THE BRIDE GUIDE: SOMEONE BETTER GET MARRIED IN THIS

We’ve each clocked around 13 years in our relationship, yet somehow, our fingers remain suspiciously that kind of diamond ring-free. Are we wedding experts? Not quite. Can we shop for the dress like we’re getting married ourselves? Yes, we do.

The kind of dress that gets our ‘Yes’

Hot take: Your wedding dress doesn’t have to scream ‘bride.’ It just has to scream—or whisper, for that matter—you. Our idea of the perfect dress is looking at the brands we already love and trust to understand how we want to express ourselves through clothing. For example this Khaite Dandora dress (on sale), The Row Loic number (on sale) or The Row pre-loved maxi dress.

Keeping it minimalistic, these dresses are also on our wedding list: The Row Guinever silk-satin maxi dress, The Row Lilibet wool and silk midi dress, Ann Demeulemeester Leah asymmetric satin long dress, Maison Margiela satin gown, and Khaite Nonya crepe maxi dress (on sale). But there’s this undeniable urge in us to tie the knot in a piece from a hot new designer—like this Fidan Novurzova White Mimi Bridal Minidress, Conner Ives Headphone dress, Nicklas Skovgaard Off-white Andres maxi dress (on sale) or Nicklas Skovgaard White Audrey maxi dress (on sale).

For those bold enough to go for a short wedding dress: this Vivienne Westwood Bridal Bagatelle satin mini dress, Danielle Frankel Bridal Estelle satin twill minidress, Danielle Frankel Rachel blush strapless gathered silk-taffeta mini dress and Nicklas Skovgaard Beige Abigael minidress are playful yet timeless picks that can be styled throughout the day.

FIDAN NOVRUZOVA White Mimi Bridal Minidress (on sale), Gold MOYA Edition Elsa earrings (on sale) and Black Kaia stiletto heel trouser sandals

Here are our favorite ‘town hall dresses’ for a more intimate, low-key ceremony: Totême slough draped dress, La Collection Darlena blazerdress, La Collection halter satin silk ‘Bonnie’ dress (on sale) and La Collection Gillian cape dress (on sale), JW Anderson Draped Wool Crepe Midi Dress, Kika Vargas Off-White Erminia Dress, 16Arlington Off-White Kira Midi Dress, Gia Studios Off-White asymmetric strapless midi dress, Paris Georgia White Raina maxi dress, Róhe open back dress with integrated silk skirt, Leset Off-White Barb Midi Dress (on sale), Leset Off-White Barb Maxi Dress (on sale), Rabanne Beige lace maxi dress, House of Dagmar Ruffled strapless midi dress and Jill Sander Off-white sleeveless midi dress.

If you're looking for something a bit more ‘easy’, because you're going all out on the big day, these wedding sets might just be the answer: Max Mara Bridal Opache silk georgette camisole and trousers (both on sale), Michael Lo Sordo Boy silk-satin shirt and wide-leg pants. Some bridal pieces that, importantly, have a life well beyond the wedding include this Róhe curved open back top, lingerie blouse of Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, The Row White Boheme MJ ballerina flats, Proenza Schouler Paige pleated crepe chiffon midi skirt and Kika Vargas White Nina midi skirt.

RÓHE Open back dress with integrated silk skirt

Custom-made 

We’re all about smaller, independent niche businesses like WED Studio (or shop here), which specialize in (custom) modern bridalwear. Also on our radar for years is Jerome Vintage Studio, based in Copenhagen, known for its bridal designs crafted from vintage deadstock fabrics, as well as its curated selection of fine vintage clothing, offering a personalized alternative to traditional wedding attire. Turkish-born, Londen based Dilara Fındıkoğlu creates bridal pieces that aren’t for the faint of heart—think dramatic silhouettes, intricate punk detailing, and a touch of rebelliousness.

Allyson Shiffman in custom Dilara Fındıkoğlu bridalwear. Her mother’s tennis bracelet (here, here or here ) was the bride’s only jewellery (www.voguescandinavia.com)

Something old

If vintage shopping is an art form, consider bridal vintage a masterpiece in the making. The hunt for a dress with history and soul is an experience we’d almost trade a wedding for (almost). Think John Galliano silk slip dresses or the clean-lined minimalism of ’90s Calvin Klein that’s dying to walk down the aisle one more time. We’re obsessed with the idea of vintage pieces that feel one of one, like this Valentino 2000s organza dress, Alberta Ferretti 2000s strapless asymmetrical gown and Thierry Mugler vintage ‘tutu’ dress. There’s something enchanting about imagining their past lives. Who was the bride in this gorgeous 1920’s embroidered lace sheer boho wedding dress (that goes with this matching boho lace juliet cap? The same curiosity surrounds the Valentino vintage wedding ivory strapless bow gown, Dolce & Gabbana lace trim veil, Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2006 sheer midi dress, Christian Dior stole, Oscar de la Renta Crew neck long dress, 1960s Italian white raffia bridal cap with floral design, John Galliano vintage mesh shirt, John Galliano 1990’s highwasited pencil skirt, Vivienne Westwood 2010s crepe draped midi dress, A.F. Vandevorst fall 2015 white maxi dress and Thierry Mugler vintage ecru wool and lace midi dress.

ALBERTA FERRETTI 2000s strapless asymmetrical gown, THIERRY MUGLER vintage ‘tutu’ dress, JOHN GALLIANO 1990’s highwaisted pencil skirt and VALENTINO vintage wedding ivory strapless bow gown

For more vintage, upgrade to paid and dive into our ‘Someone Get This, Before We Do’ editions—filled with pre-loved gems you’ll wish you found first.

Bride-crush

We love those who break the (bridal) fashion rulebook. Each of these brides serve as both an inspiration and a reminder that your wedding day should reflect you—whether that means a minimalist slip, a maximalist parade of gowns, or a daring departure from tradition altogether.

• Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (1996): while her bias-cut slip dress by Narciso Rodriguez may not have been the most surprising choice, it was revolutionary in its simplicity. At a time when big, embellished wedding gowns were the norm, Carolyn’s proved that sometimes, less is more.

• Sarah Jessica Parker (1997): Sarah Jessica Parker's iconic ruffled black (!) Morgane Le Fay gown redefined bridal style, cementing its place as an unforgettable fashion moment. And, of course, we can't forget her fictive Vivienne Westwood dress from Sex and the City, which continues to serve as the perfect blend of romance and rebelliousness. Explore some favorites from Vivienne Westwood’s bridal collections below.

• Kate Moss (2011): a John Galliano-designed gown is our absolute dream piece for our own wedding, and Kate’s look solidified that. With intricate lace details, a vintage-inspired silhouette, and a carefree vibe, her dress felt perfectly aligned with Kate’s cool persona. Paired with Jamie Hince’s rockstar style, the look captured a dreamlike rock’n roll romance.

Image 1: Chloë Sevigny in a custom Jean Paul Gaultier gown by Glenn Martens. Image 2: Sevigny in a custom Loewe gown at her wedding dinner. (www.vogue.com)

• Chloë Sevigny (2020): We could easily devote an entire newsletter to Chloë’s bridal kit, but we’ve already done a deep dive into her impeccable, unmatched style here. Her three wedding looks, each more striking than the last, perfectly captured her eclectic sense of fashion. From her lace catsuit by Casey Cadwallader for Mugler to her Loewe dress and her ceremony gown by Glenn Martens for Jean Paul Gaultier, all the custom designs blended the classic with something totally standout.

• Tish Weinstock (2022): A perfect example that not every white wedding gown needs to follow tradition. Tish's gothic-inspired wedding wardrobe was as bold and unapologetically her as it gets. She wore three dresses on the big day: a custom-made vintage lace reception gown by Jane Bourvis, a vintage piece from John Galliano’s Fall 2009 collection, and a final vintage beaded Dior by Galliano dress. Each one was unexpected, daring, and totally Morticia Addams—but make it bridal.

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD White Edith Maxi Dress, White Zora Minidress, White Nova Venus Minidress & Terra Train Set and White Greta Minidress

Let’s not forget the unsung hero of bridal fashion: the veil. While the dress may seem like the main event, it’s often this pièce de résistance that elevates your look to a whole new level. We've gathered a selection of sheer headpieces that have us ready to say 'I do' tomorrow: The Danielle Frankel Long off-white pleated tulle veil and Conner Ives White veil (on sale), Du Ciel Dragée veil mini and medium, Vivienne Westwood Bridal Cathedral layered tulle veil (on sale), Ashley Williams White bow veil (on sale) and Chopova Lowena White wedding veil (on sale). Plus, we’re totally warming up to the idea of a veil cape, like this absolutely stunning Jane Bourvis hand embroidered calliope lace wedding cape and Halfpenny London Dean hooded twill-trimmed lace cape. 

DANIELLE FRANKEL Sinclair embellished wool and silk-blend plissé-mikado halterneck gown and Long off-white pleated tulle veil

Finishing touch

In everyday dressing, the right shoe and the perfect piece of jewelry pull everything together—your wedding day should be no different. Whether it’s an everyday signature, something borrowed, something blue, or that dream piece you've always wanted, we’re currently eyeing: Sophie Bille Brahe ear piece, a Repossi rose gold diamond ‘Antifer’ ring (would also work as a wedding ring?), this pearl necklace of Sophie Buhai and delicate small Elhanati diamond studs as a subtle touch.

When it comes to shoes, we’re dreaming of the Manolo Blahnik Campari Bridal 90 grosgrain-trimmed satin Mary Jane pumps. Or, for something a little more understated, the Totême Off-white 'The Mule' Heeled Sandals and Gianvito Rossi Ascent 55 leather slingback pumps. Going for flats The Row Nymph organza ballet flats (on sale) Miu Miu White satin Ballerina and Proenza Schouler Glove Mary Jane ballerina’s are definite winners.

DU CIEL Handmade to order petite nuage suspenders

Hair down, skirt up

These party and bachelorette looks pretty much speak for themselves, but maybe give the in-laws a heads-up before you hit the dance floor in this Nensi Dojaka Bridal cutout lace gown (on sale), Yuhan Wang Off-White Lace Midi Dress Jacquemus White Le Chouchou 'Le Short Chouchou' Shorts and blouse.

More chic funwear: Vivienne Westwood Petticoat tulle miniskirt, Mônot White Kristen A-Line Plunging Back Minidress, Jacquemus White La Casa 'La robe Elica' Minidress, Kika Vargas White Crie Minidress (on sale) Fidan Novruzova Off-white Maya mini skirt, Belle White Willa Midi Skirt, Danielle Frankel Wendell tiered ruffled lace and tulle mini dress, SUPERYAYA White Rita Camisole and trousers.

NICKLAS SKOVGAARD Beige Abigael minidress

Q&A: Two Brides-to-Be, Two Wedding Dress stories

Weddings are deeply personal, which is why we spoke with two stylish brides-to-be, each with a unique vision for their dress: Alice Betts, PR specialist at Modin Studio (wedding date: October 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden), and Louise Proot, owner of the store The Menu Antwerp (wedding date: August 9th 2025 in Knokke, Belgium). We delved into their inspirations, the challenges of finding the dress, and how their personal styles are shaping their bridal looks. From designer favorites to vintage finds, Alice and Louise share the stories behind their choices—and a few tips for fellow brides-to-be.

TC: Which platforms or places do you use to find your wedding look, and why do these options appeal to you?

A: I’ve been loving treasure hunting on Vestiaire and West Archive for vintage looks and accessories, but I also love looking at Pinterest for the overall inspiration including hair and makeup. I’m also lucky to have many friends who are talented designers who also inspire me.

L: I am lucky enough to have my own store and I work with very talented niche designers. But I also made a moodboard on Pinterest with all my style muses like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Bianca Jagger, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

TC: What is your inspiration when creating your own wedding look?

A: I’m a huge fan of the 90s look and find a lot of inspiration from that era in particular, classic with a slight romantic vibe and a bit of edge thrown in via a darker lip or nail color.

TC: Is there a specific piece (like a dress, accessory, or jewelry) that feels especially meaningful to you for your wedding day?

A: Ballerina flats are particularly meaningful for me because I danced ballet since I was very young.

L: I always thought I’d get Manolos—because every girl needs a pair—and what better excuse than your own wedding day? But I think I’ll end up with something simpler, like Gianvito Rossi’s. And for the civil wedding, maybe Chanel slingbacks—because I know I’d wear them for the rest of my life. For the veil, I really want a vintage one with beautiful lace which I can pass on to my children. To finish, la moment supreme, I am working with Renaissance Renaissance on a custom dress. It’s such an amazing experience to have something made for yourself. Last week I received the first sketches, so I am super excited!

TC: Are there any ideas or expectations you’ve let go off along the way? What helped you reassess those choices?

A: I think when I was younger, I expected to buy everything new, but I’ve realized that it’s great to wear things you already have or also to loan things if possible.

TC: What steps did you take to figure out what truly suits you, both in terms of style and comfort for your big day?

L: Since I have a very peculiar taste & I run a multibrand store myself, I feel like my friends have high expectations of the dress. It’s important for me to do something outside the box while still staying true to my personal style, which is usually something timeless and classic, but with a little twist. But the pressure is certainly high. You only get married once so don’t be scared to do something crazy if that’s what you always wanted!

 

You’ve reached the end of The Ceiling’s Bride Guide—but who says only brides need time and insight to perfect their look? Of course, we’re putting together a Wedding Guest Guide too. T.B.C.

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