For brides who are currently searching for the perfect wedding dress, congratulations! This is an experience you'll remember for years to come and a moment to truly enjoy during this new life chapter. (For many, we're sure it's a time you've dreamt about for years, too.) Before you completely dive into the process of shopping for "the one", though, we believe it's important to know and understand the bridalwear trends you can expect to see this year, as they will ultimately help streamline your wedding dress search. When looking back, transitional pieces, bold colorful dresses, and minimalist designs are only but a few trends that have recently dominated the wedding fashion space. However, brides should anticipate a slight shift in styles, as large-scale weddings and elaborate celebrations return to the forefront. So, as we enter 2023, we spoke with Danielle Frankel Hirsch, designer and founder of the popular bridalwear brand Danielle Frankel, and Nadia Manjarrez, creative director and founder of Nadia Manjarrez Bridal, to highlight the top 2023 wedding dress trends every bride should know. Though some aren't new, each style listed below is a fresh example of what it means to be a bride today.
Sumptuous Sleeves Wedding dresses with sleeves aren't a novel idea, as they have long been a bridalwear staple dating back to the mid-1800s. And while we are centuries away from the origins of this design, in 2023, we can expect to see more ensembles with this regal and sleek element. "I think sleeves will continue to play the main character paired with sleek silhouettes," shares Manjarrez. From lace to bell and bishop silhouettes, brides will certainly find more gowns with sleeves, especially since designers have already created multiple iterations of this look in their most recent collections.
Body-Hugging Silhouettes
Though bridal fashion once favored more conservative designs (given the obvious religious connotations behind many wedding practices), modern brides and designers have since ditched tradition, and are now opting for pieces that are form-fitting and bold. "I think we will continue to see body-hugging silhouettes accompanied by dramatic accessories or worn as a second look," notes Manjarrez. In 2023, expect more sexy silhouettes—like mermaid, slip, and fit-and-flare styles—in addition to looks that show off a bride's personality and inner style.
Body-Hugging Silhouettes
Though bridal fashion once favored more conservative designs (given the obvious religious connotations behind many wedding practices), modern brides and designers have since ditched tradition, and are now opting for pieces that are form-fitting and bold. "I think we will continue to see body-hugging silhouettes accompanied by dramatic accessories or worn as a second look," notes Manjarrez. In 2023, expect more sexy silhouettes—like mermaid, slip, and fit-to-flare styles—in addition to looks that show off a bride's personality and inner style.
Ornate Embellishments
Embellished wedding dresses are making a comeback after several seasons of minimalist and pared-back designs, with designers and brides opting for styles that feature jewels, diamonds, crystals, and allover beading. What separates this trend from the styles of years past, though, is the way these adornments are being incorporated throughout each gown. For instance, there has been a recent surge in art-deco-inspired beaded ensembles and designs that feature colorful jewels along the back and bodice of a dress.
Raised Hemlines
If you've been following the trends these past few seasons, you'll know that mini dresses have dominated the bridal fashion scene over the past two to three years. And while mini ensembles are here to stay, 2023 will produce different iterations of raised hemlines, like midi, ankle, and high-low designs. “I always love a midi-length ball gown so you can see a hint of a bride’s shoe. It feels both fresh and nostalgic, and also another way to show off your accessories," shares Hirsch.
Slight Hints of Color
"I love when a bride experiments with color. It’s 2023, you don’t have to stick to a traditional way of wearing a white wedding gown." says Hirsch; and we couldn't agree more! This year, expect to see more gowns that feature subtle pops of color, by way of embroidery and lightly-hued fabrics. There are no rules that dictate what a bride can and cannot wear, and incorporating color is the best way to let your personality shine—no matter how subtle the hue might be.