The Best Wedding Dresses of 2024
Here are my honest thoughts…
With 2024 almost over (I’m currently in denial about that, by the way), I had the idea to put together a list of my favorite bridal fashion items and looks from the year. Within this newsletter, my goal is to highlight the top wedding dresses I’ve seen these past 350-something days—and this mini roundup will highlight the pieces that made the biggest impact (IMO).
Today’s topic? Wedding dresses!
This year, I've seen and reviewed hundreds of wedding dresses (I’m not exaggerating!), which made today’s roundup a bit tricky to put together. Hence, my disclaimer: This isn’t an exhaustive list of all the gowns I admired in 2024. While I’d love to feature everything, I’m only spotlighting the top 10 looks that stood out to me; otherwise, I’d need three newsletters to cover it all.
Something else to keep in mind: The looks highlighted below are from collections released exclusively in 2024, meaning they are from either the Spring 2025 or Fall 2025 season (designers typically show their bridal lines a year in advance).
Now that the intro and formalities are out of the way, here are my honest thoughts on the best wedding dresses of 2024. I hope this helps you shop for your upcoming nuptials if you’re currently engaged.
Best Overall
LEIN Philippa Shirt Dress
This may be a bold statement, but I’m okay with saying it: LEIN’s Fall 2025 collection was the best debut of 2024. Designer Meredith Stoecklein produced a line that embodies everything contemporary bridal fashion should be: ready-to-wear sensibilities, playful and diverse silhouettes, and the ability to wear each look after the wedding, to name a few. I genuinely admired every look from this collection, but since I gave myself the task of only choosing one piece per designer, I’d say the Philippa Shirt Dress takes the top spot. If you know me, though, this should come as a surprise…I love an unorthodox bridal outfit. And did I mention how obsessed I am with the crystal and beaded skirt over the shirt? Pure styling perfection. 10 out of 10!
Best Ball Gown
Emilia Wickstead Merope Gown
Emilia Wickstead released her second bridal collection this year, and while it was full of gems, the Merope gown is by far one of my favorites from the line. The brand calls it the "epitome of minimalist sophistication" and I wholeheartedly agree—it's the reason I’m completely in awe of this ball gown.
Most Contemporary
Danielle Frankel Dakota Coat
Unless this is your first foray into the bridal fashion space, I can confidently say you’ve seen two (or ten or twelve) brides wearing Danielle Frankel. As the go-to label for millennial brides, the brand has released countless designs that could easily make my “Best of” list—but it’s this coat that takes the cake for me this year.
Best Mini
Dana Harel Selina Mini
Before diving into this look, I have to acknowledge Dana Harel and the stunning designs she produces season after season. The Israeli designer launched her first collection in 2012 and is renowned for her keen attention to detail. But don’t just take my word for it—simply look at the intricate crystal work on the Selena mini, and I’m sure you’ll see what I mean. It’s the perfect party dress for a bride who wants to be the star of the show on her wedding day (as she should be!).
Most Popular
Vivienne Westwood Nova Cocotte Gown
Vivienne Westwood's Nova Cocotte is essentially the wedding dress of the year. Seriously, I can’t count how many times I saw this gown featured online or on social media. I mean, it’s not hard to see why: It’s a gorgeous look that can flatter almost every body type, thanks to the A-line silhouette and corset bodice.
Best Separates
Alexandra Grecco Lousie Skirt and Clara Cropped Corset
I recently styled New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck in this skirt for Brides' 90th Anniversary Issue, so, unsurprisingly, it’s one of my favorite pieces of the year. And while I paired the skirt with a long-sleeve bodysuit for the cover shoot (full story here!), I do love the cropped corset that Alexandra Grecco offers to wear with it.
Best Florals
Monique Lhuillier Amalfi Gown
I’m a minimalist at heart, but I was immediately drawn to this Monique Lhuillier dress the moment I laid eyes on it. Maybe it’s the three-dimensional floral details or the velvet bows? While I know this gown won’t be for everyone, I truly think it's one of the most intriguing looks of 2024.
Most Buzzy
CINQ The Pia Gown
Bridal label CINQ stole the show this year—literally!—with its viral Collection IV Bridal Fashion Week presentation, which subsequently catapulted the brand to new heights. The Pia gown, in particular, was one of the standout dresses from that debut, and I foresee it remaining popular in 2025.
Most Daring
Andrew Kwon Collection 8 Look 6
Photos seriously don’t do this dress justice! When I first saw it during Bridal Fashion Week, I was immediately drawn to the silhouette and the way it flowed as the model walked down the runway. Sure, it’s not for everyone, but it’s a design I’m sure we’ll see more of next year.
Best Details
Amsale Sorrel Gown
I will forever love Amsale and this dress, which has lived rent-free in my mind since I first saw it. And though I’m not typically a fan of a neck scarf, this look has me reconsidering my stance. Regardless, the three-dimensional details on this gown are unlike anything I’ve seen this year, and the column silhouette is absolutely classic.
Did you read this far? If you did, let me know which dress is your favorite. It doesn’t have to be one from my list!
The Monique L’Huillier dress is so dreamy 💕