So, you’re shopping for the dress — the gown that magically transforms you from eager nearly-wed to aisle-ready bride. If you’re headed to the fitting room in 2024, you’re in luck. We’re predicting gorgeous wedding dress trends you’ll absolutely love this year. There’s something for everyone: both old (a return to classic romantic looks) and new (modern structural silhouettes).
Let’s dive into our expert team’s top wedding dress trends of 2024 with invaluable insight from some of our favourite bridalwear suppliers. Pour yourself a glass of bubbles for the occasion and wrangle your trusted advisors — that’s your bride tribe! Most importantly, remember that trends come and go, but a gown that’s true to your personal style will never go out of fashion.
Ready to shop? Here are our top picks for wedding dress trends in 2024.
1. 90s chic
Millennial brides rejoice! The nineties are back with a vengeance. “Fashion tends to come back around every 20 years, but in the bridal world, certain styles never go out of fashion,” explains Jenna from d’Italia. “Take the ’90s, for example — they always seem to make a comeback, making us wonder if they ever truly went away. The simplicity of the decade’s designs and subtle shapes will always have a special spot in bridal fashion.”
We love nineties wedding inspo. Who could go past Iman and David Bowie’s Tuscan celebration to grungey Vivienne Westwood runway looks? Nineties bridal looks include everything from sleek and minimalist silhouettes to extravagant ball gowns with delicate lace detailing. Designers incorporate the best of nineties fashion into modern bridal wear. High necklines, spaghetti straps, and satin fabrics reminiscent of the era’s glamour are gracing the aisles, offering a blend of vintage and contemporary.
2. Classic Hollywood
“We’re seeing a return to the classics,” says Farina of Farina Bridal. “Think Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly style looks. Brides looking to follow this trend usually opt for an A-line or fit-and-flare silhouette with an eye-catching feature on the shoulder. These dresses are usually fabricated out of classic mikado or satin.”
There’s something irresistible about timeless sophistication reminiscent of silver screen legends. Designers are channelling the spirit of Hollywood’s golden era, creating wedding dresses that showcase graceful silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and intricate embellishments. Satin, silk, and lace take centre stage, while off-the-shoulder necklines, dramatic trains, and figure-flattering cuts pay homage to the elegance of stars from yesteryear.
3. Structured bodices
Now, we love a romantic, flowy silhouette as much as the next bridalwear enthusiast… but we can’t go past a feature bodice. Whether you’re looking for a clean and modern corset or an avante-garde floral design, 2024 will be serving up all the cinched, snatched looks a bride could wish for. Just take this gorgeous orchid-inspired bodice below — it’s certainly high up on our wish list!
This year, designers are placing a spotlight on architectural precision, offering wedding dresses that boast impeccably tailored bodices to create a flattering and sculpted silhouette. This allows for creative variations, incorporating modern touches such as illusion panels and innovative fabric combinations.
4. Coquette bows
The TikTok bow trend is taking over — it’s even made the New York Times! Unsurprisingly, this sweet, feminine trend has the bridalwear world equally enamoured. Our favourite part about this trend? Its versatility. You can interpret this trend however best suits your personal style: small and dainty or billowing and statement-making.
“Completing your wedding outfit is best achieved with a bow,” says Jenna from d’Italia. “There are so many options, from grand bows elongating into striking trains or dainty bow accents on veils. We are wholeheartedly embracing this trend. The allure of bows reflects a timeless feminine charm.”
5. Drop waists
We can’t get enough of the resurgence of drop-waist silhouettes as a prominent trend. Brides are drawn to the chic and playful elegance that a lowered waistline provides, adding a modern twist to traditional bridal looks. Designers are crafting wedding dresses with gracefully extended bodices, gently cascading into flowing skirts, creating a seamless and flattering line.
Inspired by iconic fashion eras like the Roaring Twenties, wedding dresses featuring drop-waists exude a timeless yet fresh appeal. It’s no wonder brides are choosing this flattering silhouette which creates an effortlessly stylish look. Tres chic!
6. Dramatic overskirts
Step aside, subtlety! In 2024, wedding fashion is increasing the volume with dramatic overskirts. This trend is a designer’s dream — skirts that defy gravity with layers of tulle, chiffon, or luxurious satin. These skirts are not just accessories; they’re show-stopping works of art. Plus they can even help your wedding budget…
“As many couples nowadays choose to change into second outfits during their weddings, we are coming up with options that offer brides more versatility for their money,” explains Jenna from d’Italia. “For those desiring a dramatic silhouette for just a part of their wedding, an overskirt allows them to easily remove layers and reveal a more fitted shape.”
7. New minimalism
Embracing a sense of refined simplicity, minimalist wedding dresses are making a statement in 2024’s bridal landscape. Brides are drawn to the understated look of clean lines, unembellished fabrics, and uncomplicated silhouettes. With a focus on impeccable tailoring and high-quality fabrics, these dresses are a testament to the idea that simplicity can be the epitome of sophistication.
“I’m seeing a lot of brides opting for simpler, more understated designs,” says Farina of Fashions by Farina. “Especially if they’ve booked their wedding for the hotter months of the year. A summer beach wedding calls for a lighter and more comfortable bridal look.”
8. Floral appliques
Whimsical and inherently romantic, floral applique has long been a favourite of bridalwear designers. Intricate, handcrafted blooms in delicate patterns are adding a touch of nature-inspired romance to gowns in 2024. This is the perfect way to bring a swoon-worthy art nouveau aesthetic to your wedding look.
“Even though we typically associate florals with spring, the fall collections showcased this concept in innovative ways,” says Jenna from d’Italia. “A trend was the incorporation of appliqués to create 3D floral elements. These designs are showcasing that floral beauty is in full bloom for the upcoming wedding season.”
9. Bare shoulders
We’re ready for brides to give us the cold shoulder in 2024! This trend is inherently sensual and feminine, with draped bodices exposing the neck, shoulders and decolletage. The perfect dress style for eye-catching accessories, we adore this look when paired with long gloves or fall-away sleeves.
Depending on how this trend is executed, it can be everything from sleek and contemporary to bohemian and classic. Whether adorned with delicate lace, minimalist straps, or clean lines, these shoulder-baring designs emphasise a sense of effortlessness and romanticism.
10. Bold reception looks
The ceremony is over, and you can’t wait to celebrate on the dancefloor with your nearest and dearest! You’ll need a killer look that says PARTY TIME… but make it bridal. For a second look, we love thigh-skimming middy and mini dresses that bring comfort and style with ease. If you’re particularly taken by this trend, why not consider a mini-length look for your ceremony dress as well? In a throwback to the 60s, mini wedding dresses are back in a big way in 2024.
Other bold reception look ideas we love include sheer panelling, fun sequins, and, of course, a well-tailored bridal suit. The day is yours, so wear what makes you feel like your most confident and authentic self.
