The Chicest Gold Wedding Dresses To Shop Now
These gowns are anything but basic—and take celebratory dressing to a whole new level.
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Traditionally associated with after-party looks, reception dresses, bridal lehengas, bachelorette parties, and more, this luxe metallic hue has long been considered outside-the-box for the aisle—until now.
Donning a gold gown is a symbol of luck; it symbolizes abundance and its a tone that feels feminine and romantic, with an edge. Whether you're dressing for an event with or without a large guest list, this is the time to take a fashion risk. What's more: An aisle-worthy look in color can double as a reception dress, and has legs in your wardrobe post-wedding.
Whether you're a hopeless romantic or after something seductive or daring, we've rounded up some of the dreamiest ways to wear gold gowns down the aisle from the recent bridal, ready-to-wear, and Haute Couture collections. From the bohemian to all things regal, minimalist, fashion-forward, and beyond—these are the best gold wedding dresses to shop now.
Liquid Gold
Andew Gn
$5,768
Take Victorian-inspired details and interpret them in a bold, modern way. Draping and pleating cinched with a bejweled belt feels like the easy way to wear this otherwise extra shade. Style this look with Old World accessories to nod to its silhouette, or with wispy, big waves and statement extras for a '70s flair.
Art Deco Drama
Valentino
$17,000.00
modaoperandi.com
With civil ceremonies and weddings at-home reigning supreme, opt for a look that still feels true to your personal style. This look could suit the modern uptown girl, but also has a Gatsby-era flair. When styling a look this standout, stick to subtleties like a pair of simple drop earrings, easy hair and makeup, and a strappy gold sandal.
For the Minimalist
Costarellos
$1,655
Take a super sleek gown (like this one with a fully-buttoned front and center slit)—then amp it up by opting for a golden hue over bridal ivory. A halter neckline and slim silhouette feel minimalistic; this gown is for the bride that would otherwise be sporting an ivory number with no-frills, fuss, beading, or embroidery, but is still looking for a little something extra.
Holiday Dressing 2.0
Rebecca Vallance
$1,099.00
For parties on key dates and holidays–like New Year's Eve–dress the part. Glitz, glamour, and unique accessories in every shade of metallic feel instantly festive and are inherently wedding-worthy for the aisle (paired with a clutch of chic blooms) or for the after-party.
Regency Cuts
Dior
Enter the renegade bride; one who opts for simple silhouettes and luxe fabrics and isn't concerned with the status quo of wearing white. For those who long for the dreaminess of periods past: Regency-era cuts, like this one, and silhouettes from classic films are design inspiration starting points worth considering. Or, when it comes to all things golden and sparkling, start with the stars—like this Tarot-inspired look from the latest Haute Couture runways.
Femme Fairytale
Monique Lhuillier
$9,544
This soft gold confection features some major bridal dress trends—from bold shoulders and a cape-like effect to its starry night sparkle. This gown is what the romance-obsessed dream of, but still manages to feel effortless, glamorous, and begs to be worn outdoors before making an appearance at a candlelit reception.
Glam Girl
Naeem Khan
This look feels inherently evening—and doesn't skimp on the sparkle. It's a more metallic shade of gold, but works as a bridal look, with or without a veil. With a gown covered in glitz, keep your accessories petite in scale and minimal. After all, a bodycon fit, plunging neckline, and all-over sparkle does most of the work all on its own. We're imagining this gown with a petite pair of gold earrings, a small pochette or a box clutch, and barely-there strappy sandals.
On the Beach
Fendi
$2,290.00
A swimwear-inspired style in a metallic knit works just as well on the beach as it does in the desert. This is a sexy, sleek, and carefree look for a warm-weather affair. Pair it with voluminous waves, illuminated skin, and a shoe that you'll likely wear just until you toss them aside for a late-night party on the sand.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Zimmermann
$1,995.00
Rustic, outdoor, boho, and pastoral party dressing feel elevated when done in a floral print with dramatic sleeves and a metallic sheen. Keep the styling of this look organic and natural, like the petals cascading down its back.
This style feels unbelievably classic and conservative in ivory but takes on a new, forward-thinking vibe in gold. This is for the bride who wants to bring the drama, without appearing overly sexy, avant-garde, or over the top. Style this look as you would if it were in ivory—with hair up in a sleek knot and a drop earring or climber set in gold.
So '70s
Danielle Frankel
A loosely-draped slip dress is sleek and sophisticated—but it feels even more unique when done in ivory to ochre ombré crushed velvet. The plunging neckline of this gown would pair well with shoulder-duster earrings or a dainty lariat—but keep the styling feeling easy and effortless; the beauty of this look is that it doesn't try too hard.
Studio 54 Sparkle
Gucci
$13,500.00
An after-party look or reception dress is all about the wow factor, and this glamorous sequin look with a banded waist and crystal buttons belongs on the (socially-distanced) dance floor. What's more? The ankle-length hemline is the best way to show off a statement pair of must-have shoes.
Warrior Princess
Costarellos
$2,050
Consider a gown with built-in accessories and no train that feels strong, sultry, and siren-esque. Known for dreamy confections of lace and shapes that marry the dreamy mythology of Greece with traditional English silhouettes and techniques, Costarellos' dramatic take on this tiered gown gets an added dose of edge from a harness of buttons that frames the face and subs in for a necklace.
Choose the shade of gold that works best for your skin tone and the season—whether that's a vibrant yellow, a soft rose, or a more rich copper tone, like this pleated lamé confection.
Nod to folklore's most recognizable princesses—without the fuss and frills. Choose something with movement in the skirt, and a neckline that frames your face.
A princess dress can feel less-than sophisticated for the modern bride, but this look has all the elements of a regal, fairy-tale silhouette without the pick-ups in the skirt, petticoat, or stiffness.
Sheer Sheen
Fendi
This isn't your average bridal gown—and you're not a basic bride. If you are wedding in the sand, a nightclub or restaurant affair in the city, or are planning a future destination wedding abroad, embrace a romantic look with sheer elements that feel sexy yet delicate. This look is head-turning, and once lined, is undoubtedly wedding-worthy.
Down-to-Earth Diva
Lanvin
$1,690
A calf-length gold dress is foolproof for an intimate ceremony or celebratory gathering–especially when you choose a timeless, soft shade of the metallic hue that could easily be worn during the day or for the evening.
Simple doesn't have to skimp on detail. This look is sexy, minimal, and chic—and given its jersey fabrication, easy to wear for those who typically opt for a slip dress over a full skirt. This look makes a statement without sparkle or volume, and is for the bride who is looking to bask in the limelight and wear her wedding gown for the night-of, and long into the future.
After a year spent indoors, you're ready to dress up and get noticed. This gown fits the bill for the bride looking to throw caution to the wind and wear something dramatic. In ivory, this would feel super regal; in gold, it feels equal parts ceremonial and red carpet moment worthy.
Faux Fringe
Alberta Ferretti
$27,250
Go all-out with a faux-feathery frock that feels extra special—and pushes the bridal boundaries. This gown could be worn as an evening dress, and you'll likely do so after wearing this look for your wedding day, but pairing it with a champagne-toned veil makes it apropos for the aisle. Beaded details have become mainstays for the aisle, and after months of distancing and sheltering in place, everyone just wants to have a reason to dress up. Don't resist; embrace all things over-the-top.
Carrie Goldberg is meltsflow.com’s Weddings & Travel Director. She oversees the site’s BAZAAR Bride channel, travel & dining content, and styles fashion and bridal editorials for BAZAAR.com. When she’s not traveling, she spends her free time in her hometown–New York City–where there is no shortage of new places to shop, eat, drink, see and explore.
Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her own events and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com, Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, and Style Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typically researching the next fun workout class to try, or finding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.
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