You know that feeling when you slip into a dress and suddenly the whole world just stops? That’s what a purple princess wedding dress does.
It’s bold, it’s breathtaking, and honestly, it’s the kind of choice that makes guests set down their champagne glasses the moment you walk down the aisle.
Maybe you’ve been scrolling through bridal instagrams late at night, low-key bored with all the white and ivory options, and something deep in your soul keeps pulling you toward lavender, plum, or that gorgeous deep violet you can’t stop thinking about.
Good news: you have absolutely impeccable taste, and I’m here to help you run with it.
Purple wedding dresses sit right at that perfect intersection of fairytale romance and unforgettable personal style.
Whether you’re drawn to soft lilac that floats like morning mist or rich amethyst that commands a room, there’s a purple princess silhouette out there with your name on it.
Let’s find yours.
1. The Lavender Dream Ball Gown
How to Style This Look
Lavender is one of those shades that flatters nearly every skin tone, which is one of the many reasons I love it. On fair skin it looks dreamy and delicate; on deeper skin tones it creates an absolutely stunning jewel-toned contrast that photographs like a dream.
- The dress: A full ball gown silhouette in layered soft tulle, ideally with an ombre effect from blush-lavender at the bodice deepening to violet at the hem. Look for options at Essense of Australia, Maggie Sottero, or for budget-conscious brides, David’s Bridal carries gorgeous lavender gowns from around $500–$800.
- Bodice details: A fitted boned corset with lace or floral beading in silver or pearl creates a stunning princess effect without overwhelming the softness of the color.
- Veil: A cathedral-length or chapel-length veil with lace trim in a matching ivory or silver. Skip an overly dramatic blusher—let the color speak for itself.
- Shoes: Silver strappy heeled sandals, pointed-toe satin pumps in champagne, or even ivory kitten heels for comfort over a long reception.
- Bouquet: Pair with white peonies, pale lavender ranunculus, and dusty miller greenery for a romantic garden feel.
- Jewelry: Pearls or moonstone earrings keep this look soft and bridal; crystal drop earrings add a touch of modern glamour.
- For fuller figures: A ball gown silhouette is genuinely one of the most flattering shapes across all body types—the full skirt creates a beautiful hourglass and you can move and dance freely all night. Bold tip: don’t be shy about the volume. Own it completely.
- Venues that shine: This dress was made for castles, grand ballrooms, historic churches, or any venue where “fairy tale” is the vibe.
2. The Regal Plum A-Line Princess
How to Style This Look
The A-line is genuinely the great equalizer of bridal silhouettes—it works for almost every body type, and in a deep plum, it takes on an undeniable air of sophistication. Think less Cinderella, more queen who actually runs the kingdom.
- The dress: Look for a satin or mikado fabric in true plum—not too red-purple, not too blue-purple. Watters, Vera Wang, and BHLDN all carry beautiful options, with BHLDN sitting in the $300–$1,200 range for more accessible budgets.
- Sweetheart neckline: This neckline is particularly flattering in darker colors because it draws attention upward and creates gorgeous décolletage.
- Fabric choice matters: Duchess satin catches light beautifully and photographs with incredible richness. Mikado is slightly stiffer with more structure. Charmeuse gives a more fluid, goddess-like drape.
- Shoes: Nude pointed-toe heels lengthen the leg beautifully beneath a full-length hem; strappy gold sandals add warmth to the plum tones.
- Hair: Loose romantic waves or a half-up style with a floral crown. Plum is bold enough that you can keep hair styling relaxed and still look completely styled.
- For petite brides: Request a slightly higher waist placement to elongate the torso, and have the hem precisely tailored—even an inch too long reads as overwhelmingly heavy in dark satin.
- Venues: Vineyard weddings, garden estates, rustic barn receptions, or fall outdoor ceremonies.
3. The Wisteria Tulle Princess Fantasy
How to Style This Look
Wisteria is that perfect in-between purple—not quite lilac, not quite violet—and it has this magical quality where it photographs differently depending on the light. Indoors it reads more richly; in natural light it becomes almost luminous. Honestly? It’s doing the most and I’m here for it.
- The dress: Multi-layered soft tulle skirt in wisteria with an off-the-shoulder or cold-shoulder bodice. Rebecca Ingram and Hayley Paige both produce beautiful options in this shade. Expect to invest $1,500–$3,500 for couture quality, or find stunning lookalikes on Azazie or Lulus for under $500.
- 3D floral details: Fabric flowers at the waist or climbing the bodice add dimension and look stunning in photography. Ask your bridal boutique about customization options.
- Undergarments: With layered tulle, invest in a proper crinoline or petticoat—it’s the secret weapon that gives that true princess volume and holds the shape perfectly all day and night.
- Hair and accessories: Keep accessories minimal when the dress is this statement. Simple gold or silver drop earrings, no necklace needed.
- Bouquet: Wildflowers and foraged greenery with purple accents keep this feeling romantic and natural rather than overly formal.
- For plus-size brides: Tulle is genuinely your best friend—it floats away from the body beautifully and creates volume at the skirt rather than the waist, which is exactly what you want. Don’t let anyone talk you out of the drama.
4. The Dusty Mauve Off-Shoulder Ballgown
How to Style This Look
Let’s talk about dusty mauve for a second—because this shade is having a quiet renaissance in bridal fashion and it absolutely deserves the attention. It has the warmth of blush, the depth of purple, and a vintage quality that makes everything look like it belongs in a period film. Dusty mauve also photographs extraordinarily well in black and white, FYI.
- The dress: Look for French lace overlay on duchess satin for the most luxurious effect. Monique Lhuillier and Reem Acra produce exquisite options; for a mid-range alternative, Pronovias and Mori Lee offer comparable elegance at $1,000–$2,500.
- Off-shoulder styling note: The off-shoulder neckline is extremely flattering across shoulder widths—it broadens narrow shoulders and creates beautiful structure on broader frames. Bold tip: make sure the bodice fits absolutely perfectly. A good seamstress is worth every penny.
- Veil: A cathedral-length veil in soft ivory rather than stark white creates a gorgeous contrast with the mauve without clashing.
- Shoes: Rose gold heeled mules or blush satin pumps. Even a deep burgundy block heel can look surprisingly chic.
- Jewelry: Rose gold and morganite are made for this dress. Alternatively, vintage-inspired pearl drop earrings add a timeless elegance.
- Skin tone notes: Dusty mauve is particularly stunning on warm skin tones—olive, golden, and deeper brown complexions make this shade positively glow. On fair or cool-toned skin, the grey undertones can wash out slightly, so try the dress on in good natural light before committing.
5. The Bold Violet Velvet Princess
How to Style This Look
Okay, if you’re someone who has a whole personality, this is your dress. Deep violet velvet is not here to blend in—it’s here to be remembered. And honestly? Good for you. Your wedding should be the most you thing that has ever happened.
- The dress: Velvet wedding gowns have surged in popularity for fall and winter weddings—and for good reason. Velvet photographs with incredible depth and texture, and it keeps you warm at outdoor evening ceremonies. Ines Di Santo and Anne Barge both produce breathtaking velvet gowns; budget options can be found on Etsy from custom bridal designers for around $800–$1,500.
- Silhouette tip: Because velvet has natural weight and drape, a princess or A-line silhouette works better than a heavily tiered ball gown—the fabric does its own work and too many layers can become unwieldy.
- Season: This is a fall-winter dress through and through. Think October through February.
- Accessories: Keep metallics minimal. Amethyst, garnet, or dark crystal jewelry lets the dress remain the star. A simple gold ring or a vintage brooch at the waist adds interest without competing.
- Hair: Sleek and controlled hairstyles—a low chignon, a French twist, a braided crown—complement velvet’s smooth formality. Loose waves can look slightly incongruous against the structured weight of velvet.
- Shoes: Deep plum suede pumps or pointed-toe black velvet heels. On a practical note: wear comfortable insoles inside dress shoes for a long reception night. Your feet will thank you around hour three. 🙂
6. The Lilac Lace Vintage Princess
How to Style This Look
Vintage-inspired brides, this one’s for you. The lilac lace gown is that rare dress that feels completely romantic and personal without trying hard at all. It carries this beautiful quiet confidence—like it knows exactly who it is. And when you find the right one, so will you.
- The dress: Look for French or Chantilly lace in a true soft lilac with a lining that’s two shades deeper—this creates gorgeous dimension. Temperley London, Claire Pettibone, and Grace Loves Lace all offer stunning options. For more accessible pricing, check ASOS Bridal or Azazie for lace options starting around $250.
- Sleeve styling: Long lace sleeves are incredibly versatile—they read formal in a church or estate setting, yet feel romantic and relaxed at a garden venue. They also photograph beautifully in every season.
- High neck consideration: If you have a shorter neck, a high neckline can occasionally feel overwhelming. Ask your seamstress about lowering the neckline slightly while preserving the lace collar effect—small adjustments make a huge difference.
- Accessories: Pearl pins in the hair, pearl stud earrings, a simple gold or rose gold ring. Nothing more is needed—this dress is its own accessory.
- Bouquet: Small, tightly structured nosegay with soft fragrant blooms—sweetpeas, freesia, lily of the valley—rather than a large cascading arrangement. The dress calls for something delicate.
- For brides who run warm: Long-sleeve lace is significantly cooler than it looks—the sheerness allows airflow. Ideal for spring and early fall weddings.
7. The Ombre Purple-to-White Fairytale Gown
How to Style This Look
I want to be honest with you: the ombre bridal gown is not a subtle choice. It’s a “I walked in and everyone immediately started crying happy tears” kind of choice. If that resonates with your spirit, absolutely do not talk yourself out of it.
- The dress: True ombre bridal gowns are often custom-made or produced by high-fashion designers—Galia Lahav, Lazaro, and Nardos all produce ombre options. Expect to invest significantly: $3,000–$8,000+ for a true designer piece. However, hand-dyed ombre gowns are increasingly available from independent bridal designers on Etsy at $600–$1,500, and the quality can be extraordinary.
- Key tip— When choosing an ombre gown, see the actual dress (not just photos online) before purchasing. Ombre shading varies enormously between fabrics and dye lots, and what looks like a gentle gradient in photographs can be quite stark in person, or vice versa.
- Venue: This dress is made for outdoor ceremonies—beaches, cliff tops, open meadows, lakesides. The movement and drama need space.
- Hair: Keep it loose or softly braided. This isn’t a sleek updo moment—the dress wants movement and so should everything else.
- Accessories: Minimal. Let the dress be the only statement in the room.
- Photography note: Hire a photographer who knows how to work with color. Ombre gowns require intentional post-processing to capture the true gradient depth—ask to see specific examples of colorful wedding gown work in their portfolio.
8. The Majestic Eggplant Princess Ball Gown with Gold Accents
How to Style This Look
Sometimes a wedding dress needs to look like it belongs in a museum. Eggplant and gold is one of those combinations that has lived in my head rent-free ever since I saw it done right at a black-tie winter wedding. The whole room audibly gasped. That’s the goal.
- The dress: Look for eggplant duchess satin or structured taffeta as the base—both hold gold embroidery exceptionally well. Custom options from Kleinfeld partner designers or Jovani Bridal offer heavily embellished options. For DIY brides with sewing skills, a plain eggplant gown can be transformed with iron-on gold appliqués or commissioned embroidery.
- Gold embroidery: Ensure the embroidery is on a fitted bodice, not spread across the full skirt—this concentrates the richness and keeps the look polished rather than costumey.
- This dress demands black-tie: If your venue is anything less than ballroom-formal, consider whether this level of drama suits the setting. It’s worth thinking through.
- Skin tone note: Deep jewel tones like eggplant create absolutely stunning contrast on darker complexions and warm medium skin tones. On very fair skin, the darkness can be dramatic in a way that feels slightly overwhelming—soften with warm-toned makeup and warm gold accessories.
- Bouquet: Dark, dramatic florals—black-purple calla lilies, deep burgundy dahlias, chocolate cosmos, deep red amaranth—finished with gold dusted accents or berries.
- Budget consideration: Heavy embellishment drives up cost significantly. Decide early whether embroidery is the priority, or whether a simpler gown in the right shade with statement jewelry achieves a similar effect at lower investment.
9. The Soft Periwinkle Blue-Purple Princess
How to Style This Look
Periwinkle is genuinely underrated in the bridal world, and I think about it constantly. It sits in that magical zone between “something blue” and full purple commitment, which makes it the perfect choice if you love the idea of a colored gown but want something lighter and more playful. It also photographs beautifully in natural light—bright, clear, and fresh.
- The dress: Lightweight layered tulle is the ideal fabric for periwinkle—heavy fabrics can read too formal for this delicate shade. BHLDN, Reformation Bridal, and Lulus all carry beautiful lightweight options in the blue-purple family. Price range: $200–$900 for something genuinely beautiful.
- Square neckline + spaghetti straps: This combination is having a major moment and it’s extremely flattering across neckline shapes. The ribbon bow sash is the detail that elevates this from pretty to truly special—look for a sash in a slightly richer shade for contrast.
- Shoes: White or ivory block-heeled mules, strappy white sandals, or even fresh white sneakers for a fun reception footwear swap. Periwinkle is playful enough to earn that.
- For brides who want comfort first: This is your silhouette. Lightweight tulle moves easily, the square neck is secure without underwiring, and the full skirt means you can move freely all night. Practical AND beautiful? Yes, please.
- Hair: Keep it fun and relaxed—high ponytail, loose braid, curly half-up—this dress doesn’t want a severe updo. Let it breathe.
- OOTD moment: This is genuinely one of the most photographable wedding dress silhouettes around right now. Your bridal portraits are going to be stunning.
10. The Cascading Amethyst Cape Gown Princess
How to Style This Look
We’re ending on the one that actually stopped me mid-scroll when I first saw it. The cape gown is not for the faint-hearted—it’s for the bride who walks into a room and owns it completely, who thinks of her wedding dress less as costume and more as pure expression. I love this for so many reasons, but mostly: that cape.
- The dress: Look for structured Italian crepe or heavy silk charmeuse in a true mid-tone amethyst. The key is a clean, modern silhouette—no embellishment, no fuss. The cape does the drama so the dress doesn’t have to. Galvan London, Self-Portrait Bridal, and Rasario all produce this aesthetic beautifully. Custom tailoring is also an excellent option for this style.
- The cape: Must be in a slightly lighter shade than the gown—the tonal variation creates dimension and visual interest. Silk organza or chiffon gives the best movement. BTW, detachable capes mean you can remove it after ceremony photos for a sleeker reception look—extremely practical.
- No veil needed: The cape is the veil. Wearing both will overwhelm the look entirely.
- Jewelry: Statement earrings only—amethyst crystal, large abstract gold drops, or sculptural architectural pieces. No necklace. No bracelet. Trust the restraint.
- Shoes: This is the moment to go unexpected—bright white strappy sandals, metallic gold mules, or even a bold platform heel in contrasting berry. The clean modern dress can handle an unexpected shoe choice.
- For brides who dislike traditional bridal aesthetics: This is genuinely the dress for you. It reads as fashion-forward and personal without straying into costumey territory. It’s bridal on its own terms.
- Body type notes: The fitted structured silhouette is beautiful on most figures, but if you prefer a softer fit, ask about a slightly flared or trumpet hem rather than a fully column style—it adds comfort and movement.
Choosing Your Perfect Purple: A Quick Guide to Shades
Not all purples are created equal, and the right shade makes an enormous difference in how a dress photographs and how it complements your complexion.
- Lavender and lilac — Cool, soft, romantic. Flattering on fair to medium skin tones with cool undertones.
- Wisteria and periwinkle — Neutral-leaning, versatile, fresh. Works beautifully on a wide range of skin tones.
- Mauve and dusty plum — Warm and sophisticated. Especially gorgeous on olive, golden, and deeper complexions.
- True violet and amethyst — Bold and jewel-toned. Stunning on medium to deep skin tones; pairs beautifully with warm bronze undertones.
- Eggplant and deep plum — Dark, dramatic, luxurious. Most impactful on rich deep skin tones; can feel heavy on very fair complexions without warm-toned makeup.
The most important advice I can give you: order swatches and hold them against your bare arm in natural daylight before committing to anything. Even the most gorgeous shade can shift dramatically depending on your undertone.
Final Thoughts: Wear the Purple Dress
Here’s what I want you to remember when you’re standing in a bridal boutique and someone says “but are you sure?”—yes. You are sure. A purple wedding dress is not a quirky choice or a fashion statement made for other people. It’s a dress that says this is who I am, and that’s the most wedding thing I can think of.
The right outfit has the extraordinary ability to change how you carry yourself—how you walk into a room, how you hold your head, how you feel in every photograph you’ll look at for the rest of your life. When that dress is purple, when it’s got that sweep and that fullness and that color that you’ve been dreaming about? That confidence isn’t just about fashion. It’s about showing up completely as yourself on the most photographed day of your life.
Find your shade, find your silhouette, and wear the purple dress. I promise—you’ll never regret choosing the one that made your heart race the first time you saw it. <3
Greetings, I’m Alex – an expert in the art of naming teams, groups or brands, and businesses. With years of experience as a consultant for some of the most recognized companies out there, I want to pass on my knowledge and share tips that will help you craft an unforgettable name for your project through TeamGroupNames.Com!