As the wedding season approaches, bridal wear is experiencing a revival of traditional styles mixed with contemporary elements, offering brides a diverse range of fabric choices and silhouettes.
Fashion trends are ever-evolving, and the world of bridal wear is no exception. As the wedding season unfolds, designers and boutiques are observing a resurgence of styles that harken back to previous decades. Key trends shaping bridal fashion in 2025 reflect a blend of modern sensibilities and nostalgic inspirations, inviting brides to explore a multitude of fabric choices, silhouettes, and accessories.
Betsy Manning, owner of Unveiled Bridal Collection in Little Rock, emphasizes the renewed interest in silk jacquard. This textured fabric, featuring woven designs that create depth, joins ranks with other stiffer silks like mikado and faille. Softer options such as silk crepe and charmeuse are also in demand, aligning with a broader trend towards textured fabrics. “There’s some crinkle silks that are kind of making a big play right now,” Manning noted, attributing some of the fabric inspiration to popular period dramas like Bridgerton and The Gilded Age.
This year, notable bridal silhouettes such as dramatic basque and sleek drop waists are making a stellar comeback. Manning highlighted their appeal: “That’s really, really coming back,” referring specifically to the drop waist, along with the return of modest sheath gowns inspired by figures like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Alecia Walls-Barton, director of bridal concierges at Low’s Bridal in Brinkley, echoed these sentiments, stating that brides at her shop are particularly drawn to gowns with romantic textures and off-the-shoulder necklines.
Designs this season are characterized by architectural elements that contribute to the overall aesthetic. Blush and nude tones are emerging as popular choices, while detachable sleeves are increasingly favored for adding versatility. Walls-Barton remarked, “I think sleeves were really hot for a while… but it seems like the detachable sleeve or cuff… seem to be really big right now too.” Detachable components, including trains or skirts, enable brides to seamlessly transition from ceremony to reception.
Notably, the trend of exit dresses is gaining traction among brides, as they often prefer to wear a comfortable, stylish outfit for their departure. “More and more, what I’m seeing is them wanting exit dresses,” Manning explained, indicating a shift towards practicality paired with elegance.
When it comes to veils, traditional cathedral-length styles remain popular, but there’s a growing interest in blushers, which elegantly cover the face during the procession. “Blushers are really back,” Manning stated, adding that classic lace edges have also returned to favor. Walls-Barton introduced another innovative option with loop veils, which lay beautifully over the crown and can vary in length.
Accessories play a vital role in completing the bridal look, with trends indicating a shift towards unique styles. A growing number of brides are choosing neck scarves made of luxe fabrics like silk charmeuse or tulle, which add a distinctive flair. Meanwhile, traditional elements like pearl earrings are still prevalent, often paired with clean, closed-toe satin shoes.
As for the bridal parties, the rigidity of coordinating identical dresses is fading. Brides are now encouraging individuality among their bridesmaids. “I’ve noticed a lot of mixing of pattern and solid, and there’s a lot of florals,” Manning remarked, reflecting a shift towards a more personalized approach. Walls-Barton noted a similar trend in increased use of bright colors and striking patterns, diverging from the previously dominant muted tones.
Men’s fashions are also evolving, with greater acceptance of colorful suits beyond traditional black and blue. Walls-Barton observed that couples are increasingly coordinating overall styles for their weddings, creating a unified vibe that aligns with their personal tastes.
In those early planning stages, the significance of a cohesive color palette is not overlooked. “You’ve got to pick a color palette, and you’ve got to stay with that color palette,” Manning advised, underscoring how color can unify the visual elements of a wedding.
Ultimately, the focus remains on individual expression. “The most important thing to know about wedding dresses is that they should be individual to each bride,” Manning said, highlighting that the chosen attire should reflect each bride’s personality and style—a sentiment echoed across the industry as fashion trends continue to celebrate both history and individuality in the realm of bridal wear.
Source: Noah Wire Services
