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Sophie Moore is a former Brides editor and current contributing writer. With over five years of experience in bridal, she is an expert on all things fashion.
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Frilly, playful, and romantic, there is something so quintessentially bridal about a ruffled wedding dress. Whether you’re drawn to gowns with layers of cascading tulle or you’re looking for something more subtle like midi dresses with flouncy hems, ruffles add texture and dimension to any wedding dress silhouette.
When it comes to shopping for ruffled wedding dresses, it’s all about selecting a gown that has the right amount of drama for you. Brides with bold tastes will love the look of statement-making ball gowns featuring tiers of voluminous and frothy ruffles, while brides with a more minimalist aesthetic should look for simple silhouettes with subtle frill accents. And for the modern bride? Go for sleek silhouettes with clean and architectural ruffles for a look that feels fresh and fashion-forward.
From gowns that exude drama to dresses adorned with delicate frills, read on for the best ruffled dresses for every style.
Over The Moon x Brock Collection's Quarrie gown was created to fulfill every bridal fashion dream. Between the square neckline, sweeping train, and perfectly white Chantilly lace, this romantic and modern look will be sure to turn heads as you walk down the aisle.
Designed with the modern bride in mind, this architectural yet playful dress features voluminous ruffles and an asymmetric ankle-grazing hem. Wear yours with clean and simple accessories to round out your look.
Diaphonous and dreamy, this gently ruffled gown is crafted from lighter-than-air silk organza. We love it for the romantic bride who has an eye for fashion-forward designs.
Courtesy of Viktor & Rolf
All eyes will be on you as you make an unforgettable entrance in this show-stopping gown. Part mini dress, part dramatic gown, this high-low number is designed to leave a lasting impression.
Make a grand entrance in this jaw-dropping style designed with layers of frothy tulle trimmed with feathers. A dramatic look like this was born to be worn to a black-tie wedding.
Effortlessly elegant and endlessly chic, this frilly Markarian gown is a city bride's dream. Team with embellished mules and delicate personal jewelry for a beautifully polished look.
Courtesy of Oscar de la Renta
Supremely romantic, this Oscar de la Renta gown features tiers of spiraling ruffles that were designed to catch the light and to move with your every step.
A single ruffled strap adds the perfect finishing touch to this simple gown. We love this look for the minimalist bride who appreciates the beauty of an asymmetrical neckline.
For the bride who's looking to forgo bridal white in favor of a playful, pastel hue, this pretty pink dress from Marchesa Notte is the perfect option. The dimensional ruffles swirl across the gown giving the silhouette movement and added whimsy.
Channel your inner queen with Monique Lhuillier's 'Daydream' gown. We can't help but picture this undeniably regal gown at a black-tie wedding set against the backdrop of a grand castle.
If 'go big or go home' is your motto when it comes to ruffles, this voluminous gown is sure to please your bold tastes. It's crafted from tiers of ruffled tulle and features a puddle train for even more added drama.
Courtesy of David's Bridal
Fun and flattering, this mermaid silhouette was designed to hug and accentuate your curves. Our favorite detail? This flouncy, ruffled skirt is perfect for twirling around on the dance floor.
Not for the faint of heart, this ruffle-infused gown was designed for the bride who doesn't shy away from a daring look. Complete your eye-catching ensemble with the brand's matching capelet.
Courtesy of Needle & Thread
You'll practically float down the aisle in this exceedingly exquisite gown by Needle & Thread. Its ruffly neckline has an almost Victorian-era feel to it, making it the perfect option for the bride who covets all things vintage.
Courtesy of David's Bridal
A fitted lace bodice and a romantic ruffled skirt offer a contrast of texture and technique on this flattering and feminine gown. Follow the styling lead and wear yours with a floor-length veil.
You don't have to break the bank to land your dream ruffled wedding dress. This gorgeous gown from Lulus comes in under $300 and looks just as luxe as other pricier brands.
No wedding wardrobe is complete without a party-ready dress! Slip into this flirty number for the after-party and style your look with sparkly earrings and metallic shoes.
Show off your legs in this sultry and silky dress. The high-low hemline is not only elongating but it offers up the perfect chance to showcase a pair of stylish bridal heels.
We can't name a more perfect duo than ruffles and polka dots. This Giambattista Valli dress is as sweet as ever for a spring or summer wedding, and pairs especially well with brightly colored accessories.
This Rosa Clará gown boasts one of the most impressive ruffled trains we have ever seen. What's more, the beautiful, open, and elegant back, ensures you'll make an exit as jaw-dropping as your entrance.
Looking for something completely non-traditional? This Yolan Cris wedding gown feels anything but expected, and belongs to the fearless bride with fashion-forward tastes.
Yes, there are many different types of ruffles. Some of the most common types of ruffles are single and double edge ruffles, waterfall ruffles, circular ruffles, and cascading ruffles.
Ruffled wedding dresses run the gamut from voluminous and dramatic to understated and delicate. While some brides may prefer statement-making ruffled gowns, others may prefer pared-back silhouettes with subtle ruffle detailing.
Since ruffles add extra fabric to a silhouette, a ruffled wedding gown can sometimes be heavy. However, the weight of a ruffled gown will largely depend on how many ruffles are on the gown and what type of fabric was used to create both the gown and the ruffles. Gowns designed in heavyweight fabrics with allover ruffles tend to be heavier than simple silhouettes adorned with ruffles made from lightweight and wispy tulle.
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