Nuevo Culture

Feathered Bridal Dresses Are Taking Flight—the Best Plumed Pieces for Your Wedding Day

Photo: Eva Espresso

Lace has historically been a wedding dress’s go-to embellishment, but more and more we’re seeing feathers appear across bridal collections. A feather dress commands attention—which is great when all eyes are on the bride—plus, it feels extra celebratory. And what is a wedding but a very important party? Whether they’re trimming the hems of a structured suit or sewn all over a gown, feathers can take any bridal look to the next level.

We are reminded of Priyanka Chopra, who selected not one, but two feather-adorned dresses for her pre-wedding celebrations with Nick Jonas. During her bridal shower held at Tiffany & Co.’s Blue Box Café, she wore an ostrich-plumed Marchesa gown. For her bachelorette party in Amsterdam, she wore a Georges Chakra sequin minidress and feather-trimmed duster. Even fictional fashion hero Carrie Bradshaw proved the power of the plume when she anchored her wedding day look with a birdlike headpiece.

Most recently, bride Natalie Salmon showcased the flexibility of feathers. They’re not just reserved for extravagant, multiday weddings, but also suitable for more low-key celebrations. At her civil ceremony in London, Salmon, the digital editor of soon-to-launch Vogue Scandinavia, wore a pared-back, elegant strapless dress—minimal everywhere except for its fantastically feathered hem. “The dress was perfect because it was timeless, and the feathers added a bit of glamour without being too over the top,” Salmon says.

Whether you’re a classic bride looking for a subtle way to add a touch of drama to your wedding day look or the maximalist type hoping to pull out all the stops on your big day, there’s a plume-embellished dress for you. Here, discover 12 feather dress options for every bride and every wedding festivity.