For some, a low-key wedding with your nearest and dearest is the perfect scenario. Save the dosh for the honeymoon and perhaps make the wedding cake yourself. No judgement here. For others, the big day is all about glitz, glamour and free-flowing Champagne, where decadence spills into every aspect of the event – and that includes the dress.
If you have a vision of your special day resembling something akin to a Gatsby-inspired party – perhaps with a spot of scandal thrown in for good measure – then you’ve got to have a dress that fits the bill. We’re talking about wedding frocks inspired by the roaring 20s (no, not the 2020’s) to bring a touch of old-school glamour to your day.
So, what exactly is a 1920s wedding dress? It was an era all about female liberation, individuality and freedom, and the fashion reflected this. It was a time for drop wastes and shorter hems, of capped sleeves, intricate lace and beaded details. Gold and silver decoration were often woven into elaborate designs while a little bit of sparkle never went amiss.
Dress styles at the time had a strong sense of pizzaz so it seems only fitting to steal a few 20s fashion tropes for your once-in-a-lifetime day. To that point, we have rounded up a wealth of wedding dresses inspired by the trends of the 1920s. Discover opulent options complete with lace trims and beaded jewels to elegant silhouettes and cowl necks. And why not throw in some elbow length gloves to complete the look? Crop cuts were all the rage during the 20s, so an up-do is perhaps the perfect pairing with your bridal dress – if only to show off your beautiful ballgown! Take a look at our edit of the best 1920s-inspired wedding dresses and see if you find 'the one'.
Stacees - Stacees Elaine Wedding Dress
The Elaine is a captivating design with an elegant combination of floral and geometric elements. Crafted with a V-neck and buttoned illusion long sleeves, the Elaine gown boasts a sparkly motif with tons of vintage charm, and has been carefully balanced with a modern silhouette featuring delicate 3D floral details and a long train.
How much? £433
Buy it: Stacees Elaine Wedding Dress
Rixo - Simone Midi Dress
Rixo’s Simone dress features an incredibly luxurious, loose silhouette crafted in satin-back crepe material. Trimmed with antique-style lace, the Simone gown exudes elegance and delicate femininity with its charming slightly puffed sleeves, split-front skirt and appealing empire waistline. Carefully designed to create a flattering finish on the shoulders, the Rixo Simone Midi dress is classy, classic and a cracking choice for your big day.
How much? £385
Buy it: Rixo Simone Midi Dress
Coast - Art Deco Plunge Beaded Wedding Dress
This Coast gown showcases a beautiful Art Deco design with dazzling sequin embellishments and hand-sewn beads. A dress perfect for a glamorous bride, this 1920s-inspired gown features a gorgeous figure-sculpting silhouette which is effortlessly complemented by a V-neck and low back. Finished with a rear concealed zip, this would make a brilliant gown for those who want to make a statement on their special day.
How much? £263.20
Buy it: Coast Art Deco Plunge Beaded Wedding Dress
Annie Ibiza - Florence Dress Ivory
The Florence dress is an exquisite design crafted from ivory silk, which lends a classical appeal to the gown. A top pick for those who are after a flowing dress with an ethereal feel, this pick is incredibly impactful despite its simplicity. Featuring a romantic crow neck detail which drapes delicately around the neck, the Florence pairs perfectly with Annie Ibiza's Aphrodite Corset for an elevated look.
How much? £950
Buy it: Annie Ibiza Florence Dress Ivory
Jywal - Isabella Floral Embellished 1920s Gatsby Wedding Dress
Make a grand entrance with Jywal's epic Isabella floral embellished dress. A 1920s Gatsby-inspired design, embellished with silver shimmering sequins and beads, this hand-crafted flapper maxi dress is perfect for hitting the dancefloor. With its loose polyester skirt, the Isabella dress emits fine vintage glamour and would be perfect for a summer nuptial.
How much? £155
Buy it: Jywal Isabella Floral Embellished 1920s Gatsby Wedding Dress
Watters Designs - Finley Dress
Looking for a vintage-style dress that doesn't feel dated? This delicate gown combines vintage charm with modern elegance. Adorned with beautiful floral embroidery on both its fluttery sleeves and soft net skirt, this elegant design is truly captivating. The Finley dress also features a racy slit hem detail, a charming V-neck and a low-back.
How much? £POA
Buy it: Watters Designs Finley Dress
Nadine Merabi - Lottie White Dress
If you are looking for a fun bridal party dress then you're in luck! Nadine Merabi's Lottie dress is both aisle and dancefloor approved, whether you want to slip into something more comfortable before hitting your signature moves, or simply fancy wearing this fun number all day. Adorned with white crystal waterfall beading and a feathered hemline, you're sure to make an entrance in this beauty.
How much? £495
Buy it: Nadine Merabi Lottie White Dress
Joyce Young - Belize Wedding Dress by Freda Bennet
This wedding dress by British designer Freda Bennet is ideal for a modest bride looking for something pretty and timeless. The sleeveless design boasts a high neckline with buttons running down the back, plus captivating floral lace with a subtle but sparkly finish to bring a hint of glamour back into the overall design.
How much? £POA
Buy it: Joyce Young Belize Wedding Dress by Freda Bennet
Pronovias - Gabriell Mermaid Dress
This Gabriell gown features a halter neck top, one of the hallmarks of 1920s fashion. A sensual design with a classy mermaid cut silhouette, the Gabriell is incredibly captivating and manages to capture the essence of traditional glamour with an alluring rhinestone brooch. Featuring an elegant open back, with two straps and satin fabric, this gown is stunning and seductive in equal measure.
How much? £POA
Buy it: Pronovias Gabriell Mermaid Dress
Anna Campbell - Reese Dress
A high-quality garment with breathtaking details and a mesmerizing motif. Anna Campbell's Reese gown features a majestic star crosshatch lace lining which is beautifully incorporated with hand-beaded pearl accents and alluring tassels. Set to enthrall all in your midst, the Reese gown is accompanied by an organza-lined train for maximum impact.
How much? $7,499
Buy it: Anna Campbell Reese Dress
Badgley Mischka - Adele Dress
For brides who are after something a little different, Badgley Mischka's Adele dress hits all the marks in terms of fashion-forward appeal. Crafted from organza and feather-embroidered tulle, this figure-hugging gown is truly impactful. An attractive V-neckline adds a final flash of drama.
How much? £POA
Buy it: Badgley Mischka Adele Dress
Evelie - Yaris Dress
Want to feel like a princess? Evelie's Yaris dress features puffed tulle sleeves, an elegant open back, striking lace and a spectacular glittering tulle skirt for the ultimate showstopper. All eyes will certainly be on you throughout your celebration. Available in both ivory and nude colours, you have a bit of variety when deciding what works for you.
How much? £1,650
Buy it: Evelie Yaris Dress
Eliza Jane Howell - Jean Petou Dress
Fashion house Eliza Jane Howell has a full collection dedicated to the roaring twenties and we are in love! One of our favourites from the collection has to be the stunning Jean Patou dress - a gown which embodies all the fun and frivolity you would expect from this bygone era. A beaded bodice and feather detail ensure this gown is as unique as you are.
How much? POA
Buy it: Eliza Jane Howell Jean Petou Dress
Soleil - Claire Pettibone
For a wedding dress inspired by the roaring twenties, Claire Pettibone is a designer to consider. The Soleil gown has everything you could want in a 1920s-inspired wedding dress, from the delicate French embroidered tulle to the pretty cap sleeves. The shimmering gold hue of this wedding gown will give your complexion a gorgeous glow and will look absolutely stunning in those golden-hour wedding pics.
How much? POA
Buy it: Claire Pettibone
Claire Pettibone - Cora Gown
The Cora wedding dress from Claire Pettibone is filled with whimsical details, from the French Guipure lace to the gentle scalloped detail at the neckline and the hemline of this dress. Brides looking for a wedding gown that feels authentically vintage will feel drawn to this unique wedding dress.
How much? POA
Buy it: Claire Pettibone Cora Gown
Prefer something a little more understated? Take a look at our list of the best simple wedding dresses for a minimalist look.