10 Popular Bridal Dress Trends of 2023

“The dress only means something if you want it to.”

– Brenda Janowitz, The Grace Kelly Dress

Well, every little girl grows up dreaming of their perfect wedding day, even before they know the meaning of marriage. The bridal dress plays an important role on this day. It is one of the most crucial aspects that makes The Day special. While some ladies aspire to wear their mother’s wedding dress, others opt for a more contemporary style. Some even add a modern twist to their mother’s vintage gown. It all depends on the bride.

There are a ton of options available today. Every year, designers come up with beautiful and innovative styles. With so many designs out there, a bride may become confused while selecting The Dress for her special day.

In this list, I am here with the latest wedding dress designs of the Western world that made a mark in 2023. 

Intricate Ballgowns

Ballgowns have been the go-to choice for most brides for centuries. After all, who doesn’t want to look like a Disney princess on their special day? However, modern women have slowly moved on to easier-to-navigate styles with time. In the 2020s, ballgowns have made a comeback. Elaborate gowns with poofy sleeves, floral designs, bows, or sheer necklines are all the rage this wedding season, especially with the return of large-scale weddings. Ballgowns add glamor and make us feel like a princess. With a ballgown, you are bound to be the belle of the ball.

The Sheer Look

The sheer look is one of the most intriguing trends this season. It makes any bridal look elegant. Illusion necklines and sheer overlays add a touch of romance to your dress. See-through sleeves, all-over peek-a-boo styles, or piles of frothy tulle make you look both ethereal and a tad seductive at the same time.

Capes

A cape will undoubtedly add drama to your bridal look. If you go for a cape, you are bound to make a statement on your big day. Capes can be a great alternative to the traditional veil. They can be sheer or embellished, bringing your dress to the center stage. Designers like Elie Saab have come up with bridal gowns with cape-like sleeves. This makes the wedding dress not only elegant but also eye-catching.

3-D Florals

Floral motifs have been a wedding trend for quite some time now. This year, designers like Eli Saab, Lela Rose, Rosie Assoulin, Sachin & Babi, and Reem Acra have taken the floral design trend to a new level. Oversized Floral embroideries, three-dimensional floral appliques made of organza, tulle, or lace, flower-filled skirts, or a floral neckline make your bridal look magical. The embroidered 3-D effect bestowed by florals adds a touch of whimsy to your fairytale-like wedding day.

Bow Detailing

Bows have been a part of wedding dresses since time immemorial. IN 2023, they have made a big comeback. Dresses with oversized bows at the back or smaller bows at the waistline make your bridal look all the more feminine and elegant. This year, designers like Rosie Assoulin, Honor, and Romona Keveza have integrated bow detailing in their bridal designs.

Mock Necks

Mock neck is the upcoming trend in the bridal world. Inspired by the royals, add a sophisticated vibe on your big day. This style is perfect for brides who are looking for more coverage without sacrificing style.

Off-the-Shoulder

I am sure there are a lot of women out there who fell in love with Belle’s look from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The off-the-shoulder look brings to mind Belle’s iconic yellow ballgown. It adds fairytale vibe to your wedding day. It is perfect for brides who wish to look like a princess and are not afraid to show off their shoulders and neckline.

A Pop of Color

White has been the color of wedding dresses ever since the Victorian Era. Before Queen Victoria’s big wedding day, brides often wore gowns of different colors. In the 2020s,  color has been slowly making a comeback in the bridal scene. For the past several seasons, designers have been experimenting with multicolor prints on white backgrounds. This year, even the background has become more colorful. Pale blue and blush pink have been the choice of many new brides. Designers like Amsale and Ines di Santo have taken the bold step of incorporating color into their embellishments. So, if you wish to go for something completely unique and elegant, you can choose a pink or blue bridal look.

Heirloom Separates

Today’s brides are modern women who prefer efficacy and usability over whimsy. Naturally, many women are looking for dresses that they can wear even after their big day. Heirloom separates are the perfect option for ladies who wish to get a more modern look on their wedding day. The plus point is that these separates can be worn for many other occasions after the wedding day. Safiyaa, Scorcesa, and Galvan London have a number of elegant heirloom separates in the bridal collections.

Mini Dresses

Undoubtedly, mini dresses are a big risk. However, with the rise of small-scale weddings, they have become the go-to option for today’s brides. Previously, ladies used to go for a trendy mini frock for their after-party. Now, brides even choose a fashionable mini dress for the main event. After all, why won’t they? With so many beautiful options available, a mini dress is the perfect choice for a bride who is unafraid to show a little skin and make a big statement.

Conclusion

The wedding day is one of the most important days of our lives. We often scramble to make it as perfect as possible. Choosing the bridal look is perhaps one of the most taxing decisions that the bride has to make. The many silhouettes, fabrics, and trends out there can easily turn any bride into a bridezilla. It is just part of planning the perfect wedding. The one thing that we ladies need to remember is to be ourselves on the day. It is of utmost importance that we choose a gown that makes us feel beautiful.

Do vote for your favorite bridal trend. Comment and let me know which look intrigues you the most.