Each spring and fall, couture bridal designers dazzle the runway with fresh inspirations; revolutionary combinations of fabrics; and signature details that make each wedding dress an extraordinary stand-alone.
From the classic industry elites, such as Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera and Monique Lhullier—to the contemporary novel innovators such as, Jenny Packham, Lela Rose, and Carmela Sutera—there truly is the perfect designer wedding dress to “wow” every fashion-savvy bride. It is just so hard to pick an industry favorite, but this list of wedding gown designers is a great place to start.
List of Wedding Dress Designers
Adele Wechler – Adele Wechler’s name has become synonymous with distinctive, new age gowns that not only evoke a sense of natural romance, but also a sense of worldwide appeal. Wechler strongly believes that fashion weaves people together. Her dresses feature pretty flower appliqués (lilies, orchids, pansies, etc.) and sheer overlays of fabric that make her gowns alternative, but also feminine. Adele’s latest, most revolutionary collection yet, introduces eco-friendly options for today’s savvy brides. Deemed Eco Couture, she employs elements of organic hemp, vegetable dies and remnant fabrics. Truly cutting-edge.
Alvina Valenta – Alvina Valenta is known to pay extreme attention to detail. Each of her dresses are hand sewn including her signature beading and hand-rolled roses that adorn her gowns. Alvina Valenta is now under the parent JLM Couture.
Amsale – The Amsale bridal collection was virtually started by Amsale Aberra’s own quest for the perfect wedding dress. Amsale simply wanted an elegant, understated dresses with no fuss. Amsale’s tapped into this need by introducing gowns with clean lines and inventive twists of personality to the market. She infuses modern updates such as, variations on the traditional bustle and the inclusion of tasteful color accents, including the now-famous “blue sash” gown. Amsale is now the lead designer for Christos bridal. www.amsale.com
Ana Hernandez – Ana Hernandez is known as one of the most stylish, talented, and easy-going bridal designers today—crafts exquisite one-of-a-kind gowns right in her Newbury Street, Boston shop. Hernandez spares no expense on delicate fabrics and is recognized for her inclusion of small intricate details like organza flowers.
Angel Sanchez – Venezuelan-born Angel Sanchez began his illustrious fashion career with captivating evening wear. In 1999, Sanchez introduced his bridal collection, which reflected his background in architecture. Both his clothing and wedding gown collections emphasize structure and innovative dimension partnered with one stand-alone detail for a bit of drama and impact.
Anne Barge – Anne Barge’s creativity and eminent fashion sense shined at a very young age when she started sewing original dresses for her dolls. Under an initial design apprenticeship to Kenneth Pool, Barge was exposed to the industry first-hand. Barge eventually launched her own line of gorgeous gowns showcased in her flagship store in Atlanta. Her gowns are not only elegant and clean, but often include intricate beading.
Badgley Mischka – Inspired by old-Hollywood glam, Badgley Mischka is the collaboration of partners Mark Badgley and James Mischka. Their simple flowing style is both elegant and effortless, reminding brides that your gown should be comfortable and easy to wear. Their success extends into lifestyle accessories and evening and cruise wear.
Carmela Sutera – Carmela Sutera gowns partner old-world charm with contemporary flair. Within her collections, you’ll find discerning couture gowns adorned with modified sleeves, proportionate ruffles, French Alecon lace, and intricate hand beading and embroidery. Sutera believes that brides should pay close attention to contour and proportion to accentuate her best features.
Carolina Herrera – When you think about Carolina Herrera legendary and timeless are two words that come to mind when thinking about the inventive, ingenious, and courageous fashions. Herrera is simply in a league of her own. Her Spring 2010 Collection introduces the use of black ribbon accents, along with black lace.
Christos – In 2005, Christos Yiannakou retired and named renowned designer, Amsale Aberra, as Creative Director. Today’s Christos’ collections incorporate Aberra’s modern flair with Christos more traditional fairy-tale-like designs. Christos gowns are especially known for their use of fine silks, French Alençon lace and silk organza.
Helen Morley – Helen Morley has never been interested in runway flamboyance; she simply manufactures contemporary bridal fashions for today’s real women. Morley focuses on 100% customer satisfaction in quality and craftsmanship, which keeps the bridal industry on its toes.
Jenny Lee – With an extreme appreciation for color and texture, Jenny Lee is yet another fashionista who began her career by sewing original creations at age 6. Recognized for her precise pattern cutting, Lee herself, makes sure that each of her gowns are custom cut to a bride’s exact measurements. Additionally, they are always handcrafted from the same seamstress from start to finish.
Jenny Packham – Jenny Packham pushes the bounds of bridal into a whole new modern dimension. Her designs are fun, fresh, chic, cutting-edge, unexpected, and glamorous all at the same time. They make a bridal statement down the aisle.
Jim Hjelm – Jim Hjelm under the leadership of his newly appointed design director, Francesca Pitera, JLM Couture, Inc. creates, manufactures and distributes bridal sensations and bridesmaids dresses that are both inspirational and fashion-forward, but also value priced. Each JLM wedding gown combines luxurious fabrics and delicate embroidery with silhouettes that are flirty and feminine, while his bridesmaid dresses are extremely vibrant, fun, and contemporary.
Judd Waddell – Judd Waddell employed by some of the industry’s bests including Carolina Herrera, Jim Hjelm, and Galina Bouquet Inc., Judd’s design motto is straightforward. “Notice the bride first, the dress second.”
Justina McCaffrey – As an avid ballet dancer and producer of short classical music films, Justina McCaffrey’s appreciation for art and movement shines through in her designs. The use of Swarovski crystals, swirls of soft silks, draped bodices, and layers of ruffles reveal the elite gracefulness of her brides.
Kenneth Pool – Under the design direction of Amsale Aberra, Kenneth Pool’s signature style is sexy, chic, and unexpected, but also opulent. Simply stated, Kenneth Pool’s gowns exude glamour.
Lazaro – Known first and foremost for his signature hand beading and embroidery, Lazaro creates beautiful wedding gowns that are both structural and old-fashioned. His hallmark craftsmanship is evident in every perfectly fitted silhouette and hand stitch of his gowns. Lazaro’s collections are now found under the blanket company of JLM Couture, Inc.
Lela Rose – Lela Rose is an American wedding gown designer from Texas who studied at the Parsons School of Design, graduating in 1993. She studied with both Christian Francis Roth and Richard Tyler before going out on her own in 1998. In 2006 she created her first eponymous wedding collection where she was lauded for her use of non-traditional fabrics melded with staples for a unique look which was well received.
Manuel Moto – Manuel Moto is one of the most prominent designers under The Pronovias Group umbrella. Based in Barcelona, The Pronovias Group opened the first wedding apparel shops exclusively for brides in 1964. Manuel Moto’s recent work incorporates a variety of progressive necklines (keyhole and asymmetrical), as well as flowing chiffon flowers, empire waist sashes and unexpected uses of tulle.
Melissa Sweet – From the day she could sew, Melissa Sweet hand-stitched her own garments including precious white gowns for each year of her prom. Sweet’s wedding creations are known to be fun and flirty with small touches of whimsy. In 1996, Sweet opened her flagship store in Atlanta. In 2005, Sweet sold her company to Priscilla of Boston.
Michelle Roth – Australian-born, Michelle Roth, recognizes the need for a deep connection between a bride and her wedding dress; therefore her extensive repertoire of gowns offers a little something for every bride—from crystal shimmer to clean unadorned lines.
Mikaella – Introduced in 2004 under the same pretenses as Paloma Blanca, Mikaella bridal offers stylish 21st century gowns at budget-friendly prices.
Monique Lhuillier – Monique Lhuillier is considered one of the pioneering fashion divas in terms of design, quality and brand image. Her wedding gown collections are always luxurious, romantic, progressive and smart—ideal for today’s astute brides. Like many of her colleagues, she has expanded into ready-to-wear, home goods, and fine paper products.
Oscar de la Renta – Oscar de la Renta, one of the most reputable names in haute couture, continually pushes the envelope in fashion year after year. No one can ignore his fabulously glam wedding gowns that are truly one-of-a-kind, and scene stopping with runway style. For the elite bride, Oscar de la Renta is the only choice.
Paloma Blanca – As leaders in the industry since 1937, Paloma Blanca offers a collection of beautiful gowns that air on the more affordable side. They also enjoy success with their DIVA line catering to plus sized brides.
Peter Langner – Peter Langner with an intense love for art and art history, German-born, appreciates color, form, and texture in all types of design, including his original gown creations in bridal. He pays close attention to how his dresses establish structure and sculpt a woman’s body.
Priscilla of Boston – With a repertoire of superb designers under the Priscilla of Boston umbrella including Melissa Sweet, this 65 year-old company was founded under the principal of making each customer feel like they are the only customer. Priscilla of Boston offers brides an exceptional shopping experience, endless gown styles and possibilities, and a tradition of excellence deeply-rooted in their longstanding knowledge of the bridal business.
Rachel Gilbert – Rachel Gilbert is a relatively young Australian designer who created her first full collection of wedding gowns in 2010. Her wedding gowns are known for their layers and embroidery. She has a flair for getting the most out of fabric with some amazingly stunning designs and loves off the shoulder and one-shouldered designs best.
Reem Acra – Reem Acra is known for her signature use of embroidery and delicate beadwork of tiny Swarovski crystals and seed pearls. Reem Acra’s ability to infuse intricate needlework sewn under rich silk and satin fabrics has catapulted her to the top of the luxury bridal industry.
Richard Tyler – Australian-born, Richard Tyler, incorporates precise tailoring with super-sexy silhouettes and at least one distinguishing detail on every one of his gowns. A typical Richard Tyler bride does think of herself as a young fairy-tale princess, but a strong fashion-conscious woman searching for an edgy, en vogue, extraordinary gown. Tyler’s designs do come at a stiff price anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000.
Romona Keveza – Romona Keveza wedding gowns evoke a great hand-sewn sophistication and dreamlike quality unlike any other. Look for Keveza’s use of chiffon voulant, organza appliqués, and ruffles in her upcoming collections.
Richard Glasgow – Richard Glasgow prides himself on the fact that he is involved in the design and construction of every dress. He actually uses special shears to cut each gown to the exact measurements of his brides.
Tara Keely – Tara Keely brings a young, fresh approach to bridal with some of the hottest trendy dresses in the industry today. Tara Keely’s designs always don a little twist of the unexpected. The Spring 2010 Collection includes gowns with satin ribbon accents at the waist, pleated lace, and layers of tulle in the skirt, organza overlays, crystal-beaded bodices, and sparkly brooches to add interest. Some even have pockets.
Tomasina – Tomasina has a background rooted in painting, Tomasina’s gowns are truly works of fashionable art. As in International sensation, Tomasina is sold in the most prestigious salons worldwide. This spring, she unveils several original gowns using gold-colored duchess silk satin.
Ulla Maija – Ulla Maija bridal is the only International couture bridal business still run exclusively in the United States. Today, the Ulla Maija brand is the collaborative effort of a group of highly trained designers who operate with the same simple goal in mind—create pure luxurious gowns for its brides.
Valentino – Valentino, the legendary fashion icon never seems to disappoint. Whether it’s for his fabulous high-end accessories, haute couture clothing, or glamorous bridal, each Valentino collection marries refined classic elegance with groundbreaking originality that is synonymous with his name.
Vera Wang – As “The Queen” of bridal, Vera Wang continues to wow her followers with each dynamic collection. She is certainly an industry leader to be reckoned with, as her fashion empire expands into accessories, everyday wear, and home. What’s next?
