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After months of deliberating over color schemes, guest lists, dress codes, and table decor for our big wedding weekend, the bridal shower feels like a breath of fresh air. Don’t get me wrong—I have enjoyed every minute of this wedding planning season; but something about the simplicity of putting on a beautiful dress for a small springtime gathering with the most special women in my life sounds like a welcome pause in the midst of a very busy year. The best part? My lovely mother is hosting the event in my hometown, and with the help of a few family members and friends, is insisting I let them take the reigns. Which means I’ve turned my attention to (in my opinion) the best bit: finding the perfect bridal shower dress.
My Bridal Shower Dress Wishlist:
As with any event, the location and the time of year have been the two biggest determining factors for the direction of my dress. My bridal shower will be taking place at a historic inn, on a crystal blue Finger Lake in Upstate New York, at the end of April. If you’re familiar with the area, you may know that the temperatures in early spring don’t exactly make you want to dive into the lake. (I’ll be lucky if we have a high of 60 degrees Fahrenheit on the day of my shower!) With this in mind, I browsed mostly midi- and maxi-length dresses, and even tried on one or two that had sleeves.
I also wanted to stay true to the general themes that we’re incorporating throughout our wedding as a whole: Our ceremony will be very classic New England, with coastal colors and vintage-inspired pieces woven in. I didn’t want to stray too far from those timeless styles; plus, sticking to the overall design concept of the wedding ensures the bridal shower feels like a taste of what’s to come. After trying on dozens of dresses—and scrolling online for hours to analyze the endless options that exist—I finally found my perfect piece. Just in time, too: With only T-90 days left to go until the big day, I have one less item on my to-do list.
Read on to discover the highlights, the extras, and the one that stole my heart.
First up: this feathered Jil Sander beauty! When I spotted this dress from across the showroom floor, I nearly ran to grab it. I fell even more in love with it once I slipped it on—the feathers floated around my body, bouncing as I moved for a playful approach to bridal dressing. But it didn’t quite feel like the right fit for my venue, so I continued the search.
I don’t think anyone could ever go wrong with this pearl-embellished Carolina Herrera dress—for any bridal event. The tiny shimmering beads are quintessentially bridal; elegant, but not overdone. Ultimately, a mini dress did not seem like the smartest option for the time of year, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t still think about this one from time to time, while tossing and turning in bed at night and deliberating over every last wedding-related detail.
If you’re looking for something floral with a classic shape, this Dolce & Gabbana A-line dress is a lovely option. I loved the pleats and the joyful pattern. (Not to mention, the flowing silhouette was incredibly comfortable.) But the bright color scheme, while gorgeous, wasn’t necessarily what I had in mind for my specific shower.
This Jason Wu maxi dress is ideal for brides who are leaning into minimalist tones and luxurious textures. The satin-like material felt so elegant when I tried it on: One shoulder is adorned with black beading, which only adds to its sophistication. I decided that I wanted to go in the direction of a brighter white, but I envision this looking so beautiful on brides who aren’t afraid to go a little out-of-the-box—perhaps for something in the city.
This classic cotton poplin shirt dress is perfectly suited for a bride with a shower in the spring or summer; especially for an outdoor event. The left and right seams along the bodice, in addition to the tie belt, make for such a flattering fit on so many different body types. I decided that I wanted a dress with a little bit more detail, but I continue to love the simplicity of this one.
At long last, I found my bridal shower dress. The one that checks all of the boxes, aligning with the location of my shower, the time of year, and the overall aesthetic of my wedding. Plus, I love that it’s a little fun and unexpected—and, because it doesn't solely read as bridal, I can re-wear it to get the most out of my investment.
When I first saw Oscar de la Renta’s spring 2026 collectsion, the hydrangea patterns immediately called my name. My wedding will be taking place on the island of Martha’s Vineyard this coming June, so needless to say, there will be hydrangeas as far as the eye can see—and we’re including as many of them as possible throughout our floral designs. This bridal shower dress acts as a sweet nod to my wedding weekend, and the celebrations that are just around the corner.
Next up on my to-do list: finding my accessories!
