The Edit: Contemporary fairytale wedding dresses

What defines the perfect fairytale wedding dresses? Is it gorgeous full skirts with layer upon layer of lace and tulle? Waist-flattering sweetheart bodices, a lavish train or a generous dusting of glitter, sparkle and detailing? Well, we think it’s all of the above, alongside a dash of catwalk chic and an extra touch of magic that only the very best designers get right.

Aaliyah Quinn is a master of the extravagant, the embellished and the downright breathtaking, so her designs are always our first port of call when brides come in looking for something exceptional that will live up to their childhood dreams. And the latest collection doesn’t disappoint. Dresses feature everything a 21st century princess could want, from exquisite beading and lace to voluminous skirts and one or two breathtaking surprises as well. 

So, read on for the key elements modern princesses should look for, plus four sensational fairytale wedding dresses to match. Here’s to the perfect happy ending…

Divine detailing

Stunning embellishment is a must-have for most brides and Rainie is all about the detailing. This understated A-line silhouette has been richly decorated with gorgeous beaded botanical lace, which adds texture and depth to the layers of printed floral organza underneath. 

The rest of the design has been kept relatively simple, from the on-trend straight neckline to the daring plunge, which lets the striking florals shine. A pair of slim sparkling straps is the only extra you might want to add to this fabulous look.

Real bride Alysha wanted a similar style, one that ticked all the boxes when it came to detailing but also had a modern feel to it. “I chose Beatrice, which had a stunning beaded bodice paired with a plain Mikado skirt," she says. “As soon as I tried it on my family and I knew it was ‘The One’. I loved the style, the fit and the great pockets. It had just the right amount of fabric and sparkle. The dress made me feel like a princess and I fell in love on the spot.”

Romance and sparkle (with a twist)

Glamour and romance are also essential elements, and clever Jordyn has both in spades. Here, a strapless glittering floral bodice sits above a sparkling tulle overskirt with eye-catching split, that tumbles to the floor in a luxurious train. There are also floaty, detachable balloon sleeves with more stunning embroidery.

Then, it’s time for the dramatic reveal. When you’re ready, remove the overskirt and show off the gorgeous modern mini underneath! This is a dress that your guests will be talking about for years to come, we promise.

Simply style it with our contemporary Juliette veil and finish with a tiara fit for royalty, of course.

A magnificent train

So, a fairytale dress can be whatever you want it to be, as long as it makes you feel like you’re the star of your own romantic story. For real bride Brady this meant flattering off-the-shoulder straps and a striking full skirt ending in a magnificent long train, no embellishment needed. “The train was absolutely incredible,” she says. “When I first tried it on I didn’t want to take it off. It was timeless, classy and everything I could have imagined. Just amazing."

Maximum wow-factor

However, every good story needs a touch of drama, and if that’s what you’re after then Katania is definitely ‘The One’. Available in white and midnight black, this is the way to make an entrance.

With its swathes of glitter tulle and corset-style bodice with exposed boning and sparkling, modern florals, it’s the ideal dress for a glamorous black tie evening reception or to greet guest in your very own castle ballroom. Confident, cool and slightly edgy, this is the look that will ensure you absolutely stand out from the crowd.

Black and white was the order of the day for real bride Rebekah’s stylish black tie wedding, too. She also chose the ultimate princess skirt, a fabulous waterfall. "This was despite the fact that it had many things I originally said I didn’t want!” she laughs.

“I wore a glamorous ballgown with dramatic skirt. I loved the tulle layers and that it was simple on top but a party at the bottom. My top tip is to choose your dress based on how it makes you feel and not the reaction of the people around you. Mine made me feel very special.”

A big, bold skirt

No princess wants a small skirt so, if you love Rebekah’s rippled delight, you’ll also love Sevilla, the final choice for our fairytale wedding dresses edit. The tumbling layered skirt with its long train is classic princess style but Aaliyah Quinn has given this look plenty of modern appeal too. 

Made from contemporary burnout organza for a high fashion edge, it also has an on-trend peekaboo neckline and chic pleated bodice. It just goes to show that confident cool girls can still have the full fairytale!

Then, whether you go for a modern statement headband in shimmering pearls or a crystal classic, the choice is yours!

Write your own story

So, how does your story go? The perfect fairytale wedding dresses for you are the ones that make you feel like you’re the belle of the ball or the heroine of your own romantic tale, whether that’s rippling folds of plain Mikado or endless glittering embellishment and sparkle. And, if you’re not sure, just drop into your nearest store today. We can help you make those big day dreams  - whatever they are - come true!

Click here to check out all our fairytale wedding dresses, then try on your favourites at your nearest wed2b store. Here’s what to expect when you visit, too. Lastly, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts.