit for the casual bride, this trendy Mac Duggal gown shows off delicate ruffle straps and a sexy cutout bodice. Style yours with chandelier earrings and ankle-strap sandals to complete the look.

Size Range: 0-16 | Material: Chiffon | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $100

Olivia Bottega

View On Oliviabottega.com

Shine bright like a diamond in this grand ball gown from Olivia Bottega! The sparkly tulle skirt is full of tons of layers and looks superb with matching straps that can be worn off the shoulder.

Size Range: 4-26 or made-to-order | Material: Tulle, sequins, lace | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $300

All over floral embellished strapless A-line gown with silk tie detail

Amsale

View On Amsale.com

Amsale's Eloise dress comes complete with a matching cape we can’t help but obsess over. Made with the pixie bride in mind, this silk gown with floral embroidery is a dream come true for any fairy-tale wedding.

Size Range: Inquire with designer | Material: Silk | Shipping: Inquire with designer

Club L London

View On Clubllondon.us

Whether you’re taking the casual route or want a shorter dress for the after-party, this ruffled mini from Club L London will suit all of your dancing needs. With a strapless style and layers of ruffles to adore, this ultra-feminine frock is bound to make a statement at any celebration.

Size Range: 2-12 | Material: Premium cotton blend | Shipping: Shipping rates vary

View On Anthropologie $1,495

Simply sweet and demure in style, Willowby by Watters offers a stunning option for the unassuming bride. With delicate floral embroidery and sheer puff sleeves, this fairy-tale wedding dress is what dreams are made of.

Size Range: 00-26 | Material: Polyester | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $50

What to Look for in a Fairy-Tale Wedding Dress

Romantic Silhouettes

In general, fairy-tale wedding dresses call for romantic silhouettes, such as A-line skirts and cinched waists. According to Manon Martin, founder of the avant-garde bridal tech company Les Aimants, brides should look out for ensembles with “A high-waisted bustier combined with an A-line skirt, [as that] creates a flattering silhouette that elongates the legs, thanks to the slightly elevated waist placement,” says Martin. “For added allure, the bustier can feature an arched back with a button closure at the center back, positioned below the scooped neckline, adding a charming element to the design."

Dreamy Fabrics

When it comes to the fabric of your fairy-tale wedding dress, go for something “dreamy” like satin duchesse or shiny charmeuse. “While we adore the structured bustier, crafted from satin duchesse or shiny charmeuse for a radiant glow, I recommend complementing it with a lighter and ethereal touch,” adds Martin. “Opting for an ivory chiffon skirt will introduce a sense of fluidity and graceful movement to the overall gown. The sheer quality of the chiffon enhances the flow and adds a delicate, romantic element that beautifully contrasts with the structured bustier. This combination of textures creates a romantic and dreamy bridal ensemble.”

Princess Details

A fairy-tale wedding dress is something a princess would wear, so look for fun details like sequins and even three-dimensional enhancements. “A gown embroidered with delicate translucent sequins, subtly concentrated below the cup through the waistline, is perfect for a fairy-tale wedding dress,” shares Martin. “A whimsical touch can be added with the inclusion of 3D flowers, cascading from the waist down to the hem, lending romance to the overall design.”

FAQ

What is a fairy-tale wedding dress?

A fairy-tale wedding dress gives off enchanting vibes and elegant details that are fit for a princess. Look for magical additions like sequins and shimmer, in addition to voluminous silhouettes and royal aesthetics.
What type of wedding best suits a fairy-tale wedding dress?

You can wear a fairy-tale wedding dress in any setting. From the courthouse to a seaside escape, the options are endless. “A fairytale wedding dress knows no boundaries,” adds Martin. “It's meant to be worn anywhere, from the desert vibes of Coachella paired with high boots and glowing makeup to a romantic Italian escapade on a Vespa along the Amalfi Coast."
What celebrities have worn fairytale-inspired dresses?

There are many celebrities who have donned fairy-tale wedding dresses both on and off the aisle. For instance, Priyanka Chopra wore a tulle gown from Georges Hobeika to the Canne Film Festival, while Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore a flowing gown from Ralph Lauren (fully embellished with sequins and lace details) to the 2018 Met Gala.

20 Cinderella Wedding Dresses for a Magical Celebration

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Taylor Augustin is a freelance writer who covers fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Her work can be found in Teen Vogue, Byrdie, Popsugar, and more.