Prior to looking for a wedding dress, it’s normal not to have a notion where to start.

Sure they’re all basically white and long – how in the name of God is it possible to whittle them down to THE dress?  

So if you’re tentatively dipping your toe into wedding dress shopping, you won’t know the who’s who of bridal designers just yet. And that's okay; that's why we're here!

We’ve whittled the masses down to eight of the coolest, most exceptional designers around – each spanning diverse 'bridal vibes' from classic vintage to modern cool to luxe boho.

1. House of Delphine

The Tralee-based House of Delphine is owned by French bridal couturier Delphine Grandjouan, who has won squillions of awards for her breathtaking designs.

Delphine’s signature style is a boho-vintage slim silhouette in double-cream-like cascades of silk and exquisite French lace. Delphine works with each bride to create a bespoke dress, holding just a limited number of fittings in Kerry and Dublin each year so she can give you the star treatment.

Get in touch with Delphine directly to book an appointment.

2. Halfpenny London

Before I got married I spent an embarrassing amount of time obsessing over Kate Halfpenny’s exquisite designs.

You know when something's so beautiful you literally feel a pain in your chest? That, I’m almost ashamed to say, was me. Kate describes her gowns as “Brit cool with vintage inspiration” and that’s pretty spot on really.

Available from The White Gallery, Co Down.

3. Katya Katya Shehurina

Whimsical, pretty and modern, the bridal collections from Latvian designer Katya Shehurina typify how the wedding dress landscape has changed dramatically.

Katya’s gorgeous dresses range from folk-inspired to modern-vintage to her own unique, inimitable style. We’re obsessed.

Available from Frilly Frocks, Drogheda, Co Louth, Vintage Bride, Co Dublin and Vintage Pearl, Co Galway.

4. Rime Arodaky

Ugh, divine.

This Parisian designer creates unreal dresses that are an amazing combo of French chic, boho and straight-up rock'n'roll. These frocks and bridal separates are fun, young and sexy – but not so out-there the priest is reaching for his Rescue Remedy.

Available from The White Gallery, Co Down.

5. Belle and Bunty

London-based designer bridal duo Alice Shreeve and Hannah Coniam-Thompson are the go-to gals for cool brides who want something modern and fun, but with timeless elements of vintage thrown in there for good measure.

No big puffy skirts or fishtails here – a Belle and Bunty dress is light and easy to wear without compromising on high quality fabrics or exquisite cut.

Available from Ivory and Pearl, Co Down or by getting in touch with Hannah and Alice directly.

6. Claire Pettibone

Claire Pettibone is the master of creating timeless, classic gowns with interesting twists. Opulent and detailed without being stuffy or heavy, her dresses are perfect for a bride who wants to be traditional, but can’t resist something a little different too.

Available from Myrtle Ivory, Dublin City and Ivory and Pearl, Co. Down. 

7. Anna Campbell

This Aussie designer has to be the undisputed queen of embellishment.

Always intricate and detailed, never tacky, her incredible gowns are the luxurious side of boho and equally suitable for a chilled bohemian beach wedding or a glam winter affair.

Available from Little White Dress, Castleknock, Dublin.

8. Claire O'Connor

Irish designer Claire O’Connor doesn’t play by the wedding dress rules at ALL.

Her designs are like nothing you’ve seen before – and while what she does with silhouette and fabric is often unorthodox and unexpected, it's always strikingly beautiful. The non-conformist designer for the non-conformist bride.

For enquiries, contact Claire at bridal@claireoconnor.com.

Want some more?

Check out more of our wedding articles here! 

Including:

• Plan Your Wedding Like A Boss With This Handy Month-By-Month Checklist
• 14 Gorgeous, Alternative Readings For A Cool And Unique Civil Wedding Ceremony
• 18 Genuinely Useful Wedding Budget Tips For Modern Irish Couples