For a long time, bridal fashion felt pretty straightforward: a big white dress, a dramatic train, and a venue grand enough to match. But as more couples opt for intimate weddings, destination elopements, courthouse ceremonies, and backyard celebrations, the bridal style landscape is looking a lot more interesting.

After recently eloping in a suit rather than a wedding dress, I've become increasingly fascinated by the evolution of bridal style. Brides today aren't necessarily building their look around tradition. They're building it around the experience. The all-white bridal outfit is becoming an extension of the setting itself, resulting in bridal fashion that feels more personal, creative, and individual than ever.

In 2026, brides are increasingly moving away from the expectation of a classic ball gown in favor of pieces that feel more aligned with their personal style. Think sleek slip dresses, chic matching sets, and romantic minis that feel fashion-forward without taking themselves too seriously. The goal isn't necessarily to look like a bride in the traditional sense. It's to feel like the best version of yourself on one of the most memorable days of your life.

Without the constraints of a traditional wedding setting, brides are having fun with fashion. Maybe that's why some of the most inspiring bridal looks right now aren't happening in grand ballrooms at all.

If you're planning an elopement in 2026, consider this your sign to skip the poofy skirt and embrace something unexpected. Ahead, discover the chic elopement outfit formulas redefining what bridal style looks like this year.

Skirt Suit + Oversize Hat

Off-the-Shoulder Dress + Mules

Satin Slip Dress + Chiffon Shawl

Linen Column Dress + Black Wayfarers

Peplum Top + Pillbox Hat

Feathered Evening Dress

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Congratulations are in order. After officially tying the knot at London's Old Marylebone Town Hall a few weeks ago—where the bride wore a custom, Bianca Jagger-esque Schiaparelli skirt suit and elegant wide-brimmed hat—Dua Lipa and Callum Turner have now shared photographs from the second chapter of their celebrations in Sicily.

For the first stage of the Italian festivities, Dua wore a custom Bottega Veneta halterneck gown featuring the house's signature intrecciato-inspired detailing. For the main event, however, Dua turned to a house with which she has a long-standing relationship: Chanel.

The bride wore a custom Chanel Haute Couture wedding gown adorned with feathers and crystal embellishments. The halterneck design featured a low back and elongated train scattered with delicate feather detailing. She completed the look with a feather-trimmed headpiece and a long embroidered veil.

Handcrafted at Chanel's ateliers at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris, the gown brought together the expertise of several of the house's specialist métiers d'art. 480,000 beads were hand-embroidered across the dress, whilst the trompe l'oeil jewelled embellishments took 1,155 hours to create. The two-metre train was finished with 25,000 feathers, and Dua's six-metre tulle veil was similarly embellished with hand-embroidered beads and feathers for an elegant, cohesive finish.

The gown marks the first Chanel Haute Couture wedding dress designed by Matthieu Blazy for a friend of the house. As an official Chanel ambassador and the face of the Chanel 25 handbag campaign, Lipa's choice of wedding dress felt incredibly fitting.

Elegant and extraordinary, but not at the expense of her own playful style, Dua's feather-embellished gown has me thinking that the era of '90s style slinky designs is over, and that a new bridal trend is on the horizon.

Read on to shop my edit of the best Dua-worthy wedding gowns below.

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In 2026, brides are overwhelmed. They have to decide when to tie the knot, where to do it, how many guests each party can invite, which font to have on their invitations, what type of napkins to use for the reception, and how much to budget for flowers. Perhaps most importantly—or, at least, it feels that way in the moment—they must choose what to wear. This decision often leads to a crucial question. Where do I start? While this is a complex question, the straightforward answer lies in selecting one of three paths: custom creations, off-the-rack selections, or vintage treasures.

For those seeking individuality, timelessness, sustainability, and storytelling, vintage bridal attire has emerged as the choice. This shift toward archival pieces is largely driven by a desire for uniqueness in an increasingly digital and visible wedding environment. As modern ceremonies are shared and saved across platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, brides are choosing vintage styles to ensure their looks feels personal and distinct from the seasonal sameness found in contemporary bridal offerings.

Ironically, many brides today are gravitating to the same types of vintage bridal looks. Lily Kaizer—the founder of Happy Isles, a luxury-vintage bridal salon in NYC and L.A.—notes that brides currently seeking vintage options are drawn to aesthetics that blend romanticism with a contemporary edge. These sought-after silhouettes are often formfitting yet designed to allow for fluid movement. Echoing this sentiment, Lizzie Wheeler, founder of the New York City–based vintage and archival bridal studio Studio Dorothy, agrees that "sleek shapes with some structure and a little sex appeal" are particularly popular, especially when made of lace.

But it's not just the styles that are similar; the designers favored by brides are too. Whether they are coming into boutiques with specific requests or browsing without direction until they find a piece they love, those getting married right now are looking to the same designers.

If you're getting married or simply curious, keep reading. Ahead, we're rounding up the top five vintage wedding brands, according to Kaizer, Wheeler, and Alexis Novak, founder of Tab Vintage, a Los Angeles–based archival vintage studio. Hint: One is John Galliano.

The Top 5 Vintage-Wedding-Dress Brands of 2026

John Galliano

Vintage designs by Galliano for Dior remain some of the most coveted pieces in fashion, particularly for bridal and occasionwear. His influence is enduring, and he famously designed Kate Moss's wedding gown in 2011.

"Dior for Galliano is always sought-after," says Kaizer. Novak agrees, noticing that Galliano's vintage slip dresses are especially coveted for their timeless appeal.

While many fashion brides actively seek out Galliano pieces, others, even those who are in the know, discover them unexpectedly. One example is Who What Wear features editor Ana Escalante, who found a vintage Christian Dior by John Galliano ivory skirt suit while searching for her courthouse wedding look. "My friend Lizzie Wheeler, who's the mastermind behind Studio Dorothy, was hearing me lament about not finding many chic vintage options that came above a size US 8, much less ones from brands I covet," Escalante says. "She sent me this white Christian Dior by John Galliano suit set in my size, and without thinking, my hands were flying over my phone buttons and buying the suit set practically sight unseen." The vintage two-piece look consisted of a jacket and pencil skirt complete with sweet, delicate lace embroidery on the skirt and jacket sleeves.

Ralph Lauren

Whether it's a sleek slip dress for the rehearsal dinner, a runway gown for the reception, or a minidress for the after-party, brides are looking for ways to incorporate archival Ralph Lauren into any wedding moment. Wheeler notes that it's one of the main brands that often come up when brides visit Studio Dorothy with requests, and it makes sense. The appeal lies in Ralph Lauren's timeless American glamour and sophisticated silhouettes. Because many of these vintage designs are instantly recognizable yet still pared back and low-key, they offer an insider appeal that resonates with modern brides.

Bob Mackie

Archival Bob Mackie designs offer a one-of-a-kind presence with a distinctive nature that feels luxurious and deeply personal, which is why he's among the most popular vintage-wedding-dress designers. Novak and Kaizer have both observed a significant surge in demand for Mackie's work. Novak notes an increasing affinity for his "exquisite beaded dresses," particularly for bridal after-party looks, and Kaizer highlights that his beaded designs and those featuring corsetry are in high demand at her boutique right now.

Valentino

"We're seeing a lot of love for '90s and '00s Valentino at the moment," Kaizer shares. To a true fashion person, that makes sense in today's climate. In the '90s, Valentino was known for its high glamour and romance, featuring design elements like flowing evening gowns, couture-level embellishments, fitted waists, elegant draping, and full skirts. In the early 2000s, the brand maintained this glamour while incorporating streamlined shapes, appealing to those who yearn for nostalgia but still want to embrace modern sensibilities. While not the most recent purchase, one of the most notable archival Valentino purchases for a bride from Happy Isles was a F/W 93 Valentino high-neck, short-sleeve gown worn by Millie Bobby Brown on her wedding day.

Monique Lhuillier

This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning one quintessential bridal designer. One of the most popular ones for vintage wedding dresses right now is Monique Lhuillier. Her signature style of classic bridalwear—think fitted bodices, layered skirts, lace, and light and floating fabrics—has transcended trends while setting the standard for luxury wedding gowns.

"Monique Lhuillier has always been my number one or number two brand," Wheeler says. "I've been noticing an increased demand for her early '00s pieces." Compared to other bridal designers in the aughts, Lhuillier focused less on heavy ruching, shiny fabrics, and dramatic embellishments and more on soft details such as intricate floral and pearl embroidery, layers of soft tulle, and satin and mikado silk.

Much like the scent of fresh jasmine and a sweet humidity that hangs low and hot, love is certainly in the air. In London, you see these public displays of affection everywhere you look, from the paramours holding one another’s hands over glasses of pét nat at a local buzzy wine bar, to the sheer amount of bodies embracing on the open park spaces dotted throughout the city. Further testament of this fact, however, is that every little white chapel from here to Suffolk, the Cotswolds and Cornwall is filled each weekend with the grandest romantic gestures of them all—a wedding.

Indeed, the summer wedding season for 2026 is in full swing. Invitations have been sent out, bridal showers have been thrown, and floral arrangements have been made. Still, a perennial question that faces any attendee is the matter of what to wear. Selecting a style to say ‘I Do’ to isn’t a matter of fishing something out of your wardrobe the morning of the nuptials, though. Speaking to Teale Talbot, the co-founder of Réalisation Par, which specialises in slinky dresses rendered in magnetic prints that are undoubtedly a summer wedding staple, she tells me that she always thinks the best place to begin is to reframe your mindset and “look for a forever piece rather than just a dress for one event”.

“It’s important to find something that captures the memory and the feeling of the moment, but that you’ll genuinely want to wear again afterwards,” Talbot adds. “The most beautiful dresses become part of your life rather than something you wear once and forget about.” This season specifically, the Australian-born, London-based design director reveals that the key summer wedding guest dresses will all feature “soft, feminine silhouettes”. Key trends include “bias cuts, open backs, halter necklines and delicate straps”, noting these adhere to the discernible shift “away from anything too structured or over complicated” and “towards dresses that move naturally with the body”.

This idea of effortlessness is what permeates the best summer wedding guest dresses, Talbot adds. “Comfort is everything. If you feel restricted or uncomfortable by the afternoon, it changes your entire energy. I always think the best dresses are the ones you don’t have to think about once you put them on,” she continues. “Silk dresses work beautifully because they move with the body and still feel elegant after hours of wear. If you can dance in it, sit in it and still feel amazing at midnight, then it’s the right dress.”

As for how to style these pieces? “Slightly undone hair, sun-kissed skin and minimal jewellery. Nothing too overdone. Dresses always look best when they feel natural and lived in. There’s something very modern about simplicity and not looking too perfect.” You don’t have to tell us to ditch our V V Rouleaux-esuqe and Andie Macdowell in Four Weddings and a Funeral-inspired hats…

To have and to hold, uncover below the very best summer wedding guest dresses for every kind of ceremony.

The Best Wedding Guest Dresses for Summer 2026, Per Each Type of Ceremony

1. The Town Hall Wedding

Style Notes: A short and sweet civil service hosted within the marble confines of your closest town hall has become somewhat of the ceremony du jour. From Marlybeone to Hackney, these inner-city suburbs have become awash in dried botanical confetti and swaths of angelic whites as newlyweds exit the venue and enter this new chapter of their lives, a stone’s throw from the bustling city streets that make London such an exciting and vibrant capital.

As a result, the dress code is certainly less formal than in other settings, and you’ll often find yourself seeking out ways to breathe new life into a timeless slip or formerly-loved treasure instead of buying a whole new look for these kinds of celebrations. Echoing this sensibility, Talbot admits that she thinks rewearing pieces is incredibly chic and luxurious. “The women with the best style have a signature look and always repeat things. They just style them differently each time.” So, invest in something that can serve as a blank canvas. As Charli XCX said, fall in love again and again.

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2. The Destination Wedding

Style Notes: When the invite demands international flights, you might as well use the travel to your advantage and pack with you a dreamy ensemble that gives you an excuse to dress up. Anything can happen when you’re abroad, especially as venues like Tonnara Di Scopello in Sicily and Hotel Corazón in Mallorca become popular haunts.

“For a destination wedding, practicality is just as important as the style,” Talbot tells me. “You want something lightweight, easy to travel with and comfortable in heat, but still romantic. Soft silks and prints always work beautifully.” Still, there’s something to be said for maximising the contents of your carry-on. “A dress can feel completely different when slung casually on holiday with flats and oversized sunglasses versus styled for a wedding with heels and jewellery,” Talbot says. So why not make the most of this investment and style it both ways?

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3. The Countryside Wedding

Style Notes: Quaint and quintessentially British, the countryside wedding is a charming way to escape the big smoke and revel in verdant greenery and plush landscapes that the United Kingdom has to offer. Rural but by no means less cosmopolitan, this occasion is defined by bouquets of native wildflowers, so embrace the delicateness of the occasion in a dress that reflects your surroundings. Like something out of Alice in Wonderland, a trip down the sartorial rabbit hole will lead you to a warren of watercolour palettes, ethereal blooms and leafy hues.

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4.The Beach Wedding

Style Notes: Long gone are the days when the likes of Pamela Anderson rocked up to get married in an itty-bitty white bikini at her local beach. These days, beachside weddings are balmy affairs straight out of a Slim Aarons photograph. Under the setting sun and with salt hanging in the hair, these are occasions to embrace your most bohemian and hedonistic sensibilities. Because where else could you wear seashell-emblazoned dresses from Conner Ives with generously sized raffia hats from Jacquemus and call it wedding appropriate?

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5. The City Soirée Wedding

Style Notes: Another common choice for couples is to eschew the big, stuffy ceremony altogether. Focusing on a more intimate service provides the opportunity to go all out with a raucous reception that stretches into the early hours of the next morning. Where dirty martinis are slung all evening, and the paramount concern is convincing the DJ to play your favourite karaoke song, opt for something slinky, sensual and fit for midnight glamour. As Talbot says, “for a city wedding, I’d probably lean slightly more polished with cleaner silhouettes and minimal styling.”

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Here comes the bride, all dressed in Schiaparelli.

Over the weekend, singer Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner tied the knot during an intimate ceremony in London, where the pair are based, ahead of their star-studded summer 2026 wedding.

While her couture wedding suit, designed Schiaparelli's Creative Director, Daniel Roseberry certainly turned heads, it was what sat atop it that sparked the most conversation on social media. Instead of a traditional cathedral veil, Lipa opted for a sculptural bridal hat to wear to her civil ceremony at the Old Marylebone Town Hall, a staple for chic British couples saying 'I do." Dua Lipa's wedding hat, and her choice to skip the traditional bridal headwear fixings, is a welcome one—after all, the singer is known for her fashion-forward choices that feel equal parts Hollywood glamor and It-girl-esque.

Dua Lipa's bridal hat arrives at a moment where brides around the world are skipping traditional veils all together thanks to a rise in micro-weddings, city-hall elopements, and four-day festivities in a far-flung, international destination. Sure, your grandmother's veil might have charm and character, but chances are, it might not fit your exact style in 2026.

Across runways and bridal collections this past New York Bridal Week, statement headwear has emerged as a chic alternative to the classic veil from brands like Ellie Saab, Alexandra Grecco, and Galia Lahav. Pillbox hats, wide-brim silhouettes and dramatic fascinators are offering a fresh way to amp up bridal wardrobes while making a memorable entrance as you walk down the aisle—or, in Dua Lipa's case, down to the courthouse.

"Brides are expressing more interest in headdresses—crowns, tiaras, beaded 1920's cloches—all things that aren't veils," Lizzie Wheeler, founder behind vintage bridal shop Studio Dorothy told Who What Wear. "The biggest trend this year is definitely hats for the courthouse. There's lots of girls looking for pillboxes in particular," Wheeler added. There's a strong theory in particular, though: as a brides wedding wardrobe expands due to the increasing number of events like welcome parties, engagement celebrations, or destination bachelorettes, Wheeler suggests brides are leaning more into looks that don't require a traditional veil. "Brides are taking an increasingly editorial approach to their weddings from all angles—that means an increase in head-to-toe looks."

Bridal Hats on the Runway

The hat-forward style isn't entirely new. Legions of chic brides that came before Dua Lipa have opted for bridal hats in lieu of the traditional veil. Fashion icons like Bianca Jagger and Amal Clooney have also opted for wide-brimmed styles for their special days. We also can't forget the chic bride in The Parent Trap who opted for a bridal top hat to wear with her Elizabeth James gown. That's capital F fashion, if you ask me.

Bridal Hats on Celebrities

For brides drawn to fashion's more unconventional side, the appeal is obvious. A hat delivers all the impact of a veil, but with a stronger point of view. If Dua Lipa's bridal look is any indication, the accessory is poised to become one of 2026's defining wedding trends. Shop the best bridal hats, below.

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Confirmed: London's wedding of the year took place this weekend, as singer Dua Lipa tied the knot with long-term partner Callum Turner in an intimate ceremony in Marylebone.

As the city's reigning cool-girl, it should come as no surprise that Dua's wedding is already setting the tone for bridal style this season. From her impeccably elegant take on bridal tailoring to her thoughtfully chosen accessories, discover the wedding trends her nuptials have propelled into the spotlight.

3 Wedding Trends Every Cool Bride Will Copy

1. The Skirt Set

Forgoing the traditional princess gown or silky slip, Dua took a decidedly fashion-first approach to bridal dressing, choosing a custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture look by Daniel Roseberry for her walk down the aisle. Drawing inevitable comparisons to Bianca Jagger's unforgettable white blazer and skirt ensemble for her wedding to Mick Jagger in 1971, the look marked the return of bridal tailoring for 2026.

Never one to go low-key, Dua's custom two-piece featured a sharply tailored ivory blazer punctuated with Schiaparelli's signature gold bijoux buttons, paired with an asymmetric skirt and sculpted blush-toned bustier trimmed with delicate white lace. Elegant yet directional, I can already tell that this bridal look is destined to inspire replicas this summer.

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2. The Statement Necklace

You'll have the rest of your life to layer delicate jewellery. On your wedding day, why not make a statement? Taking a less-is-more approach elsewhere, Dua anchored her bridal look with Bulgari's Serpenti necklace in 18kt pink gold, featuring two pear-cut emeralds. Refined and impactful, Dua made a strong case for high-impact jewellery becoming the bridal trend of the season.

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3. Old-School Accessories

Alongside her contemporary tailoring, Dua embraced a series of classic touches that lent the look an enduring elegance. White satin gloves, Christian Louboutin heels and an oversized Stephen Jones hat nodded to traditional bridal styling. Though hats have largely fallen out of favour in recent years, fashion's cyclical nature suggests a revival has been brewing—and Dua's endorsement may well accelerate its return. With long, soft waves cascading over her shoulders and simple diamond studs framing her face, Dua's look felt far more timeless than trend-led.

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I have had my fair share of wedding guest outfit ideas go all wrong. Recounting them still makes me cringe, but such is life. At one wedding, I wore a dress that definitely fit the American standards of wedding guest outfits more so than the British ones. Being born and raised in the U.S., I know many weddings take place later in the day and have an evening attire feel with darker dresses, more formal looks and occasionally more revealing cuts. (They can lean casual, too; I've even been to a blue-jean wedding.) After now living in the UK for six years, I’ve picked up on lighter materials, floral prints, higher necklines and looks that work from day to evening as the norm.

As I've written about before, I'm also not a dress person and am often seeking out more interesting, alternative wedding guest outfits. Altogether, you have the makings of a perfect disaster. Luckily, these have been exceptional learning lessons. I am now a strong proponent of finding the perfect wedding guest outfit and doing so early.

When you have an idea of wedding guest outfit trends and what most fashionable folks are gravitating toward, it's easier to find a fail-proof option that you feel incredibly chic wearing to a wedding. This summer, there's an eclectic mix. Once you're aware of dress codes, location, themes and colours (either to wear or avoid), you can plan and pull inspiration from the following trends and outfits. They seemingly all have one thing in common—to provide the perfect level of energy that stands out without detracting from the couple, of course.

There are scarf dresses, which, courtesy of that extra element, instantly upgrade your outfit. Sleek jumpsuits and pops of red are also emerging, alongside dresses with textured materials. Additionally, a movement toward vintage and vintage-inspired outfits has taken over social feeds, showing that unique personal style is a key focus of getting dressed for a wedding this year. If you're immersed in your own outfit-finding research, scroll on for plenty of trends setting the tone for the summer.

6 Wedding Guest Trends to Wear in Summer 2026

1. Magnified Florals

Style Notes: Florals are undoubtedly one of the most iconic patterns and constant trends used in wedding guest dresses. Floral prints have a long, rich history, and I expect they'll remain a timeless choice decades from now. That said, the type of pattern is always shifting, and my eye has been drawn to a particular trend I've seen on my feeds lately: magnified florals. These dresses typically only feature one or two flowers, or a handful of larger ones, as if zoomed in on a macro lens. They look exceptionally refined and sophisticated in a way that usurps other blossoming prints.

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2. Scarf Dresses

Style Notes: Though I can't quite put my finger on why, a scarf instantly elevates a dress. It could be the way it drapes, its fluidity and movement, the attention it draws or simply the fact that icons like Princess Diana started wearing the scarf dress trend many years ago (that Cannes Film Festival look was everything). Regardless, a scarf dress is chic, and understandably, there has been a resurgence this year.

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3. Textured Dresses

Style Notes: A quick way to find a wedding guest outfit that feels a little different is to seek out materials that stand out on their own. From crinkled tea-length gowns to layers of ruffles to burnout textures, it's no surprise there is an uptick in textured dresses when so many shoppers are seeking out ways to feel individual amongst a sea of other wedding guest dresses and jumpsuits. Opting for a more tactile material is great, too, if the dress code states a specific colour.

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4. Jumpsuits

Style Notes: If you love the elegance and movement of a dress but prefer trousers through and through, a jumpsuit is the best wedding guest outfit idea. Whilst suits often look impeccable, there's something about the fluidity and materials that jumpsuits come in that feel so romantic. It's the best of both worlds, and a strapless style is functional for summer weather. Simply add a chiffon cape if you need more coverage.

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5. Pop of Red

Style Notes: Whether you opt for a bold and vibrant red dress or a pair of red shoes, a pop of red is a fun and fitting summer trend to incorporate into a wedding guest outfit. Depending on the style of dress or garment you opt for, you can also take this colour into autumn and winter weddings, too. As a quick caveat, there are some weddings where a bride might wear red, so it's never a bad idea to check.

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6. Vintage-Inspired Dresses

Style Notes: Whether you source a vintage dress secondhand or find a dress that's reminiscent of older styles, you'll be right on trend. There has never been more interest in seeking out styles that differ from modern-day wedding guest dresses. As part of feeling unique and going beyond the offerings on the high street, vintage and nostalgia-driven is the way to go. More recent looks from Y2K, like fringe, babydoll and bustier dresses, are popular, as are styles that go back further, like '50s halter-necks and glimmering, sequined shifts reminiscent of the 1920s.

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Weddings were once intimate affairs, remembered in physical photo albums and through stories told face-to-face. Today, they unfold in real time—shared, told, and bookmarked across different social media platforms, from Instagram to Pinterest, where an untold number of people see and see the flowers, menus, and after-party looks you spent hours meticulously planning. As a result, weddings are far more visible and exposed than ever before, placing new pressure on brides to make all of their decisions with a digital audience in mind. The main wedding look, in particular, carries a lot of weight: It has to photograph well, stand out, and—perhaps most stressfully—earn approval from those online. In this landscape, brides are left asking a set of questions. How can I look unique and memorable on a day that everyone will see? Where do I find something that no one else has worn or will have? More importantly, how can I still feel authentically myself when dressing for a digital gaze? For many, vintage has emerged as the answer.

Vintage bridalwear possesses irreplaceable charm, history, and character. This distinctiveness, paired with a wider range of choices, prevents the sameness sometimes found in the traditional bridal space. Alexis Novak—founder of Tab Vintage, a Los Angeles–based archival vintage studio—explains to Who What Wear, "The modern bridal offering is gorgeous but only has a few select seasonal options, so the likelihood that brides who are getting married during the same season wear something similar is high." The inherent uniqueness of vintage is a key driver of its appeal. Lily Kaizer—founder of Happy Isles, a luxury vintage bridal salon in NYC and L.A.—agrees. "While there's a whole host of reasons that brides opt for vintage on their wedding day, such as style and sustainability, the desire for brides to find something that feels special and not like something they've already seen on Instagram a million times is the major driving factor in the growth of vintage bridal," she shares.

The vintage bridal market is expanding before our eyes. According to Zola's First Look Report, the percentage of respondents who thrifted or sustainably sourced their wedding looks jumped from 14% in 2024 to 17% last year, and this upward trend is projected to continue through 2026. This growing interest is evident in the business: "There's an extreme increase in brides wanting to wear vintage on their wedding days," Novak says. "The bridal requests used to trickle in, and now, it's a primary pillar of our business."

Still, this surge in demand is relatively recent. "When I started Happy Isles in 2016, vintage bridal wasn't really a thing," Kaizer says. "Ten years later, you'd be hard-pressed to find a fashion-minded bride who doesn't have a vintage bridal salon on her must-visit list." Lizzie Wheeler—the founder of Studio Dorothy, a Brooklyn-based vintage and archival bridal studio—traces the spike in interest back to 2023, when brides began reaching out to her through her previous Instagram page, @shit.u.should.buy, for sourcing help. "I felt the demand directly because brides sought me out to fill it before I even advertised that I was a vintage bridal resource," she says. That momentum ultimately led to the launch of Studio Dorothy in late 2024.

Of course, the growing popularity of vintage doesn't make finding "the one" any easier. In fact, most brides find the process more challenging when vintage is involved. "[Vintage shopping is] genuinely harder than shopping new," Stevie Barbieri, a celebrity groomer who wore a vintage John Paul Ataker tea-length dress for her wedding, tells Who What Wear. "I started with vintage, but it's truly the luck of the draw. Nothing felt meant to be, so then I tried the new-dress route. I quickly found that the quality and price point didn't align the way they do with vintage bridal, and I couldn't bring myself to commit to anything."

Barbieri was still stuck but ultimately embraced the idea of "something borrowed." She inquired about her mother's wedding dress and her grandmother's veil. Remarkably, the veil, which had been left at the dry cleaner's 34 years prior, was still there and perfectly preserved. Drawn to the third-generation headpiece, Barbieri decided to build her entire bridal look around it. "I kept coming back to the fact that something new didn't withstand the test of time," she explains. "The veil had survived decades, and a brand-new dress hadn't."

With a clear focus on the vintage route, a client recommendation led Barbieri to Sophie's Vintage Bridal boutique in New York City. "Sophie [Madorsky, founder of Sophie's Vintage Bridal], truly did the rest," Barbieri recounts. "She knew how to contrast my tattoos with something soft and unexpected, understood my love for my grandmother's headpiece, and shared my obsession with 1950s and '60s [The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel] aesthetics." The first dress Madorsky pulled was the one Barbieri chose. The moment brought forth a sigh of relief, as she had tried on over 30 dresses at that point.

Samantha Greenberg, a longtime admirer of vintage fashion, also felt "totally lost" when she began looking for a wedding dress. "Part of me wanted to go to the classic bridal stores and try on those kinds of dresses, but I just could not picture myself there, so I never went!" she tells Who What Wear.

Greenberg's search took a decisive turn after she discovered Tab Vintage on TikTok and secured an appointment with Novak. At the time, appointments were available only to stylists and by referral, so her stylist friend had to contact Novak for her. One thing led to another, and she found herself fully entrusting Novak with finding her dream dress, a process that took some time. (The best things usually do.) After Greenberg tried on numerous options at a Tab Vintage pop-up in New York City, Novak pulled out one final option. "It basically looked like a bedsheet with slits in it," Greenberg recalls. It was a 1991 cut-and-slash Vivienne Westwood gown. "Alexis said, 'Don't say no. Just try it,'" Greenberg adds. "I put the dress on, and it just clicked."

The search is always only one part of the story; the other is the emotional component. That's because when the right vintage piece finally finds its wearer, it doesn't just fit the body—it connects the wearer to a deeper feeling. At that moment, there's a quiet realization that what you're wearing not only holds promises of the future but also memories of a past—and they somehow feel meant for you. For some brides, their personal story is intrinsically linked to that connection.

As Barbieri puts it, her love story "is the furthest thing from off the rack," so it only made sense that her dress would be too. She also felt that choosing vintage was a safe investment. "As a queer woman who doesn't plan on having children, I couldn't justify a one-time-wear dress," she explains. "When I put on the first dress Sophie pulled for me, my now-wife took one look and said, 'That's the one.' I immediately spun in a circle and felt like the coolest tattooed, rule-defying bride who'd time-traveled from the '50s and was single-handedly dismantling what capitalism did to wedding culture."

For Greenberg, the feeling was a little bit different. "The dress was exactly what I wanted but could never describe," she shares. "I hadn't ever seen anything like it before and knew no one would wear something like it in the future." What solidified it for her, though, was the value it held from its past. "Knowing that I was bringing a piece back to life after decades of being hidden away was really cool," Greenberg says. "Also, to know that Vivienne herself slashed the fabric made it incredibly special to me. The dress is truly art."

Even if it's not the main gown for the aisle and reception, today's brides are finding every excuse to weave archival fashion into any part of the wedding weekend. "My typical client comes to me for the additional looks: civil ceremony, rehearsal dinner, reception, after-party," notes Wheeler. Kaizer echoes this sentiment, stressing that the secondary looks—especially the rehearsal-dinner outfit—are key for Happy Isles. "Truly, brides are dancing between the two: A '00s Dior for her rehearsal, something from LOHO Bride for her ceremony, and dancing the night away in an '80s Bob Mackie for her after-party," Kaizer argues. "It's no longer that you're 'a vintage bride' or 'a contemporary bride.'" The two now coexist. "That is the modern bride," Kaizer concludes.

Perhaps it is this balance of old and new that makes vintage bridalwear resonate so deeply today. In a world increasingly shaped by the homogeneity of social media, vintage offers history, individuality, storytelling, style, and a challenge to uniformity—all of which will captivate a digital audience.

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There's no reason that shopping for a wedding guest dress should be any more difficult than shopping for any other occasion, yet every time I sit down to take a stab at it, sourcing the perfect style feels just shy of impossible. I have several weddings on my calendar this year, which means I've been spending a considerable amount of time finding a dress to wear to each of them, taking into consideration the season, setting, and dress codes on the invite. Today, though, I'm diving into the top wedding guest trends of the moment.

We’ve already reported on the biggest bridal fashion trends to know for 2026 brides, but now it's time to discuss the trends shaping what guests will wear to weddings this year. There are already several themes emerging—from the trending colors defining the standout dresses to the personality-driven accessories to wear with them, these are all the elements of what defines a winning wedding guest look this year.

After analyzing overarching wedding trends, 2026 dress trends, and chatting with bridal stylist and fashion editor Corinne Pierre-Louis and bridal stylist Kennedy Schmidt, these are unquestionably the major trends in wedding guest dressing to know this year.

Consider Skipping: Scarf Necklines

"Scarf necklines have been everywhere lately (on brides and guests alike), and I think this trend has run its course," Pierre-Louis says. "As we head into the 2026 wedding season, I’d love to see guests lean into other silhouettes, like a soft off-the-shoulder neckline, which is a nice alternative."

The Top Wedding Guest Trends of 2026

Bright Color

If there's one trend we're seeing the most of at weddings right now, it's bright, vivid color. 2026 as a whole is already being defined by this explosion of high saturation—from the runways to our everyday outfits—and now the same is true of our occasion wear. "Instead of the standard little black dress," Pierre-Louis explains, "guests are choosing vibrant colors like yellows, blues, greens, and playful prints that feel much more celebratory. Weddings are supposed to feel joyful, and color helps tell that story." Of course, there's a practicality to it, as wearing anything in the area of white or ivory is to be avoided, while many brides choose a no-black dress code to maximize color in their wedding photos. "Whether it’s painterly florals or sharp color blocking," Schmidt says, "it brings personality and freshness to traditional wedding guest dressing."

Built-In Hardware

Of course, not every wedding guest look need be the loudest (especially so as not to upstage the bride), and one more minimalist trend on the rise right now is built-in hardware. It's all about sleek and pared-back silhouettes that, with the addition of a single sculptural detail, are simplistic but hardly boring.

Dramatic Draping

Each season, there is always some inevitable crossover between what's trending on the runways and in the weddings space, and draped dresses are a defining trend for both this year. "Architectural dressing is having a major moment," Schmidt confirms, "especially for black tie weddings. Structured draping, exaggerated shapes, and couture-inspired construction make these gowns feel modern, directional, and almost like wearable art."

Stealthily Alluring

Yes, that's right, sexy is back—tastefully, of course. "Wedding guest dressing has definitely gotten sexier, but in an elevated way," Pierre-Louis confirms. That looks like not only body-skimming silhouettes, but also open backs, subtle and sneaky cutouts that show off a little skin in an elevated and stealthy way. Tasteful is the keyword here. "Don’t wear anything to someone’s wedding that you could also wear to the club," Pierre-Louis adds.

Personality Pieces

"Guests are having a lot more fun with fashion," Pierre-Louis explains. "They’re leaning into bold styling, vintage finds, and statement accessories that match the locale (i.e., a seashell clutch for a beach wedding)." In 2026, it's all about these statement pieces, but especially unique bags, that are just oozing with personality and are instant conversation starters. Pierre-Louis' one styling note? "Please, please, please make sure your personal style still aligns with the couple’s dress code. Being memorable is great, but not if you’re wearing a minidress to a black-tie ceremony."

Two-Piece Sets

Don't be afraid to step outside of the dress default. Right now, two-piece sets are surging in popularity, and they're a cool alternative that you can pretty much guarantee no other guests will be wearing.

Anny Choi is a Who What Wear editor in residence, a stylist, a creative brand consultant, and the founder of bridal styling studio Anny Choi Brides.

You've said yes to the dress. Now, it's time to lock in the rest of your bridal wardrobe. You might opt for a sleek slip dress for the welcome party or a modern suit to complement your ceremony look. When it comes to your after-party, though, it's all about striking that sweet spot between fun, festive, and fashion-forward without defaulting to the same sequin body-con dress you wore back in your college days.

Forget the rules. Your after-party look doesn't have to be white, and it definitely doesn't have to be a mini. Instead, lean into what actually feels like you. Is there a color story you want to explore? A silhouette you rarely wear but want to try for the night? This is your moment to step outside the expected and choose something that feels intentional. It could be a "something blue" moment in an architectural mini from Simkhai or a sleek, body-skimming silhouette from Nensi Dojaka made for the spotlight. Or perhaps you opt for a longer hemline that's still undeniably party ready, such as a draped mesh halterneck from Self-Portrait or an elegant midi option from Altuzarra. If traditional bridal isn't your thing at all, a coordinated set can feel even more impactful. Think a feather-trimmed, embellished skirt with a sheer mesh top from 16Arlington or a sequin set from Shona Joy x Anthropologie Weddings that feels unexpected and effortlessly cool.

Below, shop a bridal stylist's edit of after-party looks that are anything but basic.

Dress shopping is hard, and wedding dress shopping is harder. But do you know what the hardest dress to shop for is? A bridesmaid dress. Every single day, people of all different sizes are squeezed, poked, and prodded into uncomfortable, poly-blend dresses at the behest of their friend getting married. Even if the dress is expensive, ill-fitting, or downright ugly, there's an expectation to go with the flow, swallow your pride, and swipe your credit card because anything the bride says goes. There are dozens of clickbait-y articles about the pressures and costs associated with being a bridesmaid, and my former colleague Ruhama Wolle even wrote an upcoming book on the topic!

Heading into my 2026 wedding, I knew I wanted to bring the complete opposite energy into the lives of the lovely ladies choosing to be by my side on my special day. Under no circumstances did I want them to spend hundreds on a dress they didn't like and would never wear again. After countless hours spent watching TikTok videos and scrolling nearly every bridesmaid-related Reddit thread, one brand kept up coming up for its affordability, comfort, and style. Enter Azazie, the L.A.-based label that thousands of happy bridesmaids actually swear by. What began as a brand dedicated to at-home try-ons for bridesmaid dresses has evolved into a full brand of wedding-related offerings for everyone in your party—bridesmaids, flower children, groomsmen, mothers, and even the bride herself.

I landed on my wedding dress months ago, but there was still one key component of our wedding-weekend wardrobe missing: what my bridesmaids would walk down the aisle in. I jumped at the opportunity to head to the brand's L.A. showroom to try on the best of the best, and after trying on what feels like every best-selling dress Azazie has to offer, I walked away with six favorites that I immediately sent to our wedding group chat. The response? Every woman in the party hearted their favorite dress, and there was one clear winner they were all obsessed with. If that isn't validation for how good Azazie's dresses are, I don't know what is.

Still, I wasn't about to take a few heart reactions as the final word. Bridesmaid dresses have a funny way of looking great in theory and then completely different once they're actually on. My bridesmaids all have different body types, heights, and comfort levels, so it was important for me to try on a range of styles. As a plus-size bride, I know the frustrating feeling of not finding a dress you love all too well, so after learning that Azazie is one of the most size-inclusive bridesmaid-dress companies right now (its range goes from a 0 to a size 30 and includes made-to-measure options), I knew I was going with the right choice.

I put each of my top picks to the test, evaluating fit, fabric, flexibility, and—maybe most importantly—whether it passed the ultimate bridesmaid test of "Would you actually wear this again?" From universally flattering silhouettes to the one style that unexpectedly stole the show, here's my honest breakdown of the Azazie dresses that made the final cut and the one that earned unanimous approval.

Azazie Bridesmaid Dress Review

Style: Sorrel, a mermaid corset and long skirt with matching neck scarf

Sizing: 00 to 30

Fabric options: Stretch satin, chiffon, and metallic satin

My review: This was by far the dress I was most excited to try on. Azazie constantly lists this pretty two-piece as the brand's best seller, and it makes complete sense why. Despite ringing in under $150, this dress feels like the trendiest of the bunch thanks to the body-hugging basque-waist corset and matching neck scarf. The sizing is fairly expansive and accurate for the Sorrel, but if you have a larger bust, you might be nervous about spillage or coverage in the top—just like you would with any strapless style.

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Style: Velli, a bias-cut mermaid halter dress with cowl-neck draping and a low-cut back

Sizing: 00 to 30

Fabric options: Stretch satin, chiffon, and metallic satin

My review: While I tried to be as unbiased as possible when showing my bridesmaids the photos of the dresses I tried on, I might have let it slip that the Velli was my favorite. It's timeless, classic, and reminiscent of dresses from the '90s that are all over my mood board. If Kate Moss or Carolyn Bessette Kennedy were getting married today, I know they'd ask their bridal party to wear this dress in a dark, moody color. I'm following in their footsteps. While this rustic desert rose stole my heart, this dress really comes to life in classic black.

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Style: Sarella, a sweetheart-neckline bias-cut dress with a slit

Sizing: 00 to 30

Fabric options: Stretch satin and metallic satin

My review: The Sarella screams oldie but goodie in my mind. This universally flattering and classic dress style from Azazie is such a crowd-pleaser. What's not to love? You have straps for support, a range of colorways, a high slit, and an A-line frame for your bridesmaids who may be a bit more body conscious in dresses that are tighter around the midsection and legs.

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Style: Rylina, a cowl-neckline mermaid dress with an open back

Sizing: 00 to 30

Fabric options: Stretch satin, chiffon, and metallic satin

My review: For a dress you can wear over and over again to your best friends' weddings and fancier dinner dates, don't skip the Rylina. It's a modern, younger-feeling take on a cowl-neck dress with a chic open back and a delicate drape to it. Although this is technically a mermaid-cut dress, it feels much roomier and wider in the hips and thighs than a traditional mermaid-cut gown, making it a solid option for a bridesmaid who's looking to prioritize comfort over anything else. Wider straps also means it's easier to wear a supportive bra with the Rylina, although I'd recommend a low-back bra or a sticky bra because of the style's open back.

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Style: Rue, a halter-neck mermaid dress with a slit and a crisscross open back

Sizing: 00 to 30

Fabric options: Stretch satin, chiffon, and floral burnout

My review: I'm obsessed with this dress—so much so that I was about to walk out of the showroom with it on. The best bridesmaid dresses are the ones that you actually want to wear, not the ones the bride forces you to, so this came in one of my top slots that I sent in my bridesmaid group chat. The pleated halter-neck detail is also chic and makes the silhouette much more interesting than a plain halter.

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Style: Phaedra, a one-shoulder column gown with a slit

Sizing: 00 to 30

Fabric options: Stretch satin, chiffon, and floral burnout

My review: I'm not going to lie. A one-shoulder gown always screams old to me. I wore one for my sister's wedding, and for the first two hours of having it on, I couldn't stop adjusting myself and feeling like the strap was digging into my back. A one-shoulder bridesmaid dress can be hard to get right most of the time, so I was pleasantly surprised when I slipped on the Phaedra and din't immediately hate it. Granted, I only had the dress on for a few minutes, but it looked and felt good, which is always the most important thing to consider when you're having your loved ones wear dresses in your honor.

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Bridal wear, once a niche category, has quietly but quickly evolved into a very lucrative and popular market. By 2030, it's expected to top about $83 billion—a reminder that the wedding dress carries not only emotional weight but also financial weight. This growth has attracted a new group of players: ready-to-wear designers eager to seize the opportunity. Alongside their regular seasonal offerings, they're now introducing bridal capsules. These collections vary widely, ranging from ball gowns suitable for formal celebrations to minimalist designs for small courthouse ceremonies.

From A.L.C. and Batsheva to Silk Laundry, Silvia Tcherassi, and Cult Gaia, ready-to-wear designers are elevating the bridal category with fresh perspectives on occasion dressing. True to their DNA, they're all approaching it through a distinctly fashion-forward lens. For some, such as Batsheva, this marks their first foray into bridal. Meanwhile, designers like Silvia Tcherassi, building on the success of previous collections, are cementing bridal as a core offering for their brand. Regardless of their place in the market, these collections—along with those from designers such as Khaite, Magda Butrym, and Gabriela Hearst—are ideal for a fashion person seeking a nontraditional outfit.

With that said, if you're a bride-to-be looking for a chic wedding dress or simply like browsing beautiful pieces, keep scrolling to shop the 29 best ready-to-wear wedding dresses of 2026. Some styles are classic in true white while others are more modern in creamy ivory or muted pink, even red. Regardless, they all make for a memorable moment on your special day.

What makes a great movie? Ask around our office, and inevitably, excellent style throughout and impeccable costuming come up top. A memorable soundtrack plays its part, of course, whilst pacing, dialogue and character arcs all weigh heavily too. But for many, a film’s value lies in its ability to thrill.

Some are drawn to explosive exchanges, and others are pulled towards quieter, tension-laced moments, but for me, a wedding has always been my cinematic kryptonite. Having racked up plenty of hours watching wedding scenes in my time, I've long believed that these moments capture so many of the elements that make a film unforgettable: drama, decadence, costume, passion and, of course, love. And now, as wedding season 2026 gathers pace in real life, I’ve found myself feeling a little more romantic than usual, prompting a desire to delve into some of the most iconic brides ever to grace our screens.

Whether you also love an on-screen wedding and are looking to refresh your watch list, or if you're searching for bridal inspiration for your own big day, below, discover my definitive list of the most iconic brides to ever walk down the aisle on film.

The Most Iconic Movie Brides of All Time

1. Apollonia Vitelli, The Godfather

Style Notes: With two weddings, a funeral, a baptism and more than its fair share of gunshots, The Godfather is hardly short of high-octane drama. Yet my favourite scene across its 175 minutes is one of the film's brief moments of calm: Michael and Apollonia’s wedding, set in a sun-drenched Sicilian town, feels worlds away from the violence that plagues the film. Though their romance burns fast and bright, the ceremony itself is languid, peaceful and steeped in Sicilian tradition. Apollonia wears a cascading lace-trim veil and a classic white gown adorned with delicate detailing. A smaller moment in a film brimming with towering characters, this scene alone is reason enough to revisit The Godfather this wedding season.

2. Jo Stockton, Funny Face

Style Notes: Perhaps one of the most iconic bridal looks of all time, Jo Stockton’s wedding to Dick Avery in Funny Face demonstrates exactly why 1950s motifs remain on bridal mood boards all these years later. Set in the French countryside, Jo’s gown embraces the era’s signature silhouette: a full-circle skirt cropped to mid-calf, paired with a romantic boat neckline and a sheer veil. Refined accessories—cropped gloves and simple stud earrings—work with her classic red lip and defined eyeliner to create a bridal moment that feels as charming today as it did all those years ago.

3. Juliet, Love Actually

Style Notes: No roundup of iconic on-screen brides would be complete without a nod to Love Actually. Juliet’s wedding look, unveiled in the film’s opening scenes, sees Keira Knightley styled in a cascading, subtly sheer gown. The custom design features a gauzy chiffon overlay that wraps softly around a pale, blush-toned skirt. Feathered accents woven through both the dress and her hair lend a sense of whimsy, capturing the playful spirit of the early noughties so perfectly.

4. Carrie, Four Weddings and a Funeral

Style Notes: Though Carrie’s on-screen wedding isn’t to the film’s protagonist—she ultimately chooses a life with Charles, sans vows—Four Weddings and a Funeral still treats us to a memorable bridal moment courtesy of Andie MacDowell. Quintessentially '90s, the bride wore a satin gown topped with a bolero, embellished with sequins and beads. The third of the film’s four weddings, Carrie's wedding scene delivers the charm, romance and English wit that makes the movie such a perennial favourite.

5. Marie Antoinette, Marie Antoinette

Style Notes: If decadence, hedonism and unabashed fancy are what you seek, then Marie Antoinette deserves a top spot on your wedding-season watch list. Sofia Coppola’s imagining of the life of the ill-fated Queen of France leans fully into Rococo fantasy, charting the gilded excess of Marie Antoinette’s life with lavish abandon. Staged at the opulent Palace of Versailles, Kirsten Dunst wears a gown designed by Milena Canonero, replete with embroidery, ribbons and exaggerated volume.

6. Lisa McDowell, Coming to America

Style Notes: As the film begins, our hero, Akeem Joffer (played by Eddie Murphy), flees an arranged marriage in his home country. From there, Coming to America builds patiently towards its grand, joy-filled finale, when the wedding finally arrives. Lisa McDowell’s iconic bridal look: a bubblegum-pink tulle gown, accessorised with an oversized diamond ring, a jewel-encrusted tiara and layers of dazzling adornments, creates a truly fairytale-worthy look. Theatrical and decadent, this easily warrants a place amongst cinema’s most iconic bridal moments.

7. Juliet, Romeo + Juliet

Style Notes: How could one of the most enduring love stories of all time not earn its place here, especially when brought to life by Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio? In Romeo + Juliet, the clandestine wedding offers a moment of pure, fragile joy before the tragedy that follows. Set to the ethereal tones of "Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)", Juliet glides down the aisle in a minimalist satin slip dress. Delicate button detailing and a pared-back silhouette lend the look an inherent elegance, perfectly in tune with the film’s '90s sensibility. Unstated but striking, the simple gown allows the couple's inimitable love to steal the scene.

8. Pinky, Bend it Like Beckham

Style Notes: Few films have left as lasting an impression on millennial women as Bend It Like Beckham, and Pinky’s wedding plays a significant role in its cultural resonance. Positioned in contrast to her younger sister’s rebellious streak, Pinky embraces tradition, and when her wedding finally unfolds, it does so in a vibrant celebration of Hindu customs, rich in colour, music and joy. Pinky’s bridal saree reflects traditional Indian attire, adorned with intricate embroidery and layered with gold jewellery. In contrast to the many white weddings that pepper this list, Pinky's nuptials offer a visual feast that honours tradition whilst delivering a joyously memorable wedding scene.

9. Miss Havisham, Great Expectations

Style Notes: Few on-screen brides are as haunting as Helena Bonham Carter’s Miss Havisham in Great Expectations. Forever frozen in the moment of her abandonment at the altar, she remains in her decaying wedding dress, a ghostly relic of a day that never truly was. The gown itself speaks to her deterioration: once opulent silk, now faded and frayed, lace yellowed with time. And yet, I can't deny there's a romance to it; a gothic, melancholic beauty speaking to the darker side of love, heartbreak, obsession and the relentless passage of time.

10. Bella Baxter, Poor Things

Style Notes: Bella Baxter’s opulent, energetic and outlandish approach to bridal styling feels entirely in step with the character's unbridled innocence and exuberance. The film won the 2024 Academy Award for Best Costume Design, and designer Holly Waddington's gown eschews classic bridal codes, instead incorporating a Victorian influence through a surrealist lens. Leaning into exaggerated proportions—including sleeves so inflated they resemble balloons—Bella's gown reflects the avant-garde spirit that runs throughout the film. Whilst vows were never exchanged, the wedding scene offers a healthy dose of visual intrigue, drenched in a rich palette that cements it as one of the most visually compelling on-screen weddings.

11. Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

Style Notes: Of course, I have to mention Carrie Bradshaw and her Vivienne Westwood gown. The exaggerated volume, sculptural folds and theatricality make it one of the most recognisable wedding dresses in film (and fashion) history. Paired with that unforgettable bird headpiece, the look mirrors Carrie's unrelentingly bold and playful sense of style.

12. The Bride, The Bride of Frankenstein

Style Notes: Long before modern cinema’s bridal icons, 1935's The Bride of Frankenstein offered up a bridal look that will forever live on. Wrapped in bandage-like drapery and crowned with that instantly recognisable streaked hairstyle, the otherwise-unnamed Bride's look is eerie, otherworldly and completely singular. Between the stark palette (exaggerated by the black-and-white film), the sculptural silhouette and the sheer theatricality of it all, there’s a strange elegance to her look. Decades on, it remains one of cinema’s most referenced and reimagined bridal aesthetics.

13. Maggie Carpenter, Runaway Bride

Style Notes: Julia Roberts's Maggie Carpenter offers up a series of bridal looks in the classic rom com Runaway Bride. The ultimate bride, having already bolted from the aisle three times where the story picks up, Maggie’s relationship with marriage is, at best, complicated. Still, it’s this very journey that makes her final walk down the aisle so satisfying.

Taylor Swift has cycled through several distinct fashion phases over her long career. Remember her twee era circa 2011 when her closet was all tea-length dresses, Peter Pan collars, oxford shoes, and cardigans? These days, she continues to experiment with different vibes but remains consistent with her love of certain pieces. Chief among them: miniskirts. Whether she's wearing them with over-the-knee boots to a Chiefs game or pairing pleated versions with platforms (say that three times fast), she's remarkably loyal to the leg-baring staple. Until now.

Photographed in New York City, Swift wore a white Meshki Sabrina Skirt ($185) that sends a loud and clear message: She's officially in her bridal era. Since her wedding is reportedly happening this July, I don't blame her for test-driving silky pieces in April before sweltering summer weather hits. (No one likes the feeling of sweat-stained silk clinging to their bodies.) Scroll down to get all the details on Taylor Swift's silk maxi skirt outfit.

On Taylor Swift: The Row tank top; Meshki Sabrina Skirt ($185); Dior Small 30 Montaigne Avenue bag; Audry Rose jewelry

Re-Create Taylor Swift's Maxi Skirt Outfit

Bridal season hasn't even officially started, but I’ve already RSVP’d to what feels like hundreds of weddings. And although I’m extremely excited for all of them, there’s one particular wedding that I didn’t get an invite to, but that I cannot stop thinking about: Zendaya and Tom Holland’s.

Now, of course, the jury is still out as to whether Zendaya and Tom Holland are actually officially married yet or not, but between Zendaya’s stylist and image architect, Law Roach, stating, "The wedding’s already happened!", the fact that she's recently been spotted wearing a wedding band and that the couple is known for their privacy, we can't help but speculate here in the Who What Wear UK office. Where did they get married? How was the venue decorated? And most importantly, what did Zendaya wear?

Well, thanks to the recent press tour for Zendaya's new movie, The Drama, we’ve been able to take a small peek into what she might have worn to her wedding. All week, we’ve spotted the star in white outfits (including the Vivienne Westwood gown she wore to the 2015 Oscars, but more on that later). And in true Zendaya and Law Roach fashion (no pun intended), every look has been sleek, polished and giving major bridal vibes.

Below, I’ve rounded up an edit of the very best all-white outfits that Zendaya has worn. Keep scrolling to see the looks, and then shop my edit of bridal-coded pieces inspired by the star.

Zendaya's Bridal-Coded Press Tour Looks

Style Notes: At The Drama’s L.A. premiere, Zendaya wore the same Vivienne Westwood dress that she wore over a decade ago. We first saw this elegant number when the star wore it to her first Grammys in 2015. Did someone say “something old”?

Style Notes: For those of us who love a statement dress, Zendaya’s sleek Louis Vuitton number featured a low back, middle slit, and a large black bow that doubled as a train.

Style Notes: The star hasn’t only been spotted in elegant dresses recently. Just look at this chic lace corset and pencil skirt set. Between that and the white heels, this is a look that I can see every stylish person recreating this season, whether they’re a bride-to-be or not.

Style Notes: It wouldn’t be a Zendaya outfit round-up without some form of tailoring in the mix. This Louis Vuitton shirt dress that she wore to the brand's Fall/Winter 2026 presentation ticks all of the boxes—an exaggerated collar, a waisted silhouette and a bubble hem high-low skirt.

Style Notes: Inspired by Prince’s iconic 1985 all-white stage outfit, demi-couture fashion designer Harris Reed used up-cycled lace for Zendaya’s bridal look.

More of Zendaya's Bridal-Coded Looks We Love

Style Notes: This Ralph & Russo ensemble proves that white doesn’t at all have to be basic.

Style Notes: I never even considered wearing a jumpsuit in place of a traditional dress, but the above look from Zendaya is convincing me. Simply swap out the trainers for a pair of strappy heels.

Style Notes: There's just something so chic about a short wedding dress.

Style Notes: For the brides that want something that’s slightly more elevated than your classic dress, this maxi skirt suit that Zendaya wore to the Challegers premiere in Rome is definitely one to consider.

Style Notes: Between the embroidered white dress and the statement diamond accessories, this look is just so elegant.

Style Notes: The Drama press tour is not the first time Zendaya has served up bridal realness. This tulle Louis Vuitton dress that she wore for the Challengers was complete with a diamond choker and diamond stud earrings.

Style Notes: If you’re more of a classic bride, this minimal halter dress from Louis Vuitton is for you. It’s simple, elegant and timeless.

Style Notes: The Hat! The Tailoring! The Colour! There’s so much I loved about Zendaya’s Met Gala look.

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Welcome to Who What Wear Weddings, the destination for style-minded weddings. Expect insightful tips straight from the newlyweds, shoppable elements and plenty of must-save imagery as we share the nuptials of our favourite fashion people getting married. For upcoming features, share your submissions here.

"We met during the pandemic, when the world was turned upside down. As restrictions started to lift, we went for long walks and got to know each other the old-fashioned way. Walking side by side in the countryside. No drinks or restaurants, just us and the muddy footpaths in front of us. Our first meal together was a picnic on a park bench with homemade supplies.

When Mike first told me he loved me, we were at a vineyard in Alfriston, so it was the perfect place for our proposal. He proposed to me in a secret corner of the vineyard, amongst the vines and with the Cuckmere valley surrounding us. We practically skipped our way around the vineyard after getting engaged, and then sat together eating bread and drinking wine in the September sunshine."

"I got ready with my mum, my sister and my dog, Nala. My sister wrote me a handwritten letter for my wedding morning, so I sat with her as she read it to me. It was a special moment I’ll cherish forever. I did my own makeup, and I had my hair done by Katya Valentina in a half-up, half-down style. I wanted my hair down because my dress was a bandeau, but I knew we were going to be by the coast, and it was sure to be breezy! So having it half up allowed me to know it would be practical too. Mike got ready in the room next door with his mum, and there was a lot of laughter back and forth as we tried to avoid bumping into each other in the corridor before our first look."

"When we first got engaged, we found out that one of my best friends had got engaged on the same day! What are the chances? So we made a dream become even more dreamy; we caught a train to Paris and went wedding-dress shopping. It felt like a scene from a movie; walking into the bridal boutiques in Paris, the rails of exquisite dresses urging us to try them on, with the sounds of the sewing machines whirring away in the rooms next door.

"I found the most stunning Calais lace fingerless gloves. They were my first wedding wardrobe purchase. The delicate lace with scalloped edges on both sides was so intricate and delicate. They instantly elevated any of the dresses I tried on, so I knew I had to have them. I built my wedding day outfit around these."

"I designed my wedding dress with AYM. I drew out many designs and shapes, but kept circling back to the shape that finally became my dress. I knew I wanted something timeless, elegant and subtly sculptural. I opted for a bandeau that would allow my shoulders to be bare, something I think is extremely chic. We created a corseted bodice with boning in the sides to hold the shape together. I wanted to feel comfortable but also have a shape that was a little bit sexy too, so I created a gathered section over the tummy, so that we could tighten the fabric around the waist and allow it to flow over the tummy area, creating a silhouette that feels flattering and still empowering.

"It’s always a challenge to create a fit around the hips that isn’t tight around the lower tummy but has a shapely fit around the bum. With a lot of back and forth with Gabby, we created a shape that fit beautifully, allowing for comfort in case of bloating and a shape around the back that felt feminine and sculpted. I opted for no slit in the dress as I didn’t want it to blow open; I wanted to be able to focus on enjoying the moment without worrying about holding my dress (and my dignity) together."

"For the shoes, I brought in something blue and went for a pair of Jimmy Choo [Elsy 70s] in a soft powder blue. I also wore our styling scarf, draped softly over my shoulders for an added layer of easy elegance."

"The bouquet was designed by Zara of Zara Flora. I wanted cascading lilies wrapped with pearls, so it felt like jewellery; a delicate finishing touch that tied the whole look together."

"The wedding band and engagement ring were from G Collins. When I met Mike, he was helping his cousin work on the G Collins workshop, so it felt like a full-circle moment when he designed my engagement ring with them. He created a stunning emerald-cut sapphire with step-cut trapezoid diamonds on either side. Our wedding bands are simple, also from G Collins."

"Mike's outfit was an earthy-brown suit from P Johnson. His shoes were from Russell and Bromley. P Johnson has a casual suit option. Mike wanted something that felt relaxed and to bring a bit of his personality into his outfit, especially as we were planning to walk around the countryside after our ceremony. Inspired by the earthy palette of the landscape we were going to explore on our wedding day."

"We rented a house in the countryside for a week and stayed there with our mums and sisters. The house had never been used for a wedding before, but the hosts were incredibly accommodating when we reached out to them and asked if they would be happy for us to host a small ring ceremony.

"The house is a traditional Kent Oast house, featuring a round Oast section that lends it considerable character. As our legal wedding was so intimate, with just our mums, we didn't host any welcome events. But we all had a cosy dinner at the cottage the night before, and we had a pamper night. Mike included!"

"We had our invitations created by Lindsay at TPel Paper & Press. The invitations featured woodland scenery inspired by our home. We’re renovating stables in the English countryside that are surrounded by ancient woodlands, so we wanted to bring our home into our invitations. We had two woodpeckers on the front, and silver birch leaves decorating the archway motif with draped branches. We wanted our guests to be able to interact with our invitations, so we created layers that could be opened like little chapters in a book, revealing different details of the day."

"We got married in Eastbourne Town Hall. It’s a stunning building. Very grand and has this gorgeous staircase lit by a stained-glass window. We chose the Mayor’s Parlour, as it was only four of us! We got married with our mums as our witnesses. It was incredibly intimate."

"Following our legal ceremony, we went to the beach. It was stormy, with the waves being whipped up into big frothy splashes of white, and we had to take our shoes off to manage on the cobbled beach. (My Jimmy Choo's didn’t like the cobbles very much!) I absolutely loved walking along the cobbled British beach as newlyweds; people must have thought we were totally bonkers."

"We spent the rest of the day driving around in a vintage car, with a picnic and enjoying the landscape around the South Downs. We walked down to the Seven Sisters, and Benjamin took the most magical photographs of us in the stormy weather."

"We got absolutely drenched by the rain, so we drove back to the house we were staying at and did what any sensible couple would do: pushed a little rowboat out into the pond. We paddled through the rain, just the two of us floating there on the reflection of the trees."

"We wanted to embrace the elements of the Sussex countryside, from spending time by the sea and enjoying the rolling hills of the South Downs, to being outside as much as possible."

"The wild ruggedness of the Seven Sisters cliffs especially resonated with us. Inspired by these surroundings, I loved the idea of bringing sculptural elements into the dress. The earthy tones that Mike picked for his suit complemented the palette perfectly."

"When we returned from Seven Sisters, I changed into the Gaia Dress. It felt like the perfect transition piece: effortless, romantic and made for movement. I wanted something that felt lighter and freer, a dress I could truly live in. The Gaia Dress offered the perfect balance of elegance and ease, so I could enjoy every moment in complete comfort."

Bride: @aliemackintosh
Groom: @mikejb22
Photography: @benjaminwheeler
Venue: @uniquehomestays
Hair: @katya.valentinahair
Dress: @aym.studio
Shoes: @jimmychoo
Flowers: @zarafloraflowers
Catering: Pip & Seed
Stationary: Tpel Paper & Press

In 2026, the chic, well-dressed bride no longer conforms to societal expectations. She's taking a different approach, choosing the look that feels most authentic to her. This shift is evident in the choices we're seeing, from red wedding dresses and garments already in one's closet to selecting trousers over a gown or even a bolero instead of a veil. Brands are embracing this nontraditional movement as well, with Vivienne Westwood being a prime example.

On day six of Paris Fashion Week, Vivienne Westwood, under the creative direction of Andreas Kronthaler, showcased its fall 2026 collection. Kronthaler drew inspiration from Italian designer Danilo Donati as well as German French actress Romy Schneider, whom Kronthaler told Vogue "embodied everything. And she was a bit like Vivienne, a fearless woman who always went for the artistry."

The show featured 45 ready-to-wear looks, concluding with a single bridal ensemble worn by Swiss model Vivienne Rohner. The unconventional look included an unfinished ivory satin blazer and a maxi pencil skirt. It was accessorized with bow-adorned pumps, an avant-garde cylindrical headpiece, and a bouquet of radishes. The beauty styling reinforced the nontraditional theme with smudged red lipstick and a yellow manicure.

Vivienne Westwood, which has long challenged tradition and convention while referencing historical styles, built its bridal reputation on corseted gowns. A prime example is the iconic Nova Cora, famous for its internal bodice, folded off-the-shoulder neckline, and flowing satin draping—a look chosen by Demi Lovato for her wedding. However, Vivienne Westwood’s move for fall 2026 asks, What if the bride didn't wear a dress? This new ivory skirt suit answers that question in a way that feels modern, subtly rebellious, and unmistakably Westwood.

If you're a 2026 bride-to-be who wants to marry the Westwood way, keep scrolling to see the runway images for yourself and shop the chicest bridal suits available right now.

On the Runway

Vivienne Rohner and Andreas Kronthaler closing out the show

Shop Bridal Suits

They say a wedding dress is the most important piece of clothing a woman will ever wear. Well, where’s the beauty in that if the style you’ve chosen to walk down the aisle in is far too elegant for everyday settings? For an increasing number of brides, the styles they selected to tie the knot in aren’t floor-grazing or aisle-dragging. Instead, short wedding dresses offer something altogether quite contemporary and unconventional. Indeed, call this their ‘something new’ in the way they’ve bucked convention, but as more couples opt for ceremonies that cater to their own tastes rather than adhere to traditions, it’s unsurprising to see cropped hemlines come to the forefront.

This isn’t just a response to modernity, however. Whilst perpetual brat, Charli XCX, might’ve made the most prolific endorsement for short wedding dresses when she wore Vivienne Westwood’s Nova Cora off-shoulder mini, but it’s not just the Aperol Spritz-adoring pop star who has chosen the unexpected for their big day. In fact, short wedding dresses have a storied history of being worn by prolific women who weren’t afraid to blaze their own trail, whether that be Mia Farrow, Audrey Hepburn, Sharon Tate, Lily Allen or Cindy Crawford. The most famous short wedding dress, however, remains Yoko Ono, who wed John Lennon wearing a pleated thigh-baring dress at the British consulate office in Gibraltar.

These women weren’t dressing to meet expectations. They were dressing with intention, just for themselves,” explains Annelise Sealy, founder of London-based bridal boutique, The Fall. “Choosing a short dress signals that same mindset—fashion-forward, self-assured, and unafraid to stand apart.”

Speaking about the ascent of short wedding dresses, she explains that several factors have contributed to the rise of this style. (And no, I’m not just referring to the length.) “Modern brides are more empowered than ever to make choices that genuinely reflect who they are,” Sealy adds. “Marriage no longer feels like a rigid rite of passage; it’s a personal milestone, so the dress doesn’t need to follow a prescribed formula.”

“I think a short wedding dress carries an inherent sense of confidence,” acknowledging that they put the focus on the woman, not just the gown. “It's the opposite of the prescribed norm, whilst feeling fresh, intentional, and fun. It also offers freedom—both literally and stylistically—as it’s easier to move and enjoy the day without managing layers of fabric or a long train.”

This last point resonates with the way most brides are approaching their ceremonies, too. “Short wedding dresses reflect how weddings themselves have evolved—smaller guest lists, city ceremonies, destination celebrations, and multi-day events,” Sealy continues. “They suit that modern pace and versatility, and lean into a sense of individuality rather than excess.”

As for wearing one well? “It’s definitely all in the details and styling! Sheer layers instantly elevate a shorter length, or you can play with volume by adding a dramatic sleeve or detachable train. A veil, gloves, bold heels, or statement jewellery can transform a short dress into something unmistakably bridal while still feeling fashion forward.”

So, whether you’re seeking something to wear to your civil, a second look moment or are simply wanting to find ‘the one’ in a style that’s more cropped, scroll on to see a fashion writer’s edit of the best short wedding dresses of 2026.

The Best Short Wedding Dresses to Shop in 2026

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We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

If the imagery of slick Manhattan skylines, Upper East Side soirées, New England summers and Kennedy compounds hasn’t cemented FX's biographical romance anthology Love Story (which airs weekly on Disney+) as the water-cooler show du jour, then the tidal wave of '90s minimalist fashion certainly will.

Charting the famed relationship between Carolyn Bessette—a slick, insouciant publicist for Calvin Klein and perennial downtown darling—and John F Kennedy Jr—political scion and co-founder of the now-defunct George magazine—the limited series shines a spotlight on the notoriously private couple’s whirlwind entanglement. Thus far, we’ve seen their on-again, off-again origin story, their cataclysmic public breakdown in Central Park and a glimpse at their tragic undoing. However, for us at least, it's the fashion that's become the real focus of the show.

From her iconic Levi’s jeans to her collection of Prada knitwear and anything-but-basic basics from Petit Bateau, the wardrobe seen on actress Sarah Pidgeon is making a convert of sleek, understated style out of even the most stringent maximalist. Still, one would argue that it’s not her Yohji Yamamoto skirt-and-white-shirt set or floral Chanel midi dress that has gone down in history as her most iconic look, but her incredibly refined and understated wedding dress.

With CBK and JFK Jr’s nuptials taking centre stage in the sixth episode titled "The Wedding", the pared-back gown will once again be thrust into the spotlight. Ahead, we speak to the show’s costume designer, Rudy Mance, about the making of the dress, and dive into everything you need to know about the small island ceremony itself. From the custom Manolo Blahniks she walked down the aisle in, to the anti-bride colour she wore to her rehearsal dinner, read on for all the details on Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s wedding dress.

Everything to Know About Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's Wedding Dress

1. The Dress

To set the scene, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and John F Kennedy Jr tied the knot on 21 September 1996 at an intimate wedding ceremony hosted on Cumberland Island, just off the coast of Georgia in the U.S. The event was supposedly a secret, which made the understated simplicity of her wedding dress all the more captivating. Instead of a billowing gown befitting of marrying "America’s Prince", the then 30-year-old exchanged vows in a simple slip dress. Designed by Narciso Rodriguez, who was a close friend of hers, the ivory-coloured dress featured a simple cowl neck that draped elegantly across her frame.

The silhouette was completely revolutionary and reshaped the face of bridal fashion forever. Offering women an alternative to frothy shapes and stiff taffeta, the design was also a marker of a decade underscored by minimalism and decisive simplicity, the latter coming to summarise her fashion legacy.

"It was so simple, so elegant and so classic," says Mance. "It was the perfect dress that reflected who Carolyn was, which was equal parts ahead of its time [and] so of the time, all whilst being absolutely timeless. It changed the way we thought of modern wedding dresses." The Emmy-nominated costume designer, who has collaborated with Ryan Murphy nine times prior on period pieces like Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans tells me that the process of translating CBK's dress for the screen began with a sketch, followed by rigorous research.

Telling me that he "studied every single photo that was available of the dress", he looked at Narciso Rodriguez’s initial sketch, which was published by Vanity Fair, and watched The Lost Tapes to see how the dress moved. However, the real eureka moment came when the team stumbled across the remnants of the original material, fortuitously only a stone's throw from JFK Jr and CBK's Tribeca loft.

"We discovered that Narciso had bought a silk crepe fabric from a shop here in NYC that’s still around, called B&J Fabrics," explains Mance. Miraculously, they still had a very old and yellowed swatch of the original fabric, so through them, we reached out to the fabric mill in Italy and imported the exact same fabric. We custom-made the dress out of the original fabric Narciso used. It was important to me to be as exact as possible, not only out of respect to Carolyn Bessette, but also to Narciso’s beautiful design."

All in all, the finished dress seen in the show was the result of three to four prototypes Mance made in order to get the exact proportions right. "The most challenging thing to execute was the drape of the dress, the way it hung on Sarah [Pidgeon, who plays CBK in the show] and the way it moved on her as she wore it," he notes.

"It was such a simple dress, but so beautiful in how it almost flowed when she would walk, so the seams needed to be tweaked quite a bit to get the final shape of it. We tried different versions of the toile of the dress before we landed on the final recreation."

2. The Shoes

CBK’s bridal shoes weren't as widely discussed as her dress, but they were an extension of her refined and polished approach to personal style. For the occasion, she wore a pair of crystal-beaded satin sandals from Manolo Blahnik. A favourite of another '90s New York icon, Carrie Bradshaw, CBK’s relationship with the Spanish designer led to a slingback style named in her honour. These aren’t the exact pair she wore for the big day, though; she opted for a shape similar to the Callasli.

3. The Beauty Look

Another element that makes CBK’s wedding look so eternal is her hair and makeup. Echoing the understated essence of the ensemble, she wore her long, blonde locks in an unfussy low bun. It looked almost like something that she could’ve done herself in the morning, which only added to the effortlessness and elegant nonchalance that continues to define her. Her "something old" was the clip that kept the style in place, which formerly belonged to her late mother-in-law, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Later in the evening, as she had her first dance as a wife whilst wearing her husband’s tuxedo jacket as a shield from the brisk Atlantic breeze, she took her hair down, leaving loose waves resting casually on her décolletage. As for makeup, her complexion was kept buttery-soft and matte, whilst forgoing a strong lip or eye look really let the elegance of the dress shine through.

4. The Bouquet

CBK carried a small bouquet of lilies of the valley, which she clutched in her white-glove-encased hands. The flowers also held sentimental value, as she once again honoured Jackie, who was known to have adored lily of the valley to the extent that she had them on her breakfast tray every morning to wake up to the scent.

5. The Guest List

CBK and JFK Jr opted for a modest chapel, the First African Baptist Church, for the candlelit ceremony. Established in 1893, the one-room building hosted 40 of their closest family and friends.

Amongst the attendees were Kennedy’s cousin, Anthony Radziwiłł, and his wife, former journalist and Real Housewives of New York star, Carole Radziwiłł. The wedding party also included Kennedy’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, who is a political correspondent, writer and commentator currently running for a congressional seat in New York.

6. The Venue

For the reception, guests gathered at the Greyfield Inn, anhistoric mansion built in the early 20th century for the Carnegie family. Over a three-course dinner held under a white canopy, the newlyweds were said to have rung in the evening with music from Prince and cocktails on the porch. JFK Jr shared the following toast to his bride: "Carolyn has changed my life in a way I never thought was possible. She has just made me, tonight, the happiest man alive."

As a petite fashion person, I find two areas particularly challenging to shop for: pants and dresses. I’m very petite with a short torso and short legs, standing at 5’0”. As wedding season approaches with spring, I’m preparing my outfits for upcoming weddings as a guest. There are a few go-to styles that I always turn to because they are petite friendly. Trust me, these types of dresses are easier to find than you think.

I’ve compiled six different reliable fits that I turn to, from strapless dresses to slip dresses. These styles fall at the perfect length on my body type, so I thought I would share for my other petite fashion lovers out there. Feel confident in your wedding guest outfit without overthinking it in these 30 wedding guest dresses. I even threw in jumpsuits for the bold dressers.

If you’ve already been invited to a wedding or a few, keep scrolling through to shop all the petite-friendly wedding guest dresses I discovered.

Minidresses

Minidresses are my favorite to wear to weddings. They're easy to style and tend to look like a regular-length dress on me. I'd dress up in any of these dresses below. They all fit various aesthetics if the wedding you are attending has a specific theme.

Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits may not be as common at a wedding, but if there aren't rules against it in your invite, give it a try. I like wearing jumpsuits as they do the same trick as a dress: You can just put it on as a one-and-done outfit.

Two-Piece Sets

Two piece sets are the perfect solution if you're having trouble finding the right outfit for a wedding. They're a chic option, and they can be dressed up even more with accessories.

Midi Slip Dresses

A midi slip dress is the answer to your long-dress dilemma. I love wearing a floor-length dress but hate looking like I'm drowning in it. So a midi slip dress is always my go-to since it falls at the perfect length.

Strapless Dresses

Strapless dresses elongate the neck and bring attention for your décolletage. It's a chic and elegant option for any event but especially a wedding.

One-Shoulder Dresses

One-shoulder dresses are for those bold dressers at the function. It's another fun way to express your personal style and stay within a wedding's dress code.

Everyone approaches becoming a bride differently. For some, the wheels start turning during childhood—grade-school daydreams filled with dresses and flowers that make up an idealized day. I even know a few people who bought their dress long before they found their person. Then there are others who remain largely unbothered by any of it until they suddenly find themselves inundated with wedding planning. I belonged to the latter.

I got engaged in January 2017 and married in July 2018. Back then, the vintage market, especially vintage bridal, was far less expansive than it is today. Around that same time, the first location of my own vintage shop happened to be right next door to Happy Isles salon, one of the true pioneers of vintage bridal.

Whenever business was slow, I would wander next door to try things on—not with any real intention of buying yet but more as a way to understand how I actually wanted to feel. I had never dreamed of being a bride, and I definitely didn't want to feel like a princess. I'm tall and feel awkward in anything too voluminous but also not quite right in anything overly formfitting. Somewhere in the midst of all that trying on, I realized I didn't really want to look like a bride at all.

Lily Kaizer, the founder of Happy Isles, became my guide during that time. She helped me reframe what bridal could look like in a way that felt personal and comfortable. Over time, I ended up with several beautiful pieces from her salon.

The process felt more overwhelming than I had expected. Weddings look different for everyone. Timelines, access, and resources vary widely, and there is no single right way to do this. Vintage felt meaningful to me because it allowed room to get creative, change my mind, and move intentionally over time.

What I Learned Along the Way

1. Start early, even if all you have is an hour here and there. Browsing online in small pockets of time can still offer inspiration, whether during a lunch break or while unwinding on the couch at night.

2. Once you can, start visiting shops in person. Time gives you space to explore without pressure and allows your taste to evolve. There is a sweet spot between browsing freely and trusting your instincts when something feels right. You should never have to talk yourself into a dress. Always listen closely to your gut.

3. Online searching can feel intimidating at first, but it becomes easier once you know how to approach it. Simply typing "wedding dress" into a search could lead to disappointment. I prefer starting with the bones of a piece.

4. I usually think about era first. I often begin with the 1920s, especially if you're drawn to fluid, slinky silhouettes or something that doesn't feel overtly bridal. From there, narrow by fabric—silk, rayon, chiffon, lace. Fabric often tells you more than most labels ever will.

5. Color matters too. Some of the best bridal dresses are never described as white. Cream, ivory, pale yellow, and champagne often yield far better results.

6. Don't immediately rule out a great vintage dress because it's the wrong size or has a few flaws. A skilled seamstress can work wonders. I almost always consider a wide range of sizes, especially one or two sizes up. Buying larger can give you length, while fit can almost always be adjusted.

7. I also suggest looking for dresses that were never meant to be bridal at all. Vintage evening gowns, beaded silk dresses, and Old Hollywood–style pieces often make the most memorable wedding looks.

8. If something you love isn't accessible—whether because of timing, availability, or cost—take notes. Pay attention to what drew you to it: the cut, the fabric, the era, the feeling. Use those details as a road map. If a designer piece is out of reach, look at what inspired it instead. Searching by era and silhouette can get you surprisingly close.

9. Save listings and come back to them. The best pieces don't always reveal themselves immediately. Don't be shy about asking sellers questions. Most are happy to provide measurements, additional photos, or more context about a piece.

10. Vintage can be surprisingly open-ended when you give yourself time to really look. Some of my favorite pieces have shown up in places I wasn't expecting.

I've spent nearly two decades in Los Angeles, so what follows are places you can visit here. Some I know intimately—others I've come to trust through word of mouth and years in the vintage world. Together, they offer a wide range of aesthetics and approaches.

Where to Shop Vintage in Person

Happy Isles

Happy Isles salon remains the gold standard for vintage bridal in Los Angeles. With a dreamy curation and a deeply thoughtful approach to the experience of becoming a bride, it's where I learned that vintage bridal does not have to feel like a costume. They also have a New York location and operate by appointment only.

The Highline Vintage

The Highline Vintage is a treasure trove of romantic dresses with plentiful whites, creams, and champagnes. If you're looking for true vintage with a softer price range, its showroom is well worth a visit. Appointments are required.

The Kit Vintage

The Kit Vintage falls somewhere in between with a beautiful mix of unlabeled vintage and designer options. A bonus is that it's next door to Platt Boutique, a shop filled with dazzling vintage jewelry to accessorize your look. It's open Tuesday through Saturday and also available online.

Tab Vintage

Tab Vintage has recently added chic bridal edits to its selection with a strong roster of designer gowns in bridal hues. Think Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, and more. It's by appointment only with an online shop as well.

Lily et Cie

Lily et Cie offers a very specific experience with museum-level couture pieces that are exceptionally rare. It's best suited for serious collectors. The store is by appointment only, and no photos are allowed.

Where to Shop Vintage Online

• If you're on Instagram, I'd recommend following vintage bazaars like A Current Affair and Pickwick Vintage. They travel between Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, and it's always worth stopping by if they happen to be in your area. Even if you don't find the one, browsing in person can be incredibly helpful.

• For those shopping online, many people I know have had wonderful luck with Gossamer, Xtabay Vintage, Transplant Vintage, Raffe Vintage, and Eveliina Vintage. Each offers a distinct point of view.

• Marketplaces like eBay and Etsy remain some of the best tools for finding incredible and affordable options if you approach them thoughtfully. Bookmark your favorites and revisit them over time. It becomes habitual in the best way. 1stDibs is excellent for higher-end and archival pieces when budget allows and works best when used with specific keywords.

In the end, this is meant to be fun. It's a unique moment of self-reflection where you get to express yourself freely. I hope your search unfolds in a way that feels celebratory, unhurried, and true to who you are.

Welcome to Who What Wear Weddings, the destination for style-minded weddings. Expect insightful tips straight from the newlyweds, shoppable elements and plenty of must-save imagery as we share the nuptials of our favourite fashion people getting married. For upcoming features, share your submissions here.

"We met five years ago, and our first date took place during the pandemic. Cevin picked me up to go drifting, and afterwards, we ended up at his agency, sharing a glass of wine. The funny part? It was technically our first date, but I stayed over that night, and in a way, never really left.

"The proposal happened on my 30th birthday in Ibiza. We had rented a house with my closest friends, and Cevin surprised me with the proposal out on the terrace. It was completely unexpected (as we were still a little hungover from the night before), but it turned into the most beautiful moment, especially because we got to celebrate it with my friends right afterwards.

"Everything about our story has always moved fast. We already have a two-year-old daughter, and now, after just five years together, we are married. From the very beginning, we’ve been living life at full speed—like going 270 km/h in the fast lane—and that energy has carried us all the way here."

"Our wedding had a pastel theme, inspired by Cevin’s art, which is full of soft, colourful tones. I designed the invitations myself in lavender and soft pink to introduce the [colour palette] right from the start."

"On the morning of the wedding, I got ready at the Chateau Royal in Berlin, which was also where we spent our wedding night. I was joined by my best friend Antony, who was also my best man, and we even shared our first glass of champagne, making the morning full of laughter, excitement, and special moments."

"I chose to have my dress custom-made by Berlin designer Franziska Burgert. One of my closest friends had previously had her wedding dresses designed by Franziska, and I had always been impressed by her work. I wanted something special, something tailored exactly to my body, rather than picking a dress off the rack"

"My makeup was done by Patricia Hoos, a talented makeup artist from Berlin who came highly recommended. Since I usually wear very little makeup, I wanted something a bit stronger for the wedding but still natural, and Patricia executed it perfectly. Originally, I had planned to wear my hair down, but in the end, I opted for a sleek braided updo so that my scarf and the corsage of my dress could really stand out."

"Originally, [I planned to] wear white wide-leg [trousers] with a crop top and maybe a cropped blazer. But as the process unfolded, I realised that this was such a special day, and I wanted to wear a skirt instead. Franziska tried a corsage on me just to see how it would feel, and the moment I put it on, I fell in love. From that moment, it was clear that I wanted a corsage with this skirt.

"The final look was the perfect fit for me: elegant yet cool, sexy but not overdone. I wanted to avoid a traditional “princess” vibe and instead go for something edgy and modern, something that really fits the Berlin spirit. The outfit was completed with a scarf, adding an extra unique touch. I wore silver Jimmy Choo shoes, and for jewellery, I wore my engagement ring, wedding ring and additional gifted pieces from the day, all from Tiffany & Co., which beautifully completed the look."

"Cevin wore a custom-made suit from SteelSupply, featuring black trousers, black shoes, and an off-white double-breasted blazer paired with a bow tie. His look perfectly complemented mine. Together, we looked amazing."

"Originally, the plan was to have a small civil ceremony in Berlin and then host a larger celebration in Mallorca. But as the planning unfolded, the Berlin ceremony kept growing, and before we knew it, we had nearly 60 guests. At that point, it felt natural to embrace it as our main wedding celebration, especially since it allowed our families in Germany to be part of the day.

"We chose Hallesches Haus in Berlin, which turned out to be the perfect setting. What makes the venue so special is its beautiful outdoor space. Having dinner outside was non-negotiable for us as we wanted one long table where all of our guests could sit together. That sense of connection and togetherness was the most important thing: no separation, no small groups, just one big table of conversation, laughter and joy."

"Since our ceremony was civil, we had limited space and could only have 15 people inside. That meant it was just our closest family and our daughter, Ida. She was our adorable ring-bearer, bringing the rings to us after we exchanged vows. It was such a sweet and memorable special moment."

"A funny moment happened with the music. I had prepared a USB stick with a song for our entrance, but I didn’t realise that the old sound system could only play one track at a time. I had actually created a folder on the stick with the song labelled 'Song for Ceremony'. When we entered, the official plugged in the USB, and suddenly a groovy house track started playing!

"Everyone was surprised and a bit confused, and my mom even came out to ask if this was really supposed to happen. For a moment, I panicked, thinking the moment was ruined. But in hindsight, it was so funny, and actually perfectly fitting, since it was a song I normally play as a DJ. It added a natural, playful touch to the ceremony that made it even more memorable."

"Despite the small space and the unexpected music, the ceremony was incredibly beautiful, intimate and emotional. We even exchanged a few personal words with each other. Normally, civil ceremonies are said to be very formal and 'dry', but ours felt deeply personal, romantic, and truly memorable. A moment we will always cherish."

"After the ceremony, we had our couple’s photoshoot, and in the afternoon, the reception began at the venue. A singer performed acoustic versions of some of my favourite songs from Rihanna, Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. When we joined later, the singer performed 'Freed From Desire', and everyone sang along. It was an incredible vibe!"

"As mentioned, our wedding had a pastel theme, inspired in part by Cevin’s artwork, which is full of bright and cheerful colours. We wanted the day to feel joyful and lively, and the pastel palette set the perfect tone. The dress code for our guests was also pastel, creating a cohesive, colourful look that would shine in photos and make the celebration feel extra vibrant."

"Our florist tailored the flowers to match the pastel theme, using soft pinks, lilacs, creams and delicate dried blooms. The flowers complemented the charming courtyard, with its green chairs and leafy walls, creating a beautiful, harmonious overall look. Candles in pastel shades added warmth, whilst the menus were printed in soft lilac tones, perfectly matching the table décor. With everything from the flowers to the table linens and candles working together, the result was a stunning, cohesive setting that felt both elegant and playful—a perfect reflection of our vision for the day."

"As a special 'personality gift', each guest received a bottle of wine from Rheinhessen, selected by winemaker Juliane Eller, with our logo on it. In addition, we wrote personal letters to every guest, sharing heartfelt words and memories. These were placed on their plates just before the meal, and seeing everyone’s reactions—tears, smiles and hugs—was incredibly moving. It was such a meaningful way to show our appreciation and connect with our loved ones on a deeper level."

"Dinner followed around 6.30 pm, served family-style at one long table, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. The mood remained playful throughout, with a funky '70s and '80s house playlist. Guests were already dancing—some grabbing the microphone—and an impromptu dance circle formed outdoors. Around 10 pm, we moved inside to cut the pastel-coloured cake, inspired by Cevin‘s artwork.

"One of the most special moments of the evening was the speeches by our respective best friends and witnesses. Both gave absolutely beautiful speeches, finding exactly the right words, and everyone was completely captivated and emotionally moved."

"Our first dance was a highlight of the evening. I have danced my whole life, and Cevin also has a dance background, so we prepared a small choreography with three different songs. It was completely unexpected for our guests, and their surprised, excited, cheering reactions made it an amazing, unforgettable moment. After that, the party continued all night with incredible energy and unforgettable joy."

Bride: @maddi_bu
Groom: @cevinparker
Photographer: @erikxwinter
Wedding Ceremony Venue: Hallesches Haus Berlin
Ceremony Dress: @franziskaburgert.atelier
MUA & Hair: @patricia.hoos
Flowers: @schokohama

And that's a wrap on 2025! (Well, almost). As we're approaching the end of another wonderfully fabulous year for fashion, at Who What Wear UK, we've all been discussing and debating the biggest moments of the last 12 months. The good, the bad and the Labubus, there have been viral bootleg jeans, tour wardrobes, another Met Gala to decode as well as snippets into the new Devil Wears Prada film.

This year was one of, if not the, most exciting years for fashion in the last couple of decades. With 16 new creative director debuts in September fashion month for spring/summer 2026, the industry's musical chairs brought unprecedented change and excitement across the 'big four' fashion cities and beyond. Highlights included Matthieu Blazy's Chanel, Jonathan Anderson's Dior and Louise Trotter's Bottega Veneta.

And it wasn't just the fashion world that was particularly momentous and stylish: in music, both Lily Allen and Sabrina Carpenter have served look upon look for their press and concert tour for their respective albums, West End Girl and Short n' Sweet as well as Man's Best Friend. Of course, speaking about music and big moments, let's not forget Kendrick Lamar's performance at the Super Bowl halftime show. People were left talking about the cut of Lamar's jeans more than they wee his performance. Our verdict? Well, we've been wearing bootleg cut denim ever since, so go figure.

Before we get right into the 10 biggest moments in fashion of 2025, see how much you were paying attention this year, with our big fat fashion quiz of the year. Good luck!

Take the Big Fat Fashion Quiz of the Year

10 Biggest Fashion Moments of the Year

1. The Devil Wears Prada 2

We couldn't speak about fashion moments this year, without speaking The Devil Wears Prada 2. With the preview teasing just enough to wet our appetites, as well as that iconic moment they attended Milan Fashion Week in September in full character to film a scene from the upcoming film, it's safe to say we we're hooked.

2. A Very Brat Wedding

Singer Charli XCX married her finacé, George Daniels, who is the drummer in the 1975, in September in Sicily. After a very chic legal ceremony in London, the couple invited all their friends to the Mediterranean for a weekend wedding of Aperol Spritz and 365 partying. From Alex Consani to Gabbriette, Emily Ratajkowski and Amelia Dimoldenberg, every cool person you follow was there. Did we have FOMO? What do you think?

3. Labubu Mania

If you've got through this year without knowing what a Labubu is, then you may have taken your digital detox too far. Pop Mart's furry toy monster doll, with its very mischievous "ugly-cute" face became a huge hit not only with Gen Alpha and Gen Z, but millennials around the world. An example of the genius of 'blind box' items, not knowing which character you were buying when purchasing drove excitement, and as such, sales. Everyone from your niece to Dua Lipa, Marc Jacobs and Rhianna had a Labubu hanging off their handbag this year.

4. Sabrina Carpenter's Tourdrobe

Sabrina Carpenter's sensational album Man's Best Friend toured this year, and with it were some beyond fabulous looks from the pop princess. From pink bedazzled mini dresses to vintage-inspired custom corsets, the outfits she served were spoken about almost as much as the album itself. We're super fans, can you tell?

5. Matthieu Blazy's Chanel Debut

Of all the creative director debuts during fashion month in September, none impressed quite like Matthieu Blazy's first collection for Chanel. From feathered skirts to a contemporary take on the classic tweed suit, Blazy managed to keep the house's heritage whilst bringing into the future. It was met with much praise, and high anticipation for his future looks.

6. Kendrick Lamar's Superbowl Bootcut Jeans

Kendrick Lamar's appearance at the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show generated significant buzz for his fashion choices, particularly his jeans. He wore Celine Homme bootcut jeans, specifically the Marco Jeans in Dark Union Wash Denim by Hedi Slimane. They were a low-waisted, loose-fitting, bootcut (or flared) silhouette, thus proving the comeback of Y2K style, and became a major talking point online and reportedly sold out quickly after the performance.

7. Grace Wales Bonner Becomes Hermès Menswear Creative Director

Although as mentioned there were numerous new leaderships announced at luxury brands this year, none meant more to us, and the industry, than the announcement of Grace Wales Bonner's appointment at Hermès menswear, which had made her the first Black woman to lead design for a major luxury house. Succeeding Véronique Nichanian, her first collection will be January 2027, where she will bring her signature tailoring and craftsmanship to the French designer.

8. Jonathan Bailey's Feet

It's been a big year for Jonathan Bailey. He was named People Magazine's 'Sexiest Man Alive' 2025, released multiple major movies, and went viral for his... wait for it... feet.
In June 2025, Bailey wore flip-flops to the Jurassic World Rebirth photocall in London, which caused much debate online. But these weren't just any flip-flops, they were The Row's Dune sandals, which were subsequently named the "hottest fashion item in the world" by the Lyst Index for Q2 2025.

9. Lily Allen's West End Girl Winter

Lily Allen has had quite a year. Her confessional break-up album West End Girl was released this autumn, and the world has been in a 'West End Girl Winter' ever since. A far cry from Brat Summer 2024, this vibe shift is all about female vulnerability and self-reflection. Of course, her outfits have been just as stuck in our minds as her songs.

10. The Met Ball Men

The first Monday in May, aka The Met Gala in New York City provides some of the best looks of the entire year. This year the theme was Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, and celebrated Black Dandyism. The surprise of the evening was that critics and the general consensus online, was that the best dressed were the male guests. From Colman Domingo to Bad Bunny and Lewis Hamilton, the men served!

There are certain items of clothing that you remember forever. In a Proustian sense, the memory of when and where you wore it is proverbially stitched into the very material of the piece. Unequivocally, a wedding dress is one of them.

“A wedding dress is so much more than clothing—it’s the tangible expression of someone’s identity at the exact moment they step into a new chapter,” explains Annelise Sealy, the founder of London-based contemporary bridal boutique The Fall Bride.

“It holds emotion, history, personality and intention,” Sealy continues. “At The Fall Bride, we see brides choose pieces that capture how they want to feel: powerful, modern, romantic, effortless. A wedding dress anchors the narrative of the day and becomes part of their personal story.”

But how to actually make it to the aisle wearing a piece you adore as much as the person you’re meeting at the end? And what wedding dress trends are on the rise for 2026?

“2026 is shaping up to be the year of romance reimagined. Silhouettes feel fluid and feminine, but beneath that softness lies impeccable structure and considered craftsmanship,” Sealy notes on the overall mode set for bridal fashion.

Even more so, the limits for what constitutes a wedding design are blurring in 2026 and beyond. Your design could be the dress you’ve been dreaming of since you were a girl, something that arrived via DHL Express the evening before or something you plucked from the high street set in the weeks leading up to the big day. Either way, the notions around what constitutes a wedding dress are becoming quite antiquated.

Still, there is so much pressure to find The One, even if you are armed with the information about the key emerging trends and styles that could be read as dated in a few months' time. On that, Brigitte Stepputtis, design director of couture at Vivienne Westwood, suggests newlyweds-to-be should “let go of the myth of the ‘perfect’ dress. She continues, “If the dress shifts your posture, sharpens your confidence and makes you feel slightly more yourself, that’s The One.”

This is a trait we’ve seen a lot of already from Charli xcx's leg-baring, off-the-rack Vivienne Westwood gown for her Hackney Town Hall civil ceremony to Lana Del Rey’s Victorian-inspired custom Cinq creation for her ‘Love on the Bayou’ themed nuptials. These are pieces that are considered in the sense that they capture the quality of who they are, but are equally carefree in their approach. In fact, a dress chosen without the pressure of selecting something perfect will actually be the most precious of all.

And in an era where exchanging vows can sometimes feel like a performance for a digital peanut gallery, there’s something so liberating about intentionally embracing a wedding dress that solely caters to you—your tastes, your history, your traditions and your future. “In essence,” Sealy adds, “2026 brides are embracing softness, but it’s with intention, designed with the precision of couture and the poetry of eras past”.

But this is only helpful in theory. So, whether you have a date set, are in the nascent stages of planning or are still simply picking out engagement rings, keep scrolling below for the 8 expert-approved wedding dress trends of 2026.

The 8 Key Wedding Dress Trends of 2026

Style Notes: It would be remiss to discuss the key 2026 wedding dress trends without beginning here. As the brat songstress said, everything is romantic, and one of the biggest trends encourages brides to embrace this sensibility through a refined lens. “2026 is shaping up to be the year of romance reimagined,” explains Sealy. “Silhouettes feel fluid and feminine, but beneath that softness lies impeccable structure and considered craftsmanship.”

Rosie Williams, co-founder and creative director of The Own Studio, a contemporary bridal studio located in the heart of Shoreditch, echoes this. “For 2026, we’re seeing a balance between structure and softness,” she says. “Think: hidden corsetry and structure with fluid draping on top. It’s all about having that really amazing, containing feeling on the inside, but still an element of romance and fluidity in the fabric.” Tender touches like stitching a quote into the lining of your train—perhaps in a robin's-egg blue in an homage to that traditional “something”—or upcycling a family member’s gown for your veil are ideal ways of expressing this trend.

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Style Notes: Whilst predicting future trends can sometimes feel like gazing into a crystal ball, take solace in knowing that there’s a rich history of fashion trends to mine, especially if looking too far ahead feels daunting. “Vintage references are coming through with unprecedented subtlety,” says Sealy.

“Rather than overt costume, we’re seeing whispers of the Baroque, the opulence of Rococo, and the sculptural femininity of the Belle Époque translated into modern silhouettes: ornate brocade reinterpreted as lace motifs, elongated corseted waists softened with fluid drapes, and embellishment that pays homage without imitation.”

A designer who excels at the New York City-based modern bridalwear maven, Danielle Frankel. Establishing herself as a definitive destination for contemporary women seeking something cool and with couture sensibilities, the brand’s latest collection draws inspiration from illustrations by Erté, the 20th-century Russian-French artist known for his hand-crafted costumes.

Slightly Art Nouveau, slightly Art Deco, the designs render a century-old tradition with a new outlook. “Trapunto stitching, corded trellis embroidery, boned bodices and hand-painted facades are just a few of the signature details that make up an imaginative compilation of cinema-like pieces, each with its own personality,” the brand says in a press release, which also reflects a desire for weddings to play out like an event. “Brides want their wedding day to unfold like theatre,” explains Stepputtis.

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Style Notes: Though the aforementioned trends speak to the overall vibe for 2026 wedding dress trends, bridal designers are also forecasting the return of specific elements. Draping is one of them. “Draping continues to play a pivotal role, bringing movement, softness and dimension to gowns that feel both contemporary and timeless,” explains Michelle Aznavorian, the founder and creative director of ready-to-wear and occasionwear label Misha.

More specifically, designers are embracing draping that feels “poetic rather than fussy”, as Sealy notes. “Soft folds that skim the body, cascades of silk that ripple as the bride moves, and sculpted ruching that gently shapes without ever feeling rigid,” she continues. “It’s sensual, but never showy, a quiet luxury with a decidedly modern hand. This is shown through corseted bodices with a fluid drape through the gown, sculpted without looking stiff, and deeply flattering and romantic.”

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Style Notes: Ask any upcoming bride, and they’ll tell you about the concerns they have about wearing one of the most contentious parts of bridalwear: lace. Is it slightly too old-fashioned? Will you resemble a crocheted doily your grandmother has over her lounge room? Fortunately, not. “Lace is coming back in a big way,” Sealy foretells. Williams also adds that whilst lace is back, it’s very much reimagined. “It’s more about interesting motifs, trim details and clever placement versus all-over lace gowns,” she notes. “Look for French lace, which is delicate, soft to the touch and deeply chic. Corded or more graphic lace can feel too traditional or stuffy,” Sealy explains.

For Sydney-based bridal designer Prea James, lace is a fabric that she's been using for over ten years. “When I first launched the label nearly a decade ago, lace was on its way out as minimalism was coming in,” she says. “If brides aren’t feeling a full lace gown, they can still incorporate the trend through subtle touches, like lace trims or a lace veil. It’s a beautiful way to bring in the texture and romance of lace without feeling overwhelmed by it.”

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Style Notes: The naked dressing trend isn’t a silhouette that would traditionally translate into bridal wear, but as these designers note, the conventional wedding dress rulebook is being rewritten for 2026. “Sheerness is no longer about overt sensuality, but instead introduces a whisper of allure through delicate layering and refined fabrication,” Aznavorian explains. “Brides are pairing sheer lace, tulle, and organza tops beneath gowns, creating a delicate interplay between transparency and opacity,” Sealy adds. “The future isn’t glossy, but it has a soft sheen, layered translucency, and tactile textiles that come alive on camera.”

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Style Notes: Blame it on economic constraints or the fact that many brides are looking to have several ‘moments’ throughout the day, but the act of having multiple dresses continues to dominate in 2026. However, it’s taking a slightly different format, as instead of wearing several gowns, people are looking to re-up one singular dress through adjusting and tweaking elements over the course of the nuptials. Enter: removable elements.

“The art of layering takes centre stage in 2026,” Sealy remarks. “It’s an unexpected approach that adds depth, dimension, and personalisation, allowing a single gown to feel effortlessly ceremonial for the aisle and stripped-back for the reception,” she continues. “For 2026, we’re seeing detachable overskirts and sleeves being the trend, as well as an accessory change-up like adding a neck scarf for the reception.”

It’s a trend designers themselves are besotted with, too. “I love this trend and love designing for it, because you can create two very different looks with just a few thoughtful changes,” adds James. “Our Mariska dress, for example, pairs with multiple detachable trains—the Eloise Tails, Daphne Train, and the Grace Overskirt—and also looks incredible on its own. This style is up around 230% from this time last year! The trains or overskirt give that dramatic ceremony moment, and once removed, they reveal a sleek column-style dress for the reception.”

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Style Notes: One of the more radical wedding dress trends to emerge for 2026 is reversible silhouettes. This isn’t just about turning your gown inside out, but intentionally displaying the internal structure of a gown in a way that displays the artistry and skill that goes into creating a gown.

“This trend celebrates the work and craftsmanship in wedding gowns—an honesty in design that lets the internal architecture become the aesthetic,” explains Sealy. “It also offers a point of uniqueness and intentional design in a market that has become incredibly saturated with options. Visible boning and construction elements reflect structural beauty and a sense of modern craftsmanship.” One of the most prolific designers to do this—and has been for decades—is Vivienne Westwood. As Stepputtis adds, “we’ve long celebrated the poetry of construction and showing the bones of a garment is a way of honouring its engineering”.

“This also echoes another design code of the house; undergarments worn as outerwear. One could almost see this as a visual result of the bride’s intentions. They have been seeking authenticity, a rejection of perfection and craving a "transparent" identity.”

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Style Notes: Another unconventional trend to rear is to head is anti-stark white wedding dresses. “We're moving away from sharp, optic-bright whites,” explains Sealy. But fret not, this pendulum swing isn’t towards darker hues, but rather muted and pastel colours that add dimension and intrigue to a gown. “Sophisticated tonal palettes—buttery cream, and even rose pinks— that flatter all skin tones and lend gowns a warmer, more romantic aura are taking their place,” she adds.

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What Wedding Dress Trends are Considered "Dated" in 2026?

With new styles entering the canon of wedding dress trends, the pendulum must swing against some styles. Whilst these will never truly be "dated", especially since, as we've professed numerous times, a wedding dress is a deeply personal choice, there are certainly some styles that aren't as popular as others.

"The minimal slip has had its moment, but 2026 demands more. Brides aren’t rejecting simplicity, but they’re seeking gowns with more structure and support," Sealy observes. Brides are also gravitating away flat matte fabrics with no dimension. "The ultra-matte finishes that dominated previous years are quietly exiting," Sealy notes. Brides are craving nuance through fabrics with depth glow, texture, movement."

What to Look Out for When Buying a Wedding Dress?

We generally find there are two types of brides: those who know exactly what they want and what suits them, and those who really don’t know where to start," explains James. If you're the latter, these are the exact elements to keep in mind when buying a wedding dress:

• Silhouette: "The silhouette is the foundation, do you feel more yourself in something structured or something softer? You’ve got to feel incredible in the shape of the dress as a starting point," says Williams. "Exploring a mix of silhouettes to see what feels good on your body will naturally help you narrow down what you love," James adds.

• Occasion: "It’s also worth considering how each style aligns with the wedding you’re planning, whether it’s a formal affair or a more intimate restaurant celebration," James notes.

• Fabric: "Fabric is so important and completely changes the mood of a dress," says Williams. "Structured fabrics create presence, fluid fabrics give a sense of ease. If you’re considering dyeing your dress after the wedding, it’s important to choose a fabric that is suitable for dyeing." Sealy also says that matte finishes feel "cleaner and modern" whilst textured materials "add dimension to simple cuts" and satin finishes are "timeless and romantic".

• Time: Most wedding dresses will require several months to make, so you need to have an idea of your timeline when shopping. "Make sure you give yourself enough time to explore different shapes and styles so you can get a feel of what suits," Williams adds. "Save trying your favourite brand on until the end as, by that stage, you’ll have a much better idea of what you’re looking for."

• Length: "A small train is classic, but a larger train can add drama and theatre," Sealy explains. "No train creates a cleaner, more modern editorial feel."

• Volume: "Ask yourself how you want your dress to behave. Flowing? Sculptural? Architectural? Minimal? Volume can also be concentrated (skirt only) or evenly balanced," she continues.

• Silhouette: Consider your silhouette, Sealy also stresses. "Structured means your gown will be more sculptural, corseted, supportive and flattering on any figure. Fluid means bias-cut silks, soft movement, effortless and no structure to support, so undergarments become even more key"

• Necklines: "Square and scoop feel clean and sculptural. Plunge adds sensuality without being “overt”. Strapless is polished but not fussy when paired with a minimal overall design."

• Mood: "Most importantly, what feeling do you want to embody? Modern? Romantic?Architectural? Playful?

How to Choose a Wedding Dress?

So, how to actually choose The One, especially when the market is so saturated and it can almost feel like everyone is a critic? "There’s already so much planning that goes into your wedding day; feeling rushed or pressured will only add unnecessary stress," James says.

"Once you’ve narrowed things down to your favourites, remember that you need to be the decider. If you’re bringing anyone to your appointments, make sure they don’t have overpowering opinions, because at the end of the day, it’s your dress, your wedding, your choice.

"And once you’ve locked in a dress, stay off social media to avoid confusing yourself—you don’t need more noise."

Sealy also stresses this. "The myth of The One can be overwhelming. My advice is to not chase perfection—chase comfort, confidence and authenticity," she explains. "There may be several dresses that are right; the key is which feels aligned for your day and the format of your wedding. Don’t get hung up on bridal 'rules'. Focus less on pleasing others and more on feeling like your favourite version of yourself. When the dress supports your personality rather than overpowering it, it usually becomes “the one."

How Many Wedding Dresses Should a Bride Have?

"More often than not, weddings now have at least one satellite event attached to them, whether that’s the night before or a recovery day after. Each event has its own distinct vibe, and it’s the perfect opportunity for brides to lean into different looks that reflect different sides of their personality or style," says Williams. Whilst there's no exact rule for how many wedding dresses a bride should have, it is increasingly popular to have many dress changes.

"I think this stems from more couples getting married overseas and therefore having multi-day events, which creates the need for multiple looks," James adds. "It’s then filtered down to one-day weddings, with brides choosing a more statement dress for the ceremony and a fun party dress for the reception. I personally think it’s lovely when the reception dress ties in with the main dress. It still needs to feel equally as special in its own way — you don’t want to change out of a beautiful gown you felt amazing in and slip into something that doesn’t hold the same magic. So if you’re going to make a change, keep that in mind and perhaps time it for later in the evening."

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

Welcome to Who What Wear Weddings, the destination for style-minded weddings. Expect insightful tips straight from the newlyweds, shoppable elements, and plenty of must-save imagery as we share the nuptials of our favorite fashion people getting married. For upcoming features, share your submissions here.

"Our (almost) decade-long romance started studying abroad in London the summer of 2016," Mollie Mandel, an integrated marketing director of luxury at Who What Wear and Marie Claire, shares as she thinks back on the international romance with her now husband, Matthew Stewart, a managing partner at River Circle Capital and Galt Holdings. "I first saw Matthew at his fraternity party, where his band was playing the spring of my junior year. I remember turning to my friend and saying, 'Who is that?' I later learned he would also be studying abroad in London that summer and allegedly remarked, 'Who knows? Maybe I'll fall in love with Matthew Stewart this summer.'" Little did she know that was exactly what would happen when the two arrived in London that summer and fell in love.

The romance began in London before bringing them back stateside for years of dating while living apart between New York and Atlanta. "After years of long distance and a new home in Nashville, Matthew pulled off a surprise Central Park proposal while I was back in New York for a work trip," Mandel gushes. "Both of our parents were in on it, including my grandma, who gave Matthew the ring my grandpa proposed to her with 70 years earlier in NYC."

After their engagement, the couple started planning the wedding and quickly settled on Blackberry Farm, a sprawling 4200-acre estate in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Walland, Tennessee. "With Matthew and I living in Nashville, it's become meaningful to us as a couple," Mandel shares. The wedding, which was held on a crisp fall weekend in November 2025, brought the couple's vision to life. Seasonal florals embraced the colors of autumn. The bride's wedding wardrobe included Danielle Frankel, Lein, and vintage Ralph Lauren. A performance at the reception by the groom's college band even tied the celebratory moment back to the moment the couple first met.

"The three-day weekend began with a candlelit family dinner in the wine cellar."

"I kicked off my wedding-weekend looks with a Danielle Frankel two-piece that felt perfect for the occasion—a nod to the mock-neck overlay I'd be wearing later in the weekend and to the stripes that ran as a through line in our design."

"I paired the look with burgundy Jimmy Choo heels, our color of the weekend."

The couple with family at dinner.

"The dinner was such a special moment for us and our families, a chance to take in the calm before the storm."

"We kept the design handsome for the intimate setting—a bit more neutral with a touch of brown and terra-cotta and blush."

"Afterward, we met our guests at the main house bar for welcome drinks, where the cozy room buzzed with excitement."

"Guests enjoyed activities and everything the farm has to offer on Friday, followed by an alfresco evening at the Yallarhammer."

The setting for the welcome dinner.

"The welcome party was a honey-toned ode to the season. Ariella Chezar, our amazing florist, encouraged us to embrace the golden tone of the birch trees surrounding the creekside setting."

"Matthew and I both wore Ralph Lauren for the occasion. He looked handsome in a tweed suit with suede details and loafers. I wore a vintage RL dress sourced by Tab Vintage paired with heeled RL Collection boots. The stripe-and-paisley patchwork on the dress tied my weekend looks together and was the perfect piece for the setting. For something borrowed, I wore my best friend Kat's wedding earrings from Sophie Buhai along with an antique cuff from the 1800s gifted to me by my bridesmaids."

"We layered striped honey-yellow linens on the picnic tables, benches, and napkins and popped the place setting with a blind-pressed menu featuring seasonal farm icons. Ariella layered the tables with the stunning florals, mounds of moss, golden pears, and wildly beautiful mushrooms. Matthew loves to fish, so the Yallarhammer (a type of fly for fly-fishing) setting was especially fitting for Friday. We had to tie that in with the escort-card moment!"

"We enjoyed dinner under the lights and candlelight with lanterns glowing over the pond and later invited guests to an outdoor concert from one of Matthew's and my favorite bands and a friend of my family, Wilderado. It was a highlight of the weekend and a memory I will never forget."

"I got ready in the Garden House with my girls. It was the perfect peaceful morning to start the most special day."

"I wore a vintage Christian Dior nightgown and robe that I sourced on eBay."

The bride wore Danielle Frankel on her wedding day.

"My best friend and matron of honor, my mom wore a custom One Of by Patricia Voto dress in the most beautiful fabric that incorporated all of our colors."

"Lila Childs (the best!) did my makeup for the weekend and made me feel like the best version of myself. We had more fun with my looks earlier in the weekend, drawing inspiration from '90s Ralph Lauren campaigns, but kept the makeup natural and feminine for the wedding day."

"My bridesmaids wore monogrammed oversize white button-downs from The Frankie Shop."

"My bridesmaids wore a mix of solid and floral dresses in a palette of moss green, blue, burgundy, and soft yellow—the colors of the weekend. I wanted a variety of looks and for my girls to feel their best, so I helped each of them choose the perfect dress. They all looked so chic."

"Laura Bosshardt of Laura Lines Calligraphy produced all of the paper, from save-the-date to day-of details. Knowing paper was really important to me and my mom, the Augusta Cole team highly recommended Laura for her range of design, from elegant and timeless calligraphy and textural graphic design to line drawings and watercolor illustrations. I was drawn to different styles for different applications, and she was the perfect person to affect our vision. Our paper suite did a beautiful job of setting the tone for the elegant style and burgundy, brown, moss-green, and light-blue palette to come, but it also gave our guests a sense of place through her whimsical illustrations of the farm."

"From the start, I knew I wanted Danielle Frankel to design my dress—classic yet modern and effortlessly feminine."

"I tried on quite a few of [Danielle Frankel's] designs, each one more beautiful than the last, but ultimately, we customized with the best of everything I loved. We added a tulle overlay to the bubble-hem skirt with hand-cut lace and delicate spaghetti straps to the Drew and paired it with a topper with lace appliqué for the ceremony. I chose Danielle's classic short veil, which was the perfect finishing touch with the tulle topper."

"I wore my mom's diamond flower studs with a yellow-diamond center that my dad bought her as an anniversary gift from the Tiny Jewel Box in D.C. My engagement ring is a classic emerald cut, originally my grandmother's ring. For my wedding bands, I chose a mix-metal stack from FoundRae and a classic Cartier gold band for Matthew."

"Matthew wore a Todd Snyder tuxedo with a white dinner jacket paired with an oversize satin Tom Ford bow tie and Rubinacci velvet loafers. His 30th birthday was just before the wedding, so he wore the vintage Rolex Submariner from his birth year that our close friend Ryan Chong, CMO of Bezel, helped me source as a gift."

WWW Weddings Tip: "Stay true to your personal style but have a little fun! Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and confident."

The bride with her parents.

"My handsome guy. Fishing moments before our first look—classic!"

The couple with their families.

"Our flower girls and ring bearers looked absolutely precious in Pepa London. The ring-bearer pillows were a special touch made by Patricia Voto of One Of with the same fabric of my mom's dress."

Moments before the ceremony.

"Saturday's ceremony was an extension of one of the prettiest spots on the entire farm: the back lawn of the Main House. We have so many enjoyable memories soaking in that view of the Smoky Mountains on the Adirondacks. We wanted the ceremony to feel intimate and nestled into the space, so we carried the potted plants down the aisle, and then Ariella encircled where we were to stand with soft, delicate white and green florals with a touch of golden foliage to reflect the season."

"I first went to Blackberry Farm on a mother-daughter trip in May 2023. It was a dream to have everyone we love together on the property for a weekend of celebrating. The Blackberry and Augusta Cole teams made that dream come true and then some. It was magical."

"My parents walked me down the aisle to Chris Stapleton's 'Joy of My Life' performed by bluegrass band The Whiskey Rebellion."

"Matthew's dad, Ron, officiated our ceremony, which was so special."

Moments after the couple said "I do."

"My grandma Annie, who means the world to me, dressed in Loro Piana, her signature."

The bride and groom on their wedding day.

"After cocktails on the stone terrace and through the Main House, we invited our guests to enjoy a dinner party with us at The Barn."

"We focused on a residential and elegant feel with silver, etched crystal, and occasional touches of blue and white. The florals were so gorgeous in rich burgundy, caramel, mauve, pomegranate, and touches of soft blue."

"I had a clear direction from the start, but I did not know exactly how it was going to take shape over the three different events and multiple entertaining spaces at Blackberry Farm. Working with Augusta and her team to bring my design preferences to life was definitely a favorite part of the planning experience. Overall, I wanted to nod to the season without feeling obviously fall. I wanted to embrace the beauty of Blackberry and the farm setting while still feeling chic and celebratory. And I wanted to incorporate classic patterns like check, ticking, and stripes without feeling too rustic. The Barn and reception design were so fun to see come to life—the perfect complement to Blackberry's design and our shared love of French interiors."

"Matthew and I capped off the dinner by inviting everyone through the wine tunnel to party, where we surprised everyone with dirty martinis en route!"

"Between the painted dance floor, the striped-and-checked tented stage, our trompe l'oeil bar, and the little illustrated lamp shades, I am not sure what I loved most in the dancing room!"

The couple takes their first dance.

WWW Weddings Tip: "Working with a planner who you really trust and gets your style and vision is so worth it and makes all the difference. Augusta and her team honestly became like family and made the whole planning process feel easy and fun."

Cutting the cake.

"My dad got his groomsmen high-tops for his wedding, so I surprised him with matching Converse for our father-daughter dance. Gave him his Father of the Bride moment with sneakers and checkered tablecloths—just like he always dreamed!"

"His groomsmen, who are my godfathers and uncle, joined the party in their high-tops too!"

"We never left the dance floor! Matthew's college band made a guest appearance."

"My second look was a bespoke lace slip dress by Lein."

"Meredith Stoecklein's designs have a way of making you feel confident and comfortable, and I adored everything I tried on. We landed on a bespoke slip dress with a nude silk underlay and beautiful Italian wool lace that was perfect for the setting and dancing and plenty of party tricks."

Photographer: Olivia Rae James
Videographer: Aaron Novack
Hairstylist: Hannan Siddique
Makeup Artist: Lila Childs
Florist: Ariella Chezar
Calligrapher and Stationery Designer: Laura Lines
Planner and Designer: Augusta Cole
Venue: Blackberry Farm

If you're interested in having your wedding featured on our site, please fill out our Who What Wear Weddings submission form here.

Lauren Chan is a Who What Wear editor in residence, model, former award-winning fashion editor, and founder of Henning, a luxury plus-size clothing label.

While planning my nuptials, one of the first things I did was open Instagram and type “lesbian wedding” into the search bar. Where I expected to see an endless scroll of reels, there was a blank page with the message: “No results found for ‘lesbian wedding.’” I figured the app was having an innocuous glitch; to troubleshoot, I searched “wedding” and—ta-da!—a plethora of content appeared. This, as it turns out, was an explicit metaphor for how I’d experience the wedding industry as a queer bride.

As my planning continued, I was incessantly reminded that the wedding industry isn’t built for LGBTQ+ folks. In a word, I felt excluded—whether by the thin, white, male-gaze beauty standard apparent in magazines and ads or the lack of cards or cakes that read “Mrs. & Mrs.” Getting dressed for the big day was no different: Bridal fashion brands do not speak to the queer eye.

Though it may seem trivial, it’s important to call out this inequity in the culture wherein the Supreme Court is considering repealing marriage equality by overturning Obergefell v. Hodges (the landmark 2015 case that enshrined same-sex marriage into the Constitution) and, perhaps more importantly, to celebrate the ways in which queer people forge ahead, find joy, and offer representation to our own community.

That’s why I decided to talk to other brides who, despite feeling unable to find their wedded garments at bridal shops, found other avenues to get dressed: author Tembe Denton-Hurst, model Kelly Hess (Mittendorf), and creator Becca Calegari. So where did they shop? And what did they learn? Find out here.

Tembe Denton-Hurst Followed Ellie Misner on Instagram

"It just looked ugly," said Denton-Hurst of the market while she was dress shopping for her wedding. You know what she means: "Bridal was… princess." When I asked where she started her shopping quest, she quickly answered with, "I didn’t shop." Denton-Hurst said she knew there was no world in which she would be able to buy something off the rack that she liked and came in a size 18. (A bridal size-exclusivity crash-out warrants its own article.)

She noticed her peers starting to trend toward the Vivienne Westwood and Danielle Frankel vibe, but neither of those felt decidedly Tembe. "We have our own aesthetic codes," she said. "I had a very Black wedding and very lesbian wedding. Making that visual was important."

As a first swing, Denton-Hurst was in conversation with Wiederhoeft to align on a vision for a custom gown. When that didn’t move forward, she was a bit stumped. "Then I was on Paloma Elsesser’s Instagram and saw that she had worn a corset by Ellie Misner, who was designing what she calls 'couture for all bodies,'" she shared. One DM later and the rest is lesbian wedding history.

The final looks by Misner were both ivory, one was a two-piece minidress and corset with an off-the-shoulder underpinning; the other was a classic basque-waist gown with hip pads. The padding (my favorite part!) was influenced by the female gaze and Denton-Hurst’s now-wife Connay Bratton. “I’m not afraid of mass,” she said. "I think there’s a tendency for people to be as vanishingly small as possible on their wedding days. But [Connay] has made me feel even more comfortable in my body; I never felt like I had to hide any parts of myself."

Becca Calegari Found James Ford Through Community

"I like an androgynous aesthetic," said Calegari. "It’s obviously hard for masculine-leaning women to find that in a textbook [bridal] store. But just because you don’t look like a 'bride' doesn’t mean you are any less important. You can still be one without the heels, veil, or dress."

Calegari, who typically wears suiting from brands like Ralph Lauren and Cinq à Sept, worked with designer James Ford. And despite Ford appearing on the Netflix series Next in Fashion, Calegari discovered him through her queer community in Los Angeles. "Through friend of a friend," she shared. "We connected and hit it off."

Hit it off is an understatement based on the process Calegari went on to describe: "He came over to the house and was able to get inspired by what was around and getting to know [my wife and I] in our own habitat. He brought books and swatches and was able to see where my eyes lit up."

The suit they ended up designing together was a fitted straight-leg, peak-lapel, double-breasted number with a tonal brocade. Underneath, Calegari wore a silky matching button-up. They made every detail special, down the word "gentlewoman" embroidered on the suit’s inner pocket. Oh, and the look was sharp bridal white.

"We both wanted to wear white,” said her wife, Allie Calegari, who stressed that the homage to the traditional bridal color was important to them. Funnily enough, the couple has been to number of LGBTQ+ celebrations and have actually noticed the opposite. "We’ve seen a lot of very bright jewel tones, not white," she remembered. "Individuality and wanting to break the mold are inherent to queer weddings."

Kelly Hess Bought Varca at Bergdorf's (and Thrifted)

"I really wanted it to feel like me," said Hess. (FYI, as a model and creative director, feeling like “her” means "cool.") "I loved the lace Paco Rabanne dress that Gabby Windey wore to one of her weddings—it looks like she’s going to do things how she wants to do it, not based on what expectations are."

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that Windey is cool personified. And moreover, lesbians like her are leading the charge in fashion these days. "Being a queer woman is really celebrated [in fashion] right now," Hess confirmed. Perhaps that’s why after striking out while shopping at bridal shops in her home state of Arizona, she tapped a private stylist at New York City’s most high-fashion store, Bergdorf Goodman.

"I met an incredible stylist, and within five minutes of meeting her, she said, 'I think I know what dress you’re going to pick, but let’s try on a couple others and save that one for last,'" Hess recounted. “And she was 100% right." For fashion girls, a ready-to-wear POV can often be the way to go. Hess’s dress was a white strapless ball gown made from taffeta with a draped bodice and basque waist by Varca.

And as if this wedding style story couldn’t get any cooler, West Dakota performed a drag number right after Hess and her partner AJ Hess’s first dance—wearing something borrowed. "We bought [West’s] dress on eBay because we specifically wanted them to wear a wedding dress," she said. "We thought it would be fun—three brides at a wedding—my friends keep talking about how queer the vibe was."

Hayley Kosan and I Went the Custom Route

My wife, Hayley Kosan, and I borrowed from the above playbooks for our events. At our city hall ceremony, we wore Don Nicó, an emerging queer designer we came across on Instagram. For the reception, it was custom ready-to-wear brand LaPointe. And for the after-party and bachelorette, pieces we dreamed up with an atelier called EsqueBy.

If that’s not enough information and you’re in the market for similar wedding looks, I kindly suggest looking into designers like Tanner Fletcher, Kallmeyer, Jack Sivan, and Suited Atelier. I also highly recommend treating your accessories as intently as you do your garments—bonus points if they’re from queer-led brands. A white leather headscarf and gloves from Clyde? I do! A campy oversize boa by Milk the drag queen? Showstopping. Rainbow pearl necklaces from Presley Oldham? Gay (complimentary).

Whatever you do, do not let a lack of representation take the wind out of your white chiffon sails. And know that you are uplifting community when you express and celebrate yourself. Take it from Allie, who, after hearing about my Instagram glitch told me that “someone came up to Becca and said, ‘I got my inspiration for my wedding look from you.’” Hess has her fingers crossed for the same takeaway: “I hope my photos can be that for someone.”

Finally, Denton-Hurst added a bit of inspiration for fellow queer brides: “You get to make up all the rules, similarly to the way you’ve made up all the rules in your relationship outside of a traditional structure. Keep going.”

Your wedding day is meant to be the happiest day. You're marrying the love of your life, wearing the dress of your dreams, and stepping into a new chapter surrounded by beauty, promise, and anticipation. And while love itself may be timeless, bridal fashion certainly isn't. Today's brides are embracing the season in which they're marrying, choosing gowns that reflect not only their style but also the world around them.

This shift is reshaping the bridal landscape. Just like ready-to-wear, bridal fashion also has its own seasons. For the spring and fall, designers debut new collections, offering brides-to-be a richer range of options and the freedom to find something that truly reflects their moment and personal style. And that's exactly what they showed during fall 2026 Bridal Fashion Week, which took place in October in New York—and Who What Wear editors were there in person to get a first glimpse of what is new and next in terms of bridal fashion trends.

Among established and emerging designers, one theme stood out this season: freedom. Freedom of choice, of expression, and of mood. Brides are no longer confined to a single aesthetic—they can be sleek, maximal, romantic, bold, or all of the above. This idea was showcased through sculptural lace dresses that combined floral embroidery with structured gowns, sleek and simple slip dresses that were all about the intricate details and liquid-like fabrics that draped naturally, much like water flowing from a river. Color palettes also moved beyond classic white into soft ivory and muted champagne tones. But that's far from all. Keep reading to discover more about the most elegant bridal dress trends to know for fall 2026.

There will always be a time and place for the grand ball gown; however, for the bride who dreams of something sleeker and more understated, the fall 2026 collections offer a wealth of minimalist designs that don't compromise on impact. Australian-based label Kyha redefined simplicity, introducing gowns that seamlessly blend bridalwear and ready-to-wear—think slip dresses with delicate lace embellishments, softly draped cowl necklines, and open-back designs. Meanwhile, Emilia Wickstead, known for its refined and traditionally modest aesthetic, unveiled a striking formfitting gown featuring an exposed back and a statement-making, angular train. Perhaps the most compelling aspect of these refined dresses is their versatility. These gowns can be worn for the rehearsal dinner or wedding reception and then again for a white-attire party, or they can be dyed black for another occasion.

Fabric and texture, both together and alone, told their own story for fall. Specifically, satin or silk—materials that naturally catch the light and move easily—paired with draping or pleating techniques, evoked the serene, flowing nature of water. We saw this at Floure, Alexandra Grecco, Kyha, and Margot Bridal, mostly in two silhouettes: strapless and spaghetti-strap styles that fell effortlessly down the arms. Each evoked movement that felt almost alive—soft, rippling, and endlessly romantic. This dress trend is a quiet kind of luxury: less about embellishment, more about how the fabric itself shapes the moment.

Another standout trend for fall was the interplay between structure and softness—sculpted silhouettes paired with delicate lace or romantic florals. The result is a look that feels modern while evoking a sense of old-world romance. Many designers continued with visible corsetry and outer boning—which we've seen in past seasons—that cinched the waist before giving way to free-flowing skirts or A-line shapes. Some gowns were entirely enveloped in lace or floral appliqués, while others featured just a hint of embellishment—enough to suggest romance without overpowering the silhouette. But it didn't end there. Accessories completed the sculptural, romantic, and distinctly vintage vibe: full lace veils, slim black ribbons tied neatly at the neck, and opera-length gloves elevated each look.

One of the more surprising fall trends was outerwear. And we're not talking about boleros, shrugs, or capes, which we saw last season. Fall 2026 brides will embrace full-on jackets, including tailored or cropped blazers and long overcoats—all chic and functional, especially for brides who are getting married in a place that is expected to have a chill in the air. Whether styling a textured blazer with a matching skirt for a courthouse look or layering a long coat over a gown for the cocktail hour or reception, these pieces add personality and individuality, all while making a statement. It's important to note that these pieces are far from an afterthought—each jacket was designed to complement the gown or bottom it was paired with, enhancing its silhouette rather than competing with it.

The power of texture is immense. Even the quietest touch can turn a gown from beautiful to unforgettable. This season, texture wasn't just an accent; it was a subtle statement. For example, Markarian embraced its modern romantic aesthetic with dresses featuring silks and lace, as well as "whisper-like tulle," according to the brand's press release. Hera Couture wrapped some of its body-hugging, strapless gowns in finely hand-ruched, soft tulle, sculpting the body with precision and a weightless elegance. Then at Kyha and Kaviar Gauche, each introduced light, airy feathers on dresses and tops to create a gentle, almost dreamlike motion.

In bridal fashion, there's been a clear move toward modesty, with gowns that cover more skin. This shift could be due to religious reasons or the setting, such as a baroque-style church, a serene temple, or simply the grounds of an old castle. These dresses are crafted to suit the occasion. At Bridal Fashion Week, many gowns showcased short or long sleeves, off-the-shoulder styles, and even attached capes that draped elegantly over strap or strapless designs. This approach to modesty isn't about limiting but about highlighting the bride's natural beauty and allowing her to shine without distractions.

The bubble-hem dress trend may not be new for bridalwear, but for fall 2026, designers have taken the idea to the next level. Traditionally, a bubble hem is created by tucking or gathering the fabric at the edge of a skirt, creating a rounded, voluminous silhouette. This season, the technique was experimented with through tiered bubble hems and cascading layers. Viktor&Rolf introduced a strapless design featuring an oversize bubble that stopped just below the waist paired with a floor-length skirt beneath it, creating the illusion of two separate pieces. At Ferrah, an off-the-shoulder silhouette featured layers of bubble hems, each in a different fabric, adding contrast. Meanwhile, Markarian and Alexandra Grecco used bubble hems more subtly, placing them at the back of the gown to add gentle volume without detracting from the dress's simplicity.

The veil is far from over, but what's truly exciting is that brides no longer have to wear one if they don't want to. There are countless alternative ways to adorn the head and partially obscure the face. At Bridal Fashion Week, we saw everything from sculpted calotte caps and delicate lace headbands to scarves draped elegantly over and around one's hairdo. Mesh accessories were particularly prominent, some just concealing the eyes and others covering the entire face, creating a sense of drama and mystery. This trend perfectly captures the shift in bridal fashion: dressing for yourself on your own terms instead of adhering to traditional ideas of what you should wear.

Lately, it feels like someone new is flashing a ring every time I open Instagram. From celebrity proposals to close friends dropping the "We said yes!" posts, I've officially entered that phase of life—engagement season is in full swing. As a fashion editor and dress enthusiast, my eyes always go straight to what a bride-to-be is wearing. Let's be real: The best dresses for engagement photos (and the subsequent engagement party) can set the tone for the wedding journey ahead.

Whether you're planning a dreamy beach shoot, a cozy at-home session, or something chic in the city, your engagement-photo dress deserves just as much thought as the ring. I found five real brides (including some celebrities) to share exactly what they wore for the moment they said yes. From romantic halterneck silhouettes to subtle white dresses, these are the best dresses for engagement photos that are as camera ready as they are commitment-worthy.

Ready to find your perfect engagement-shoot dress? Shop all five picks—plus more engagement dresses I'm loving right now—below.

It's no surprise L.A. cool girl Claudia Sulewski chose to wear Réalisation for her special engagement to partner Finneas after seven years of dating. The dress du jour—Réalisation deep-V-neck Eva Dress—has a sweet, subtle floral pattern without feeling too grandma-esque. Plus, it looks gorgeous during sunset. Not bad for an It-girl engagement photo shoot.

Shop Sulewski's dress:

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Perhaps I'm biased since this is my engagement-shoot dress, but I absolutely loved the look of my secondhand shirred Mara Hoffman dress given its stretchy material, open back, and, most importantly, long sleeves. Since I got engaged in the early spring, I knew I wanted a long-sleeve dress so I wouldn't freeze during my engagement photos. Although I knew the exact date I was getting engaged, it still didn't take away from the surprise. In fact, choosing a dress I completely fell in love with helped me take advantage of the occasion and the hundreds of photographs I knew I'd be taking. If you have that luxury of knowledge on your side, go with a dress you look and feel your best in, no matter the style.

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It was the post that broke the internet and the dress that immediately sold out. Of course, I'm talking about Taylor Swift's engagement to Travis Kelce and her photo shoot dress. While Swift's look may have been completely unplanned, it still felt natural, casual, and totally her—a simple smocked halterneck dress with an A-line skirt.

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Yes, you don't have to wear white to your engagement photo shoot. When Bella Gerard went shopping for outfits for her photo shoot last fall, she recounts feeling doubtful of whether her look was bridal enough. "I tried it on and fell in love. But could I get away with a non-white look? I purchased it as a safety option and debated whether or not I'd regret going yellow for the occasion," Gerard explained in her B List Substack newsletter. I remember urging her back then that, yes, butter yellow could be pulled off, and the photos prove it. Sometimes, it's best to go with something a bit fun and unexpected for your engagement-shoot dress.

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There's something special about wearing a white dress during your engagement photo shoot—it is the first time someone wears white as a bride-to-be, after all. If you have a hunch like my friend Sophia Sanders did, you'll probably pick out your favorite white dress that still feels casual enough that it won't arouse any suspicion for the person who's planning to propose to you. "I wanted to wear something cute, understated, and classy," Sanders explains. "I wanted to feel girly, so I added my favorite cardigan and Madewell red flats so I didn't look too fancy in case it didn't happen." Luckily for her, it did.

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Over the past year, I unexpectedly found myself immersed in the wedding industry. I'm not complaining, though. To my surprise, I've had the chance to attend beautiful runway shows and meet one-on-one with many talented designers. It even led me on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Amanoi in Vietnam for Kyha's fall 2026 runway show.

Kyha is an Australia-based bridalwear brand that creates pieces for the fashion-forward bride who isn't afraid to challenge traditional boundaries. (It's also launching a ready-to-wear collection in November.) Kyha Scott, the founder and creative director, launched the brand in 2011 after being disappointed with the overly traditional wedding dress options she encountered while searching for her own. In Vietnam, I had the chance to sit down with her to learn about her new collection, Waterlines, and get her insights on the bridal dress trends she expects to dominate in fall 2026.

"There used to be a certain formality to a wedding or a way that you should dress, but now, brides are breaking all of those rules and doing what's right for them versus what they're expected [to do or wear]," she tells me. "It's becoming prevalent in the way that we're seeing different outfits, such as bridal suiting, and in color as well." Her fall 2026 collection—which is inspired by Vietnam's flora, fauna, landscape, and craftsmanship—clearly reflects that shift.

When it comes to color, many pieces on the runway featured a deep ivory, which Scott believes will be prominent in fall 2026. "Bright ivory is having a very strong presence in the market, but now, I'm seeing that lean into a deeper ivory," she says. "I think we're going to see a lot more brides move into that colorway, which … I think is a bold choice." While the collection showcased many moments of ivory, it also included a bright green called Bitter Lime. "Green is a huge part of the landscapes here [in Vietnam], so I really wanted to work within that color scheme and make the collection pop," she notes. "It can be a challenging color to work with, but I like the challenge."

Other bridal trends Scott predicts will be popular include lace dresses, those with draped details, and an overall focus on texture. Out of 19 looks, nine featured lace, and two included feathers. "The brand doesn't believe in using feathers, but I love the texture of it, so we worked very hard, and that has been in development for a long time to have their laser-cut organza and then hand-sewn down so that it can create that feathery look, lightness, and texture while remaining sustainable," she notes. That's not all. For more insight into the bridal fashion trends that Scott expects to dominate in fall 2026, keep scrolling. Plus, discover the new collection.

Reverse-V Waistlines

This may be controversial, but the basque and drop-waist silhouettes in wedding fashion have started to feel overdone. That's why it was refreshing to see Kyha reinterpret this dramatic shape with a new perspective, focusing on a reverse-V waistline. This was demonstrated in its River dress, crafted in ivory duchess satin and a striking burnt gold. It offers the same drama and princess-like effect in a fresh way. Expect to see more of this style from now until the end of 2026.

Sweetheart Necklines

Kyha incorporated the sweetheart neckline in some of its previous collections, but for fall 2026, the silhouette really shines. This time, the design takes inspiration from the lotus flower, as mentioned in the brand's press release. The flower is a symbol with deep cultural meaning in Vietnam, representing purity, strength, and resilience. While the neckline dates back to the early 20th century, Kyha reinterpreted the design through a modern, fashion-forward lens, making it feel fresh, elevated, and, of course, intentional.

Lace, Lace, Lace

Lace is very much in, and many fiancés will be embracing the romantic aesthetic in 2026. You can make a real impact with a full lace gown or consider a dress adorned with elegant lace accents that delicately frame key areas. The charm of lace lies in its remarkable versatility, effortlessly complementing a wide array of personal styles and helping each wearer express their individuality on their special day.

Drapery

One trend, both in ready-to-wear and bridal, that has been gaining popularity over the past year is the draped dress, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it's in draping along the neckline (as seen in Kyha's Blyth dress) or done asymmetrically across the hip (as seen in its Eaton, Wilton, and Sen styles), there are many ways to wear this relaxed and luxurious design. What's great about it is that it makes a statement for a minimalist dresser while also feeling pared down yet perfect for a maximalist. Plus, the dress does the work for you, making anyone look like they've hired a stylist.