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The lace wedding dress is a bridal look that will always feel relevant
From sheer maxis to the simple slip, here are 10 of the best lace gowns to buy ahead of the big day
Lace, forever an excellent choice for wedding dresses, has been a signifier of luxury since the 1600s. The painstaking detail and handiwork that went into this fabric meant that it was incredibly expensive, reserved only for aristocracy and royals, until the 19th century. Luckily, thanks to the Industrial Revolution and modern production methods, lace bridalwear is more readily available – not to mention affordable – without having lost any of the delicate intricacies that make it so special.
Did we mention how timeless a lace wedding dressing is, too? Frothy meringue skirts, hooping, leg-of-mutton sleeves and pie-crust collars – bridal trends come and go, but this fabric remains relevant. Still, it has seen a particularly long-reigning spike in popularity ever since the Duchess of Cambridge chose to wear a couture Leavers lace gown by Alexander McQueen to her ceremony in 2011. For something that'll stand the test of time, Kate's demure long-sleeve gown is excellent inspiration – but there are also more modern ways to wear this trend.
In louche, unstructured cuts, this fabric becomes decidedly bohemian; but it can also feel Sixties' retro when teamed with an Ossie Clarke-inspired high neckline and an empire silhouette or cut into a simple shift shape. If you find all-over lace looks too fussy, try a simple trim or contrast sleeves (by sticking to something minimal, you're bound to wear it again once the wedding is over). If, however, you find this fabric too conservative or classic, go for a partial lining or something sheer – a bridal trend kickstarted by tastemaker Camille Charrière.
From the traditional to the on-trend, we've rounded up 10 modern lace wedding dresses that will make your big day special.
Best lace wedding dresses
Danielle Frankel's Edie gown is a work of art: it's made from corded Lyon lace that's cutout at the shoulder to create a floral strap. By far our favourite detail, though, is the plissé panel that fans out to create an elegant train as you walk down the aisle.
The tea dress is having a comeback and there's nothing more timeless to pick for civil ceremonies and city weddings. Rodarte's has Eighties-inspired puffed sleeves and lace panelling that's pointed to frame the smallest part of your waist.
Elie Saab's fishtail dress is made from tulle appliqué-embroidered with flowers to create the illusion of lace on bare skin. What we love most about this midi though is the detachable belt that can also be worn as a neck tie – one of 2025's key bridal trends.
Made from corded lace, Oscar de la Renta's maxi dress is expertly cut to create a flattering fit and flare shape. The contrast tie belt and asymmetric scalloped hemline is a contemporary touch.
Lace features heavily in Christopher Kane's Residency collection at Self-Portrait. This satin wedding dress is cut on the bias to enhance the fluted sleeves and puddled train. We love how the eyelash lace panel is lined in blush to highlight the floral detailing.
Defining the underwear-as-outerwear trend, Blumarine's wedding dress is cut in a Nineties slip shape and edged with picot trims. The beauty is in the details with this piece: it's suspended from two crystal bow spaghetti straps and lined in blush satin to highlight the Leavers lace florals.
Looking for designer bridalwear for a fraction of the price? The best lace wedding dresses are timeless, so there's no risk in shopping old-season or second-hand. Breathable enough for beach weddings thanks to its cotton fibres, this ruffled Alessandra Rich gown is left sheer to show off the intricate floral lace and centred with an on-trend corsage at the bust.
Defined by its vintage-inspired silhouettes and fabrics, Rixo's bridal collection is totally unique. And the affordable price point only adds to its appeal, of course. This Fleur dress nods to the Thirties with its covered buttons, empire-line bust and leg-of-mutton sleeves. We like how it is partially lined to showcase the cream corded lace.
In the Sixties, with considerable help from Mary Quant and a first wave of feminism, mini dresses and skirt suits became a go-to for modern brides. Self-Portrait has paid homage to this cultural shift with the column shape and cowl collar on this lace shirt dress.
Rabanne's wedding dress is the contemporary bride's dream with its sultry cutouts and comfortable stretch-lace that'll see you through the ceremony, then onto dinner and dancing.
