Imagine this: you're walking down the aisle, tears are threatening to ruin your makeup, but you can reach into your pocket for a tissue because, yes, wedding dresses with pockets are a thing now. No longer limited to just bouquets, brides who have the ingenuity to get the best wedding dresses with this simple twist now have ample space and room for movement.
Whether you're looking for a high-street wedding dress or a plus-size wedding dress, chances are that you haven't thought about this nifty feature of your gown. Fit, shape, and embellishment are just a few of the finer details you'll consider when choosing 'the one'. Even colour - because coloured wedding dresses exist now too. Usually, comfort and practicality come in somewhere at the bottom of the list of requirements for your dress for the big day…until now.
It seems so unremarkable, especially as if there's a groom, he'll likely have not just trouser pockets but an inside blazer pocket in his suit that you can stuff all your belongings into. Yet, recently, we have noticed a huge increase in not just the sale of wedding gowns with pockets but brides searching for them too.
Grazia's Best Wedding Dresses With Pockets At A Glance
Editor's Pick: Emilia Wickstead Diamond Duchesse-Satin Gown, £4,270 - Buy on Net-A-Porter
Best satin wedding dress with pockets: Halfpenny Georgie Pleated Satin Maxi Skirt, £650 - Buy on Net-A-Porter
Best mini wedding dress with pockets: Alex Perry Elyse Strapless Silk-Faille Mini Dress, £1,860 - Buy on Net-A-Porter
In addition to pockets being just really bloody handy, they look effortlessly chic. If you're a more modern bride or just looking for a dress that can be worn long after the big day, we've found the best ready-to-wear dresses with pockets, including affordable high-street wedding dresses, as well as more high-end options. These are the bridal dresses that you can easily order online and try at home.
SHOP: The Best Wedding Dresses With Pockets To Shop In 2023
Editor's Pick
www.net-a-porter.com
Emilia Wickstead never fails to produce a simple but elegant gown, especially when it comes to weddings. Now, there's even a dress-with-pockets-included option in this Diamond Duchese-Satin Gown, finished with a sweetheart neckline.
Best satin wedding dress with pockets
www.net-a-porter.com
Okay, this is technically a maxi skirt rather than a wedding dress, but the Georgie Pleated Satin Maxi Skirt can still be pulled off to look beautiful with a matching satin top from Halfpenny.
Best mini wedding dress with pockets
www.net-a-porter.com
You wouldn't think that this Alex Perry Elyse Strapless Silk Faille Mini Dress has hidden pockets, but you can slide your hands right in the side for ultimate comfort whilst posing for those timeless photos.
Best wedding suit with pockets
www.asos.com
If comfort is key to you for the big day, then an ivory suit will keep you at ease, buttoned up and ready to go. The ASOS DESIGN Mix & Match Suit in Ivory is a choice for the modern woman.
Best simple wedding dress with pockets
www.karenmillen.com
Karen Millen keeps it classic as always in this Linen Seamed Detail Full-Skirted Midi Dress, something for those who are looking to elope or just want a low-key ceremony with a simple wedding dress. Linen also works well for beach weddings too.
Best cut-out wedding dress with pockets
Side seam pockets in this Simkhai Alex Pleated Cut-Out Dress make for a unique choice that any chic bride can pull off. One reviewer remarks that the dress "is gorgeous. It's on trend, classy, and beautiful." A good fit for brides looking for a long sleeve wedding dress.
Best wedding jumpsuit with pockets
www.whistles.com
Whistles have a selection of bridalwear with pockets, like this white Whistles Tie-Back Bridal Jumpsuit that has a contemporary tie-back. Plus, you'll be able to wear this one over and over. Ideal for those looking for plus-size wedding dresses, sizes range from 16 to 20.
Best applique wedding dress with pockets
www.johnlewis.com
Patterned texture on a boho wedding dress such as this can instantly make you a stand-out bride, and we love this Ullaa Sleeveless Midaxi Dress With Rose Texture option from Ted Baker. Be warned, this is being snapped up fast, with only size 10 available to buy for now.
Best strapless wedding dress with pockets
www.whistles.com
If crochet or organza is the texture you're looking for, turn to this Whistles Vivian Wedding Dress. Fit with a bandeau top and side pockets, this is one for a destination wedding. Ideal for those on the hunt for beach wedding dresses.
Wedding Dresses With Pockets: Are Pockets Political?
No doubt, the pocket is political. A study by the American website The Pudding revealed that women's jeans pockets were smaller (by 48 per cent) and narrower (by 6.5 per cent) than men's. It's long been known that humble adornment is a gendered matter. Some argue women's hands are smaller or that women prefer handbags. But this is obviously wrong.
In 1954, Christian Dior summed it up when he said: 'Men have pockets to keep things in, women for decoration.' This idea of who deserves pockets has long haunted women's fashion. It's a feminist issue, one that symbolises the concept of being the 'fairer' sex.
Where Can I Find A Bespoke Wedding Dress With Pockets?
You can pretty much guarantee that most major bridal designers now carry at least one pocketed gown in their offering. Carrying on the list from above, our more bespoke favourites include the Rowan Bodice and Ellie Skirt from Halfpenny London and the Theo Curve Gown from designer Louvienne at Lovely Bride. For the bride looking for something more bespoke, try Emma Beaumont Atelier for handcrafted couture gowns with a twist. Think off-the-shoulder wedding dresses, personalised embroidery and, of course, pockets.
Charlotte Pavitt is Grazia's Fashion Assistant where she enjoys an on-set buffet, sports an array of printed midi dresses and preaches the importance of a well-organised desktop.