The Best Designer Wedding Dresses for the Perfect Ceremony

If you have a generous budget for your big day and dream of wearing a top-tier designer gown, be prepared to place your order well in advance. The names on this list are among the most sought-after designers in the world.

Founded by Mark Badgley and James Mischka in 1988, Badgley Mischka quickly became known for its effortlessly elegant bridal gowns. A favorite of celebrities—including Oprah Winfrey—the label also created Kristin Davis’s second wedding dress on the hit series Sex and the City. You’ll find Badgley Mischka bridal collections at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman in Beverly Hills and Boston.

Securing personal attention from Armani might be a challenge if you’re not Tom Cruise or Katie Holmes, but you can still acquire a piece from his haute couture line, Armani Privé. Though available only by special order—never stocked in stores—Armani Privé made fashion history when its Paris runway show was the first couture presentation ever streamed live online.

Once a competitive figure skater, Vera Wang has become synonymous with bridal design. If visiting her boutiques in New York, Beverly Hills, Boston, or Waikiki isn’t an option, her 2001 HarperCollins book Vera Wang on Weddings offers plenty of inspiration. Launched in 2002, her China & Crystal collection produced three of the top ten best-selling bridal styles in U.S. registry lists within just six months. In addition to wedding gowns, Wang has built a lifestyle brand that includes fragrances, eyewear, jewelry, shoes, and home décor.

Filipino-born and U.S.-based, Diane Monique Lhuillier rose to fame after designing Christine Baumgartner’s 2004 wedding gown for her marriage to Kevin Costner. Shortly thereafter she dressed Britney Spears for her wedding to Kevin Federline. Other high-profile clients include Sarah Gore’s daughter, Giuliana DePandi (bride of Bill Rancic from The Apprentice), and actress Allison Munn. Today Monique Lhuillier is celebrated for both bridal and evening wear, with her creations frequently gracing Hollywood’s red carpets.

If designer wedding gowns are your passion—and the centerpiece of your perfect day—you’ll need to invest accordingly. But when price isn’t a concern, these extraordinary dresses will ensure your wedding is unforgettable and leave you feeling utterly confident.