24 Statuesque Column Wedding Dresses

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Satin-backed crepe sheath column gown with feather detail at waist
Elle Cashin headshot
by
Elle Cashin
Elle Cashin headshot
Elle Cashin
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Elle writes for The Knot online with a focus on fashion, covering gown design trends and shoppable accessories.
  • Elle is a contributor to wedding publications across the country, including Brides, The New York Times Vows and Modern Luxury Weddings.
  • Prior to shifting to weddings, Elle covered lifestyle, culture and celebrity across Chicago as the editor of the Chicago Tribune’s SPLASH magazine, where she interviewed cele...
Updated Jan 04, 2023
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Fit and flare dresses are contemporary and hug the curves while A-line dresses are classic and sophisticated, veering toward the even more voluminous ball gown. Somewhere in the middle, though, lands the always on-trend column wedding dress. Sometimes called sheath, the column silhouette falls in a straight line from shoulder to hem. It's a close-fitting style; not billowy, but not body-hugging, either. In a word: Column wedding gowns are statuesque, and they make the brides inside them look equally as striking. (For this reason, column can also be a fantastic silhouette choice for bridesmaid dresses or mother of the bride dresses.)

From tea-length bridal shower frocks to feathered maxis to sleek silk gowns, there's something in the column silhouette for every bridal style, each look more dynamic than the last. Despite its contemporary popularity, though, column gowns are classic: bridal salons have been stocking them as long as wedding gowns have been around, and we've seen iterations that evoke 1920s art deco style, 1960s mod, and 1990s nostalgia.

This roundup of column wedding dresses runs the gamut of bridal vibes, aesthetics and trends—with something sweet for every bride.

Allison Webb Posey Skirt

Column dress with twisted bodice and tiered ostrich feather skirt

Giving column wedding dresses an absolutely architectural twist is this chic skirt by the New York-based designer. Covered in tiered ostrich feathers with a slit at the back, the skirt can be paired with any ivory bodysuit, such as this criss-cross bodice lace one.

Savannah Miller Kate Dress

Silk satin column dress with high neck

Savannah Miller is the queen of minimalist design, and brides looking for a column silhouette will have lots of options from the designer. Our favorite is the Kate, a silk satin column wedding dress with a high square neck and surprising deep cowl back. Detachable tulle "wings" offer an alternative to the traditional veil.

Kosibah Tunike Dress

Column dress witih sleeveless sheath wedding dress and illusion V neck

Crafted by Nigerian designer Yemi Osunkoya, the Kosibah collection is full of unique silhouettes and uncommon details. This off-white sleeveless sheath wedding dress features a wide deep V neck with an illusion panel and beaded lace appliques at the waist. A sash ties around the waist and drapes down toward a puddle train. Bonus: The name of the gown means "cherish" in the Yoruba language, a perfect ode to your soon-to-be spouse.

Elizabeth Fillmore Veronika Dress

Satin-backed crepe sheath column gown with feather detail at waist

Something special for the fashion-forward bride, this satin-backed crepe sheath wedding gown has a bralette corset top and soft train at the back of the floor-length hem. But, the pièce de résistance is an ostrich plume belt that can be added or removed from ceremony to reception.

Avery Austin Grace Dress

Column dress with modest high-neck halter top and embellished belt

Looking for a gown that will stand the test of time? We've got you covered. A modest high-neck halter gives way to a strappy open back on this statuesque sheath dress. A long train and crystal rhinestone belt are romantic details that keep it classic.

Cucculelli Shaheen Pearl Paisley Dress and Skirt

Flapper style column dress with detailed embellishments and front slit

If you're looking to make a major statement on your wedding day—and wear something unlike anything your guests have seen before—look no further. Crafted with more than 1,000 hours of hand embroidery, this masterpiece sheath dress features silver pearls, pearl fringe, micro tube beads, metallic threadwork, sequins and more over a silk organza lining. A detachable tulle skirt is likewise heavily embellished and adds even more oomph to the look.

Adore by Justin Alexander Regina Dress

Off the shoulder column gown with subtle belt and elbow-length sleeves

A must-have for sophisticated, classic brides, this gown nods to Meghan Markle's royal wedding look. Elbow length sleeves balance the off-the-shoulder neckline, and a row of covered buttons run down the back toward the column skirt. An optional flowing chiffon train attaches with a crepe waistband for a little something extra.

Ines by Ines Di Santo Faiza Dress

Strapless shealth column gown with front slit

From the designer's ultra whimsical Spring 2023 collection is this strapless sheath, which we love for a beach wedding. The draped bodice and high front slit give it a casual, destination-ready vibe, while the illusion back with lace appliques and covered buttons to the train are classically bridal.

Olivia Bottega Swiss Dot Wedding Dress Dions with Detachable Train

Flowy sheath dress with sweetheart neckline and billowy sleeves

Possibly the flowiest material to make a sheath dress with, Olivia Bottega's Swiss dotted chiffon allows for more movement than you see in a typical column wedding dress (and a detachable train enhances the flow even more). Billowy sleeves that can be worn on or off the shoulders and a sweetheart corset-boned bodice are romantic additions.

Jovani Off White Long Sleeve Beaded Bridal Dress

Beaded column dress with keyhole cutout and front slit

Two words: Disco queen. The label offers a bevy of column silhouette bridal gowns, but our pick is one that stands out as most unique: a fully beaded long sleeve frock. The column gets a modern update with high slit and deep V keyhole cutout in the high-neck bodice for a look that's just made for a festive affair.

Martina Liana Silk Satin Wedding Dress with Off-the-Shoulder Straps

Strapless wedding column gown with sweetheart neckline and front slit

Channel Old Hollywood in this strapless wedding gown, which features a uniquely structured bodice: Softly draped silk satin is framed by architectural lines in a V shape beneath a soft sweetheart neckline. Available in plus sizes and with or without removable straps, this style is a stunner on any bride.

Retrofête Olivia Sequin Dress

Maxi halter with an open back and off the shoulder sleeves

Retrofête has long been a go-to for party dresses, and now it's expanded into bridal. The label's gowns and separates make ideal reception-ready looks, like this maxi halter with a sultry open back. In the fully beaded style, you're sure to shimmer on the dance floor.

Viktor & Rolf Mariage Graphic Draped Column Dress

Beaded maxi dress with high neck and no sleeves

For the avant-garde label, this gown is surprisingly straightforward—but no less romantic. Crafted from sleek (and comfortable!) stretch crepe, it has a straight neckline with a Mikado drape that extends onto off-the-shoulder cap sleeves, and into a wrap that cascades down the back in a chic train.

Enzoani Sierra Dress

Embellished column gown with deep V bodice

Glamour is the name of the game with this intricately embellished column wedding dress. An ultra deep V neckline has a hand-beaded illusion underlay, so shimmering beads seem to float across the skin and down the beaded tulle skirt. From the front, the gown is a straight sheath—but from the back, a long circle train starting at the knee mimics a fit-and-flare silhouette.

Jasmine Dramatic Slim Retro Hollywood Gown

Art deco beaded column dress with feathers at bottom

A unique gold lining and art deco-inspired beading and feathers give this Jasmine gown a vintage vibe, but a dramatic V neck and back lines brings it into the modern day. Ostrich feathers line the court train for a whimsical touch.

Alexandra Grecco Emmett Gown

Strapless sheath column dress

Sometimes less is more. A simple strapless sheath dress with a low dipped back, this style gets a complete makeover with the addition of Grecco's detachable floral overlay, a full-length illusion tulle topper covered in three-dimensional floral embroideries. The silk crepe base gown is available in satin or matte finishes.

Abella Freya Dress

Lace wedding dress with V neck

Calling all carefree brides. Covered in a unique floral fabric, the Freya lace wedding dress is beachy and bohemian. A detachable capelet in the same material flutters off the back for a boho alternative to the traditional veil.

Jenny Packham Just Jenny Dress

Column midi dress with pearl details and cap sleeves

Our pick for a courthouse wedding, this midi wedding gown has a straight column silhouette that cuts short just above the ankles. Its puff pleated short sleeves, straight neckline and waist are outlined with on-trend rows of white pearls.

Nadia Manjarrez Yaya Dress

Strapless column gown with beading at bottom

From her debut Fall 2022 collection, Nadia Manjarrez's strapless sheath wedding dress has a built-in bustier beneath the subtle sweetheart neckline, and poppy flowers rendered in crystal beading adorning the skirt. Optional add-ons include a crystal-flower embellished train that tucks in at the neckline, and sweet half sleeves.

Demetrios Style 8132 Dress

Embellished lace top with lace detail on skirt

This gown does it all: It's glamorous yet understated, trendy yet traditional. Embellished lace tops the square neckline bodice and cascades onto the sheath skirt. An optional sheer overlay can be added over the chapel-length train for more drama.

Sophie et Voilà Deirdre Dress

Minimalist column dress with spaghetti straps

A fan favorite from the label's Icons collection, the minimalist, spaghetti strap Deirdre wedding gown leaves infinite room for interpretation. Style it with a heavily embellished veil and opera gloves or statement jewelry to go bold, or dress it down for an intimate ceremony.

Danielle Frankel Simone Dress

Silk wool column dress with long sleeves and square neckline

The New York-based designer does things her own way, and so do her brides. A statuesque stunner in bias cut silk wool, this piece features long sleeves cut at the wrist for movement, and a beautiful open back with a draped accent.

ASOS Pretty Lavish Bridal Satin Plunge Maxi Dress in Ivory

Sleeveless maxi dress with V neck and empire waist

For those keeping to a tighter budget, this ASOS sleeveless maxi dress is a great beach wedding pick, and can be amped up with chic accessories. Deep Vs are mirrored at the neckline and backline, and a subtle empire waist defines the bodice.

BHLDN Ludlow Gown

Maxi column lace gown with cap sleeves

Vintage meets modern in this ivory graphic lace gown with cap sleeves. The geometric pattern, cap sleeves and open back are unique details, and the style is available in plus or standard sizes.

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