Who Are the Top 10 Wedding Dress Designers?

When you’re planning a wedding, deciding how much to spend on a dress can be a challenging task. You might wonder if you should stick to the typical 10% of the total budget or let your heart lead you to a pricier gown. It’s essential to balance dreams with practicality, reflecting on the variety of options from budget-friendly to high-end. But what about those hidden costs, like alterations or accessories, that can quickly add up? There’s more to reflect on than just the price tag and understanding these factors can guide you towards making a wise investment.

A joyful plus size bridal bride in her wedding attire, getting ready for the ceremony, surrounded by beautiful bridal decorations.

1.Vera Wang

Though Vera Wang’s name is synonymous with bridal fashion, her journey began far from the wedding aisle. Starting as an assistant at Vogue in 1971, she swiftly became the fashion editor by 23. Her stint at Ralph Lauren designing accessories further honed her skills. Dissatisfied with existing wedding dress options for her own wedding in 1989, Wang crafted her own, marking the inception of her future legacy. In 1990, she opened her own bridal shop, Vera Wang Bridal House in New York City, setting the stage for her breakthrough bridal collection. Her parents immigrated from China in the 1940s, and her mother’s influence introduced her to the world of high-end fashion. Vera Wang’s signature style marries elegance with sophistication, using sheer fabrics and exquisite details. Her collections feature diverse silhouettes from fit and flare to ball gowns. Collaborating with Pronovias, Vera Wang Bride offers an array of styles, including embroidered bodices and minimalist sheath dresses. Her history reflects a relentless pursuit of innovation, forever shaping the bridal industry with timeless yet trend-aware designs.

2. Oscar De La Renta

Oscar de la Renta’s journey into the world of bridal fashion began with the launch of his bridal line in 2006, a natural extension of his brand’s long-standing reputation for luxury and sophistication. From the outset, Oscar de la Renta bridal collections have captivated with their ethereal elegance and architectural grace, offering luxury wedding gowns that embody timeless beauty. Known for cascading layers, exquisite hand embroidery, and voluminous skirts, his designs merge classic styles with modern touches.

Under the creative direction of Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim since 2016, the brand continues its legacy of dressing high-profile clients. Celebrity brides consistently choose Oscar de la Renta for his impeccable craftsmanship and quality fabrics like royal satin and Chantilly lace. His global influence is undeniable, with a wide array of styles available, from romantic silhouettes to dramatic gowns. Oscar de la Renta’s wedding dresses are notable for their intricate lace and dramatic elements, often making them a top choice for brides seeking a touch of elegance. For those seeking savings, pre-owned options offer access to these iconic designs at reduced prices.

3. Elie Saab

Elie Saab, a name synonymous with luxury and elegance, revolutionized bridal couture since establishing his fashion house in 1982 at just 18 years old. Initially focusing on bridal designs, Saab’s creations quickly gained international acclaim, thanks to his use of expensive fabrics, intricate lace, and detailed embroidery. His inspirations are deeply rooted in romantic and glamorous aesthetics, often incorporating figure-hugging silhouettes, opulent hand beading, and dramatic details like full tulle skirts and statement sleeves. Known for his luxury wedding fashion, Saab’s history is marked by key milestones, including becoming the first Lebanese designer admitted to the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. With main workshops in Lebanon and additional workshops in Milan and Paris, his collections have graced the runways of Paris Fashion Week and adorned celebrities and royalty alike. His latest bridal collection, “Winter’s Grace,” embodies delicate and wistful elegance, making him a favorite among high-end brides seeking a fairy-tale aesthetic.

4. Marchesa

Founded in 2004 by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, Marchesa quickly became a beacon of ultra-romantic bridal fashion. Their Marchesa collections are renowned for their ethereal aesthetics and couture quality, making them a favorite among celebrity brides like Julianne Hough and Blake Lively. Romantic silhouettes dominate the designs, incorporating classic styles with a modern twist, such as high-low skirts and dramatic trains.

Floral appliqués, intricate lace, and 3-D petal embroidery are key design embellishments that define Marchesa’s signature look. These elements create a dreamy, whimsical feel that aligns perfectly with current wedding trends. With prices typically reflecting design complexity and material quality, the brand’s attention to detail and craftsmanship guarantees each piece feels like a couture masterpiece.

Marchesa’s influence extends beyond bridal fashion, as their designs often set trends for the broader fashion world. With a commitment to timeless elegance and innovation, Marchesa continues to captivate brides looking for a fairytale wedding gown.

5. Zuhair Murad

As Marchesa captivates with its ethereal charm, Zuhair Murad enchants with his opulent designs and meticulous craftsmanship. Known for his Lebanese heritage and a flair for haute couture, Murad has become a beacon of bridal trends and fashion inspiration. His collections, renowned for their exquisite embroidery and flattering silhouettes, merge modern style with traditional craftsmanship. Brides seeking elegance and sophistication find his gowns irresistible, with dramatic trains, cascading florals, and sheer bodices adorned with 3D embellishments. Zuhair Murad’s Spring 2024 collection draws inspiration from traditional moldings, featuring architectural motifs on tulle dresses, while the Fall 2025 line evokes the romance of forbidden love. His bridal boutique in Beirut offers a range of styles, from A-line silhouettes to custom-made designs, ensuring a perfect fit for every bride. With prices ranging from $1,500 to $45,000, Murad’s creations, renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, promise a lasting impression on the wedding day.

6. Alon Livné White

Alon Livné White, a name synonymous with modern elegance, has carved a niche in the bridal fashion world with his unique aesthetic and exquisite craftsmanship. Trained at prestigious fashion houses like Alexander McQueen and Roberto Cavalli, Livné White seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary flair. His bridal innovation is evident in collections like “Wild Orchid” and “La Rose,” where luxurious textures and intricate detailing create artistic gowns that capture timeless femininity. Known for blending modern and classic design elements, his designs offer an elegant and individual aesthetic for the discerning bride.

Livné’s empowering designs are perfect for brides who seek both sophistication and boldness. Each collection draws inspiration from nature and femininity, featuring structured, form-flattering cuts and ethereal silhouettes. Celebrity collaborations with icons like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga further elevate his brand’s prestige.

Livné White’s gowns are a reflection of his ability to transform wedding dresses into pieces of art, seamlessly merging classic with modernity. Available globally, his designs are favored by top stylists and featured in leading fashion publications.

7. Mira Zwillinger

Mira Zwillinger, a beacon of luxury in the bridal fashion industry, enchants with its ethereal designs and exquisite craftsmanship. Founded in 1996 by the Israeli mother-daughter duo Mira and Liora Zwillinger, this brand has gained international acclaim for its romantic and feminine styles. The Mira Zwillinger Collections are celebrated for their delicate lace, luxurious fabrics, and innovative silhouettes, making each dress a masterpiece. The brand offers a range of dress options across different price points, reflecting the quality and intricacy of the designs.

The Mira Zwillinger Craftsmanship is evident in the intricate detailing, fine embroidery, and ornate beading that adorn each gown. High-quality fabrics like silk crepe and brocade are meticulously tailored by skilled seamstresses, ensuring a perfect fit. Brides worldwide can access these stunning creations through global retailers and online platforms, with Browns Bride serving as the exclusive distributor in London. Each Mira Zwillinger dress, with prices starting at £10,850, represents a seamless blend of elegance and uniqueness, appealing to brides seeking unparalleled luxury.

8. Berta Balilti

Berta Balilti, the visionary behind Berta Bridal, revolutionizes the bridal fashion landscape with her avant-garde designs. Since founding her brand in 2004, Berta has consistently pushed the boundaries of bridal fashion. Her Berta Bridal collections are celebrated for their bold, sexy, modern styles that incorporate vintage materials and retro influences. Based in Ashdod, Israel, Berta’s studio is a hub of creativity and innovation, producing collections that feature sheer details, magical shimmers, and daring yet romantic looks.

Her label is recognized globally, with over 150 retailers offering her luxurious pieces, priced at $8,000 and up. Berta’s brand philosophy emphasizes affordable luxury and impeccable craftsmanship. Her distinct style, highlighted in prestigious venues like The Plaza Hotel and World Trade Center, continues to shape avant-garde bridal fashion. Berta Balilti’s artistic approach to high-end bridal fashion has earned her accolades and recognition from top fashion editors and bloggers, further solidifying her status as a leading designer in the industry.

Berta’s creations have captivated fashion-forward brides and celebrities alike, with names like Britney Spears and Priyanka Chopra donning her designs.

9. Galia Lahav

While rooted in a rich legacy of haute couture, Galia Lahav has become a trailblazer in the world of luxury bridal fashion. With over 30 years of experience, her designs are celebrated for their romantic and dramatic flair. Galia Lahav couture is distinguished by illusion backs, cascading silk tulle skirts, and Italian ivory lace, making each gown a masterpiece. Born into a family of seamstresses in Russia, her art background deeply influences her work, infusing dresses with artistic characteristics like delicate embroidery and fine beaded details. Renowned for her craftsmanship excellence, Galia Lahav’s dresses are handmade by top seamstresses in Israel, ensuring each piece is crafted with the utmost attention to detail. Galia Lahav’s influence extends to high-profile weddings, where celebrities like Simone Biles and Christine Quinn have donned her striking creations. Her bespoke designs cater to those seeking something truly unique, with dresses priced between £8,450 and £12,650, and the Gala line offering more accessible luxury. With global recognition in over 40 stores, Galia Lahav continues to set new standards in bridal fashion.

10. Inbal Dror

Born in Ashdod, Israel, Inbal Dror has carved a niche in the bridal fashion world with her avant-garde designs and alluring aesthetics. She honed her craft at Shenkar College and in Milan, working alongside fashion giants like Roberto Cavalli, before launching her brand in 2005. Inbal Dror designs are celebrated for their daring silhouettes, intricate lacework, and exquisite beading, exemplifying true bridal innovation. Her signature touches, like revealing necklines and perfectly placed embellishments, attract a star-studded clientele, including Beyoncé and Naomi Watts. Her gowns often feature figure-hugging fits that accentuate the body, highlighting her focus on elegance and bold fashion statements.

Dror’s global expansion has been strategic and effective, partnering with Katzman for marketing and establishing a presence in prestigious boutiques worldwide. Her participation in international events, such as New York Bridal Fashion Week, underscores her status as a trendsetter. With features in Vogue and a request from the British royal family, Inbal Dror continues to redefine bridal elegance with dramatic cut-outs and three-dimensional elements.

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