White maxi dresses are an important addition to any bride's wardrobe. Since you might be wearing a lot of white dresses at your various pre-wedding parties, it's a good idea to have a few dresses and outfits with varying hemlines. If you're on the search for a flowy or sleek long white dress to add to your bridal looks, our latest wedding attire shopping guide is here to help!
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Image credits and shopping sources: 1. Saralyn White Bandeau Maxi Dress With Pleated-Skirt from Club L London 2. Tiered Chiffon Maxi Dress from Vici 3. BHLDN Satin Knot Maxi Dress from Anthropologie 4. White Halter Maxi Dress with Basque Waist from Lulus
White Maxi Dresses for Wedding Events
Ivory or white maxi dresses can be excellent choices for a bridal shower, engagement party, rehearsal dinner, or for changing into after the party. In fact, many of these long dresses are perfectly acceptable and more affordable alternatives to wedding dresses. We've taken a look at some of the best long white gowns and maxi dresses with that distinctive style and put together this shopping guide. Just remember, as a wedding guest, these dresses are off-limits. One should never wear a white dress, especially a long white dress, to another person's wedding.
Our Editor's Picks for White Maxi Dresses for Brides
If you're having an outdoor bridal shower, a long white dress in a light cotton fabric can be the perfect look. If you're planning an elopement, having a civil ceremony, or a city hall wedding, one of the long white maxi dresses off the rack can stand in very well and very quickly for a wedding dress.
If your rehearsal dinner is a formal event, like a sit-down plated dinner, a long white maxi dress that is distinct from your wedding dress might just be the perfect choice. Or perhaps you've decided to have a vow renewal and want a vow renewal dress that is flowy, long, and white, yet relaxed enough for a simpler ceremony.
What to Look for in a White Maxi Dress
White maxi dresses come in a wide range of silhouettes and fabrics, so it helps to have a sense of your occasion before you shop.
For bridal brunch garden parties and other outdoor celebrations, look for lightweight fabrics like light chiffon, cotton, or linen that move well and keep you comfortable.
A white lace maxi dress is always a great choice for bridal events — the texture adds just enough visual interest without competing with traditional bridal gowns.
For more formal events such as a rehearsal dinner or an engagement party at an upscale venue, a structured silhouette with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt strikes the right note.
While we love a long dress, they do require a little thought in terms of the silhouette. Think about how you'll be moving, dancing, or sitting while you wear a maxi dress.
Side splits add an element of ease and movement to long dresses that might otherwise feel restrictive for dancing or outdoor venues.
A high neck can give a simple white dress a more formal quality, while long sleeves or long-sleeve dresses offer a polished option for cooler days in the fall and winter or for evening events.
Where to Wear Your White Maxi Dress Again
One of the strongest arguments for investing in a white maxi dress as a bride is the wear-again factor this style offers. A single well-chosen dress can carry you through multiple special occasions across your engagement and wedding season.
Wear it to your engagement party, style it differently for your engagement photos, and then possibly reach for it again as a honeymoon look.
The classic look of a long white dress means it won't feel dated in your photographs, and many of these styles work just as well for special event dressing long after the wedding is over.
More White Dress Styles to Consider
Many of our favorite retailers offer a fresh selection of dresses each season, so it's worth checking back if you don't find the right fit right away.
Whether you're looking for something simple and relaxed or an elegant long white gown worthy of a formal celebration, white maxi dresses offer more options than most brides expect — and at a range of price points that make it easy to find the right dress for every event on your calendar.
Also check out our recommendations for white midi dresses, white dresses under $100, ivory or white jumpuits, and wedding dresses under $500.
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