Are there different types of ruffles?

Yes, there are many different types of ruffles. Some of the most common types of ruffles are single and double edge ruffles, waterfall ruffles, circular ruffles, and cascading ruffles. “Depending on what you want the ruffles to be on your gown, they can function as a lot of different things,” says Merida.

Are all ruffled wedding dresses voluminous and dramatic?

Ruffled wedding dresses run the gamut from voluminous and dramatic to understated and delicate. While some brides may prefer statement-making ruffled gowns, others may prefer pared-back silhouettes with subtle ruffle detailing. As you discover more styles, Merida says, the ruffles come down to two different categories. “One can be displayed for dramatic effect in terms of volume and second as a textured design element,” she says.

Are ruffled wedding dresses heavy?

“Typically, yes but not always,” says Merida. The weight of a ruffled gown will largely depend on how many ruffles are on the gown and what type of fabric was used to create both the gown and the ruffles. Merida says the lightest fabric would be tulle and the heaviest would be a heavily beaded textile or a crepe.

The 26 Best Ruffle Wedding Dresses of 2023

ruffle dress — PHOTO BY HARWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

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

Buy on Overthemoon.com $8,750

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

Buy on Galialahav.com $2,090

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

Buy on Anthropologie $698

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

Revolve Line & Dot Samara Dress — Revolve

Buy on Revolve $212

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

Buy on Needleandthread.com $749

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

Buy on Showmeyourmumu.com $238

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

Buy on Revolve $288

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

Buy on Lulus $111

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

Buy on Reformation $278

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

Revolve Bronx and Banco Paros Gown — Revolve

Buy on Revolve $620

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

Buy on Amsale.com $6,995

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

Revolve Katie May Mcbeath Gown — Revolve

Buy on Revolve $650

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

Buy on Asos $171

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

Etsy Mywony Bridal Silk Wedding Dress — Etsy

Buy on Etsy $1,099

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

Net-A-Porter Alessandra Rich Asymmetric Ruffled Silk-Georgette Gown — Net-A-Porter

Buy on Net-a-Porter $4,185

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

Buy on Lulus $76

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

Buy on Jennyyoo.com $3,000

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

Buy on Wonanyc.com

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.