25 Swoon-Worthy Satin Wedding Dresses
Looking to hit all the right style notes on your big day? We think a satin wedding dress is the way to go. Here's our edit of the very best gowns plus expert advice on how to capture the dress in all its glory in your wedding photography
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.
Whether you've been browsing wedding dresses online or hitting up the bridal boutiques, you'll have noticed a key wedding trend emerging: satin wedding dresses.
While the classic bridal fabric is nothing new - in fact it's been around for hundreds of years - the silhouettes and the way we're styling satin now is giving the fabric a contemporary twist. When browsing satin wedding dresses these days you'll find plenty of relaxed fits, cowl necks (and backs!) and skirts so swishy you're basically obligated to give them a spin on the dance floor at your reception.
While they sound pretty dreamy, there are practical considerations to bear in mind when shopping for satin. The sheen of the fabric - while totally gorgeous - can cause some issues when it comes to wedding photography due to its reflective nature, so it's worth chatting to your photographer about potential problems ahead of the big day.
Bristol based wedding photographer, Sam Gibson, told us how he tackles the issue: "I mostly use natural light which I think minimises any potential issues. And if I do use lighting later in the day then I tend to use indirect light to supplement the natural lighting of a venue rather than harsher direct light, which again cuts down on any reflective issues. So my advice as a photographer is that you feeling comfortable in your dress and loving it will have a far bigger impact on your photos across the course of the day than the material it's made from."
Photography worries solved, we've rounded-up the most stunning satin wedding dresses available right now. Plus, we chatted to two bridal boutique owners, from Mirror Mirror and Evelie respectively, who told us everything you need to know about the trend.
1. Jenny Yoo Sylvanna Cowl-Neck Satin Maxi Dress – £445, Selfridges
Minimalist bridal fashion is having a moment and we think satin wedding dresses are a great way to nail the trend. With a luxurious sheen and softly draping cowl neck, this Jenny Yoo gown is an understated beauty.
2. Lifetime Ivory Sating Maxi Dress – £150, Club L London
Can we get a little commotion for the dress? Made from ivory satin and featuring a crossover back, this gown is simple yet impactful with its curve enhancing silhouette. Team it with some statement bridal earrings for a glamorous look.
3. Jenny Yoo Marnie V-Neck Satin Gown – £1,020, Selfridges
If you’re loving the minimalist vibe but fancy something a little longer, the Marnie gown could be for you. With a plunge neckline, low-back and skinny straps it’s totally sexy while the draped skirt and train give it an ethereal edge.
4. Berkley – £POA, Justin Alexander
A traditional ballgown skirt contrasts beautifully with the modern straight-edged strapless bodice on the Berkley gown. The perfect mix of classic and contemporary, this satin wedding dress will never date.
5. Simone – £POA, RIXO
We do love a vintage vibe and Simone from RIXO has it in spades. We love the lace detailing at the neckline and sleeves along with the on-trend puff sleeves. With a laidback midi length, we think this would make for a great registry office wedding dress.
6. Anika – £495, Ghost
Ghost is known for its silky, slinky silhouettes and so it’s no surprise we found some stunning satin wedding dresses here. Inspired by 1930s fashion, Anika is crafted from satin back crepe and has a beautifully matte finish ideal for those shying away from the shine.
7. Mari – £179, Ghost
Demure and understated, Mari is a perfect dress for mini-monies, micro-weddings or registry office weddings. This form fitting gown crafted from satin offers a long-sleeved take on the slip dress trend.
8. Olivia – £225, Ghost
Olivia sits within the bridesmaid dress collection at Ghost, but we think it makes for a stunning wedding dress too. Giving major screen siren vibes, we love the gently draping, form-fitting silhouette and the glamorous cowl back.
9. Alexis Belted Maxi Dress – £125, Pretty Lavish
We do love a balloon sleeve here at Hitched HQ, so the voluminous Alexis dress from Pretty Lavish had to make our edit. We’re fans of the modern, waist-cinching belt and the plunge neckline along with the thigh split skirt.
10. Odelle Maxi Dress – £88, Pretty Lavish
Remember when Meghan Markle emerged from Windsor Castle for her evening reception in that halterneck Stella McCartney number? We think this Pretty Lavish gown is pretty similar. Crafted from satin and featuring a tie neck sash, this is a seriously stylish choice. See more halterneck wedding dresses here.
11. Helene – £579, Wed2b
While satin looks stunning alone, it can also look beautiful paired with other bridal fabrics such as lace. Case in point the Helene gown from Wed2b. We love the lace, strapless sweetheart bodice with the breath-taking satin ballgown skirt.
12. Valentina – £1,600, Grace Loves Lace
While it may be called Grace Loves Lace, you’ll certainly find some stunning satin wedding dresses at this Australian bridal brand. Valentina is one of our favourites from their collection thanks to the on-trend spaghetti straps and asymmetric layered skirt.
13. Aura – £1,700, Grace Loves Lace
With a similar vibe to the Valentina gown, Aura is crafted with a textured satin and more relaxed fit that’s perfect for boho brides. We love the cowl neck and low back complete with relaxed bow sash. Discover more beautiful boho wedding dresses here.
14. Vera Bridal Satin Cape Maxi Dress – £299, Monsoon
Bridal capes are so in vogue right now but the Vera dress from Monsoon has one built in! We're absolutely in love with how the satin cape and skirt swish with every turn.
15. Sleeveless Structure Satin Dress – £195, Chi Chi London
If you’re after more structure than swish, may we suggest this bridal beauty from Chi Chi London? With a similar look and weight to mikado, this high-neck gown is giving luxurious, classic bridal style for less than £200. You can see even more budget friendly wedding dresses here.
16. Jakayla – £POA, Maggie Sottero
Fitted on the top and swishy on the bottom, Jakayla from Maggie Sottero is both sexy and romantic. We adore the sweetheart neckline and classic pearl waistband.
17. Sidney – £1,050, Catherine Deane
This simple satin gown from Catherine Deane perfectly illustrates how impactful minimal gowns can be. With cap sleeves and open back, it’s thoroughly modern and pared-back but the flowing satin fabric is unmistakably bridal.
18. Kameron – £1,200, Catherine Deane
The satin bodice and silk chiffon skirt of the Kameron gown make a dreamy bridal pairing, we think you’ll agree. The structured bodice provides support and showcases your figure while the skirt will be spectacularly swishy on the dance floor.
19. Lita – £1,950, Catherine Deane
Intricate embroidery, floral appliqué, sparkling beading and fine tulle are layered over sumptuous satin on the Lita gown for a look reminiscent of a bygone era of glamour. Ideal for brides looking for something a little bit different, this gown is a stand-out piece.
20. Reva – £1,350, Catherine Deane
With a relaxed fit, this whimsical gown is ideal for boho brides and those who don’t want to look overly formal. The V-neck is thoroughly modern and the draping A-line skirt deeply romantic.
21. Zimmermann Ruffle Trimmed Silk-Satin Wrap Dress – £550, Matches Fashion
If a traditional wedding gown just isn’t for you a short ready-to-wear dress might just be the thing. We’d plump for this wrap dress by Zimmermann. With oh-so chic balloon sleeves and a ruffle hem, it’s pretty without being prim.
22. Roksanda Amarantia Balloon Sleeve Silk-Satin Dress – £2,495, Matches Fashion
We think this Roksanda Amarantia gown has high-fashion 70s feel that will look amazing paired with platform shoes a la Nicola Peltz and laidback waves. The luxurious silk-satin will flow beautifully with every step down the aisle. Discover more long sleeve wedding dresses here.
23. Style 1438 – £POA, Martina Liana
After a sexy wedding dress? We think style 1438 from Martina Liana is a pretty sultry pick. From the cowl neckline to the scoop back and the high thigh slit, this is the perfect satin wedding dress for daring brides.
24. Style 1386 – £POA, Martina Liana
Speaking of sexy, style 1386 will certainly set pulses racing thanks to its plunge neckline and waist-cinching belt. The long train is also a major draw, just think how beautifully it would drape as you walk down the aisle.
25. Style 2403 – £POA, Mikaella Bridal
Puff sleeve wedding dresses are another major bridal trend and what's better than one trend? Two! Combine separate statement sleeves with satin fabric and choose style 2403 for a look that will hit all the right style notes.
READ MORE: 23 Wedding Trends Set to Be Huge for the Year Ahead
Your Satin Wedding Dress FAQs Answered
We chatted to Maria Yiannikaris, co-founder and designer at Mirror Mirror London and Caroline Black, owner of London based boutique Evelie, who gave us the lowdown on satin gowns.
Do Satin Wedding Dresses Photograph Well?
"Yes, as there is nice shine off satin fabric which gives satin dresses a luxurious, glamorous feel," says Caroline, before adding an important note: "If the satin dress is a fitted plain satin wedding dress it can be less forgiving on the body when photographing, so we typically recommend a good seamless shapewear undergarment or underwear."
Do Satin Wedding Dresses Wrinkle Easily?
"If the fabric is a manmade satin then no, the dress will not wrinkle," says Maria. "More expensive silk satin and Duchesse satins, will need a little more care in the wearing as heat and weight can crease the fabric. However, any creases that form tend to drop out as the body is warm."
"Typically no as a lot of wedding dresses are made from duchesse satin which is thicker than satin you might find on the high street. Also, when satin or other bridal fabric are well lined they don’t tend to wrinkle," adds Caroline.
Are Satin Wedding Dresses in Style?
"There is always at least one satin dress in stock across our selection of designers. We have definitely seen a surge in requests for satin dresses after Nicola Peltz's marriage to Brooklyn Beckham wearing a custom satin Valentino. Also, you can see lots of satin tops/dresses across the high street, a nod to the 90’s fashion era, which of course always influences bridal fashion," says Caroline.
"Yes, Satins have made a comeback, both in satin crepes which give a more fluid shape and duchesse which hold a more structured classic line," confirms Maria.
Let your satin wedding dress do all the talking by pairing it with some barely-there nude wedding shoes.
