I Spent Hours Looking at Bridal Dresses, and These 7 Brands Stood Out to Me

I always joke that I'll get married one day just for the excuse to wear all of the white dresses. (I'm only kidding, of course.) While I am nowhere near planning any nuptials, that doesn't stop my love for all things bridal dresses.

Many of my friends are getting engaged and married, and as the editor of my friend group, I have been asked dozens of times about which bridal brands should be on the radar of a 2024 bride. Now, there are tons of classic bridal brands that we all know and love, but I wanted to find brands that may not be the first that come to your mind when you're thinking about bridal events or the big day.

Two of the most stylish editors I know—Morgan Evans and Hanna Flanagan—also happen to be brides-to-be. Of course, I'm going to share the bridal brands I'm obsessed with right now, but I also thought it would be best to get suggestions from two editors who are actually prepping to walk down the aisle. Keep scrolling to see the bridal brands Evans and Flanagan are eyeing along with seven bridal brands I'd recommend to 2024 brides.

Morgan Evans, freelance editor for The Cut, Vanity Fair, and Vogue

Evans's top bridal brands:

Lein

"Some brides in the process of dress shopping might be familiar with New York–based bridal brand Lein. But if you're not, it's time to get familiar. I discovered Lein's soft, effortless, romantic palette on Instagram after falling in love with a close-up image of an intricate sheer lace and beaded skirt. I then proceeded to do a showroom visit of the collection during Bridal Fashion Week, and it wasn't too soon after that I found myself in a personal appointment with the designer, Meredith Stoecklein.

"Lein's designs are a fresh take on modern elegance, with many of her seemingly simple styles being the most ornate—especially when it comes to her love of lace detailing. For the bride who is interested in the idea of interchangeable or easily convertible pieces, Stoecklein's innovative designs feature everything from removable scarves and capes to hidden buttons for convertible skirts, sleeve add-ons, and several designs that can be mixed and matched with several of her other pieces, especially if you love sets!"

Hanifa

"Last year, Anifa Mvuemba's Hanifa took its bold and colorful ready-to-wear brand to the next level with its first-ever bridal collection. As a fan of Hanifa's fitted, sexy-chic silhouettes and standout statement pieces, I knew her bridal collection was going to be an extension of the brand's signature vibrancy but translated into eloquent bridal looks.

"As a future bride-to-be, I had the privilege of covering the inaugural bridal show last fall, where the designer displayed a range of bridal options, bellowing from ball gowns and sparkling statement sheaths to her sleek signature suit styles, feathered trimmed dresses, hats, and gloves along with an assortment of sexy bridal lingerie. As a self-proclaimed disco bride who loves everything from embellishment to whimsy tulle, Hanifa's bridal collection presents something for every kind of bride. From the trendy "go big or go home" bride who loves a bold and sometimes flashy statement piece to the bride who prefers femininity and romance, Hanifa has looks and accessories for all bridal personalities and styles."

Kyha

"Simpler gowns don't have to be boring. Take it from Kyha, an Australian-based bridal brand with flagship stores in Sydney and New York that has elegantly elevated the modern minimalist bridal style. Kyha's designs are for the bride who wants to go bigger than traditional but still in a classic way. Known for their impeccably tailored corsets, Kyha's structured silhouettes make a bold, elegant statement that isn't over-the-top. From simple satin sheaths to fluttery tulle ball gowns and a fun selection of trendy beaded ensembles great for second-look options of other wedding event occasions, Kyha's simple, chic styles have the essence of traditionalism but with more dreamy drama."

Hanna Flanagan, shopping editor at The Cut

Flanagan's top bridal brands:

Blanc Wear

"It's almost impossible to find a wedding gown that strikes the perfect balance between simple and dramatic. If you're engaged, you know that most dresses on the market are either too plain and sort of boring or overly embellished and in desperate need of some editing. Enter Blanc Wear, the Amsterdam-based bridal label specializing in understated gowns that still feel special enough to wear on one of the biggest days of your life. Designer Sarah Bruylant marries trendy elements—like a drop waist, basque waist, moon-shaped bustier, or cathedral-length scarf—with very simple textures, fabrics, and patterns. Each look feels sleek and polished yet still fashion-forward."

Kyha

"If you want a wedding dress that looks just as good walking down the aisle as it would walking down a fashion-week runway, look no further than Khya. The Australian brand is perfect for modern, minimalist brides who want to take a risk with their wedding wardrobe. From gowns and after-party dresses to two-piece sets, jewelry, veils, and bridal hats, Khya's cool-girl designs are available in over 20 different countries, online, and at its flagship boutiques in Melbourne, Sydney, and New York."

The Own Studio

"My top recommendation for brides who want to evoke an effortlessly cool aesthetic on their wedding day is the Own Studio. The designs are ultra-clean and simple yet tailored to perfection and crafted from the finest quality fabrics, so each one looks (and feels!) elegant and expensive. If you're on the hunt for a second look, make sure to check out the Own Studio's newly launched party collection. Highlights include a double-breasted tuxedo dress, a minidress with beaded embellishments, a sequin crop top, and a crystal lattice minidress that features semi-sheer fabric."

Wed

"Perfect for all the unconventional 'anti-brides' who want to make a statement with their wedding dress, Wed Studio specializes in interesting and inventive silhouettes that you certainly haven't seen before and won't find at Kleinfeld Bridal. Each piece is designed with three fundamental principles in mind: cut, craftsmanship, and creating consciously. From a minidress that features geometric draping to a semi-sheer gown made of stretch-jersey fabric, Wed Studio will challenge the way you think about bridal fashion. The label also recently launched an exclusive capsule for Ssense Bridal that's to die for."

Shop the 7 bridal brands I'm loving at the moment:

Kyha

This Australian bridal brand has taken New York brides by storm, including both Flanagan and Evans, who mentioned this brand as one of their standouts. Every Bridal Fashion Week, I look forward to getting to pop into Kyha's downtown Manhattan location and see what pretty designs they have in store. What I really love about Kyha is that it's a one-stop shop when it comes to wedding-event dresses. While there is one dress that's the dress, fashion-savvy brides usually end up needing several white dresses for events such as the rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, and bachelorette party.

Kyha makes a dress for all of the above, even offering several dresses in shades other than white. On my latest trip to the Kyha's NYC location, I got to see its new drop-waist wedding dress—the Beau—and it almost took my breath away. I also can't stop thinking about the bubble-hem Kennedy minidress.

Retrofête

The brand designed for bold women heading to a fabulous party is also one of the first places I'd shop if I had just gotten engaged. Retrofête's bridal collection is made for the stylish, bold bride who embraces being the center of attention. If you have an over-the-top reception or bachelorette trip planned, then snagging a look from Retrofête is right up your alley. I'm a huge fan of the pearl-encrusted Deema Dress. I've seen this dress in person, and the pearls look even more glamorous up close. I'm not even close to getting married, but I have the Deema already on my bridal mood board.

Danielle Frankel

After working for legendary bridal powerhouses Marchesa and Vera Wang, Danielle Frankel launched her own bridal label, making pieces designed to be worn long after the big day. Frankel has captured the attention of fashion-forward brides who enjoy unexpected pattern choices and whimsical silhouettes and styles. I am obsessed with the Guinevere Gown.

Bronx and Banco

This celebrity-loved brand is mostly known for sparkly, pop-star-ready stage and red carpet outfits and has the prettiest selection of occasionwear dresses. Staying true to its brand DNA, Bronx and Banco's bridal collection includes tons of trendy, fun pieces for brides to play with. Of course, if you're looking for something a little more over-the-top for your wedding dress, Bronx and Banco has tons of options for you. I'd go to this brand for a possible second dress/reception dress when shopping for your bridal shower or bachelorette party.

Alex Perry

Alex Perry dresses have been known to sculpt and contour the body, and who doesn't want to feel as good as possible on their big day? With classic style and tailored fits, it's clear that the Alex Perry designs for the modern bride focus on elegance and a sophisticated approach to bridalwear. The brand's Eliza satin-Crepe Gown is also on my bridal wish list.

House of CB

This London-based brand was put on the map for its incredibly well-fitting, corsetted dresses and tops. With all of its pieces designed and made in-house in London, the brand has expanded into a collection of affordable but glamorous and romantic bridal dresses. The collection is a wide range of dresses perfect for everything welcoming your guests to your pre-wedding cocktail party to toasting champagne at the announcement of your engagement to picking great pieces for your bachelorette. House of CB has it all.

If I were prepping for my big day, this is definitely where I would stop for event dresses. Plus, the price tags won't make your wallet want to cry, which is important when you're on a budget. The brand has so many great options for bridesmaid dresses as well.

Sau Lee

Founded in 2014 by Cheryl Leung, this Hong Kong–based brand is self-described as a "love letter to women," creating stunning ready-to-wear pieces and accessories. It's a go-to brand for those looking to land a spot on the "best dressed guest" list at the most high-profile wedding on your calendar, and its bridal collection is truly something to take note of. The brand's elegant collection is divided into three sections: the Playful Bride, the Romantic Bride, and the Classic Bride. The choice is yours.