24 Best Structured Wedding Dresses of 2022

Are you someone who imagines walking down the aisle in a dramatic, architectural wedding dress? If so, your wedding dress journey will likely be filled with trying structured looks. Structured wedding dresses usually feature some kind of boning in the bodice or a corset design – and are usually more extravagant because the dress designer has more creativity when creating this look. Additionally, these silhouettes are a great option for women with larger busts because they allow a bride to feel more comfortable outside of the support of a bra.

Structure doesn’t just have to do with the bodice of a dress, however. Some architectural elements such as solid ruffles or three-dimensional accents also add to the uniqueness of this style of dress. Designers such as Peter Langner, Vivienne Westwood and Danielle Frankel are known for their unique avant-garde style dresses that have catwalk-worthy structural designs.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorite structured dresses – from classic styles to modern, unconventional looks.

What to look for in a structured wedding dress

So you’ve decided you want a structured wedding dress. And after? Well, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind when looking for this style of dress. For starters, the fabric of your dress is important to keep in mind. Materials that generally make well-structured dresses include mikado, brocade, faille, and any other heavier fabric. With more expensive dresses, it is not uncommon to also see silk or crepe.

Structured wedding dresses, while stunning, have the potential to be restrictive. For this reason, you’ll want to move around while trying on the dress to make sure it’s comfortable to wear all day. Focusing on how your dress looks can be overwhelming, but the last thing you want is to feel uncomfortable or restricted on your big day. If you choose a large, structured dress, consider a second dress option to change into during the ceremony that might be a little more comfortable for dancing and eating.

About the Author

Contributing editor Melony Forcier is a recent graduate who began her career in beauty and fashion journalism. Prior to graduating, she interned with both Boston Magazine and Foundation PR. Additionally, she served as a fashion editor for Boston University’s lifestyle magazine, The Buzz.