26 Beautiful Red Wedding Dresses for the Bride Who Wants to Stand Out

White might be the traditional color of a wedding gown for many, but it's certainly not the only option. Many to-be-weds around the world search for a red wedding dress to celebrate their big day. Bold, bright and sure to make you stand out just as much as you should, red wedding gowns are a gorgeous choice and can have important meaning behind them. Maybe you want to wear red to take part in a cultural tradition or are simply looking for something more colorful for your wedding night—whatever the case, we've come up with a list of stunning red wedding dresses that will leave every guest speechless. From traditional options to formal gowns, there's something for everyone.

In this article:

• What Does a Red Wedding Dress Mean?
• 26 Beautiful Red Wedding Dresses
• White and Red Wedding Dresses
• Black and Red Wedding Dresses
• Red and Gold Wedding Dresses
• Red Wedding Dress FAQs

What Does a Red Wedding Dress Mean?

Don't mistake a red wedding dress for just another trend: for many people around the world, they come with deep cultural and symbolic meaning. This is especially true in countries like China and India, where red wedding dresses are often the norm.

"In Eastern cultures, red is seen as a celebratory and auspicious color that brings good fortune, vitality and joy to the wedding ceremony," explains Risa Kostis, The Wedding Emergency Stylist and co-founder of The Rescue Kit Company. "It is a color traditionally worn to symbolize the start of a prosperous and fruitful marriage." This is why red wedding dresses are often seen at Chinese weddings.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

Red is also symbolic in countries in Southeast Asia. "In India, red often represents fertility, purity and the rising sun," Kostis says. "Brides in India commonly wear red sarees or lehengas for their weddings." She notes that Vietnamese and Mongolian brides also wear red for reasons tied to good fortune, happiness and protection against evil spirits.

While red wedding dresses for brides can have some powerful meaning behind them, sometimes brides choose them simply because they don't want to wear white. Some brides are turned off by the symbolism behind a white wedding dress (like purity, tradition and religious commitments), and may opt for a red dress if they are already living with their partner or opting for a ceremony that doesn't feel traditional at all.

26 Beautiful Red Wedding Dresses

If you're looking for a traditional Chinese or Indian wedding dress, you can shop from specific designers who specialize in these beautiful gowns. Kostis recommends paying close attention to every detail for a cohesive and thoughtful look that falls in line with tradition. "If you're wearing red to make a statement and do something outside the box, think about keeping the look classic and elegant," she says. Shop a selection of traditional red wedding dresses and formal red gowns here.

Linh Bridal Red Sleeveless Ball Gown

Photo: Linh Bridal

If you're struggling to find a red wedding dress you love, Etsy is a great place to look. This red sleeveless ball gown is made to order to your size and is available in three styles: illusion off the shoulder, sleeveless with shoulder straps or cap sleeves (each has its own little details). This is a fairly inexpensive way to get a gown that feels custom and unique.

Size Range: Made to order

Nidhika Shekhar Red Georgette Draped Saree Set

Photo: Pernia's Pop-Up Shop

This beautiful red wedding dress features a red draped saree in silk, georgette and crepe, with an embroidered cape, a blouse and a belt. It's covered in red gemstones and crystals for a little sparkle that doesn't feel overwhelming.

Size Range: XS–6XL

Jimme Huang Bridal Tracy Red Wedding Gown

Photo: RK Bridal

For something less embellished, opt for this strapless red gown. A pointed bodice is interesting, the full skirt is very glamorous and the high slit shows some skin. But overall, the fabric and construction is a bit more simple and even a little classic.

Size Range: 0–30

Matching Look Red Wedding Dress

Photo: Matching Look

If there was ever a time to go all out with your gown, it would be your wedding night—and this dress does just that. This red wedding gown features a dramatic tulle skirt, a corset bodice, and ruffled tulle straps that can be worn on or off the shoulder.

Size Range: XS–XL

Needle & Thread Lisette Ruffle Off-Shoulder Gown

Photo: Needle & Thread

A layered tulle skirt feels a little less glam than a huge full skirt but is still just as stunning. With plenty of fluffy ruffles, an off-the-shoulder design and integrated corset, this dress has a bit of a vintage vibe going on as well.

Size Range: 0–20

Mac Duggal Embellished Illusion Long Sleeve V-Neck Gown

Photo: Macy's

This dark red wedding dress is a gorgeous choice for a fall or winter wedding. It includes a mesh overlay with floral embroidery, jewel embellishments and a sweeping train.

Size Range: 4–20

Anastasiia Mokko Red Diana Dress

Photo: Anastasiia

You can make this red wedding gown as simple or as dramatic as you'd like with the option to select the train length—go super long to make a statement or shorter to keep things on the simple side. A wrap-style bodice and fabric belt keep the top more fitted, while the bottom is a beautiful flowy skirt.

Size Range: Made to order

Archana Kochhar Red Georgette Embroidered Lehenga Set

Photo: Pernia's Pop-Up Shop

Opt for tons of sparkle and embellishment with this beautiful red wedding set. The georgette base is covered in 3D floral, sequins and crystal tassels, and it comes with an attached net-ruffled dupatta for added drama.

Size Range: XS–4XL

East Meets Dress Chloe Bespoke Dress

Photo: East Meets Dress

Another modern take on a traditional Chinese wedding gown, this lace cheongsam features so many beautiful details. There's illusion netting with a sheer sweetheart neckline, as well as delicate lace applique through the back. You can also customize many details like choosing your sleeve length, how you want the back to be cut, the collar height and the train length.

Size Range: Custom

Mac Duggal Ruffle Tiered Cut-Out Chiffon Gown

Photo: Mac Duggal

This beautiful chiffon red wedding dress feels feminine, fun and just unique enough. The ruffled sleeves add a floral element, the tiered skirt is dramatic in a good way and the cut-outs and lace-up back add a little bit of a racy feel.

Size Range: 0–16

Rene Ruiz Collection Wrap Sleeve Off-the-Shoulder Organza Gown

Photo: Rene Ruiz

This A-line gown gives off all the feminine vibes thanks to the lightweight and flowing organza material. It has a sweetheart neckline and beautiful wrap sleeves, with an almost watercolor-like print all over.

Size Range: 0–22

Mac Duggal High Slit Halter Gown w/ Rhinestone Accents

Photo: Mac Duggal

The floor-length sheath dress brings the drama with a deep open back. The rhinestone encrusted neckline and skirt is a beautiful detail and the thigh-high front slit is perfect for showing some leg while dancing or posing.

Size Range: 0–12

White and Red Wedding Dresses

If you want to add color to your bridal look without avoiding white completely, just opt for a red and white wedding dress instead. Creating a custom wedding dress or opting for a formal gown are your best options here, but these are all great for a non-traditional look.

Sachin & Babi Giovanna Gown

Photo: Sachin & Babi

This all-over floral print manages to incorporate a variety of other hues besides red and white: there's pink, orange and green in there as well. The strapless neckline and full skirt make this feel so glam.

Size Range: 0–14

Alice + Olivia Paloma Slip Dress

Photo: Revolve

This silky slip dress is the perfect option for a low-key wedding at a tropical resort. It's covered in white flowers that make it seem a bit more bridal, with a slim fit, low back and unexpected back slit.

Size Range: 0–12

Mac Duggal Floral Embroidered One-Shoulder Gown

Photo: Saks Fifth Avenue

If you're getting married in the spring or summer and are having a garden-type theme, then you may want to consider this gorgeous floral gown. Between the embellished design and dramatic, ruffled one-shoulder, this one is a stunner.

Size Range: 4–20

Sachin & Babi Juliana Gown

Photo: Sachin & Babi

This floral coral and white gown is another one that offers more of a destination wedding type of vibe. The stretch crepe column fit is more form-fitting but still gives you plenty of room and comfort to move around and the jewel-encrusted neckline means you don't need to splurge on extra jewelry.

Size Range: 0–14

Black and Red Wedding Dresses

A black and red gown is another way to opt for something non-traditional. The color combination feels unique and bold, and there are so many gorgeous formal dresses in these shades that are special enough for your big day.

Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Floral-Embroidered Lace Trumpet Gown

Photo: Neiman Marcus

Red lace is definitely a statement, and it works beautifully against the black of this gown. With a high neckline and elbow-length sleeves, this is perfect for someone who wants to stay covered up, and it has a very cool gothic feel to it.

Size Range: 2–18

Marchesa Notte Sleeveless Halter Evening Dress

Photo: District 5 Boutique

An ombre floral print makes this dress so interesting, but that's not the only beautiful detail. It features a crossed halter neck, cut-outs and an open back, all in a lovely taffeta fabric that feels extra special.

Size Range: 0–16

Nikita Mhaisalkar Red & Black Georgette Printed Maxi Dress

Photo: District 5 Boutique

Nothing about this halter neck maxi dress is low-key. It's covered in black and red sequins for some shimmer, with a georgette base and glass bead embellishments. Flowy chiffon sleeves have a cape-like appearance and make this black and red wedding dress so unique.

Size Range: XS–XL

Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Belted Floral-Print Twill Gown

Photo: Neiman Marcus

A red and black wedding dress can be understated, and this twill gown is proof of that. With longer sleeves, a high neck and an all-over floral print, this is elegant and stylish. The belt around the middle is embellished with jewels for some added sparkle too.

Size Range: 2–18

Victoria Beckham Gathered Waist Midi Dress SciFi Floral Black

Photo: Show Room

If you don't want to wear a long and flowing gown but want to stick with something that doesn't feel too traditional, this midi dress is a very chic option. With a gathered waist, puff sleeves and all-over floral pattern, this is ideal for fall or winter weddings.

Size Range: 0–10

Red and Gold Wedding Dresses

Red and gold wedding dresses are commonly seen in traditional Chinese weddings, so if that's what you're planning, this could be a beautiful combination. Even if you're not, these colors still complement each other so well and result in a gorgeous gown.

East Meets Dress Gemma Bespoke Dress

Photo: East Meets Dress

Described as a classic sheath cheongsam, this dress features a patterned brocade fabric that you don't see often. It's a bit more traditional with some modern touches and very customizable. You can choose the fabric, colors, the type of buttons you want, the sleeve length, the dress length and more; totally making it your own.

Size Range: Custom

Qipao by Ting Embroidered Golden Qipao Dress

Photo: Qipao by Ting

This qipao dress is another popular option for more traditional Chinese weddings, and this one is a beautiful choice at a budget-friendly price point. With gold embroidery and a classic fit, it features so many stunning details to admire.

Size Range: S–3XL

Pallavi Poddar Red Raw Silk Dabka Work Lehenga Set

Photo: Pernia's Pop-Up Shop

Make a statement with this incredible lehenga set that comes in red and gold. The lehenga is made of raw silk with intricate embroidery and sequins for a bit of sparkle. A blouse and organza dupatta go underneath and everything matches perfectly for an unforgettable look.

Size Range: XS–6XL

East Meets Dress Mindy Bespoke Dress

Photo: East Meets Dress

This red and gold dress would make a lovely option for a traditional Chinese wedding. The A-line skirt is made of a soft tulle fabric for a romantic and flowy look. The bodice features delicate lace and elegant gold floral embroidery is placed throughout. And with a long, dramatic train, this is just right for your big night.

Size Range: Custom

East Meets Dress Maxine Bespoke Dress

Photo: East Meets West

This fitted gown combines elements of traditional Chinese wedding dresses, like the higher neckline and red and gold colors, with more of a modern feel, like the mermaid silhouette and high slit. It features gold floral embroidery, a long train and a keyhole cut-out for added allure.

Size Range: Custom

Red Wedding Dress FAQs

Do bridal boutiques carry red wedding dresses?

It may be hard to find bridal boutiques that carry red wedding dresses, but it's worth asking around—you may find something, especially if you live in or near a large city. Use resources like The Knot Vendor Marketplace to search for local bridal shops to contact and ask about their inventory. "Look for boutiques that specialize in cultural weddings, such as those offering South Asian or Chinese bridal attire, as they may carry red gowns or dresses in traditional styles like lehengas or qipaos," Kostis recommends.

Can bridal designers make any dress in red?

If you see a bridal gown you love that only comes in white or ivory, you may be able to look into seeing if the designer can make it in red. This isn't always possible, but it's always worth asking because you never know. "Designers like Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier and Dolce & Gabbana are known for their bold, non-traditional bridal collections and may offer custom colors or be willing to create a fabric that you might not otherwise find or have access to," Kostis says. "Going with a top-tier fashion designer will come with incredible opportunities to create your look from start to finish, and you should expect that a bespoke look will come at a couture or haute couture price point." You can also ask about creating a custom wedding dress, which again can be pricey, but may be the best way to get exactly what you're looking for.

Where are other places to shop for a red wedding dress?

If you're having trouble finding a bridal boutique that sells red wedding dresses, you may need to expand your options. Kostis recommends looking at websites like Etsy or international designers or platforms that sell red bridal gowns. Some online retailers, like East Meets West, sell modern takes on traditional red wedding dresses and can be a great option. Kostis also recommends looking outside of wedding- and bridal-specific designers and shops. "Non-bridal evening gown designers, such as Jenny Packham, Elie Saab and Marchesa (to name a few) often create red gowns that can be styled as wedding dresses," she says. "You may want to open your search up to pageant boutiques, luxury department stores, reseller boutiques and vintage boutiques."