9 Modern Wedding Dresses For the Contemporary Bride

Modern and muted, this off-the-shoulder ASOS Edition Beatrice Bardot Drape Wrap Wedding Dress ($225) is simply divine. The straight-lace neckline not only looks incredibly elegant, but it also provides the perfect opportunity to dress the style up with statement jewels like a diamond necklace or pearl pendant. The deep leg slit also completes the wrap gown with a subtle yet sexy flair.

With this Lulus Wondrous Water Lilies White Maxi Dress ($72), you'll never want your wedding to end — mostly because you'll be too busy endlessly twirling and maximizing on the gown's ethereal drape. While the gown leans on the conservative side, its sheer balloon sleeves provide a more playful appeal to the classic long-sleeved gown.

Make your own Met Gala moment with this eccentric Bronx and Banco x Revolve Elena Gown ($950). With a body-hugging silhouette and glove sleeves, this modern wedding dress is certainly eye-catching — and playful enough that you can wear and rewear it to your reception, afterparty, and perhaps even honeymoon, too. Few days feel more primed for standing out in statement-making fashion than your wedding day, so lean into that energy more with this feathered number.

While many fashion trends may come and go, A-line modern wedding dresses feel like the bridal style that will stand the test of time — and this David's Bridal Strapless A-Line Satin Wedding Dress ($499) is full proof of it. We love the sweet, fit-and-flair silhouette of this gown. And while it's certainly understated, we like to think that it provides even more opportunity to dress the wedding slip up with a princess-style veil or diamond jewelry.

Contrary to popular belief, modern wedding dresses can manage to be both sexy and simple. This Alice + Olivia Montana Lace Up Back Maxi Gown ($550) demonstrates that perfectly, as it features an understated design that's made all the more playful by a ribbed, corset-like top and body-hugging skirt. We recommend styling the dress with a low bun and lengthy veil for full effect.

Your wedding day is when you're meant to turn heads and make a lasting impression — even if that's in a simpler modern wedding dress. This Bhldn Tadashi Shoji Maven Gown ($600, originally $895) feels especially primed for the occasion, with its snug sleeves and timeless train. It's also surprisingly reminiscent of Meghan Markle's famous wedding gown — and who doesn't want to embody a royal every once in a while?

If princess-style wedding dresses aren't your vibe (we totally get it), then this Revolve Katie May Bambi Gown ($295) will double as the ideal dress for your big day. The understated gown makes an immediate impression with its plunging V-neckline, sleek straps, and mermaid-inspired skirt.

When it comes to finding the best wedding dress, comfort and style go hand in hand. Choosing a gown like this Bhldn Retrofete Margot Dress ($895) ensures that you can feel every bit like the queen you are on the big day while still having ample support provided by the frock's halter neckline. Plus, with that leg slit, the dress is so easy to move around in, making it the perfect fit for all of your dance-floor shenanigans.

Opting for a minimalistic wedding dress doesn't mean you have to forgo a style that's also fun and playful. We're particularly obsessed with this 16Arlington Lanao Cascading Ruffle Bridal Dress ($1,935), which is all business up top and party on the bottom thanks to its formal turtleneck design and flounced ruffle skirt.