1920s Wedding Dresses: 29 Styles for Modern and Vintage Loving Brides
Beading, silk, fringing, glitz and silhouettes that are perfect for throwing shapes on the dance floor – 1920s inspired wedding dresses are making a comeback. Discover the best 1920s wedding dresses for every bride
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Many have predicted that a roaring 20s revival is nigh, and not simply in fashion circles. After enduring two years of cancelled weddings and parties, social isolation and general pandemic induced hardship, it makes sense that the celebratory spirit of the 1920s will soon bubble to the surface, like a fine champagne, and 1920s wedding dresses are the best place to start for a touch of Gatsby glamour.
Given that those famous Great Gatsby-era parties went into full swing following the Spanish flu pandemic, it’s no surprise that we’re taking inspiration from the jazz age across the board, from mixing up decadent cocktails to embracing spangly flapper-esque dress.
Bridal designers have referenced 1920s and art deco touches throughout their 2021/2022 collections, bringing hallmark styling from the era bang up to date. Think fringed edging, silk slip wedding dresses, geometric beading and 1920s Chanel-esque suiting. Ready to party? Browse our edit of the best 1920s wedding dresses to suit modern and vintage brides alike.
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The Best 1920s Inspired Wedding Dresses
1. Dolly Tulle-Embellished Wedding Gown – £4,194, Jenny Packham
Known for her contemporary sequined and beaded designs, not to mention starry clientele (the Duchess of Cambridge is a devotee), Jenny Packham has been creating wedding dresses with a modern nod to the 1920s for over three decades. Dolly is one such art deco dress. Sheer panels, ivory silk, flutter sleeves, intricate beading and a scoop back make for a wedding dress to raise a (coupe) glass to.
2. Ryder Dress – £850, Catherine Deane
A neat beaded bodice, slim straps and triangular fringed skirt give this midi wedding dress present day 1920s appeal. The ribboned waist breaks up the textures of the dress for an even more eye-catching effect. Ryder is just the thing to slip into for a city wedding.
3. Oria Dress – £POA, Rosa Clará
The fact that Rosa Clará has just released a 2022 Gatsby collection will be music to the ears of 1920s loving brides-to-be. Expect beaded bodices, slim yet flowing shapes that allow for easy movement and an artful application of glitz. Square backed Oria is ideal if you’re after a contemporary silhouette with subtle vintage touches.
4. Snowdrop Gown in Champagne – £550, Needle & Thread
Got a winter wedding planned? Snowdrop will twinkle in the cool light and boasts art deco touches aplenty. The champagne hue was a popular jazz age shade, while the sequin beading would kick off the Charleston nicely at the reception. The loose fitting silhouette is reminiscent of shapes favoured by flappers, and the ruffle trims at the neck and the sleeves create movement.
READ MORE: 35 of the Best Bridal Jackets for Winter Weddings
5. Ooh La La Dress – £POA, Watters
There’s embellishment, and then there’s diamanté drop crystals. This sleek light nude wedding dress features an overlay adored with latticed silver beading, a skimming but not clingy slip dress and a sheer low V-front and back. No accessories needed with this beauty.
6. Cathlyn Wedding Dress – £370, Phase Eight
Cathlyn's soft waistline, draped cowl back and loose fishtail hem fits right into the refreshingly relaxed shapes of the 1920s. Swirling sequin and bead embroidery enhances the art deco aesthetic.
7. Elder Dress – £POA, Halfpenny London
The swishy beading on this stellar wedding gown will make quite the entrance on your wedding day. Spaghetti straps and a draped neck make the perfect canvas for all of that jazzy embellishment.
8. Adeline Wedding Gown – £POA, Elspeth Gillis
A delicate nude and white wedding gown that whispers art deco thanks to scalloped beading and a drop waist. The detachable cold shoulder sleeves are a cool touch (...sorry).
9. Musetta Dress – £POA, Eliza Jane Howell
If classic beaded 1920s wedding dresses are on your wedding dress wish list, look no further than hand beading specialist brand Eliza Jane Howell. There’s every variation of beaded wedding dress you can possibly imagine, from shimmering mermaid-like tiered skirts to pearl embellished art deco dresses (flappers loved pearls, after all).
10. Lottie Dress – £495, Nadine Merabi
A short wedding dress that screams ‘fun, this crystal, bead and feather adorned design is quite literally scintillating. Team it with killer heels and a bold lip for a modern, breath-taking bridal look.
READ MORE: 70 of the Best Short Wedding Dresses for Every Style of Bride
11. Essie Top and Skirt – £POA, Charlie Brear
These luminous fringed separates look just like a minidress but have the flexibility to be worn again and again with different outfits, from your honeymoon to summer festivals. The Gatsby crew would approve.
12. Olay Dress – £POA, Rosa Clará
Speaking of Gatsby, here’s another beauty from the Rosa Clará Gatsby collection. A straight cut and plunging neckline contrasts with whimsical ribboned straps and romantic yet directional beading. The deep v-back adds a sensuous feel - ideal if you're after a sexy wedding dress!
13. The Daya Dress in Cream – £790, Solace London
A cutting edge spin on a 1920s robe de style, a gown famed for its full skirt and dropped waist. The high neck, low waist and opulent voluminous skirt of this crepe and twill wedding gown lend drama, plus we’re pleased to tell you that it has pockets.
14. Alphonse Crystal-Embellished Chantilly Lace Dress – £4,896, Erdem
Pearls, crystals, Chantilly lace and a pleated drop waist – this high fashion wedding dress delivers 1920s references aplenty while keeping things fresh. The high necked t-shirt shape balances out the luxe embellishment beautifully.
15. Stella Drop-Waist Crepe de Chine Gown – £850, Halfpenny London
Same vibes but made for minimalists, Stella is just the dress for ‘smart casual’ styling. A dropped waist, pockets and wide sleeves make it probably the comfiest wedding dress ever made. Pair it with big earrings and a statement clutch for contrast.
READ MORE: The Best Bridal Jewellery for Every Budget
16. Allen Lynette Dress – £POA, Sottero and Midgley
You shall go to the 1920s ball. This dreamy wedding dress combines a Swarovski crystal embellished lattice bodice with a tulle skirt that floats on air, and it's a great choice if you're looking for a Gatsby style plus size wedding dress.
17. Galactic Top – from £400, Lucy Can’t Dance
If a spangly art deco design catches your fancy but you’d like to keep your skirt simple, this sheer sequin lace top could be the one. Wear it over a white, ivory or more vibrant slip dress for a flash of 1920s style.
18. 270 Dress – £POA, Jesus Peiro
This mermaid dress takes texture and sparkle to fresh heights. The long bejewelled fringing will sashay down the aisle all by itself and the sheer glitter tulle cape can be worn over the front or back of the crepe dress for even more dazzle. Team it with loose hair for a nonchalant finish.
19. Savannah Dress – £275, ASOS Edition
This may be a beading and sequin-free zone, but the embroidery on this vintage style flutter sleeve dress is distinctly art deco. A round neck, fitted bodice and cut out back give it a gorgeous shape too. We love how affordable it is - browse even more high street wedding dresses here.
20. Open-Back Embellished Tulle and Silk-Chiffon Gown – £2,775.44, Temperley London
Both bohemian and flapper-ish, this crochet-style, hand beaded gown would look equally magical for an outdoor summer wedding or teamed with a bridal jacket in the chillier months. The low scoop back and easy breezy pleated skirt make it a pleasure to slip into too. Speaking of slips…
21. Willa Bias Midi Dress in Lemon – £310, Sir The Label
Chemise style dresses were a slinky hit in the 1920s and this zingy lemon hued black lace trimmed slip would look divine on an alternative bride. Team it with a blazer, strappy heels and an updo to add a formal edge for a registry office wedding.
READ MORE: Registry Office Wedding Dresses: 36 of Our Favourite Styles
22. White Sequinned Bari Dress – £1,925, Galvan
Just as sleek, the rows upon rows of different textured sequins sewn onto this spaghetti strapped slip dress shimmied straight out of a 20s jazz club. The thigh split ups the ante even more.
23. Cayo Coco Dress – £POA, Rembo Styling
A scalloped embroidered sheer top is a favourite art deco motif while the low v front and back and transparent ribbon waist add contemporary detail to this lightweight chiffon wedding dress. It’s a cool option all round for a summer wedding.
24. Obara Dress – £POA, Rosa Clará
Do 1920s wedding dresses get more iconic? This intricately beaded dress ticks almost every box for brides looking for a wedding dress that replicates the era, from twinkly embellishment to the blouson waist. Team it with slightly undone hair and a directional clutch for an offbeat feel.
READ MORE: 55 Chic Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair
25. Mason Bridal Gown – £280, Raishma
With beading from scoop neck to toe, this glimmering, straight skirted wedding gown is surprisingly affordable. The lack of train makes it ideal for a rural elopement, or just dance your way freely from ceremony to reception.
26. Ivory Embellished Bodice Maxi Bridal Dress – £309, Monsoon
Floaty sleeves, a softly scalloped v neck and delicate silver and white embroidery make this inexpensive wedding dress look and feel ethereal. The light as a feather train means that it adapts to beach and alfresco ceremonies without a hitch.
27. Hathaway Dress – £POA, WToo
A more structured bodice and beaded belt lend this sleeveless wedding gown more formal 1920s flair. It’s seriously elegant and requires very little in the way of dressing up – glowing make-up and a chignon would look fresh.
28. Celena Tweed Midi Dress – £1,495, Huishan Zhang
Coco Chanel first debuted her legendary tweed suits in the 20s so this white tweed button down midi dress is a fitting tribute. Silk lined and long sleeved, if a winter city wedding is on the cards, this will keep you toasty and chic all day (and night) long.
29. Sarabeth Dress – £285, Reformation
Ending on a fringe-hemmed high, this simple wedding dress is made for low key brides. The sweetheart neckline and ivory shade add to the romance.
Wondering where to begin with wedding dress shopping IRL? We’ve whittled down the best wedding dress shops in the UK to narrow down your search.
