Frilly, playful, and romantic—there's something so quintessentially bridal about a ruffled wedding dress. Whether you’re drawn to gowns with layers of cascading tulle or you’re looking for something more subtle (think a midi dress with a flouncy hem), ruffles add texture and dimension to any wedding dress silhouette.
When it comes to shopping for ruffled wedding dresses, it’s all about selecting a gown that has the right amount of drama for you. Brides with bold tastes will love the look of statement-making ball gowns featuring tiers of voluminous and frothy ruffles, while brides with a more minimalist aesthetic may go for simpler silhouettes with understated frill accents. And for the modern bride? Go for sleek silhouettes with fashion-forward, architectural ruffles.
From gowns that exude drama to dresses adorned with delicate accents, read on for the best ruffled dresses for every style.
For the Fashion-Forward Bride: Brock Collection x Over the Moon Quarrie Tiered Gown with Bows
Over The Moon x Brock Collection's Quarrie gown was created to fulfill every bridal fashion dream. Between the square neckline, sweeping train, and perfectly white chantilly lace, this romantic and modern look will be sure to turn heads as you walk down the aisle.
Price at time of publish: $8,750
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-12 | Materials: Nylon, viscose, silk | Shades: Optic Chantilly lace
Best for the Modern Bride: Galia Lahav Monica Ruffle Corset Dress
This is a power dress if we’ve ever seen one. A diagonal ruffle commands attention, paired with a high slit for a slice of sexiness. Made of crepe and lined with silk satin, the dress revels in its simplicity.
Price at time of publish: $2,090
Fit: True to size, go up if in between sizes | Sizing: 0-12 | Materials: Crepe, silk satin, triple organza | Shades: White
Most Ethereal: AMUR Harlow Silk One-Shoulder Gown
This one-shoulder silk gown with crinkle chiffon in tiered ruffles is both contemporary and romantic. A column silhouette ends in a floor-length hem that will dance across the floor all night.
Price at time of publish: $698
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 00-14 | Materials: Chiffon | Shades: Ivory
Best for the City Bride: Line & Dot Samara Dress
This midi dress is everything a city hall wedding asked for. With 37 inches of sateen and an off-shoulder neckline, she is chic, stylish, and non-traditional. Pair her with a sleek chignon or low pony.
Price at time of publish: $212
Fit: Runs small | Sizing: XS-L | Materials: Polyester | Shades: Off-White
Best Champagne Gown: Needle & Thread Ruffle Gown
You'll practically float down the aisle in this exceedingly exquisite gown by Needle & Thread. Its ruffly neckline has an almost Victorian-era feel to it, making it the perfect option for the bride who covets all things vintage.
Price at time of publish: $749
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-16 | Materials: Tulle | Shades: Multiple
Best Budget: Show Me Your Mumu Romance Ruffle Dress
A floor length luxe satin gown running 64-inches long that’s under $300? Sign us up! Diagonal ruffles in this spaghetti strap number emit a romantic vibe in a low-key way. This one is perfect for the bride who prefers an understated look.
Price at time of publish: $238
Fit: True to size | Sizing: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester Luxe Satin | Shades: Multiple
Best for the After-Party: Lovers and Friends Ruffle Gown
No wedding wardrobe is complete without a party-ready dress! Slip into this flirty number for the after-party and style your look with sparkly earrings and metallic shoes.
Price at time of publish: $288
Fit: True to size | Sizing: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Shades: White
Most Effortless: Lulus White Satin Ruffled Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress
Show off your legs in this sultry and silky dress. The high-low hemline is not only elongating, but it offers up the perfect chance to showcase a pair of stylish bridal heels.
Price at time of publish: $111
Fit: True to size | Sizing: XXS-3X | Materials: Polyester | Shades: White, Blush, Light Blue
Best for a Spring Wedding: Reformation Baela Linen Dress
A casual spring wedding in the garden calls for a linen dress. This midi option will do just the trick with an off-shoulder neckline that’s a little bit sexy and a little bit sweet, plus a ruffled skirt to match.
Price at time of publish: $278
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-12 | Materials: Linen | Shades: White, Blush, Light Blue
Most Chic: Bronx and Banco Paros Gown
With a ruffled hemline angled around a slit, a high neckline, and a sheer back with faux pearl adornments, this gown keeps it classy and chic—a timeless choice for the modern bride.
Price at time of publish: $620
Fit: True to size | Sizing: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Silk | Shades: Off-white
Most Dramatic: Amsale Lark Dress
Minimalism goes big in this Amsale gown, where ruffles take on a bold twist with an inverted neckline design. Coupled with a full skirt and train, it wows in its simplicity and volume. But our favorite part: It has pockets.
Price at time of publish: $6,995
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: N/A | Shades: White
Best Hi-Low Skirt
Ball gowns are beautiful and A-lines are sweet, but there’s something about the flair of a hi-low skirt that adds a punch of fun. This one is made of ruffled organza, paired with a sheer lace boned bodice featuring underwire cups.
Price at time of publish: $650
Fit: True to size | Sizing: XS-XL | Materials: Nylon, polyester | Shades: Ivory
Best Reception Dress: ASOS Vila Bridal One Shoulder 3D Ruffle Mini Dress
Reception minis are all the rage these days, and this one is both budget-friendly and stylish. A ruffled asymmetrical neck speaks volumes on a clean, straight silhouette.
Price at time of publish: $171
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 2-14 | Materials: Polyester | Shades: Cloud dancer
Best Blush: Mywony Bridal Silk Wedding Dress
With blush silk organza ruffles adorning a bodice and a silk ivory chiffon skirt boasting a side slit, this dress is absolutely dreamy. Subtle color blocking goes a long way for a feminine touch.
Price at time of publish: $1,099
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 2-4 | Materials: N/A | Shades: Ivory
Best for a Destination Wedding: Alessandra Rich Asymmetric Ruffled Silk-Georgette Gown
Light and breezy with a gauzy asymmetrical skirt and cascading ruffles, this gown is ready to stand at a cliffside altar or sway across a dance floor surrounded by palm trees.
Price at time of publish: $4,185
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 36-46 | Materials: Silk georgette | Shades: White
Best Jumpsuit: Lulu's Leila White Ruffled Jumpsuit
Non-traditional brides, this knit jumpsuit is calling your name. Whether you’re tying the knot at the courthouse, eloping, or just don’t fancy yourself in a gown, this one will do the trick, with a ruffled neckline and tapered pants.
Price at time of publish: $76
Fit: True to size | Sizing: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Shades: White, mauve
Most Elegant: Jenny Yoo Keri Gown
This body-hugging silk-crepe stunner will complement all your curves before flaring out into an elegant train. An off-shoulder silk organza ruffle is detachable, so it's ready to come off just in time for dancing.
Price at time of publish: $3,000
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 00-32 | Materials: Crepe, silk organza | Shades: Pearl
Best Overall: Woná Barbie Dress
If you’re looking for ruffles, this A-line beauty has got you covered. The full skirt shows off a chapel train that glitters with tiers and tiers of layered ruffles. A plunging corset trimmed with sparkling beads and crystals finishes off the princess-like look.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: Sparkle, tulle | Shades: Ivory
Best for a Black-Tie Wedding: Justin Alexander Clean Long Sleeve Gown with Organza Ruffle Skirt
Long sleeves and a dramatic skirt of ruffled organza make a show-stopping statement, complemented by a keyhole opening and chapel train in the back. A plunging neckline adds a hint of sexiness, but comes with the option for a raised neckline if that’s not your vibe.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon Request | Materials: Jersey, horsehair, crepe, net, organza, and tulle | Shades: Ivory/Nude
Most Feminine: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2020 Bridal Collection Look 11
We want to swim across the dance floor in this floaty ruffled skirt, whose volume takes center stage under a simple, strapless bodice. Light, airy, and accented with pleats, it’s everything a princess bride could want.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon Request | Materials: N/A | Shades: Ivory
Best Colorful: Ines di Santo Crescendo Dress
Non-traditional brides, we’ve got all your prayers answered. You can’t say no to this lavender floral trumpet gown, complete with a crossed halter neckline and layered peplum skirt that creates a ruffled effect.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon Request | Materials: N/A | Shades: Lavender
Best Mermaid: Sophie Tolli Sexy Off-Shoulder Mermaid Wedding Dress
Fun and flattering, this mermaid silhouette was designed to hug and accentuate your curves. Our favorite detail? This flouncy, ruffled skirt is perfect for twirling around on the dance floor.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-32 | Materials: Upon request | Shades: Ivory, Ivory/Blush
Most Sexy: Marchesa for Pronovias Rosin Dress
This fit and flare dress with a floral applique has a flattering silhouette, complemented by a sexy bodice with cups, exposed boning, and slinky straps encrusted with pearls. A tulle skirt with three tiers of ruffles gives it a show-stopping finish.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-32 | Materials: Tulle | Shades: White
Most Subtle: Lili Hod Riya Wedding Dress
A tulle top with cap sleeves that have a sweet ruffled trim gives off a slightly whimsical, romantic feel. The low back ends in an equally sweet bow, and we love how it’s juxtaposed with a crepe skirt featuring a slit for extra wow factor.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: N/A | Shades: White
Best for the Minimalist: Theia Saffron Dress
This ivory opulent satin gown has just enough ruffle in its asymmetrical details to fulfill your wildest fashion fantasies without going overboard. A draped design gives off a light, breezy effect with a Grecian influence. Perfect for that goddess bride.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: XS-XL | Materials: Satin | Shades: Ivory
Best Ball Gown: Maggie Sottero Italiana Dress
This couture wedding gown is all about the drama. A beaded bodice with silver accents gives way to a luxurious tiered skirt that creates a dramatic ruffle. Pair with silver jewelry for the final touch.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-28 | Materials: Beaded organza | Shades: Ivory with silver accent
What To Look For in a Ruffle Dress
The silhouette
The most important thing to do when shopping for a ruffled wedding dress is figure out the silhouette, advises Merida. Ruffles See where you end up with shape, then add in fun details. “If you are feeling like ruffles are overwhelming on your frame, maybe lean towards more fitted styles with a ruffle detail at the bottom,” she says.
The placement and type of ruffle
A ruffled dress can be over the top with an abundance of layers, or it can be more understated. Consider the type of statement you want to make, as well as the venue. A laid-back beach wedding may call for a more lightweight, unstructured dress, while a black-tie event can feature a more luxe and over-the-top look.
The fabric
Silk, chiffon, tulle, lace, and organza are all fabrics that lend themselves well to ruffles. Make sure to consider the season and venue when choosing a dress—if the ruffles are made of a heavier fabric or contain many layers, it may be a better choice for a fall or winter wedding. Conversely, an organza gown, for example, is better suited for summer weddings.
Meet the Expert
Lou Merida is the manager of the Wedding Studio, a high-end bridal boutique in Louisville, Kentucky.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.
Brides contributor Hillary Hoffower has a decade of experience writing for the wedding industry, covering everything from bridal fashion trends to wedding decor. She’s been following the bridal dress runways for years, so she knows exactly what you should wear on your big day.