Whether you're a classic June bride or dreaming of a wedding set in a winter wonderland, the dress is one of the most critical aspects of this special day for many brides. You want to look and feel like the most beautiful woman in the world when you say, “I do.” You need a dress that flatters your figure, highlights your style, and feels fresh and exciting.
It's natural to prefer a timeless silhouette for wedding photos that will hang on your wall for years to come, but you don't necessarily want a dress stuck in a bygone era. The good news is you can have it all with wedding dress trends that update classic silhouettes and styles.
What should you look for to ensure your gown is firmly rooted in the modern era? Here are some of the most popular wedding dress trends for brides that want to feel confident, powerful, beautiful, and radiant when they walk down the aisle.
The Latest Wedding Dress Trends
Which trends in wedding dresses are heating up runways and receptions alike? Whether you want to add color, a touch of whimsy design, loads of layers, or a glitter-and-glam moment, there are endless options to suit every bride's fancy in modern gowns.
Romance and Whimsy
Modern brides want to add romance and a little whimsy to their magical day. How does this translate to the dress? You'll find all kinds of feminine touches to create an air of enchantment.
You might think you have to go full boho to capture this trendy wedding dress aesthetic, and you certainly can, but you could also get the feeling of whimsy you crave with a more robust structure and traditional underpinnings. All you really need to embrace this trend is a somewhat organic feeling, whether in the drape of the dress or the embellishments.
A voluminous skirt featuring flowing layers of organza or chiffon could provide that fanciful feeling you crave. Lace is another fantastic option, particularly when you look for at dresses that combine lace with tulle.
In truth, you can work in a romantic and feminine floral motif in many ways, from 3D floral lace or appliques to painted floral patterns that embody the gauzy essence of an Impressionist masterpiece.
If you want to take your romantic, fairy-tale wedding to the next level with the latest trends in wedding dresses for 2023, you might even consider a Disney inspired dress to create a truly unique and magical moment.
Simple and Chic
A minimalist aesthetic isn't just for home decorating; clean lines and neutral hues help create a modern ambiance. This style can also apply to your wardrobe; plenty of brides lean toward simple silhouettes and minimal embellishments.
A strapless gown doesn't have to be covered in lace or beading to deliver timeless elegance. Simple details like a square neckline and full, A-line skirt can let the bride's beauty shine. Equally chic is a dramatic off-the-shoulder style with a sweetheart neckline complimented by lush layers of duchess silk satin.
On-trend wedding dresses also include styles featuring liquid crepe, which is a chiuc fabric that exudes seciness.
Upgraded Illusion Mesh
Peekaboo dresses and keyhole cutouts aren't for everyone, but if you want to take advantage of the trend with an eye toward modesty, you might be amazed by what's possible with illusion mesh. Maybe you love the look of a deep V-neck but want to ensure all your assets stay put. Perhaps you're intrigued by sheer panels at the sides or back of the bodice, but you prefer more coverage.
Wedding dress trends featuring illusion mesh are easy to find, but the latest styles offer an updated twist with added embellishment. If you love the look of a strapless or backless gown but are self-conscious about showing too much skin, a lovely compromise is an illusion mesh overlay with intricate beading that can help you feel beautiful and bold but still covered.
Layered and Tiered Skirts
A full bell or A-line skirt is always a popular choice because it creates a feminine, hourglass silhouette by emphasizing a nipped-in waist. If you're looking for a modern version of the classic ball gown, trending wedding dresses feature layered and tiered skirts that deliver the visual appeal of volume and movement.
A flounced organza skirt with tiered layers ranging from knee to floor length is the perfect example of this popular style. It creates an exaggerated ruffle effect that ups the ante on volume and swishes enticingly with every step.
It can pair with any upper style, from a sheer bodice covered in flourishing laces to a plunging V-neckline. However, strapless, sleeveless, or off-the-shoulder styles are best if you want to make the skirt the star of the show.
Add Sleeves
Strapless gowns are a bridal standby, but lately, ladies are leaning toward some amount of arm coverage when baring their shoulders. This could translate to a cuffed or banded, off-the-shoulder look with little more than a strip of fabric that flares from a sweetheart neckline to drape across the bicep.
It might be a lace or illusion mesh sleeve that matches the dress’s fabric. It could also be something more dramatic, like a puffed bell sleeve, layered ruffles, or embellishments like feathers, appliques, or stone accents.
If you're looking for a little more modesty during the cermeony but something a little more striking for the reception, a dress with detachbale sheer mesh sleeves is a perfect option.
Ball Gowns
Are they back? Did they ever really go away? When it comes to wedding dresses, the classic ball gown, with a fitted top and bell skirt, may wax and wane in popularity, but there will always be brides who want to feel like a princess on their special day.
Some wedding dress trends never go out of style, and ball gowns fit this category. Opt for an updated take on this timeless style with a pearl and crystal encrusted ball gown in full tulle over sparkling organza.
Maybe you'd rather skip the dazzle in favor of a a dress with a sheer, sweetheart bodice and a skirt featuring voluminous layers of tulle. For even more emphasis on the style, you could choose a design with three-dimensional floral embroidery and a full, sequined silhouette.
Pants and Suiting
When it comes to wedding dress fashion, there's no one right way to do it, and brides that feel more comfortable in pants will find several exciting options to explore. If you want a traditional dress for the ceremony but prefer a more comfortable jumpsuit for the reception, a design with a detachable skirt and pants underneath is ideal.
Reception Dresses
Many brides are perfectly content to bustle a voluminous skirt and train before hitting the dance floor during the reception. Others prefer to switch it up entirely with a second dress that offers more range of motion and a slightly less formal aesthetic.
Current wedding dress trends for a second look often feature simpler, less structured silhouettes paired with embellishments like lace, beading, or appliques. If you have your heart set on an intricate mermaid style or a princess dress with a significant train for the ceremony but want something a little more casual for the reception, you could change into a taffeta mini-dress with puffed sleeves or a fringe and sequin sweetheart dress with tulip skirt. Both are excellent ioptions for dancing the night away!
Glitter and Glam
All that glitters may not be gold, but when it comes to feeling like a star on your wedding day, it's hard to argue with the appeal of sequins. You can opt for overall glam with a dress featuring sheer layers bejeweled with eye-catching lace detail and sequins, or perhaps you'd prefer a design with linear beading and spaghetti straps. Wedding dress trends that embrace glitter offer tons of glam for brides that like a bit of bling.
Tips for Following Wedding Dress Trends
If you’re looking to follow wedding dress trends for your upcoming nuptials, here are some tips to help you stay on-trend and create a modern and stylish wedding look.
Choose the Right Silhouette: Choose a silhouette that complements your body shape and makes you feel confident and beautiful. Popular silhouettes include A-line, ball gown, mermaid, and sheath.
Opt for Unique Details: Look for unique details that make your dress stand out from the rest. This could be a statement neckline, intricate embroidery, or an unexpected pop of color.
Consider Your Wedding Style: Your dress should reflect the overall style and theme of your wedding. If you’re having a rustic, bohemian-inspired wedding, a flowy, lace gown might be more fitting than a structured ball gown.
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix and Match: Mix and match styles to create a unique wedding look that’s all your own. For example, you could pair a classic ball gown skirt with a modern, off-the-shoulder top.
Stay True to Your Personal Style: At the end of the day, your wedding dress should reflect your personal style and make you feel comfortable and confident. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain and choose a dress that truly speaks to you.
Consider Color: White and ivory are traditional wedding dress colors, but don’t be afraid to consider other colors. Blush, champagne, and even black wedding dresses are becoming increasingly popular.
Focus on Details: Pay attention to the details of the dress, such as intricate beading, lace appliques, or unique sleeves. These details can elevate a simple dress and make it look more expensive and on-trend.
Think Outside the Box: Consider non-traditional wedding dresses, such as jumpsuits, two-piece sets, or high-low hemlines. These alternative options can be just as stunning as a traditional wedding dress and can set you apart from other brides.
Remember, wedding dress trends come and go, but your love for your partner and the memories of your special day will last a lifetime. Choose a dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident, and you’ll be sure to make a lasting impression on your wedding guests.
Shop Wedding Dress Fashion at Alexandra's Boutique
While some bridal dresses are perfect the way they are, others can go next level with accessories like belts, gloves/sleeves, jewelry, and more. Of course, many brides feel that the dress isn't complete without a veil, and you can choose from simple, sheer styles that hit between the waist and knee to sequined Chantilly lace designs that extend beyond the train on your dress.
If you want to stay up-to-date with 2023 wedding dress trends so you can find the perfect options for your special day, Alexandra's Boutique has designer dresses and accessories that make every bride feel like a queen.
Whether you are looking for something traditional or with a modern twist, we're ready to help you find your ideal dress. Start browsing online now to see how we can help you look and feel absolutely stunning on your wedding day.