1920s wedding dresses: 16 gorgeous gowns to add some Gatsby glam to your bridal style

Add some Gatsby-glam to your big day with a wedding dress that has been inspired by the roaring twenties

Updated on 11 October 2022 • Written By Caroline Hendry

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1920s wedding dresses: 16 gorgeous gowns to add some Gatsby glam to your bridal style

For some, a low-key wedding with your nearest and dearest is the perfect scenario. Save the dosh for the honeymoon and perhaps make the wedding cake yourself. No judgement here. For others, the big day is all about glitz, glamour and free-flowing Champagne, where decadence spills into every aspect of the event – and that includes the dress. If you have a vision of your special day resembling something akin to a Gatsby-inspired party – perhaps with a spot of scandal thrown in for good measure – then you’ve got to have a dress that fits the bill. We’re talking about wedding frocks inspired by the roaring 20s (no, not the 2020’s) to bring a touch of old-school glamour to your day.

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So, what exactly is a 1920s wedding dress? It was an era all about female liberation, individuality and freedom, and the fashion reflected this. It was a time for drop wastes and shorter hems, of capped sleeves, intricate lace and beaded details. Gold and silver decoration were often woven into elaborate designs while a little bit of sparkle never went amiss. Dress styles at the time had a strong sense of pizzaz so it seems only fitting to steal a few 20s fashion tropes for your once-in-a-lifetime day. To that point, we have rounded up 20 wedding dresses inspired by the trends of the 1920s. Discover opulent options complete with lace trims and beaded jewels to elegant silhouettes and cowl necks. And why not throw in some elbow length gloves to complete the look? Crop cuts were all the rage during the 20s, so an up-do is perhaps the perfect pairing with your bridal dress – if only to show off your beautiful ballgown! Take a look at our edit of the best 1920s-inspired wedding dresses and see if you find 'the one'.

Lita Gown - Catherine Deane

Swap a traditional white wedding dress for warming champagne tones with the stunning Lita gown by Catherine Deane, available exclusively from BHLDN. Luxe silk is overlaid with delicate lace and finished with pretty pearl beading to give the wedding dress a gorgeous Gatsby edge. The flowing fabric gently cascades into a mid-length train to ensure this vintage gown still feels suitably bridal.
How much? Approx £1200 (price varies with exchange rate)
Buy it: BHLDN

Delphine - Ghost

The Delphine dress from Ghost is a true show of how effective simple design can be. It is made from a heavy satin fabric to ensure it falls luxuriously, while a gentle V-neck and slight split at the front of the dress adds to its gentle and flattering silhouette. For brides looking to step away from traditional white, this elegant gown is also available in a choice of other colours, including pale pink, baby blue, deep red and black.
How much? £195
Buy it: Ghost

Anne - Monsoon

A 1920’s-style wedding dress is all about the details and this embellished gown from Monsoon has exactly that. A fully lined skirt falls to the floor with a floating top layer of tulle to add some whimsy to your wedding style. An embroidered illusion neckline with cap sleeves is a pretty finishing touch to this highstreet wedding dress.
How much? £309
Buy it: Monsoon

Style 65444218 - Rish Haleh

We adore the knit-graphic lace of this Rish Haleh gown - offering a refreshing step away from classic lace detailing. This modern fabric is then given a traditional nod with a fit and flare silhouette and scallop-edged flutter sleeves.
How much? Approx £1400 (prices vary with exchange rate)
Buy it: BHLDN

Lily Bloom - Needle & Thread

Needle & Thread wedding gowns are not only gorgeous, they are also responsibly sourced using recycled materials. The Lily Bloom ankle gown (shown here in powder pink) is adorned with scalloped lace, ruffles and flutter sleeves. The ankle grazer length makes it ideal for brides looking to show off some serious statement wedding shoes.
How much? £545
Buy it: Needle & Thread

Eliza Jane Howell

Fashion house Eliza Jane Howell has a full collection dedicated to the roaring twenties and we are in love! One of our favourites from the collection has to be the stunning Jean Patou dress - a gown which embodies all the fun and frivolity you would expect from this bygone era. A beaded bodice and feather detail ensure this gown is as unique as you are.
How much? POA
Buy it: Eliza Jane Howell

Bondi - All Who Wander

For a look that oozes old-fashioned Hollywood glam, consider the Bondi dress from All Who Wander. Eccentric details combine with a timeless silhouette to create a truly unique wedding dress that bridges the gap between vintage style and contemporary design. The underlay of the dress is available in a choice of shades, each with an ivory lace overlay.
How much? POA
Buy it: All Who Wander

Collette - LK Bennett

Part of LK Bennett’s debut bridal collection, the Collette dress is made from heavy silk and features beautiful chevron detailing and a ruched bodice. This dress has just enough structure to give a beautiful silhouette while still remaining super comfy to wear all day long.
How much? £1299
Buy it: LK Bennett

Style 40380 - Adrianna Papell

A contemporary gown that still feels authentically “twenties”, this fit and flare dress from Adrianna Pappell has the most impressive attention to detail. Each bead is sewn on by hand, from the detailing throughout the dress to the pretty pearl neckline.
How much? POA
Buy it: Adrianna Papell

Liliana - Grace Loves Lace

Australian fashion house Grace Loves Lace is - of course - an expert in creating gowns from the most beautiful lace dresses. The scalloped edging of the bodice is a nod to 1920’s style, while the illusion neckline and bias cut satin skirt adds a modern edge.
How much? £2200
Buy it: Grace Loves Lace

Soleil - Claire Pettibone

For a wedding dress inspired by the roaring twenties, Claire Pettibone is a designer to consider. The Soleil gown has everything you could want in a 1920’s-inspired wedding dress, from the delicate French embroidered tulle to the pretty cap sleeves. The shimmering gold hue of this wedding gown will give your complexion a gorgeous glow and will look absolutely stunning in those golden-hour wedding pics.
How much? POA
Buy it: Claire Pettibone

Emmy - Badgley Mischka Bride

Make a serious style statement with the ultra-glam Emmy dress from Badgley Mischka. With its classic fishtail silhouette, cascading tulle skirt and beautifully detailed bodice, this gown is ideal for a fairytale wedding day at a castle wedding venue. Badgley Mischka dresses are often featured on the red carpet and you can see how this statement bridal gown has been influenced by old fashioned Hollywood glam.
How much? POA
Buy it: Badgley Mischka Bride

Cora gown - Claire Pettibone

The Cora wedding dress from Claire Pettibone is filled with whimsical details, from the French Guipure lace to the gentle scalloped detail at the neckline and the hemline of this dress. Brides looking for a wedding gown that feels authentically vintage will feel drawn to this unique wedding dress.
How much? POA
Buy it: Claire Pettibone

Ryder party dress - Anna Campbell

If a flapper-esque dress is what you have been searching for then you may have just found it. This fun bridal party dress is perfect for brides looking for something completely different or as a second dress to wow your wedding guests with in the evening. The gorgeous Ryder dress is handmade in Melbourne, Australia and can be ordered online or from an Anna Campbell stockist.
How much: Approx £2200 (prices vary with exchange rate)
Buy it: Anna Campbell

Phoebe - Temperley London

The ultra-glamorous Phoebe gown is Temperley’s artistic take on a 1920s-inspired wedding gown. Translucent tulle is adorned with embroidery and embellishments to create a luxe look, with each tiny detail finished by hand. Scalloped edges are then the perfect nod to the complete vintage theme.
How much? POA
Buy it: Temperley London

Found the dress but still searching for the perfect wedding venue? Browse our collection of the best UK wedding venues.

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