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Whether you have picked the date or not, one thing’s for sure. One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make in the run up to your special day is choosing the perfect wedding dress. You’ll have to pick the right designer and then select your preferred wedding dress, carefully choosing from a vast selection – the possibilities are endless.

Buying the right wedding dress is crucial, and it can seem like a daunting task even to the most confident of brides. It’s not just about finding a designer that reflects your tastes, nor is it about simply falling in love with a particular dress, but it’s all about finding that spark so that when you slip into the right dress, you know it’s ‘the one’.

To make an informed choice, you’ll need some practical tips and advice. From some of the world’s most influential fashion designers who have set wedding dress trends with unique masterpieces, to specialized ateliers and young designers who have quickly risen to success, here’s out pick of the most sought-after designer labels in the world. No matter your budget, your knowledge of dress designers is key – even if only for some wedding dress inspiration.

 

Elie Saab

Photo by vogue.com

From the heart of Beirut to the world’s salons of high society, this Lebanese designer is an undisputed leader in the world of haute couture, catering to socialites, celebrities and royalty for decades. Long distinguished by its meticulous attention to detail, Elie Saab, which recently joined prêt-a-porter and haute couture with its first bridal collection, caters for sophisticated, elegant and romantic brides. The label’s dresses flatter the figure, with lush lace details, embroidery and crystals creating dazzling results. The label has two single-brand retailers in Europe, namely in Paris and London, and is available from Rebecca La Sposa stores in Milan and Piacenza, as well as from retailers in Naples, Ragusa and Ostuni.

www.eliesaab.com

Vera Wang

Photo by www.abitipersposa.com

An American fashion designer of Chinese descent, Vera Wang has been the most prominent designer of bridal wear since the 1990s. With her iconic feminine and contemporary high fashion creations, Vera caters to brides-to-be who think outside the box and seek a touch of eccentricity for the most important dress of their lives. The label is available at multi-brand stores in Italy, including at Antonella Del Brusco in Milan, although we highly recommend visiting the label’s London flagship store – the only one in Europe – to fully admire the designer’s bridal collection, and choose the dress of your dreams.

www.verawang.com

Oscar de la Renta

Photo by vogue.com

One of fashion’s big names, Oscar de la Renta has dressed some of the world’s most iconic women and first ladies. Refined, delicate, and the epitome of class, Oscar de la Renta brides exude pure elegance – the hallmark of the label. Marrying tradition and modernity, the collection reflects the varying needs of today’s brides, with dresses suitable for all types of occasions, from large social events to small, intimate celebrations among close friends. Unless you’re planning a trip to New York, home to the label’s flagship store, a selection of dresses are available at Milan’s Rebecca La Sposa bridal salon and at selected retailers in Europe.

www.oscardelarenta.com 

Monique Lhuillier

Synonymous with luxury, femininity and class, the Monique Lhuillier label is one of the cornerstones of bridal fashion ­– and not only. The label caters to the modern conscious bride who daydreams about the perfect design to reflect her style and mood, whether bohemian, sweet, sensual, or simply smitten with happiness. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the creations of this American stylist, whose fluffy dresses rich in details, including floral motifs, has conquered Hollywood and the international jet set. The label has several flagship stores in the United States, while in Italy its collection is available at Rebecca La Sposa bridal salons in Milan and Piacenza.

www.moniquelhuillier.com

Antonio Riva

Photo by www.comunicati-stampa.net

Both classic and sophisticated, poised between tradition and modernity, Antonio Riva caters to romantic brides who want to exude pure elegance. The label’s structured dresses have a strong personality, characterized by simple, clean lines and a strong sense of proportion, making them ideal for religious ceremonies and indeed for any formal occasion. From the Antonio Riva atelier in the heart of Milan, the designer’s haute couture creations reach every corner of the globe. Selected retailers are listed on their website.

www.antonioriva.com

Luisa Beccaria

Photo by vogue.it

Luisa Beccaria creates bridalwear for romantics, dreamers, and determined women who seek to surprise and amaze, especially on their wedding day, with a selection of fairytale dresses perfect for any type of ceremony. Lace, embroidery, volumes and artisanal craftsmanship, alongside a meticulous and constantly evolving selection of fabrics, make this label’s bridal collection truly unique, and the perfect choice for a dream wedding. Embodying Italian elegance and style, Luisa Beccaria is known worldwide for her ethereal creations, available from the label’s gorgeous boutique in the heart of Milan.

www.luisabeccaria.it

Zuhair Murad

With their intricate embroidery details and refined, opulent fabrics, it’s simply impossible not to recognize creations by this Lebanese designer. His inimitable style comes across in his bridal collection, where organza, satin, silk, tulle, voile and chiffon take pride of place, giving life to veritable works of art that transport you to another realm. Women who chose Zuhair Murad are romantic and sophisticated, not afraid to seek bold cuts. Available in Milan from Rebecca La Sposa and from other multi-brand stores in Italy (listed on the website), the label’s European flagship store is located in Paris.

www.zuhairmurad.com

Peter Langner

Italian excellence, artisanal craftsmanship and timeless fashion come together in this label that is carving out what the future of bridal fashion looks like. Classic and romantic, architectural shapes come together with precious fabrics to create sumptuous looks, the perfect choice for the international, sophisticated woman with class who seeks elegance, quality and sartorial excellence for the most important day of her life. All of the bridal collections are available in the Milan showroom and at selected retailers worldwide, with a well-established presence in America and Asia.

www.peterlangner.com

Berta Bridal

Bold and sensual, modern and sexy, Berta Balilti combines vintage materials and retro styles with the latest sewing techniques. Established in 2013, it is one of the most popular bridal designers out there, rising to heights in record time. Hugely popular on social media, Berta creates cutting edge creations that never cease to amaze her millions of followers. Widely available in Italy, Berta has over 150 retailers worldwide (check the website for details).

www.berta.com

Rue De Seine

Rue de Seine’s bold bohemian dresses are perfect for the modern bride with a rebellious streak, who wants to dress and express herself with love and freedom. Lace design takes center stage, and every single outfit is created exclusively in the label’s New Zealand atelier, making each piece truly unique. Founder and designer Michele Corty is inspired by the creative spirit of Saint-Germain-des-Près in Paris, the city where she found the love of her life. With over 80 retailers worldwide (listed on the website), including two in Piacenza and Agrigento in Italy, Rue de Seine organizes occasional Trunk Shows to showcase the beauty of its latest designs to the world.

www.ruedeseine.com

Galia Lahav

Known for its sweet-and-sexy cuts and sinuous design lines that enhance and flatter the figure, Galia Lahav is for brides who are confident, independent and not afraid of being judged. One of the world’s most loved designers by brides and celebrities alike, Russian-born Galia Lahav has over thirty years of experience in high fashion, creating pieces that combine fine craftsmanship with romantic, dramatic elements. Established in Tel Aviv, the label has flagship stores in LA, Miami, NY, Tel Aviv, Shanghai and Hamburg, as well as an extensive network of exclusive retailers worldwide.

www.galialahav.com

Marchesa Bridal

Photo by www.harpersbazaar.com

Founded in 2004 by British designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, this New York-based label marries Asian and vintage influences. Romantic and structured, its iconic pieces feature rows of fabrics and overlapping layers, enriched with floral designs that give a touch of ethereal grace. Ruche, lace and tulle add a dreamy, fairy appeal. Available from Rebecca La Sposa stores in Milan and Piacenza, with selected retailers in Europe, America and Asia.

www.marchesa.com

Reem Acra

Photo by pinkblog.it

Renowned internationally for her stunning collections in ready-to-wear and bridal, Lebanese designer Reem Acra combines tradition with a modern aesthetic, with beautifully embellished creations, exquisite embroidery and overlays. Her dresses are designed for the modern, sophisticated and fashionable bride with a strong personality; a bride who wants to be the best version of herself on her wedding day. The label has flagship stores in New York and London, and has an international presence at luxury retail outlets around the world.

www.reemacra.com

Inbal Dror

Talented Israeli designer Inbal Dror has quickly become one of the most famous bridal designers in the industry, dressing many brides and celebrities around the world, including Ivanka Trump. Dresses with sinuous silhouettes, sheer panels and lace feature alongside highly structured crystal and pearl embellished dresses with plenty of volume and exquisite embroidery. Her collections are found at the world’s most exclusive bridal salons, with a selection of dresses available from Rebecca La Sposa in Milan.

www.inbaldror.com

Markarian

Photo by nyfw.com

After only three years, Markarian has established itself as a bridal label of choice. It was founded by designer Alexandra O’Neil and named after a group of galaxies. Inspired by the stars and cosmos, her collections are romantic, ethereal and dreamy, with modern bridal silhouettes and retro touches. If visiting the New York showroom is not on the cards, you can enjoy a private Zoom consultation to purchase your dream dress online.

www.markarian-nyc.com