Forget edgy, fashion-forward dresses; we’ve handpicked 10 timeless designs that will never go out of fashion. Be inspired by beautiful vintage themes with a contemporary twist and you’ll never cringe when you look back on your wedding photographs...
Hollywood glamour
A dash of Hollywood glam is always in style and although Gemy Maalouf’s designs are known for being original and unusual, this elegant, plunge-neck gown strikes the perfect balance between old and new; the cap sleeves and embellished neckline are steeped in vintage influence, but the unusual draping at the hip is perfectly contemporary.
Style W2814 by Gemy Maalouf
Fashion-friendly
This dress may be from St. Patrick’s Fashion Collection, but the classic mermaid shape and sweetheart neckline make it a timeless classic in every way. Falling perfectly around your curves this is every inch the dramatic dress, particularly if you are a tall bride or have an athletic figure. The minimal design also means you can go for the wow factor with statement accessories.
Califa by St. Patrick
Luscious lace
Heirloom lace never goes out of fashion for brides and this divine dress by Dessy, from the After Six Collection, has an oversized floral design that provides a contemporary finish. Ideal if you’re having a monochrome theme, this simple bandeau design is sweet, stylish and full of romantic character.
Style 1037 by Dessy
Simply stylish
With a Grecian touch and a high, vintage-inspired neckline, this simply elegant dress by Lara Hannah is flattering, feminine and ever-fashionable. The detachable belt, made from individually hand stitched clear bugle beads embellished onto a silk georgette base, adds glamour and could be worn with other evening dresses when your big day is done.
Airlia by Lara Hannah
Flattering forever
With an elegant fishtail, this is the ultimate wedding dress for a slim bride who wants a timeless style to flatter her figure. The beautiful lace appliqué across the bust and neckline follows through to the back of the dress, creating a beautiful, sheer, v-shaped panel to really accentuate the waist.
Galveston by Manuel Mota
Timeless and versatile
The simplicity of this all-season dress by Benjamin Roberts makes it all the more versatile. Shown here with a figure-flattering lace jacket (which is available to buy separately) the train is also detachable, making it easy to change your look throughout the day. Worn on its own this elegant silk wedding gown is the definition of “timeless”.
Style 2318 by Benjamin Roberts
Summer style
This dress looks great on curvier brides, as well as slender figures; the vintage-inspired cowl neckline draws attention away from the hips and the two silk roses flatter the waist. Elegant and stylish, the flowing lines and simple silhouette will never look dated and worn with a fresh floral hair accessory The Elsie is particularly suited to summer weddings.
The Elsie by Belle & Bunty
Modern vintage
Brand new for June 2012, this gorgeous dress is taken from Alfred Angelo’s Modern Vintage Collection. Cut away to reveal the neck and décolletage, the lace trim over the bust line and shoulders is the epitome of elegance, while the dreamy A-line skirt is light and whimsical; the perfect choice for a stately home wedding.
Style 8506 by Alfred Angelo
Eco-aware bride
This silk and fair-trade organic cotton dress by Sanyukta Shrestha (who has just started using innovative milk fibre fabric technology in her designs) has a fluid style and stunning shine, as well as eco-friendly credentials. With a detachable corsage and matching bolero, this eternal wedding look can be naturally dyed to wear as an evening gown later.
Esperia with matching bolero by Sanyukta Shrestha
Vintage inspired
With a loose, scooped neck and scalloped layers, this vintage-inspired lace dress is effortlessly beautiful and incredibly feminine. An Edwardian style with capped sleeves, the tiered gown is taken from the Decades Collection by The Vintage Wedding Dress Company, a business set up by stylist Charlie Brear and featured in Vogue.
1910s dress by The Vintage Wedding Dress Company