Have you ever seen a wedding dress that left you speechless? Maybe it was something you saw while scrolling on Pinterest or Instagram. Or maybe it was on the television and you couldn’t stop thinking about it. Or maybe it was on the runway of your favorite designer’s latest fashion show. Whether it’s the intricate beading and lace, a bold silhouette or a super-long train, there’s just something about a dramatic wedding gown that can make your knees weak in the best of ways. Here’s a look at some of our fave swoon-worthy gowns.
Monique Lhuillier, Waltz
Credit: Monique Lhullier
First up, this dreamy, strapless ball gown from Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2012 platinum collection just speaks to us. The blush-colored Waltz gown features a full ruffle skirt, sweetheart neckline, and is made of silk, gauze, and classic tulle.
This gown will make any bride feel like a modern-day princess. We love how the train gently sweeps across the floor and how the grand bustled bow in the back adds an extra-feminine touch.
The dress overall boasts ethereal romance and would be perfect for a formal church wedding or even at a castle venue!
Ange Etoiles, Brilience
Credit: luxx-nova.com
This next dress demands attention and we are HERE FOR IT! It doesn’t boast a ton of voluminous fabrics but it’s a show-stopper nonetheless.
This Ange Etoiles gown, named Brilience, is from the designer’s Waterfall collection. It’s flirty and super sexy.
The fitted top has a corset and velvet straps while the rest of the dress is covered in lace and pearl embroidery. The high slit and matching gloves just add to the drama. The extra wow factor comes in the illusion skirt at the bottom; brides can choose to either wear the gown with shorts or a maxi skirt. We love the versatility!
Olivia Bottega, Elmi
Credit: Olivia Bottega
Fit for a princess, this off-the-shoulder ball gown is straight out of a fairytale. The Elmi gown by Olivia Bottega features lace all over with a giant skirt made of satin-lining, tulle, sequins and beading. It’s so dreamy, we can’t stop staring at it!
It is fit for a princess with its regal silhouette and traditional aspects. Float down the aisle in this masterpiece and pair it with a classic veil for a finished, bridal ensemble.
The volume here is what makes this timeless design dramatic. We love a ball gown that can truly make an entrance like it was always meant to.
Leah Da Gloria, Vera
Credit: Still White
This strapless mermaid gown is making waves with its lace bodice, sweetheart neckline and jaw-dropping ruffled train.
This Vera gown, from Leah Da Gloria’s 2017 couture collection, boasts large folds of fabric to create its structural tail. It accentuates the feminine figure effortlessly and with a bout of drama that is sure to turn heads.
This dramatic design is full of movement and dimension and honestly we just love a classic, feminine silhouette. Just think of this gown paired with a cathedral length veil – creating a major moment for that walk down the aisle!
Ange Etoiles, Lola
Credit: luxx-nova.com
Can you say pretty in pink? We had to pick another Ange Etoiles gown, since her designs are so dramatic and romantic.
This A-line Lola gown is super-feminine with white-gold flower embellishments, an illusion neckline and sleeves and a sexy open back. Plus, that tulle skirt is so flowy and fun!
This dress is definitely made for a playful and whimsical bride. It has all the girlish, youthful charm you could want but paired with a timeless finish that will never go out of style.
Pnina Tornai, 4812
Credit: Pnina Tornai
Illusion accents on wedding gowns are super popular right now, and this Pnina Tornai is super dreamy.
This amazing floral lace wedding gown with the plunging v-neckline, long sleeves, and classic, A-line silhouette, just exudes modern drama. And to be honest, we love a classic white wedding dress.
The lace here is the real showstopper though because of its larger appliques and dramatic texture. And the back will create a moment all on its own with its low, dipping details and illusion quality.
Sophie Et Voila, Blanche
Credit: Novella Mag
You’ll definitely grab your guests’ attention with this show-stopping dress. This Blanche gown, from Sophie Et Voila’s 2018 bridal collection, mixes Spanish flamenco and traditional wedding designs.
The gown itself is chic and simple but the exaggerated sleeves put the bride on display. This dress is perfect for the bride who wants to bring the drama without all of the extravagant fabrics and embellishments.
It is certainly a dress you choose when you have a fashion-forward spirit about you. We love this type of design paired with slick details such as a straight, low ponytail and vibrant hoop earrings.
Justin Alexander, Grant
Credit: Justin Alexander
Look at this amazing pleated tulle ball gown! We love how flirty and elegant the ruffle skirt is and it definitely adds a wow factor to the dress.
From designer Justin Alexander’s Fall/Winter 2021 collection, this ivory Grant gown features detachable straps, a sweetheart neckline and buttons down the fitted bodice. The dress combines modern romance with simplistic drama.
This is another dress that speaks to the princess soul – and that’s why it hits the dramatic wedding list! We love a gown that exudes this kind of regal charm.
Sophia Tolli, Helena
Credit: Sophia Tolli
Here’s a way to bring drama to your wedding gown: a detachable glitter tulle skirt! This show-stopping Helena gown from designer Sophia Tolli features embellished lace and sequins all over the body-hugging silhouette.
The tulle spaghetti straps add a sexy touch to the shimmering gown. Brides who are torn between a ball gown and fit-and-flare gown will love this option!
And the best part is all of these subtle, yet classic, bridal details come together to create a gown that will certainly make its own mark on the wedding day!
Maggie Sottero, Serencia 
Credit: Maggie Sottero
Designer Maggie Sottero is known for her romantic, feminine dresses and she totally outdid herself with this stunning number.
This Serencia gown comes in white, ivory and the amazing blush, pictured above. Dipped in this pink shade creates a show stopping moment unlike any other. The wow factor of coming in a tone other than a classic or neutral white is in and of itself dramatic!
We’re swooning over the breathtaking tulle and organza skirt paired with the fitted Swarovski crystal bodice. The sweetheart neckline and demure illusion back add a touch of sexy glam.
Azzi & Osta, Tiered Gown
Credit: bridalstylesboutique.com
Looking for something with royal flair? This amazing ball gown from Azzi & Osta is gorgeous!
The bride looks like a queen with her pearl-studded, peplum-tiered gown. It’s a classic silhouette with dramatic, modern accents and will definitely leave your guests staring at you all night!
For those that want true, purposeful drama, this is the type of gown to choose from. It was created with the runway in mind, so know that this is not the subtle, traditional ball gown that many brides will want to find. Instead, it’s supposed to cause a scene!
Watters, Sirena
Credit: Watters
And finally, Sirena is a gown we were already in love with. It Finishes us off with the lace overlay of our dreams and create contrast that will absolutely wow anyone in view.
This mermaid gown features unique, head-to-toe lace, floral cut-outs, and you have the option of ordering in a neutral ivory or a blush compliment. The blush is what really packs a punch!
Watters also makes their dresses even more accessible with the ability to order a true variety of sizes, lengths, and the made to order time is around 11 weeks – quite a bit of a shorter time period than you will find with other designers.
