If you’re going for a vintage princess vibe on your wedding day, then a Victorian-inspired wedding gown is the way to go. When you think back to the Victorian era, dresses consisted of two distinct pieces: the bodice and the skirt.
Bodices in the 1800s were very fitted and typically featured a corset and a defined waist. Jackets were also used as an alternative to a traditional bodice! Skirts were usually a full A-line or ball gown silhouette with a ruffled trim. Add romantic sleeves or stick with a strapless option and you’ve got yourself a swoon-worthy Victorian-inspired wedding gown. Take a look at some of our favorite styles below.
Oleander – Casablanca
Designer Casablanca is known for romantic A-line and ball gown designs, so we knew this would be a good start for a Victorian-era wedding gown.
The Oleander style is perfect for the bride that values traditional elements on a modern landscape. The timeless A-line silhouette boasts a strapless bodice with a low illusion neckline. The sleek satin gown is adorned with beautiful beaded lace applique and a royal-length train to complete the regal princess look. And for a small bridal-favorite detail: pockets!
Elizabett – Olivia Bottega
If we could dream up our ideal romantic princess lace ball gown, this dress would be our dream come true.
The off-the-shoulder v-neck Elizabett wedding gown by Olivia Bottega is the definition of swoon-worthy. The bodice is fully covered in lace with semi-sheer long sleeves. The cinched waist defines the bride’s waistline perfectly and the satin lining under the charming skirt is a sleek touch.
The lace mosaic continues down the billowy, layered tulle ball gown skirt for a moment before disappearing and then reappearing around the hem of the train. Sparkly beads and sequins adorn the pattern for an extra-shiny accent. A delicate line of buttons on the back are the finishing touch.
Aurora – Allure Bridals
Speaking of a fairytale princess dress, this next gown is made for the Disney-loving bride. Allure Bridals are known for crafting magical wedding gowns, inspired by everyone’s favorite Disney princesses, and this Aurora dress is absolute perfection.
The strapless Mikado gown features a pleated organza sweetheart neckline. The boned corset bodice, a staple in Victorian-era dresses, gives structure to the top of the gown and a subtle basque waist helps accentuate the bride’s figure.
Not shown is the stunning illusion back, for a more modern touch, with romantic lace applique and beading. The elegant skirt is ready to sway and dance all night long with the bride’s very own prince charming.
Victoriana – Maggie Sottero
Maggie Sottero is the queen of classic, romantic wedding dresses but we love the hint of modernism here. The Victoriana gown, a fitting name indeed, boasts ivory illusion over a misty mauve-colored lining.
The A-line silhouette creates an effortless look and feel while the princess floral-lace pattern is both elegant and regal. The sheer bodice with organza lining paired with the soft scoop neckline are unique touches. Beaded spaghetti straps and covered buttons are additional unexpected accents.
For a glitz of glimmer, we adore the sequin lace motif that covers the sparkly tulle skirt. A horsehair hemline is a beautiful finish for this timeless bridal look.
Pearle – Claire Pettibone
Lovers of lace will be smitten by the Pearle wedding gown by designer Claire Pettibone. The gown, from the designer’s Gilded Age collection, is a Victorian dream within a modern silhouette.
What’s instantly unique about this gown is that it boasts an ivory color with a blush lining for a hint of femininity. The long-sleeve lace wedding dress features delicately embroidered net tulle and is covered in tiny seed pearls. The pearls add even more color to the mix—hints of rose gold metallic threads highlight the gown’s overall floral motif.
The high illusion neckline is both a modest and sexy touch while the sheer lace back displays vintage silk-covered buttons. For the final accent, a French lace sash, tied at the waist, flows down to the graceful scalloped-edge train.
Dauphine – Pronovias
Atelier Pronovias has always been known for dramatic wedding gowns, and this style is one for the history books.
Exuding regal flair, the Dauphine wedding dress boasts a traditional A-line silhouette and a stunning cathedral train. The gown, from the 2023 Versailles collection, has a Victorian look and feel through the all-over embroidered lace.
The high neckline features a thin Chantilly layer and the long illusion-lace sleeves puff at the shoulders. A trail of fabric-covered buttons line the illusion swan back detail for a romantic finish.
YP3344 – David’s Bridal
David’s Bridal is another designer that creates timeless gowns for both the modern and vintage-loving bride. This particular style is effortlessly beautiful and combines contemporary trends with classic elegance.
The strapless A-line silhouette is a curve-friendly and figure-flattering option. The bodice features ornate lace detail that carries down to the drop waist and splits on the side of the romantic tulle skirt. A dreamy lace-up back completes the gown.
We love this style for a traditional church wedding since it’s a more modest-looking wedding gown. If you’re looking for even more coverage, add a matching lace bolero or sleeves.
TR11972 – Mon Cheri
Another romantic option for the bride seeking extra coverage is this amazing gown by Mon Cheri. The airy A-line wedding gown features cap sleeves under dreamy lace illusion long sleeves and a scalloped sweetheart neckline.
The tulle bodice is covered with sequin-lace applique while covered buttons on the back cascade down to the horsehair hem. A light and airy gathered tulle skirt features the same lace applique as the bodice and ends with a classic chapel train.
This gown would be a super elegant choice for a winter wedding. We can imagine the gown waltzing around a grand ballroom full of soft white florals and lots of candlelight.
Lucienne – Vera Wang
Vera Wang is a ball gown queen, so it was only fitting that we show off this stunning design. The princess-like Lucienne gown boasts Victorian flair with a lace corset bodice and buttons cascading down the bride’s open back.
The skirt really brings the drama with 3D lace applique and pick-up folds along the back. This gown is another great option for a bride wanting a classic strapless ball gown with a timeless look and feel.
For this bold ball gown, we love the oversized bejeweled, vine-inspired crown on the bride above. Since the skirt is extra long, find a pair of comfortable shoes to wear—nobody will see them anyway!
D2939 – Essense of Australia
Our final swoon-worthy Victorian-inspired gown is this stunning, ethereal ball gown from Essense of Australia. The classic silhouette features mixed floral lace detail throughout the design. The bodice has a wide v-neckline with organic finishing and floating lace for a blend of traditional and modern style. Delicate sequins add a touch of radiance.
Lace applique is thoughtfully placed along the long illusion sleeves and throughout the top layer of the full skirt. The skirt itself is crafted of multiple tulle layers, regency organza and a horsehair trim for effortless volume. An open v-back, framed by beautiful lace, completes the dreamy design.
