What was the first thing you picked out when you started planning your wedding? It was your venue, right? So much of your wedding design is centered around the type of venue that speaks to you. And yes, believe it or not, your wedding dress is part of your overall wedding design. Fashion contributes soooo much to any event; it sets the tone. To show you what we mean, we picked five of the most popular types of wedding venues and will show you the perfect dress to go with it—think of it as a wine pairing 😂, but with dresses.

Estate

Photo/Venue: Donovan Manor via Wedding Wire

This historic estate features ornate architectural details, a grand ballroom, and perfectly manicured gardens. You’re going to want a dress that matches the grandeur of the estate, and we’d highly recommend considering a black-tie dress code for the big day. If you do go black tie, as the bride, you’ll want your gown to be the most “extra”, so to speak. In other words, go big! A tulle ballgown like this one is the perfect fit. Can’t you just picture the tulle skirt sweeping across the dance floor under the crystal chandeliers? And the lace adds just a touch of vintage elegance to the look to tie in the interior of the venue.

Barn

Let’s do a 180 and talk barn weddings, like this one. Rural, yes, but it doesn’t lean too far into the rustic vibes. Go with something romantic, like a floral lace, to bring in the natural elements and keep the silhouette simple and understated so you can easily frolic around the grounds during your portrait session. Can’t you just see yourself walking off into the sunset here in this beautiful A-line lace dress? What we especially love about this design is the little lace detail along the side of the skirt that gives it some character, something you haven’t seen before. And, if you do end up outside for a bit, be it portraits or cocktail hour, the champagne lining will help camouflage any minor stains.

Church

You’re channeling your inner princess and going with a classic church wedding—we love that for you! In that case, it’s best to keep your gown on the modest side, and you can’t go wrong with an elegant long lace sleeve a la Princess Kate. The rules and traditions vary by religious institution and even by location, so it is important to talk with your church venue about any dress codes that you should be respectful of. And make sure you go for a gown with a good train moment for the most impact as you walk down the aisle. Oh, and not that you asked, but a veil (and blusher) is a must—the longer, the better! Bonus points if you have your little nieces and nephews carry it for you like a real princess!

Museum or Gallery

You’re a modern woman, and you’re dreaming of a unique wedding at a venue your guests haven’t been to before. What about a museum or an art gallery? Not only does it give you and your guests a chance to explore one of the city’s coolest spaces after hours, but it makes for some pretty amazing photo ops. You’re probably buying your own gown, and you don’t want anything too “fussy”, but you’re not opposed to it being a little sexy. You want something timeless that you can look back on for years to come and still love it as much as the moment you first tried it on. Consider a minimalist gown like this draped satin dress. The sophisticated high neckline and draping are so flattering, and the low back adds a sexy surprise when you walk down the aisle.

Courthouse

Big weddings aren’t for everyone. Especially in this post-COVID world, we’re seeing more and more couples opting to elope or going for smaller courthouse weddings. We get it! But just because you’re keeping things simple doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to feel all those bridal wedding-day feels in a special ensemble. While we’ve seen brides wear formal gowns to their courthouse wedding (which photographs super cool, btw), if that just doesn’t sound like you, what about this chic asymmetrical flowy crepe set? The best part about this fit is that you will 100% wear it again and again!

Garden

Garden weddings are super popular as of late. Whether it’s at a local park, estate, or farm, so many of our brides dream of getting married in a garden. And who wouldn’t? The existing landscaping essentially doubles your flower budget, and any outdoor setting is the best way to fully capture the season of your wedding, be it fall or spring. So what should you wear? Well, you’ll want something with a little lace to play into the floral theme and something comfortable, not too big (think mermaid or A-line silhouettes). And while we recommend more streamlined silhouettes, don’t be afraid to be a little adventurous with your train, especially if it’s lace, like this one. While it is true that lace is delicate, it is surprisingly resistant to grass stains and other outdoor hazards, so have fun, and then just bustle it for the reception so you can dance the night away.

Tropical Destination

While we are partial to NC, we know that so many of our couples dream of an exotic destination wedding—and why not? Crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts, what’s not to like? And don’t you worry, we have PLENTY of dresses for just such an occasion. Yes, you want something with tropical vibes, but the most important part about choosing a dress for your destination wedding is finding one that travels well. Don’t worry, that’s why you have us and our team of expert stylists. They’ll listen to your wildest dreams about the design and silhouette, and then help you select dresses made from fabric that travels better than Kim K. Just pack and play! The last thing you want is to be steaming like crazy the morning of your wedding or to ruin your silk gown when it gets wet during your beach portrait session. Believe it or not, lace and tulle travel really well, and the sand just falls right through the holes, so you don’t need to worry about it getting super dirty, even if you have a beach ceremony. We especially love this dress because of the detachable train. It gives you that dramatic bridal moment for the ceremony, then remove it to reveal a sexy mermaid silhouette for the reception.

Castle

Fun Fact: that castle you see above is actually in Asheville, NC! But we know that not all destinations are tropical, so don’t think we forgot about you. Where are all of our castle wedding brides? Whether your castle is near or far, one thing is certain: castle weddings call for drama. You could go for an over-the-top ballgown like this one or use a pop of color to make a statement. Don’t be afraid to express yourself! This romantic black ballgown, with its subtle shimmer and off-the-shoulder lace details, is straight out of a fairy tale!