If you wish for a magical wedding like no other, get away with the structures and the bodycon fits, and go for an ethereal wedding dress. Yes, somewhere deep inside our every work-hardened modern woman is an ethereal goddess who wishes to float effortlessly down the aisle in a beautiful yet cheap wedding dress, with some flowers in her hair. You know exactly what we mean.
What does ethereal mean? Cambridge Dictionary defines it as "very light and delicate, especially in a way that does not seem to come from the real, physical world". Think then of fairies, mermaids, magical beings. A summer wedding dress, with light fabrics, delicate laces, and draping skirts. Because, honey, you're a celestial being, and you should dress like one.
Explaining further, fashion experts at Dalston Mill Fabrics divulged to us that "the ethereal wedding aesthetic is reminiscent of the long-standing ‘boho’ bridal trend – which has been a popular style for brides over the years – with over 92 million views on TikTok videos tagging #BohoWeddingDress and fashion icons like Kate Moss donning the style. Moss wore this vintage-inspired John Galliano boho gown for her nuptials in 2011."
"The style has gained popularity as worldwide searches have spiked 700% in January 2024 when compared to the previous three months – showcasing the growing demand this year. #EtherealWeddingDress has also gained a huge 4.8 million views on TikTok as people seek inspiration" with people shopping for ASOS wedding dresses, or John Lewis bridal gowns to recreate the trend.
So if you're ready to get down and hippie, shop from our ultimate ethereal wedding dress guide below, with our hand-picked favourites from the high street.
SHOP: The best ethereal wedding dresses to shop in 2024
Needle & Threadwww.needleandthread.com
Our Editor's Pick for the best ethereal wedding dress, we love that it is inspired by antique Edwardian art. The layered tulle and pastel floral embellishments make you look straight out of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Reviews rave about Needle & Threads delivery and customer service, too.
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
A near match for Kate Moss' 2011 John Galliano wedding dress (apart from the added bonus of long sleeves for chillier wedding days), this is essentially a spectacular dupe for the Moss original. The dress comes with lace details, a subtle plunge neckline and a spectacular belted waist. Reviews say they have never felt so beautiful.
Coast www.debenhams.com
Recreate Kate Moss' classic v-neck look with this beauty of a dress. The scoop neck back is an added bonus, with jacquard lace print and full skirt that make for a stunning look. Reviews praise the Coast Jacquard Dress for being flattering and easy to alter.
SAFIYAAwww.mytheresa.com
Feel like a medieval princess with the SAFIYAA Cape Gown. This floor-length gown is truly breathtaking, with long cape sleeves that look positively regal. We are in awe of the embellished neckline yoke, which is a showstopper feature that will have people gasping as you walk down the aisle.
Coastwww.debenhams.com
Inspired by Greek and Roman goddess statues, the Coast Satin Bridesmaids Dress is either for your girls or for you to steal yourself for the big day. We loved the draped design, made with lustrous satin that gleams in the sunlight.
Etsywww.etsy.com
Look like a literal Renaissance painting come to life with the LoreTree Wedding Dress, designed and handmade by Stefania Bellini. It features dreamy off-the-shoulder neckline with corset back and ruffle details on the skirt. Reviews praise the attention to detail and the customisation of the dress to your size and shape.
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
Go full disco with this ethereal kaftan from Free People, an epitome of later 60s and early 70s fashion. You'll be floating around the dance floor in this iconic piece, no doubt. Embellished with glittering details and laidback silhouette, it's certainly a dress that will be remembered.
Simkhaisimkhai.com
Founded in 2010, and inspired by sculpture and architecture, Simkhai revolutionised the caped gown with this bridal number. We love the cascading shapes, akin to a flowing waterfall. Its elegant draping and satin material mean that the dress will move with you as you float down the aisle.
Coastwww.coastfashion.com
Looking for a bardot ethereal wedding dress? Look no further than Coast's Draped Sequin Dress. With a beautiful combination of sequins and beadwork, we love the corset bodice, which gives a bit of structure should you want it.
Coastwww.debenhams.com
A 3D texture wonder house to look at, the Coast Lace Wedding Dress is embellished with lace and flower embroidery for added wow factor. It comes with long, elegant sleeves and a beautiful open-back detail. Reviews praise its high quality and fast delivery.
Dalston Mill Fabrics continue, "The new trend presents silhouettes and fabrics like those of a more established bohemian look. However, ethereal dresses are largely more refined but with a playful air – making them a unique choice for any bride wanting to stand out.
In terms of wedding dress trends, the "#WhimiscalWeddingDress has also gained 27.2 million views on TikTok and over 1,000 Instagram posts featuring the tag. This style is the perfect example of the ethereal wedding aesthetic and showcases its popularity for 2024 brides – as these dresses have surged 1,049% worldwide compared to the past three months."
How to throw an ethereal wedding
We spoke exclusively to Georgie Mitchell, Wedding Planner and Expert at online fashion destination SilkFred, about how to pull off an ethereal wedding beyond your wildest dreams truly.
Georgie remarked, "It's all about the lighting. I would invest in candle lighting for a rustic vibe, up-lighting to create ethereal glows, or dimmer switches to dull harshness. Any kind of lighting that would make it a little darker, moodier and a little more vibey will capture that ethereal atmosphere you're going for."
When it comes to table-scaping, what should they include? Georgie reveals: "I would decorate your table with lots of different textures - silks, gauze, single stem flowers with more rustic dried lavender. Wedding styling is not just about the colour theme you pick, but the textures you are able to bring in. You can achieve this through interesting and bespoke items like linen napkins, stone charger plates or crystal cut glassware."
When it comes to the bridal party, Georgie reveals: "For bridesmaid dresses, I would recommend floaty dresses, preferably in light fabrics like linen, silk or lace. Tiered dresses are very popular this season, so not only will your bridesmaid dresses be on trend they will also match the boho chic, ethereal feel of your wedding. As ethereal weddings are more laid back and relaxed, I would also say that you can have mismatched bridesmaid dresses in either colour or cut, just make sure that they all fit the overall vibe."
Lastly, Georgie shares what makes a wedding truly 'ethereal': "When I think of an ethereal wedding, I'm picturing factors such as string quartets, quirky floral arrangements, candles, fairy garden lights and champagne. For me, an ethereal wedding is, above all else, romantic and if your guests leave feeling that sense of romance and whimsicality – you’ve succeeded."
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Closer Online, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her "dupe queen", as there's not a product in the world she can't find a cheaper alternative for.