Just like in mainstream fashion, every year we see new trends emerging in the world of bridalwear.
While some things will always be popular - lace, long trains, pale colours and fitted waists - many brides love to make a style statement with a look that’s on-trend, rather than traditional.
Here are some of our favourite trends from the 2020/2021 bridalwear collections:
Our Favourite 2020 Wedding Dress Trends
Trend 1: Blush and ‘buff’ tones
Watch out white - there’s a new hue in town! This year will see brides moving away from traditional bright white gowns to more unusual buff, champagne and blush colours that flatter a wider range of skin tones.
These gowns are also more flattering for mature brides and look great paired with gold or rose-gold jewellery and accessories.
Trend 2: Va-va Volume
When it comes to bridal gowns, volume is nothing new - but this year we’ll see subtle volume on skirts and sleeves made from layers of delicate tulle to create lightness and drama in a playful, romantic way.
Watters, Eddy K and Nicole Spose all featured gowns with an optional ‘overskirt’ to pump up the volume in their 2020 wedding dress collections.
The Gemmy Overskirt by Watters
Milan by Nicole Spose
Orchid by Eddy K, with it's optional train
Trend 3: High necks
Prairie and Victoriana have both been trends in mainstream fashion for a few seasons now, with necklines inching ever higher and sleeves growing longer. This year will see both trends spill over into bridal fashion, with more modest, high coverage gowns gaining popularity.
Rather than looking fusty and matronly, these styles now look contemporary and sophisticated - just look at Priyanka Chopra’s Ralph Lauren bridal gown from last year. Think ‘prim with a twist’ and keep an eye out for high necks, collars, cuffs on sleeves and sleek, sweeping trains.
Trend 4: High-low hemlines
Another trend that’s spilled over from the runway and haute couture is the ‘high-low’ hem, where floor-sweeping gowns feature a thigh-high slit to reveal a glimpse of one (or both) legs.
We’re seeing these styles crop up more and more in our designer collections, and it’s easy to see why. The high-low hemline has a touch of old Hollywood glam and isn’t as overtly sexy as you might think - add a high-neckline and/or sleeves and you’ve got a look that reveals just enough skin, without raising eyebrows!
Moonlight by Aire Barcelona
Capri by Nicole Spose
Oksana by Watters
Orla by Modeca
Luciana by Nicole Spose BROWSE COLLECTION
Interesting lace and nearly nude
Think ‘bridal’ and lace usually comes to mind, but this year’s trends will see more unusual detailing on otherwise classic styles.
Illusion lace is the use of sheer panels of fabric overlaid with lace to give a tantalising, nearly-nude appearance. Most commonly seen on headline-grabbing celebrities on the red carpet, used in small doses it can add romance and sensuality to bridal gowns.
For example, boho brides will love floral and leaf appliques over illusion lace for a nature-inspired, Midsummer Night’s Dream-inspired look.
For a look that’s traditional with a modern edge, opt for oversized lace or illusion beading.
Meanwhile, the ‘underwear as outerwear’ trend will see exposed corsetry bring a touch of high-fashion to bridalwear.
What 2020 wedding dress trend will you choose?
We think any of these 2020 wedding dress trends will bring your bridal look bang up to date, without looking dated in years to come.
Explore our collection of on-trend and classic bridal gowns: