How To Style Western Wedding Dresses

DressesTips and Trends | July 4, 2024
Bride wearing western wedding dress Fiona by Maggie Sottero

First of all, Happy Fourth of July to our brides here in the United States! Today we’re going to be talking about western wedding dresses, one of our fav trends for the summer! If you’ve got a country kind of love, there’s nothing we’d recommend more than a western-style bridal gown, covered in nature-inspired detailing and accessorized with a blinged-out set of cowgirl boots! For all the styling inspo a bride could want, keep reading! We can’t wait to show you our top 10 must-see gowns!

Psst! If you love content like this, you have to follow us on Instagram for more inspo, trends, and behind-the-scenes content!

What Are Western Wedding Dresses?

PC: Captured by Kenzie Mid

Wildflowers, cozy barns, and romantic details are a few things that come to mind when it comes to wedding dresses. These gowns feature everything from bohemian florals to dreamy lace in a variety of styles to wear on your wedding day!

If you’re wondering whether western wedding dresses are right for you, consider whether you take inspo from all things nature-inspired, a little bit rustic, and oh-so feminine in your overall bridal aesthetic. Sound just about right? Maybe a laid-back, all-natural (but still a little glitzy, don’t worry!) sort of vibe is totally the way to go!

Where Did Western Wedding Dresses Come From?

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Queen Victoria was responsible for a lot of the trends that we see in western weddings today. She was the one who started the western world’s white wedding dress trend in the mid-19th century – before then, brides simply wore their best dress. 

Since then, wedding dress styles have been shaped by religious values, the state of the economy, royalty and celebrities, the media, and so on. Luckily, we’ve landed on these fab western wedding dresses, characterized by the rustic, natural themes often associated with and popularized by the culture of the western United States. 

So if you’re loving these western wedding dresses, you know who to thank!

Where To Buy Western Style Wedding Dresses

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Short answer? At one of our Authorized Retailers! At Maggie Sottero, we have an incredible selection of western wedding dresses that will have you channeling your inner country kid in no time. So grab your cowgirl boots and let’s jump right in! We’re talking effortless femininity, vintage-inspired details, and rustic boho romance that will have you head over heels for the dress of your dreams in no time!

Psst! If these gowns don’t tickle your fancy, feel free to check out our blog post, 25 Of Our Favorite Western Wedding Dresses, or our entire selection of rustic wedding dresses for more options to try on at your bridal appointment! Need info on finding your fav Maggie gowns at a boutique near you? Look no further than our blog, How to Find Maggie Sottero Wedding Dresses Near You! Don’t worry, you’ll be a pro in no time.

How To Style A Western Wedding Dress?

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There’s only one thing that’s as much fun (almost) as shopping for your wedding dress, and it’s accessorizing said dress! With western wedding dresses, you have so many great options to choose from to glam your gown up. Our recommendations?

  • Pair your gown with a pair of cowgirl boots. You can even find bedazzled options for added shimmer!
  • Exchange a traditional wedding veil for a cowgirl hat!
  • Accentuate your waist with a unique leather belt with a fun buckle
  • Add some lace accessories to keep things super boho! Bridal jackets and sleeves are a great way to do this!
  • Swap your polished bridal clutch out for something crocheted or fringe-covered
  • Consider purchasing a wildflower or dried flower bouquet rather than something more traditional and incorporate local flowers!

Need more help? Here’s Your Guide to All Things Bridal Accessories!

10 Of Our Favorite Western Wedding Dresses

Talitha by Sottero and Midgley

Here’s what we’ve learned from Talitha by Sottero and Midgley, a bow corset wedding dress. First, that minimalism has power. Second, the cloud-like layers are undeniably whimsical. And third, a gown made with lower-impact materials is absolutely stunning!

P.S. Did we mention that we plant a tree through our partnership with One Tree Planted for every Maggie bride?! Read more about it on our blog post, Maggie Sottero’s Reforestation Efforts with One Tree Planted.

Bridget by Maggie Sottero

The perfect gown cocktail for Bridget by Maggie Sottero: add one part ethereal to one part champagne bubbly. You get a sensual floral lace wedding dress worthy of your best day ever!

Janine by Rebecca Ingram

So tell us, what’s your bouquet game for your big day? We’re dreaming up all kinds of concoctions to complement the floral flourishes in this bohemian knit lace wedding dress, Janine by Rebecca Ingram!

Hayden by Maggie Sottero

The big day is approaching! You’ll be wearing one (maybe two) gowns for, like, eight hours straight. Best choose a lace sparkly gown made with lower-impact fabric like one of our western wedding dresses Hayden by Maggie Sottero for elegance, comfort, and sophistication!

Nash by Sottero and Midgley

If you can’t decide between minimalism and embellishment, indulge in both with Nash by Sottero and Midgley! This lace mock neck wedding dress means zero compromises on your best day ever!

Avalon by Maggie Sottero

Looking for something flirty and unexpected? Try on Avalon by Maggie Sottero! Layered lace and a ballerina-inspired silhouette give this romantic floral A-line wedding dress a deceptively simple vibe. Plus, you can always accessorize her with your very own Avalon Veil!

Charlotte by Rebecca Ingram

Are you and the crew jet-setting to a summery locale for your nuptials? Pack one of our western wedding dresses Charlotte by Rebecca Ingram, a casual chiffon bridal gown for a soft and radiant bridal vibe!

Alexandria by Rebecca Ingram

You love ethereal flourishes, so treat yourself to all the airiness and illusion you could ever want in Alexandria by Rebecca Ingram and her bishop wedding dress sleeves and any accessories! Pair her with her matching Alexandria Veil and you’re ready to walk down the aisle! Looking for a little color? This gown comes in both black and white colorways!

Joanne by Rebecca Ingram

You’re looking very dreamy on your best day ever in Joanne by Rebecca Ingram! It must have been finding the most perfect-est bishop sleeve A-line wedding gown that set your destiny in motion. I mean, have you seen these Joanne Detachable Sleeves?! What’s not to love?

Sundance by Sottero and Midgley

Let’s say you’re getting married in some ideal mountain locale. You certainly need a statement like Sundance by Sottero and Midgley for those stunning sunset views! Count on this easy-breezy, effortlessly romantic, lightweight plus size floral wedding dress with pockets for soft yet high-impact styling! Especially with her Sundance Detachable Cap Sleeves!

Let’s get a round of applause for those gorgeous gowns! There you have it brides! You know what western wedding dresses are, their history, where to find them, styling inspo, and more! So, now that you’re an expert on all things western wedding dresses, be sure to round up your besties and try on your favs at a boutique near you! We can’t wait to see which one you pick!

More Blogs Like This:

25 Of Our Favorite Western Wedding Dresses

10 Rustic Wedding Dresses & Inspo for a Whimsical Wedding

Your Guide to All Things Bridal Accessories

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