Bridal fashion in 2024 is “slightly dramatic and features the most amazing shapes with splashes of swirling tulle and beautiful floral and leafy lace,” says Susan Lippe-Bernard, editor-in-chief of a bridal magazine in Germany.
Commenting on the latest bridal fashion trends from various international brands, wedding planner Nadine Metgenberg says: "The cuts and shapes are becoming more unusual, more extravagant and, above all, more dramatic." The princess look is undergoing a revival this year and becoming more ornate.
Top-quality crepes and shimmering silky satins create a royal look, while textured fabrics are becoming more popular. And now tulle is being used in featherweight fabrics. "Even billowing princess-style gowns that used to weigh pounds are now more comfortable to wear," says Lippe-Bernard.
Bows are almost everywhere this wedding season, according to Glamour magazine, pointing to the playful and dramatic touch it can give to simple dresses.
Dress hems have fake feather trims and are making "dream gowns" fairytale-like. And 3D flowers are among the latest details on dresses and veils.
"Nature has inspired many collections and especially lace. I am fascinated by the detail in dresses and accessories this year," says Lippe-Bernard.
Gloves are "THE" bridal accessory this year, according to Glamour. "Long opera gloves, whether they are made from delicate, filigree lace or firm silk are becoming the bridal accessory to complement wedding gowns," Glamour's fashion commentators write. Gloves are a lovely alternative for all those who want to give their "bridal look a final, detailed touch but don't fancy a veil".
Convertible, two-in-one or three-in-one dresses are the latest craze and should appeal to all those brides who shy away from pompous attire and outlandish wedding receptions.
This means you can walk down the aisle in a voluminous dress with removable “Sleeping Beauty” puff sleeves and a huge train. If you want to hit the dance floor, simply detach them and hey presto, you literally have another dress. Dance the night away without all the riotous frivolity getting in your way.
And there is also something for brides who prefer simpler gowns. Enter clean chic, which is now the antithesis of fancy dress. "More and more labels are standing out with classic tailoring, graphic cuts and minimalist designs," says Vogue. Designers are presenting simple slip dresses, elegant trouser suits and modern jumpsuits instead of bobbin lace and metre-long trains. Jumpsuits with built-in trains that look like a dress are also popular in 2024, comments Glamour.
More colour this year is overshadowing the trend towards nude colours such as champagne and cappuccino in recent years. "A warm peach or peach fuzz is this year’s Pantone colour and features in bridal fashion," says Metgenberg.
Bold colours were a recurring theme of the autumn/winter 2024 collections on show during Bridal Fashion Week in New York last year, says Vogue. Plain black or a mix also features in bridal fashion. "A mix of ivory and black is coming to the fore. Some manufacturers are offering lace appliqués in a contrasting colour, for example in smoky grey or black," says Lippe-Bernard.
