Finding the perfect wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding, and with so many stunning trends emerging, the options are more diverse than ever.
From bold floral prints to sleek minimalism, today’s bridal styles offer something for every taste, whether you’re drawn to classic elegance or modern flair.
In this post, you’ll find timeless designs and innovative details that have been making waves in recent wedding seasons.
Let’s get straight to the point
Wedding dress trends offer something for every bride, from timeless elegance to bold, modern styles.
Popular trends include prairie-inspired designs with puffy sleeves, soft pastel and floral dresses, and playful ruffles.
Ball gowns, statement suits, and sparkling embellishments are in vogue for a more dramatic look.
Minimalist styles also shine, while unique touches like capes, corsetry, and colourful florals allow brides to express their individuality.
Whether you seek a regal silhouette, modern chic, or bohemian vibes, today’s bridal trends offer endless inspiration!
1. Prairie Vibes
The prairie look brought a Victorian-inspired twist to the boho bride trend. Featuring puffy sleeves, smocking, empire waists, and a relaxed fit, this style embraced both elegance and comfort.
Brides looking for a romantic yet carefree appearance found this trend perfect for achieving a modern yet timeless look.
Key Elements
- Puffy sleeves
- Loose fit
- Victorian-inspired details
2. Watercolour Wonders
Soft colours were a popular alternative to traditional white dresses in 2020. Dresses in pastel shades such as pink, blue, yellow, and lavender gave brides the chance to explore a more personalised and unique palette for their big day.
Designers Who Embraced This Trend
- Vera Wang
- Monique Lhuillier
- Oscar de la Renta
3. Scalloped Necklines
The scalloped neckline brought a feminine and fresh feel to wedding dresses. Whether as part of a strapless dress or a plunging V-neck, this detail offered a delicate, modern touch to traditional necklines.
Popular Styles
- Sweetheart necklines
- Plunging V-necks
- Strapless designs
4. Floral Print Dresses
Floral motifs provided an eye-catching alternative to the classic white gown. Bold and oversized floral prints, along with intricate 3D embroidery, added a whimsical and unique touch to wedding dresses in 2020.
Noteworthy Features
- Soft pastel colours
- Large, bold floral designs
- 3D floral embroidery
5. Ball Gowns
For brides who dreamt of making a grand entrance, ball gowns continued to be a popular choice.
From heavy satin to puffy sleeves, this style was perfect for those who wanted a dramatic, regal look. The voluminous skirt gave brides the ultimate princess moment.
Characteristics
- Full skirts
- Dramatic silhouettes
- Royal-inspired details
6. Ruffles
Ruffles added a playful, romantic element to wedding dresses. From cascading ruffles on skirts to delicate ruffled sleeves, this design trend was ideal for brides seeking a feminine and soft touch.
Best Uses Of Ruffles
- Mermaid-style dresses
- Full skirts
- Delicate sleeve details
7. Airy Dresses
Lightweight fabrics like tulle and organza were favoured for their ability to create an ethereal effect without adding bulk. These dresses allowed brides to move freely, making them perfect for dancing and long wedding receptions.
Fabrics
- Tulle
- Organza
- Sheer layers
8. Puffy Sleeves
The puffy sleeve trend from the 1980s made a comeback in a more refined, romantic way. Brides could choose between off-the-shoulder designs or full-length sleeves, offering versatility for different wedding themes.
Style Suggestions
- Off-the-shoulder
- Full-length, voluminous sleeves
- Detachable sleeve options
9. Fresh Tiers
Tiers added structure and movement to wedding dresses without overwhelming the bride’s frame. Modern versions of tiered skirts favoured light, pleated fabrics that created volume without heaviness.
Key Features
- Pleated fabrics
- Floor-length silhouettes
- A-line and ballgown shapes
10. Badass Bride
For brides wanting to express their individuality, the badass bride trend was all about confidence and attitude. Dresses in this category often featured black accents, sheer fabrics, and edgy details like slits or shorter hemlines.
Standout Elements
- Sheer fabrics
- Black detailing
- Asymmetric designs
11. Clever Corsetry
Corsetry took on a more sophisticated, elegant edge in 2020. Exposed boning and structured bodices paired with light, translucent fabrics gave brides a regal, tailored look without being too revealing.
Notable Features
- Exposed boning
- Layered tulle
- Structured bodices
12. Feathery Frocks
Feathers became a statement feature on wedding dresses, offering brides a luxurious yet whimsical touch.
Whether as a subtle trim or a full-feathered skirt, this trend added texture and movement to bridal fashion.
Use Of Feathers
- Feathered trims
- Full feathered skirts
- Lightweight, glamorous designs
13. Black Magic
Black accents were no longer off-limits in bridal wear. From subtle trims to full black dresses, this bold trend made a statement.
Brides could incorporate black in small touches for a sophisticated, polished look.
How To Style Black
- Waist sashes
- Black lace trims
- Full black gowns for non-traditional brides
14. Statement Suiting
Suits offered a chic and alternative option for brides, especially for after-parties or civil ceremonies.
Tailored suits with delicate detailing like lace or beading provided an edgy, modern look without sacrificing elegance.
Suiting Details
- Tailored cuts
- Lace embellishments
- Metallic beading
15. Buff Is The New Blush
Warm tones like buff and ginger began to replace blush as a popular choice. This shift allowed brides to experiment with earthy tones that still retained a romantic, soft vibe.
Shades
- Buff
- Ginger
- Champagne tones
16. All Things Frothy
Tulle skirts and pleated designs brought frothy, voluminous dresses to the forefront in 2020. These dresses gave brides a playful, fairytale-like feel without being too heavy or cumbersome.
Frothy Dress Styles
- Tulle ruffles
- Pleated skirts
- Cascading layers
17. Pants
Pantsuits and jumpsuits became a practical yet stylish choice for modern brides.
These alternatives allowed for ease of movement while maintaining an elegant, sophisticated appearance.
Lace and 3D embellishments added a bridal touch to these typically sleek designs.
Pantsuit Features
- Lace detailing
- 3D floral embellishments
- Slim, tailored cuts
18. One Shoulder Necklines
The one-shoulder neckline was another prominent trend in 2020. This asymmetrical design added a touch of modern elegance to various gown styles, making it versatile for both traditional and more relaxed weddings.
Styling Tips
- Pair with Grecian-style gowns
- Satin or tulle fabrics
- Long sleeves or sleeveless options
19. Short Dresses
For elopements, casual weddings, or brides wanting a fun look, short wedding dresses became a popular option.
They provided a chic, modern alternative to traditional full-length gowns and were often worn at receptions or after-parties.
Features Of Short Dresses
- Low backs
- High slits
- Perfect for showcasing statement shoes
20. Full Coverage
Influenced by royal weddings, full-coverage gowns with long sleeves and high necklines became popular. This style gave brides a modest yet elegant appearance, often enhanced by rich textures and intricate detailing.
Coverage Options
- Long sleeves
- Mock collars
- Textured fabrics
21. Colourful Florals
Bold floral appliqués added a fresh, vibrant feel to traditional wedding gowns. These colourful floral details were seen across many bridal collections, enhancing the romance and individuality of each design.
Floral Trends
- Hand-painted floral designs
- Pastel flower appliqués
- 3D floral decorations
22. Grand Millennium Touches
The trend of “granny chic” made its way into wedding fashion with ruffles, embroidered fabrics, and oversized bows. These retro-inspired elements added a nostalgic charm to modern bridal looks.
Elements Of Granny Chic
- Embroidered fabrics
- Oversized bows
- Crocheted details
23. Fit-To-Flare Shapes
Fit-to-flare silhouettes started to lose some popularity in 2020 as more relaxed, free-flowing designs became trendy.
However, this classic shape still remained a go-to for brides looking to highlight their curves.
Fit-To-Flare Features
- Fitted bodices
- Flared skirts
- Classic mermaid-style dresses
24. Embroidered Veils
Veils made a strong comeback, particularly those with intricate embroidery. Brides embraced veils with floral appliqués, pearls, and sequins, making these accessories an essential part of their overall look.
Embellishments
- Floral embroidery
- Pearls and sequins
- Floor-length veils
25. Sparkle & Shine
For brides looking to make a statement, sparkling dresses with sequins, beading, and other glittering details became a major trend. These dresses added a glamorous and festive touch to the wedding day.
Sparkle Suggestions
- Beaded fringe
- Crystal embellishments
- Sequined fabrics
26. Minimalism Style
On the opposite end of the spectrum, minimalistic styles continued to trend thanks to Megan Markle’s influence.
Simple lines, no embellishments, and impeccable tailoring defined this look, perfect for brides seeking understated elegance.
Minimalist Features
- Clean lines
- No ruffles or lace
- Simple, elegant cuts
27. Tiered Skirts
Tiered skirts added a fun, dynamic element to wedding dresses. They offered a way to incorporate texture and movement without the weight of a full, voluminous skirt.
Key Features
- Multiple layers
- Lightweight fabrics
- A-line and ball gown silhouettes
28. Green Envy
Green hues became an unexpected but beautiful choice for wedding gowns in 2020. Designers like Vera Wang introduced shades of pistachio and other greens, offering a fresh alternative to traditional colours.
Green Shades
- Soft pistachio
- Light green tones
- Mixed with nude or grey undertones
29. New Takes On Lace
Lace remained a popular choice for wedding dresses, but in 2020, new graphic and macrame lace options were introduced. These modern lace designs catered to both traditional and contemporary brides.
Lace Styles
- Graphic lace
- Macrame patterns
- Paired with minimal embellishments
30. Superhero Status
Capes were a fashionable alternative to veils in 2020. They added drama and sophistication to wedding dresses, often giving the bride a superhero-like silhouette.
Cape Features
- Mock-neck designs
- Floor-length styles
- Paired with sleeveless gowns
31. Gloves Galore
Gloves added a touch of vintage glamour to bridal outfits in 2020. From sheer wrist-length gloves to embroidered elbow-length styles, this accessory completed the bride’s look with a nod to the past.
Glove Types
- Sheer and lace gloves
- Floral embroidered designs
- Wrist-length and elbow-length options
32. Naked, Not Naked
Sheer dresses, or dresses that created the illusion of being see-through without actually revealing too much, became a popular choice for brides wanting to balance sensuality and elegance.
These dresses featured layers of sheer fabric, embroidery, and intricate detailing.
Naked Dress Elements
- Sheer fabrics
- Floor-length gowns
- Detailed embroidery
Conclusion
The world of wedding fashion continues to evolve, offering brides a stunning array of choices to express their individuality and personal style. From timeless elegance to bold and daring designs, today’s trends are as diverse as the brides wearing them.
Whether you’re drawn to romantic prairie vibes, sleek minimalism or want to embrace vibrant colours and textures, there’s a wedding dress trend for every bride.
The key is to find the style that resonates with you, making you feel confident, beautiful, and uniquely yourself on your special day.
So, as you embark on your search for the perfect gown, let these trends inspire you to create a bridal look that will be remembered for years to come. Happy dress hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a wedding dress a wedding dress?
A wedding dress or bridal gown is the dress worn by the bride during a wedding ceremony. The color, style and ceremonial importance of the gown can depend on the religion and culture of the wedding participants.
Why do wedding dresses get discontinued?
The hardest part about falling in love with a bridal dress style that’s been discontinued is obvious: the designer no longer makes it.
And, because most designers don’t manufacture a gown until it’s ordered, they rarely have any hanging stock of these gowns left over.
Are wedding dresses supposed to be comfortable?
Some brides are willing to sacrifice comfort in order to achieve a certain look, while others want to feel as comfortable as possible.
Keep this in mind if you want a dress that hugs your hips (like a fit and flare, trumpet, or mermaid), a dress with a long train, or a dress with lots of embellishment.
Are wedding dress sizes different?
Yes, wedding dress sizing is often different from standard sizing. You may know your dress size normally, but it’s highly likely that your wedding dress size will be different.
How tight should wedding dress?
It should be tight, but not too tight. The last thing you want is a dress that either slips off of you, or is uncomfortably tight on your body.
If you are wearing a strapless dress, pay extra-attention to how it fits around your upper body, so that you are absolutely certain that it is supported just fine.
