Designer Zac Posen made his name known in the bridal world at a very young age; he was only 21-years-old when his first collection debuted in New York! From his partnership with David’s Bridal and White One, to his time as a Project Runway judge, Posen’s career has been successful far and wide.
While he doesn’t dabble in the wedding world anymore, (he’s now focused on cocktail dresses, separates and handbags), his wedding dress collections featured a mix of feminine silhouettes like mermaids and trumpets. The designs also boasted clean fabrics and gorgeous details like intricate beading and embroidery.
Here’s a look at our top ten favorite wedding gowns that will blow your mind.
We had to take it back to Posen’s roots and show off some of his first designs under the David’s Bridal label.
In 2014, Posen released a line of wedding gowns and special occasion dresses called Truly Zac Posen. At this point in his career he was used to dressing A-list celebs for red carpet events (like Rihanna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Watts, just to name a few), so his wedding dresses featured the same glam couture detailing that everyone loved.
This strapless style boasts a blush-toned lining with a unique beaded pattern design on top. The sheath silhouette is feminine and a simple court train allows the bride to mix and mingle freely through her reception space.
If you’re a sucker for a mermaid gown, like us, then you’ll love this next gown. The vintage-inspired gown boasts a sweetheart neckline with twisted ruching on the cups of the corset-like bodice.
You’ll notice the gown is covered head-to-toe in lace, for another bout of vintage flair, and the ruffle tiered cap sleeves are a modest touch. We love how the designer was able to bridge classic accents with a more sexy silhouette.
In terms of accessories, you can go one of two ways to compliment this gown. You could keep things traditional with pearl or diamond jewelry and a pair of sensible pumps. For another option, go for bold makeup, a sleek updo and statement-making earrings to really emphasize the bride’s more sensual side.
What we loved the most about the David’s Bridal line is the size inclusivity and the price point! This gown above was the most affordable design on the list, just under $900. The collection, true to DB’s standards, offered in a wide range of sizes from 0 to 26.
This stunning trumpet gown really accents the bride’s natural curves through clean, sculpted satin fabric. The strapless gown features a beaded bodice on the bateau neckline for a hint of sparkle. The overall design is sleek and sophisticated and a timeless pick.
If you want to stick with a classic wedding-day look, a veil with a beaded trim that matches the bodice would be elegant. We also think a blingy tiara would give this gown a more regal aesthetic.
Looking for something fun and flirty? This trumpet wedding dress does the trick.
The satin gown features a sweetheart neckline and jeweled brooches on the corners of the thick straps where it meets the cups of the bodice. The bodice also has a structured corset boning accent that ends at the natural waist.
A figure-hugging drop waist completes the sleek top of the gown before expanding to the voluminous tulle skirt. It’s a dramatic touch to an otherwise sophisticated look. Even though you can’t see the bride’s shoes, we love the idea of satin pumps with a sparkly brooch to match the bodice (hello, Carrie Bradshaw).
Another popular silhouette is the flattering fit-and-flare. This ivory gown is all about accentuating the bride’s curves with a few unique details.
Overall, the gown is a pretty clean slate with a sweetheart neckline, no straps and a geometric corded pattern. The gown features a v-back for a hint of sexy, allowing the bride’s bare back and shoulders to be a main feature. We love how the bride added a pair of statement earrings for that touch of glitter.
If you feel like you’re missing some embellishments on this gown, find ways to add some bling! A large beaded belt would add dimension while a soft tulle veil would enhance the billowy skirt. The gown has a more traditional vibe, so we think it would be fabulous for an elegant garden wedding outside.
This next gown, from the Truly Zac Posen 2018 collection, has an ultra-sexy silhouette while still covering the bride completely.
The beautiful ivory satin mermaid gown is a modern bride’s dream come true. The strapless design boasts a sweetheart neckline and sweeping train, perfect for a no-fuss wedding day look.
For a show-stopping finish, the mid-back is lined with buttons heading towards the train but a giant bow takes over the design. It’s one of our favorite bridal trends and many designers are incorporating them in their wedding dresses.
This luxurious look deserves to be near the beach, but more likely at an all-inclusive resort overlooking the beach. We picture an elegant black-tie affair with chic cocktails and glistening chandeliers.
When Zac Posen was asked to create a collection of high-fashion wedding dresses for White One he did not disappoint. The debut collection, designed for millennial brides seeking both luxury and affordability, featured twenty bridal gowns and ten bridal accessories. Each gown boasted exquisite fabrics, contemporary silhouettes (true to Posen’s signature aesthetic) and attention to detail.
This first gown from the collection had a similar feel to some of Posen’s other designs. The mermaid gown features all-over lace embroidery for a classic touch.
The sculpted one shoulder adds a hint of sexy and a defined natural waist accents the bride’s figure. The flirty tulle skirt is super fun and we love the semi-sheer overlay for dimension.
There’s one surefire way to stand out on your wedding day—add color! This stunning white and pink ombre A-line gown is so feminine.
Similar to the gown above, this style also features a one-shoulder strap, but with a dramatic ruffled cape-like accent. It’s a bold choice to offset the romantic design. Modern pockets are a fun addition to the flowy tulle skirt.
This whole look is totally dreamy and would be perfect whether it’s walking down the aisle or walking the red carpet. The court train also makes it easy to twirl around the dance floor.
If you’re going to take the plunge, do it with a show-stopping plunging neckline. This vintage-inspired gown boasts 3D floral applique all over the sleeveless gown.
The A-line silhouette is classic and the fitted bodice and natural waist really frame the smallest part of the bride’s body. We love how the flowy skirt gently flares from the waistline and barely sweeps the ground.
A tropical destination wedding would be amazing for this wedding gown. We also picture a botanical garden to match the gown’s floral accents. A pair of fun and flirty shoes, whether it’s sandals or heels, would complete the look.
For our grand finale, we’re treated to a lovely sheath wedding gown. Both the boat neckline and long sleeves boast semi-sheer fabric while vine-inspired applique adorns the dress from head to toe.
This style doesn’t have a train, so you don’t have to worry about a bustle. We actually love this option for a reception or send-off dress.
If you’re wanting to lean into the more sophisticated side of this gown, a sleek updo is a great way to go, or play into the feminine vine motif and go with loose curls. Earrings are the only jewelry accessory we recommend, since the neckline and wrists are covered. A simple, single-layer tulle veil would also be a beautiful way to finish.