Last month, the bridal world came together for one of the most exciting New York Bridal Fashion Weeks in recent years. Designers showcased their fall 2024 collections with grand runway shows, packed presentations, and market showcases that highlighted the growing boom of the bridal industry—and clearly indicated that the bridal space is getting creative, with plenty of bold designs that push the envelope.
While each collection had its own signature, certain looks could be discovered consistently throughout the presentations. Want to know the biggest wedding dress trends for 2024? Read ahead to see what shined at the latest shows.
Floral appliqués
While florals may be synonymous with spring, almost every fall collection brought in the motif in fresh ways. One particular standout trend was the use of appliqués to create unique 3D floral moments. From sweet rosettes at the bustlines of dresses at Alexandra Grecco to textural white and light green petals along a stunning column dress by Monique Lhuillier to grand organza additions in Milla Nova’s gender-neutral capes and jackets, these designs are proving that flowers are blooming in the wedding season ahead.
Bows
The impact of balletcore has led to the rise of petite ribbons and dramatic looped fabric in the world of bridal fashion this coming year. Normally used as an accessory, the bow has become an integral part of the structure of many gowns for fall 2024. Elie Saab even leaned into the trend wholeheartedly with a collection that bejeweled bows into bodices and sculpted bow-like bustlines. Expect many brides to embrace the sweetness of this motif in the coming year.
Structural shapes
After the rise of the ’90s slip-style silhouette, designers have been countered with their inner maximalist. This season’s selection of dresses does not hold back with grand ball gown skirts, voluminous fabric explosions of tulle and lace, and interesting applications of boning to create artistic shapes. Designers Esé Azénabor collection particularly stood out for its uniquely gorgeous designs that pushed the boundaries of bridal fashion into the avant-garde.
Dramatic overskirts
Since many couples today are opting for second (and third) looks at their weddings, designers have been finding ways to provide options that allow brides to get more bang for their buck. For those who want a dramatic shape for only a portion of their wedding, an overskirt provides the flexibility to easily remove layers of fabric and reveal a more fitted silhouette. Multiple designers like Enaura embraced this trend by pairing sleek column dresses with gorgeous overskirts with full trains to create an elegant contrast in shape. We also saw the rise of hemlines at Reem Acra and Monique Lhuillier with sexy minis made formal with overskirts for a ceremony to after-party transition.
Bold colour
Next year, don’t always expect to see the bride dressed in white. Colour was a common sight at presentations this season. Pastel pinks and blues created dreamy, whimsical touches to collections at Ines Di Santo and Honor, while Galia Lahav and Nadia Manjarrez offered designs in black for the gothic marrier. Many mini looks throughout collections also offered a touch of colour for couples who want to forgo tradition after the ceremony.
Unique veils
Brides looking for of-the-moment accessories in 2024 should consider the selection of veils across collections. Intricate embroidery, standout appliqués, and vintage-inspired lace trim abounded to add drama to a ceremony look. Other trends, like bold shapes seen in Halfpenny London’s all-over tulle design and florals echoed in Alexandra Grecco’s veils, can be integrated through this whimsical accessory.
Pants
Not all brides wear dresses—and many designers this season have created beautiful designs to reflect that. Standouts included a unique jumpsuit with a billowing overskirt at Viktor & Rolf and a sexy, lingerie-inspired short set that made waves at the Rime Arodaky runway show. Quite a few designers also offered pants as an option to swap with a full skirt beneath stylish bustiers to allow a more comfortable change later in the evening.
Drop-waist silhouettes
The drop-waist trend has hit the bridal fashion space in a big way for 2024. Paired nicely with the rise of exposed corsetry, this silhouette feels modern and allows form to be highlighted in a beautiful way. While some designers like Nadia Manjarrez have emphasised the shape in collections with dramatic bustiers over skirts, brands like Lihi Hod are tying the silhouette into beautiful ball gowns.
This story was originally published on Vogue.com.
