bride in Emma Beaumont dropped waist wedding dress

24 Drop Waist Wedding Dresses

Photography by Agnes Black Photography

Our editor has predicted that drop waist wedding dresses are going to be a big hit in 2024. Drop waist wedding dresses feature under Rock My Wedding’s fashion wedding trends for 2024. Low-rise jeans are back, so it makes sense that drop waist gowns would be back too! Capturing timeless elegance with a touch of vintage flair, drop waist wedding dresses are ideal for contemporary brides. With a lowered waistline that elongates the torso, these dresses are made for those seeking a chic and unconventional bridal look. In this article, we'll delve into what exactly a drop waist wedding gown is whilst exploring its design elements and how these dresses can complement diverse wedding themes.

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The best drop waist wedding dresses for 2024 brides 

What is a drop waist on a dress?

Let us enlighten you to one of our predicted wedding trends of 2024…dropped waist wedding dresses! A drop waist silhouette is one that hugs your curves down to your hips before flaring out, hence the ‘dropped waist’ name. The waist of the dress sits lower than your normal waist. Drop-waist dresses first became popular in the 1920s when women embraced the party lifestyle. Moveable fabric to dance in and the squared body look was popular. This is why drop-waist wedding gowns have a slightly vintage feel to them. They’re perfect for brides wanting a retro theme at their wedding! 

Bride in dropped waist wedding gown standing with groom at glasshouse wedding
Embellished beaded short sleeve wedding dress worn by bride with embroidered edge lace veil
Best drop waist wedding dress with corset and sparkly sequin detail by Amanda Watts
White satin bridal dress with dropped waistline by Recommended Supplier, Story of My Dress, and floor length veil

Are drop waist wedding dresses flattering? 

Dropped waist wedding dresses give the illusion of a longer torso by elongating your waist and accentuating your curves. Drop waist wedding gowns work by squaring off your torso area, which means these dresses are actually extremely slimming. By not sitting on the stomach or the hips but just in between, the silhouette will elongate you. Drop-waist dresses can also make you appear taller and are a beautiful alternative to classic A-line or ballgown styles!

Bride wearing dropped waist wedding dress with square neckline and pearl wedding veil
Bride wearing plunging wedding dress with v-neckline walking with the groom
Constellation Amê bridal dress with front thigh slit and white floral enamel crown
Bride wearing double breasted blazer over drop waist wedding dress

Is a drop waist wedding dress the same as a mermaid dress?

Although drop waist and mermaid dresses are similar, they aren’t the same. Dropped waist dresses are tight-fitted down to the top of the hips, just below the natural waist. Whereas a mermaid-style dress is tight all the way down to the knees. Mermaid dresses have more of a dramatic skirt that completely flares out and is more obvious than a drop waist dress.

Bridesmaids in embellished dropped waist bridesmaid dresses with the bride in a lace gown
Bride wearing silver sequin wedding dress by Jenny Packham with a drop waist silhouette
Bride wearing low cut v-neck pearl wedding dress
Confetti exit for bride and groom on their wedding day with the bride wearing a dropped waist vintage wedding dress

Dropped Waist Wedding Dresses with Lace 

Lace drop waist wedding dresses are one of the most popular styles. Lace wedding dresses are classic, elegant and simply timeless. Take a look at some of our real brides in their stunning lace gowns to see just how flattering these silhouettes can be. 

Emma Beaumont best drop waist wedding dress for 2024 brides with groom in navy and grey suit
Bride in vintage lace wedding dress with three quarter length sleeves holding a pink and red wedding bouquet
Bride in Grace Loves Lace dropped waist wedding dress holding wedding bouquet with dried wedding flowers
Bride wearing a delicate lace bridal outfit with a dropped waist silhouette

Drop Waist Wedding Dress with Sleeves

To emphasise the elongating effect of these dresses, you should consider going for a long-sleeve wedding dress. By adding some coverage to your arms, you’ll look even taller. Perfect for autumn or winter weddings or brides who prefer a little extra modesty, these sleeved gowns are ideal. 

Bride in satin long sleeve wedding dress with a fit and flare detail for drop waist wedding dress
Emma Beaumont wearing long sleeve illusion neckline wedding dress with lace detailing
Bride wearing long sleeve lace wedding dress with train
Bride in scoop neck lace wedding dress with three quarter length sleeves for barn wedding

What to Look For in a Drop-Waist Wedding Dress

If you’re in the market for your dream wedding dress, we have the best options for you to shop. The things you should keep in mind as you embark on your wedding dress hunt include the length, fabric, silhouette, neckline/bodice and any extra details like embroidery or embellishments. Here are our current best drop waist wedding dresses for 2024. 

Bride in a drop waist wedding dress with embellishments and beading for vintage wedding
Bride wearing a strapless white drop waist wedding dress
Bridesmaids in pink dresses with floral embroidery and drop waist detail
Sally Lacock wedding dress with lace insert and drop waist silhouette

Odd Muse

The Ultimate Muse Dropped Hem Mini Dress

The Ultimate Muse Dropped Hem Mini Dress

This wedding dress has a dreamy drop-waist silhouette and sophisticated halterneck that exudes elegance.

Shop Now - £125

Karen Millen

Compact Stretch Tailored Midi Dress

Compact Stretch Tailored Midi Dress

This show-stopping gown is oh-so-elegant. Meticulously crafted with a long skirt that creates flowing movement, and pleated detailing this sculpted gown is so flattering.

Shop Now - £229

House of CB

Carmen Stretch Midi Dress

house-of-cb-WHITE-Carmen-Gathered-cup-Stretch-Cotton-blend-Midi-Dress.jpg

This white stretch gown with a gathered-cup detail and drop waist style is made to elongate the torso and hug your curves with a perfect sweetheart neckline.

Shop Now - £149

Needle & Thread 

Rosella Ruffle Strapless Gown

ROSELLA-RUFFLE-STRAPLESS-GOWN-GOWN-CHAMPAGNE-NEEDLE_THREAD-3.jpg

This ruffle drop waist wedding dress from Needle & Thread is inspired by Hollywood glamour. Dramatic tulle frills are the ultimate statement look. 

Shop Now - £550

The Own Studio

Scoop Neck Silk Drop Waist Dress

Scoop Neck Silk Drop Waist Dress

The low soft scoop neckline and drop waist make this wedding gown feeling super contemporary with a traditional structured fit that we ADORE!

Shop Now - £2,795

NBD

Fraser Maxi Dress

Fraser Maxi Dress

Featuring the classic drop waist we love so much, this NBD dress is made for those brides who are flirty, fun and the life of any party!

Shop Now - £280

Dropped waist wedding dresses are perfect for elongating the torso and are one of the most flattering silhouettes! 


Loving these drop waist wedding dresses? You should take a look at our wedding dress guide for all the advice on actually saying yes to the dress. Want to know what else we’re predicting for 2024? Then, take a look at everything you need to know about grazing tables, oversized bow accessories, and sustainable weddings


Wedding Dress & Bridal Outfits