The Biggest Wedding Dress Trends of 2019, According to a Bridal Expert

If you’re a bride-to-be searching for a striking new gown or you simply just love perusing dreamy wedding dresses in your spare time, (guilty as charged… and I’ve been married for three years!), then you’ve come to the right place because today we’re turning our attention to the fresh and modern wedding dress trends to come out of fall 2019 Bridal Fashion Week. While a few of the wedding dress trends that have become classics still remain strong, a new crop of fun, fantastical, and dynamic styles emerged onto the scene in all their sparkling glory.

We tapped Jennifer Cress, digital executive editor at Martha Stewart Weddings, to get more insight into what trends are emerging this year. "Expect to see statement (and removable) sleeves, interesting necklines. Off-the-shoulder and Victorian-inspired high collars are becoming more popular in lieu of a classic sweetheart or strapless. Metallic lace and intricate embroidery are also prevalent and make a classic silhouette feel special. And lastly, the Meghan effect: simple, modern dresses that nod to traditionalism with boatnecks and long sleeves."

Whether your aesthetic is classic, modern, or bohemian, there’s a little something for every sartorial taste. Scroll below for the biggest wedding dress trends of 2019 and shop the new styles available right now.

Statement Sleeves

Statement Sleeves Are a Huge Bridal Trend for 2019

Photo:

Courtesy of Galia Lahav

Who doesn't love a statement sleeve? This year, designers played with volume, billowy fabrics, and exaggerated detailing as seen at Galia Lahav, Victor & Rolf, and Zuhair Murad. 

Minidresses

Mini Dresses Stole the Show at Fall 2019 Bridal Week

Photo:

Courtesy of Inbal Dror

Whether you're looking for a shorter frock for your reception, or you want to throw out the rule book and go short for the ceremony, you're in luck because minis were seen all over bridal week. From metallic embellishments to fun feather details, these shorter hemlines are clearly party-ready! Bonus: You get to show off those chic wedding heels you just splurged on.

Crop Tops

Cropped Tops Are a Modern Alternative to the Traditional Wedding Dress

Photo:

Courtesy of Cushnie

Dare to bare your midriff? Separates saw a huge comeback this year—think sleek and tiny off-the-shoulder crop tops (as seen as Cushnie and Pronovias) with elegant matching skirts. 

The Meghan Markle Effect

Meghan Markle Style Wedding Dresses Are Everywhere in 2019

Photo:

Courtesy of Savannah Miller

There's no doubt, both Meghan Markle's minimal boatneck gown and her high-neck halter reception dress saw similar iterations all over the bridal runways. If you share her minimalist style, there are plenty of striking and sleek options around this year.  

 

Meghan Markle's Reception Dress Style

Photo:

Courtesy of Theia

Meghan Markle's reception dress reincarnated.

Time to Spakle

Glittering Wedding Dresses Are Huge for 2019

Photo:

Courtesy of Inbal Dror

Who needs the KiraKira app when you have sparkly stunners like this? Head-to-toe glittering looks were omnipresent at designers such as Theia, Berta, and Inbal Dror. Now there's a way to make an entrance.

Wedding-Worthy Pants

Wedding-Worthy Pants Are a Major Bridal Trend for 2019

Photo:

Courtesy of Victor & Rolf

For non-traditional brides, look no further than the plethora of beautifully tailored pantsuits and jumpsuits seen all over bridal week. They're perfect for city hall nuptials, rehearsal dinners, and chic city settings.

Fanciful Feathers

Feathers Add a Whimsical Touch to Your Wedding Gown

Photo:

Courtesy of Ines di Santo

Much like the ready-to-wear runway shows feathers showed up in full force for 2019 exuding an air of whimsy and fun. 

Shop the trends: