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2022 was the year of weddings. Between pandemic postponements and quarantine engagements, brides-to-be everywhere finally had their chance to walk down the aisle, and celebrity brides were no exception! Of course, most of us don’t have access to the extravagant, customized-from-scratch designer options that many celebrities wear. But if you’re currently shopping for your dream gown, celebrity wedding dresses are a great place to gain inspiration–from the silhouette you want, to the length, material, and neckline.
For more insight on how to determine which celebrity-inspired designs may be right for you, we consulted Grace Richmond and Abi Gadsby, the founders of The Loop, a London-based bridal studio. “If you love a celebrity wedding dress or even a celebrity wearing a dress on the red carpet you’d like to take inspiration from, make sure you are clear on what part of the dress really works for you,” they explain. “Is it the shape? Is it the color? Perhaps it’s just the material or even the smaller details: the beaded straps or the feather belt, for example.”
By keeping these key features in mind, you’ll be able to find a similar gown with all the details you love most. To help you narrow down your options even further, we’ve researched and rounded up the best styles inspired by some of 2022’s most notable celebrity bridal moments–from Nina Senicar’s thigh-high slit to Sarah Hyland’s body-hugging mermaid maxi dress.
Meet the Expert
Grace Richmond and Abi Gadsby are the founders of The Loop, which offers a curated edit of inexpensive luxury pre-owned, secondhand, pre-loved, and worn once designer wedding dresses for the modern bride.
Read on for gorgeous and affordable wedding gowns inspired by this year’s celebrity brides.
Courtesy of David’s Bridal.
Actress Nina Senicar strutted down the aisle in a custom Dolce & Gabbana that featured a structured bodice and A-line skirt with a sexy high slit. We love this David’s Bridal rendition of a similar style that’s equally sophisticated (but at a fraction of the price). Crafted from luxe ivory satin with a bold skirt slit and a chapel train, this gown is at once modern and timeless. We especially love subtle button detailing that goes down the back of the dress. And the best part? It has pockets!
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Courtesy of Lulus
Sarah Hyland’s wedding featured not one, but two custom Vera Wang Haute Couture gowns. Her second dress was a body-hugging mermaid gown with a draped neckline and tulle sleeves. This Lulus style offers a similar mermaid silhouette that hits the curves in all the right places. That combined with the subtle back cut-out and sweetheart neckline is both classic and elegant. And at under $100, this option was made for the budget-friendly bride.
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Courtesy of Cult Gaia.
Alexandra Daddario’s vintage-inspired New Orleans wedding looked straight out of a 1930’s magazine, and her pleated silk wool gown by Danielle Frankel was no exception. If you’re partial to old-time tastes and minimalist aesthetics, you’ll also love this floor-length air satin gown by Cult Gaia. Featuring a bias seam embellishment and a relaxed fit, this feminine and timeless gown is ultra-flattering and fitting for a joyous wedding day.
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Courtesy of Revolve.
Kourtney Kardashian’s bridal ensemble for her marriage to Travis Barker was memorable, to say the least. Underneath her cathedral-length veil that donned a portrait of Virgin Mary, she sported a custom Dolce & Gabbana mini dress with a corset bodice and lace detailing. Trendy brides who want to show off their legs for the ceremony, reception, or after party can follow suit in this party-ready, bustier-style dress featuring ruched mesh fabric and a sharp square neckline.
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Courtesy of David’s Bridal.
JoJo Fletcher looked drop-dead gorgeous in her Ines De Santo wedding gown. The figure-hugging mermaid style with a romantic ruffled hem was the perfect complement to her vineyard wedding. This organza mermaid dress features the same sweetheart neckline and ruffled skirt that we love so much about The Bachelorette star’s dress. The ruching details and sweetheart neckline are flattering on every figure, and the lace-up back ensures a perfect fit for the big day.
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Courtesy of The Loop.
Going for an ultra-whimsical bridal ensemble? Then this tulle (from head to toe!) dress is calling your name! This previously-worn sparkling tulle gown from The Loop reminds us of Billie Lourd’s custom off-the-shoulder tulle dress by Rodarte. This Liz Martinez version offers the same romantic vibe, with the addition of a beaded lace appliqué around the waistline and a plunging neckline, at almost 50 percent of its original designer price.
What to Look for in a Celebrity-Inspired Wedding Dress
It’s all in the details
Richmond and Gadsby recommend narrowing down which parts of a celebrity’s dress you absolute love, then finding a style that incorporates similar details. However, they also advise that it’s most important find a gown that feels true to you and your own unique style. “Make sure the bride wears the dress, not the other way round,” they add.
Style and Fit
“We like to think that anything you try on and it immediately feels good and comfortable for you is the most flattering style universally,” said Gadsby and Richmond. “Anything you have to tailor too much and fiddle around with might not be the one.”
They stress the importance to finding something that works for you and your wedding style. “Book lots of appointments and get trying on–the more the merrier! This will help you whittle it down to a style and perhaps even to a particular designer that is flattering for you.”
Color
Color is also something to consider. “Some creams, blushes, and even dove gray may be unexpected, but will raise the bar.” Different shades work well with different skin tones—if you’re going outside the box with color, just make sure to see how it looks in real life. “Overall, you’ll know the one when you try it on as it will feel both comfortable, flattering, and luxurious all in one!”
FAQ
- If a custom designer gown isn’t in your wedding budget (don’t worry, it isn’t for most people), then there are plenty of more affordable options that are equally as stunning. A few foolproof ways to find your dream dress within your budget are shopping from affordable retailers, selecting sample wedding dresses on sale (although this often requires more alterations), or even renting a dress for the big day. Richmond and Gadsby also highly recommend shopping for secondhand gowns.
For instance, The Loop offers a wide range of luxury pre-owned dresses. “We are obsessed with sourcing dresses that feel a little bit different or unique, that have that celebrity feel to them as if they’ve been taken off the red carpet,” Richmond and Gadsby say. “Yes, they may be secondhand but all of them are in pristine condition and importantly, we have designer dresses that are typically 50 to 60 percent less than the recommended retail price.”
Why Trust Brides
Chloe Caldwell is a Commerce Writer for Brides who specializes in shopping and lifestyle topics. She has more than five years of journalism experience writing about all things fashion, beauty, travel, and wellness.
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