Yahoo Lifestyle Lace wedding dresses are a timeless option – shop 10 of the best here
Lace, forever an excellent choice for wedding dresses, has been a signifier of luxury since the 1600s. The painstaking detail and handiwork that went into this fabric meant that it was incredibly expensive, reserved only for aristocracy and royals, until the 19th century. Luckily, thanks to the Industrial Revolution and modern production methods, lace bridalwear is more readily available – not to mention affordable – without having lost any of the delicate intricacies that make it so special.
Did we mention how timeless a lace wedding dressing is, too? Frothy meringue skirts, hooping, leg-of-mutton sleeves and pie-crust collars – bridal trends come and go, but this fabric remains relevant. Still, it has seen a particularly long-reigning spike in popularity ever since the Duchess of Cambridge chose to wear a couture Leavers lace gown by Alexander McQueen to her ceremony in 2011. For something that'll stand the test of time, Kate's demure long-sleeve gown is excellent inspiration – but there are also more modern ways to wear this trend.
In louche, unstructured cuts, this fabric becomes decidedly bohemian; but it can also feel Sixties' retro when teamed with an Ossie Clarke-inspired high neckline and an empire silhouette or cut into a simple shift shape. If you find all-over lace looks too fussy, try a simple trim or contrast sleeves (by sticking to something minimal, you're bound to wear it again once the wedding is over). If, however, you find this fabric too conservative or classic, go for a partial lining or something sheer – a bridal trend kickstarted by tastemaker Camille Charrière.
From the traditional to the on-trend, we've rounded up 10 modern lace wedding dresses that will make your big day special.
Best lace wedding dresses
Rixo
Defined by its vintage-inspired silhouettes and fabrics, Rixo's bridal collection is totally unique. And the affordable price point is only adds to its appeal, of course. This Fleur dress nods to the Thirties with its covered buttons, empire-line bust and leg-of-mutton sleeves. We like how its partially lined to showcase the cream corded lace.
Oscar de la Renta
Made from corded lace, Oscar de la Renta's maxi dress is expertly cut to create a flattering fit and flare shape. The contrast tie belt and asymmetric scalloped hemline is a contemporary touch.
Rodarte
The tea dress is having a comeback and there's nothing more timeless to pick for civil ceremonies and city weddings. Rodarte's has Eighties-inspired puffed sleeves and lace panelling that's pointed to frame the smallest part of your waist.
Self Portrait X Christopher Kane
Lace features heavily in Christopher Kane's Residency collection at Self-Portrait. This satin wedding dress is cut on the bias to enhance the fluted sleeves and puddled train. We love how the eyelash lace panel is lined in blush to highlight the floral detailing.
Blumarine
Defining the underwear-as-outerwear trend, Blumarine's wedding dress is cut in a Nineties slip shape and edged with picot trims. The beauty is in the details with this piece: it's suspended from two crystal bow spaghetti straps and lined in blush satin to highlight the Leavers lace florals.
Alessandra Rich
Looking for designer bridalwear for a fraction of the price? The best lace wedding dresses are timeless, so there's no risk in shopping old-season or second-hand. Breathable enough for beach weddings thanks to its cotton fibres, this ruffled Alessandra Rich gown is left sheer to show off the intricate floral lace and centred with an on-trend corsage at the bust.
Lace midi dress
In the Sixties, with considerable help from Mary Quant and a first wave of feminism, mini dresses and skirt suits became a go-to for modern brides. Self-Portrait has paid homage to this cultural shift with the column shape and cowl collar on this lace shirt dress.
De La Vali
Sheer is becoming increasingly popular with brides today, thanks to its cool-girl appeal – who remembers influencer Camille Charriere's wedding look? De La Vali's Hermosa dress comes is made from delicate lace and comes with a removable silk lining – so you can cover up for the ceremony and switch to a shorter slip or tonal undergarments for the afterparty.
Needle & Thread
Named after Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Needle & Thread's wedding dress has ethereal appeal – it's the kind of gown that looks even better with low-key make-up and undone waves. Made from champagne Swiss dot tulle embroidered with tiny flowers, it's trimmed with lace through the tiered skirt and ruffled around the Bardot bodice.
£425.00 at needleandthread.com
Rabanne lace jersey maxi dress
Rabanne's wedding dress is the contemporary bride's dream with its sultry cutouts and comfortable stretch-lace that'll see you through the ceremony, then onto dinner and dancing.
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