Best Mexican Wedding Dress Ideas - Love You Tomorrow (2024)

Netted lace, colorful embroidery, and stunning necklines: these are just a few reasons to fall in love with contemporary Mexican wedding dresses. This year, embrace fresh and gorgeous ideas to celebrate your heritage or throw a memorable destination wedding.

The hottest bridal trends come and go. What doesn’t change is a continual influx of designs draws my traditions around the world. Now there are more options than ever for brides looking for Mexican wedding dresses.

While I’d argue that there’s still a general lack of diversity in large bridal chain stores, small boutiques and talented designers are changing the industry. One designer bringing gorgeous Mexican wedding dresses to customers is Gerardo Encinas.

The Columbus-bassed (Ohio) designer started his career to express Mexican heritage through fashion. He started with pageant dresses but now offers gorgeous looks for both weddings and even the red carpet.

One thing is for sure: Encinas is a designer to watch, and he’s adding beautiful Mexican dress fashion both for the bridal industry and now even celebrities.

You don’t have to be in Ohio or seek a couture designer to find a Mexican-inspired wedding dress, though. In this article, I’ll share my advice for finding the best dresses and provide some inspiration with my favorite designs.

Bottom Line Up Front Summary: If I had to select just one Mexican wedding dress, it would be the Azalea Wedding Dress. This dress is created by designer Rosa Clara and is available in boutiques around the US and abroad. It’s a contemporary update that plays upon Mexican wedding dress traditions. The lace is exquisite and the fit is comfortable for many body types and shapes.

My Top Picks

1. Colorful Mexican Embroidered Gown: Best Colorful Wedding Dress
2. Celestial Mexican Wedding Dress: Best Etherial Wedding Dress
3. Sleeveless Mexican Wedding Dress: Best Vintage Wedding Dress
4. Azalea Wedding Dress: Best Lace Boho Wedding Dress
5. Lizard Wedding Dress: Best Simply Elegant Wedding Dress
6. Lea Wedding Dress: Best Retro Wedding Dress
7. LuneBridal Wedding Dress: Best Off-The-Shoulders Boho Wedding Dress
8. Lace Mexican Bridal Gown: Best Glamorous Wedding Dress
9. Mexican Chiapaneco Dress: Best Reception or Bachelorette Dress
10. Floral Lace and Tulle Cathedral Veil: Best Affordable Mantilla Veil
11. Beaded Lace ¾ Sleeve Jacket: Best Affordable Lace Shrug

Mexican Wedding Traditions

Mexican wedding dresses aren’t the only memorable part of a Mexican wedding. A Mexican wedding, called a Callejoneada, is steeped in traditions. However, those traditions, like weddings in the United States, have blended with contemporary sentiments.

While the parents of the daughter traditionally paid for a Mexican wedding, now weddings may be paid for by both sides of the family, the couple, or a combination. While Mexican weddings used to include a dowry, this has been scrapped by most contemporary couples (though some indigenous groups still retain a form of it).

Many traditions remain. Not every couple will follow these– some are tied directly to Christianity and Catholicism:

• Tirar la Liga, or “Throwing the Groom”
• Throwing rice, tossing the garter, bouquet tosses
• Wedding Parades, known as La Callejoneada
  • This more elaborate tradition takes place between the ceremony and reception and includes music and dancing. Music may include mariachis
• • Wedding Lasso
    • Bride and Groom are connected by a rope (around shoulders) to signify unity as they exchange vows
• Las Arras Matrimoniales, or Marriage Coins
• • • 13 gold coins are handed by the groom to his bride and blessed by the pastor. These coins symbolize the couple’s commitment and are connected to Jesus and His 12 disciples
• Vibora de la Mar, a traditional Mexican dance during the reception
• • Two dances are traditional for Mexican wedding receptions. The first, known as the Sea Snake, has the bride and groom standing on chairs, while guests go past. The second notable special dance is where the bride and groom have dollars pinned on their attire. Guests pin a dollar for one dance for either the bride or groom.

As for what Mexican weddings look like, that depends on the couple. Religious couples will have a church ceremony or Mass. Very traditional weddings could last as long as two days, though this is less common now. Mexican weddings partner bridesmaids and groomsmen to dance, eat and help with wedding tasks together.

Food served at Mexican weddings is varied but reflective of the culture. The main meal consists of meat, tortillas, enchiladas, rice, beans, and vegetables. Common flavors include spices, citrus, cilantro, and other seasonings. Traditional Mexican drinks include sangrias, different types of juice, Mexican hot chocolate, and other forms of alcoholic beverages. Desserts include Mexican wedding cookies and wedding cakes. Popular cake flavors include pineapple, coconut, and rum.

Traditional Mexican Wedding Attire

What Mexican brides wear has shifted over time, and these traditions I’ll be exploring the next section.

Wedding Dress Origins

Mexico’s traditional wedding dresses take inspiration from the Chiapas dress. A Chiapas dress is made with silk embroidery of many colors and is set against a white backdrop. There’s also the Flamenco dress. This dress is red and white and features lace, ruffles, and floral embroidery. This dress shares both Spanish and Mexican origins.

Bridal Party and Guest Attire

Bridesmaid dresses traditionally are the same color as the groomsmen’s ties. Guests going to a religious wedding wear formal attire (suits and dresses) without hats and with some covering over the shoulders. Black and white are the most common colors worn by guests. Weddings taking place during the holidays, by a beach, and/or contemporary weddings are different. For these, guests are free to weather bold red, orange, yellow, purple, and green hues.

Best Mexican-Inspired Wedding Dresses: My Picks

Here are my topic ideas for the best modern wedding dresses inspired by Mexico. My picks blend traditional and contemporary styles and capture the essence of a Mexican wedding.

I selected these dresses based on three traditional style trends: wedding dresses with colorful embroidery, intricate lace wedding dresses, and off-the-shoulder wedding dresses with ruffles, layers, and other accents. My goal is to provide you with ideas that capture the heart and beauty of Mexican wedding dress styles but with stylish and innovative additions to the designs.

My picks come from Etsy and Rosa Clara. I’ve tried to include an assortment of affordable and diverse designers. While you don’t need to buy from these places, I wanted to only show ideas from shops or designers that excelled in quality materials, craftsmanship, and customer service.

At the same time, I’ve kept my ideas relatively affordable. Many dresses are under $1,000. Rosa Clara dresses range from $2,500 to $6,000, but you can get them on sale if you’re savvy.

Embroidered Mexican Wedding Dresses

Embroidered Mexican wedding dresses are a gorgeous tradition. These dresses often feature bright embroidery, bursting with vibrant colors. You may find bursts of red, orange, yellow, and, occasionally, cool hues. Embroidery is intricate and takes inspiration from nature. These dress accents are from Aztec and other indigenous origins.

My dress ideas here feature flowy, diaphanous, and breezy white gowns. They’re made by hand and for sale on Etsy, and all well-priced These dresses are custom made, made to order, and made around the world. Shop All Embroidery Etsy Wedding Dresses Here.

Colorful Mexican Embroidered Gown

This gorgeous gown can be ordered online or tried on in person at the company’s Chicago boutique. Get ready to wow with this Mexican-inspired wedding dress, embroidered with cascading flowers.

The diaphanous sleeves are detachable. The chiffon skirt includes ruched details that flatter the waistline. Every detail is hand sewn with appliqué pieces. The tulle layer adds volume, while built-in cups provide support. The A-line gown is resistant to creases, making it travel-worthy. Buy Here.

Pros

• Hand-Sewn Floral Appliqués
• Detachable Sleeves
• Crease-Resistant

Cons

• Only Sizes 2 to 20
• Open Back and Neckline Maybe Too Revealing for Some

Celestial Mexican Wedding Dress

This gorgeous dress is ethereal, whimsical, and well under $500. The enchanting gown features embroidered floral details on the bodice. Sheer sleeves billow slightly and taper at the cuffs.

The natural, defined waist is flattering with the full skirt. Pearl details add an expressive touch. The champagne hues add an expressive flush of color, but you can order in a custom color too. The classic tulle skirt provides volume but is still sophisticated. This dress blends many traditions and would be suited for an outdoor or garden wedding. Buy Here.

Pros

• Affordable
• Custom Colors Available
• Pearl and Embroidered Details

Cons

• The bodice is Somewhat Sheer
• Less Traditional

Vintage Sleeveless Mexican Wedding Dress

Simple, pretty, and understated: this wedding dress is a great choice if you’re on a budget or want a low-key affair. The incredible price isn’t the only thing to love.

A crisp white silhouette is accented with an embroidered band at the natural waist. The embroidery is inspired by indigenous cultures and is just the right touch of color. While this listing may not be available forever, I wanted to share it as an idea for a simple wedding dress design that works. Buy Here.

Pros

• Affordable
• Meaningful Embroidery
• Comfortable

Cons

• Limited Sizing
• Limited Listing

Lace Mexican Wedding Dresses

Lace wedding dresses, of course, can be found across cultures. But some of the most gorgeous Mexican wedding dresses today include netted lace, soft lace details, flowy or voluminous skirts, and long trains. The netted lace look borrows from traditional embroidery patterns and appears lighter and more delicate in its stitching than much of the lace you see in the bridal industry.

To represent this, I chose designer Rosa Clara’s Boheme Collection. Rosa Clara is a Latina designer, originally from Spain. Her styles include a touch of Spanish, Brazilian, and Mexican traditions, all with effortlessly beautiful designs. They’re available in many bridal boutiques and often bought in great condition as pre-owned gowns. Shop the Boheme Rosa Clara Collection Here.

AZALEA Dress

If you love the look of netted lace and dramatic sleeves, you’ll love this wedding dress. This style features bell sleeves, a bateau neckline, and a dramatic v-neck for the back. The buttons are all sewn by hand. The fit is slim but not revealing. The gorgeous details are seemingly effortless and yet distinct. While this is a more modest style, it looks anything but stuffy. View Here.

Pros

• More Coverage
• Gorgeous Lace Details Over the Entire Dress
• Handsewn Buttons

Cons

• Doesn’t Pair Well with Necklaces
• Fitted Waist is Less Comfortable
  

LIZAR Wedding Dress

This breezy dress is comfortable and elegant. The sheath shape allows you to move easily, and the v-neck feels freeing rather than confining.

The illusion back features lace and dot tulle. The skirt is constructed with tulle and moves with you. This dress is reminiscent of the more romantic side of Mexican wedding dresses, with a long train. It would look gorgeous with a mantilla veil or a floral crown. View Here.

Pros

• Gorgeous Lace and Dot Tulle
• Comfortable Sheath Silhouette
• Elegant

Cons

• Long Train Needs to Be Bustled
• May be Considered Plain to Some

LEA Wedding Dress

Mexican-inspired, vintage, modest, and comfortable: that’s a long list. Yet the Lea dress perfectly stuns for a religious ceremony. This gown is a sheath silhouette with crisp crepe fabric. The v-neckline is expressive but not plunging. Netted lace embroidery on the cap sleeves and waist adds just the right amount of detail. An overhanging bodice brings vintage appeal and comfort. View Here.

Pros

• Modest for Religious Weddings
• Comfortable Fit
• Gorgeous Button Back

Cons

• Fairly Plain
• The bodice is Less Defined

Off- The Shoulder Mexican Wedding Dresses

Traditional Catholic Mexican weddings often have brides cover their shoulders with veils or shrugs, but off-the-shoulder gowns are quite popular. Off-the-shoulder dresses may feature full skirts, but also ruffles and tiered skirts. The style of lace or embroidery borrows from traditional Mexican attire, including rebozo, huipil, and quechquémit.

These are sometimes boho-inspired, drawing from Indigenous cultures. However, brides are also embracing tighter silhouettes and a couture touch, too. Most in the United States for white, but a bold and colorful dress makes a dramatic statement. Shop Etsy Off-The-Shoulder Mexican Wedding Dresses Here.

LuneBridal Mexican Boho Wedding Dress

This light and the breathable wedding dress is perfect for an outdoor or beach wedding. The pattern features faint polka dot details. Each layer adds a bit of volume and playfulness to the design. The off-white and champagne underskirt adds just a hint of color. This dress also features built-in cups for bodice support.

Pros

• Playful Layers
• Soft Hint of Color
• Affordable

Cons

• Available in Limited Sizes
• Ships from Slovakia

Lace Mexican Bridal Gown

This dress is simply exquisite, and an excellent choice for a bride who is looking for something timeless but more contemporary. The bodice of the dress is constructed with refined, soft lace.

Beads and crystals add touches of glamour. The flowing tulle skirt is breathtaking. The voluminous sleeves add a whimsical touch. Meanwhile, the timeless corset is flattering for all body types. The tulle skirt is seamless.

Pros

• Crystals and Beading
• Soft Lace Details
• Flattering Corset

Cons

• Some Tulle Could Irritate Very Sensitive Skin
• Ships from Russia

Traditional Mexican Chiapaneco Dress

Chiapaneco dresses aren’t traditionally used as a wedding dress– but if you want an alternative to a white dress and something very traditional, I argue you could make it work.

This stunning dress is hand-embroidered with yarn. The colors are breathtaking and the shoulder neckline is alluring. Even if you’re not convinced to use this as a wedding dress, having it on hand for pre or post-wedding festivities is sure to make an unforgettable impression. The dress is made to order to fit you. Buy Here.

Pros

• Hand Embroidered with Yarn
• Custom Made to Fit
• Traditional and Beautiful
• Free Shipping and Affordable

Cons

• Not Usually Used as a Wedding Dress

Final Recommendations: Mantilla Veils and Lace Shrugs

Mantilla veils are one of the hallmark accessories in traditional Mexican weddings. Mantilla veils are seen in Latin and even Italian weddings.

These veils are distinguished by a circular shape, embroidered with generous lace trim. Embroidery covers the veil in a timeless, expressive, and intricate design. Scalloped lace is common. Mantilla veils are associated most with Catholic ceremonies and are sometimes used to cover a bride’s shoulders.

Traditional and religious Mexican wedding dresses may also be worn with a lace shrug for the same reasons. Lace shrugs are elegant, timeless, and used for added modest for strapless dresses. My Picks are from David’s Bridal, as they are all offered at fair prices.

Floral Lace and Tulle Mantilla Cathedral Veil

This exquisite mantilla veil is trimmed with lace. The floral design is classic, and the cathedral length makes a statement. This veil can be worn traditionally or with a hair clip. While it retains the traditional style, it fits seamlessly with contemporary dresses, too. The veil is ivory and constructed with lace and nylon.

Pros

• Traditional Lace Trim
• Cathedral Length
• Affordable for its Length

Cons

• Only in Ivory
• Not the Highest-Quality Fabric

Beaded Lace 3/4 Sleeve Jacket

This gorgeous lace shrug can be worn with a strapless dress. Whether you’re wearing it for a religious ceremony or the full night, this jacket provides coverage with an elegant, traditional style. Scalloped lace is lightly beaded for an elegant touch. It’s available in both white and ivory and is true to size.

Pros

• Elegant Lace with Beaded
• Lightweight, ¾ Coverage
• Traditional but Versatile

Cons

• Mixed Ratings
• Sizing is Tricky

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

There is no one best Mexican wedding dress, and your ideas and budget are the only limits. Some designers will even custom-make dresses (though this can be expensive).

I recommend making a Pinterest board of styles going into a bridal appointment. If you are having trouble finding a style, sometimes you can opt for a simple wedding dress and order custom alterations. For instance, a plain white dress could be given an embroidered sash. Accessories, such as veils, headpieces, traditional jewelry, and shrugs can be used to complete your look.

Looking for more interesting readings? Check out:

• 7 Tips for Buying Your Wedding Dress Online
• The 9 Best Royal Blue Wedding Dress Ideas
• Non-Traditional Wedding Gown Colors – Get the Dress of Your Dreams!