Grace Loves Lace

Bon Voyage! These Are the Most Perfect Destination Wedding Dresses

Sequins, tiers of tulle and stretch lace are chic—and packable—style choices

Destination weddings are back, baby, and will be one of the most popular wedding choices for 2023 (and 2024). Though a little extra intensive to plan at the beginning—deciding on a far-flung venue can bit a bit of journey—a destination wedding is ultimately one of the easiest celebrations to plan once you cross that off your list.

And it’s only when you’ve decided the location for your destination wedding that you can get your wedding style game in order. There are many things to consider that will ultimately influence your sartorial choices, says wedding fashion expert Lori Conley, general merchandising manager for Bhldn. “Your location is something you really need to intimately understand,” says Conley. “You need to fully realize the climate conditions but also the terrain you’ll be navigating to ensure you select something that works for both. If you are going to walk down the aisle in a forest, skip the dramatic train, so it doesn’t pick up debris along the way. If you’re heading to a tropical island opt for light and airy fabrics that won’t overheat.”

Conley says with a destination wedding dress you also need put packability and transport of the garment firmly on your radar. “Not all fabrics are equal when it comes to travel. Be mindful of those that are easy to pack and less likely to wrinkle—tulle and chiffon are perfect—so you don’t have to spend all your time steaming upon your arrival. Also, never pack your gown in your checked luggage! Call ahead to make accommodations with your airline to carry it on. Keep the load light by foregoing heavy dress embellishments and hefty, big ball gowns.”

Current wedding styles Conley is loving for destination weddings are sleek gowns in slinky satin with a daring leg slit—perfect for a beach wedding.

destination wedding dress
Watters dress, $2,254, bhldn.com. Photo: Bhldn

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For a grander locale like a castle wedding abroad, Conley suggests a gown that has some subtle texture to give it an old-world feel. “I love the idea of complementing the history and feel of old-world charm with details that have a bit of a vintage air. I find these styles really come alive in a historic old-world setting.

destination wedding dress
Watters dress, $3,499, bhldn.com. Photo: Bhldn

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One last note from Conley on what to avoid: “Silk and organza easily show perspiration, so steer well clear of these fabrics,” she says. “Additionally, cotton and linen don’t travel well and will be nothing but a wrinkly mess when you unpack them, so avoid those, too!”

 

A destination wedding dress for every location

Will you choose dazzling micro-sequins or body-con stretch lace?

The mega-watt sparkle wedding dress

destination wedding dress
& For Love Dress, andforlove.com. Photo: & For Love

The St. Barts dress by & For Love is a dream. If you having an oceanfront wedding and want an dress that will shine as bright as the sparkling waters, this is it.

 

The halter neckline wedding dress

destination wedding dress
R. Mayer Bridal dress, rmayerbridal.com. Photo: R. Mayer Bridal

The ethereal Aspen gown by Canadian designer Ross Mayer is the perfect option for a warm weather wedding with it’s flattering halter neckline and illusion low-cut back. The detachable tulle skirt delivers two dramatic looks in one.

 

The stretch-lace wedding dress

destination wedding dress
Grace Loves Lace dress, graceloveslace.ca. Photo: Grace Loves Lace

The Sienna dress by Grace Loves Lace embodies the alluring style signatures the brand is loved for: a figure-hugging silhouette and textural lace that is eco 100 per cent recycle. Available up to size 2X, this dress flatters every figure.

 

The breezy ball gown

destination wedding dress
Julia Cork Bridal dress, $2,800, juliacork.com. Photo: Julia Cork

The Violet is an airy, beautiful ball gown by Canadian designer Julia Cork and is a perfectly packable choice for a wedding abroad. We love the gown’s embroidered lace, plunging v-neckline and mesh side cut-outs.

 

The draped slip wedding dress

destination wedding dress
Savannah Miller dress, savannahmiller.com. Photo: Savannah Miller

Designer Savannah Miller is loved for her sleek, modern designs, and the satin Giselle dress is minimalism at its finest. The cowl neckline with flutter ends and diamante spaghetti straps make this a glam choice for any destination wedding location.

 

The two-piece pantsuit

destination wedding dress
Reformation two-piece pant suit, $670, thereformation.com. Photo: Reformation

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This is an edgy look perfect for an urban European destination wedding. This silk two-piece suit has incredible flow and is also a great choice as a second look for after-dinner dancing.

 

The organza ruffle wedding dress

destination wedding dress
Justin Alexander Signature dress, justinalexander.com. Photo: Justin Alexander

The Fisher dress from Justin Alexander is totally transportable and a smart fabric choice for a destination wedding. With its plunging neckline and alluring open back, this dress delivers red carpet drama, perfect for sweeping into a romantic wedding in Tuscany.

 

The mini wedding dress

destination wedding dress
Watters dress, $2,021, bhldn.com. Photo: Bhldn

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How sweet is this this tulip hemline! This mini is sleek and chic and has a detachable train, which means you can easily mix up your big day look—versatility is key when it comes to destination celebrations.

 

The floral embellished wedding dress

destination wedding dress
Alexandrea Grecco dress, alexandragrecco.com. Photo: Alexandra Grecco

New York designer Alexandra Grecco is loved for her intricate dress details. The slim-fit Gwynevere gown has so many to love: the dainty floral straps and embroidery, empire waistline and a beautiful cut-out dress back.

 

The sheer wedding dress

destination wedding dress
Dana Harel dress, danahareldesign.com. Photo: Dana Harel

If you want to take a seriously fashionable plunge on your wedding day, the Noa dress by Dana Harel is a spectacular choice. This sparkling tulle gown has a plunging neckline and dress back and provides coverage in all the right places—this one was made for a beach wedding!

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