Mini Hemlines, Bow Details, and 3 Other Stunning Wedding-Dress Trends

Updated on Nov 17, 2022 at 2:50 PM

Courtesy of HONOR

After more than two years of Zoom weddings and small local gatherings because of the pandemic, wedding-dress trends have adapted to large, in-person events that are returning. As a result, bridal trends are no longer pared back and limited to minis or simple silhouettes like slip dresses. Instead, they are now beginning to channel the opulence and glamour traditionally associated with weddings. Bridal designers are adopting a maximalist attitude to meet the moment, crafting extravagant styles that pack allure and drama for brides-to-be.

During New York Bridal Fashion Week, all-over lace cutouts, voluminous gowns, and dramatic trains and veils reigned supreme. The latest bridal designs are as chic as they are grandiose, with intricate details such as floral appliqués, oversize bows, beads, and fringe-adorning veils, bodices, and hems. These sumptuous embellishments prove that the influence of popular period dramas like "Bridgerton" and "The Gilded Age" is clearly visible on the bridal runway. One-shoulder gowns are set to be a favorite silhouette for the forthcoming wedding season, with brands like Theia introducing asymmetrical silhouettes that incorporate unexpected details like cutouts and gilded embellishments.

In some cases, designers combined two or more of these trends for maximum visual impact. Case in point: Mira Zwillinger's sheer one-shoulder embellished gown is a masterclass in nailing multiple techniques. Elsewhere, some wedding-ready dresses favor short hemlines over conventional ones, notably with Theia's festive fringe number or Costarellos' off-the-shoulder mini design.

No matter your personal style, today's brides have plenty of inspiration to choose from. Read on for the top six bridal trends from the spring 2023 collections:

Bridal Trends 2023: Take a Bow

Few details command as much attention as an elegant bow. Placed on the shoulder, it creates a whimsical silhouette that will undoubtedly turn heads. Stitched at the back of a gown, bows add dimension and texture with every twirl. The designers behind HONOR (seen here) and Oscar de La Renta have certainly taken notice, adding bows to their spring 2023 bridal collections to create an undeniable wow factor.

Oscar de La Renta

Justin Alexander

Bridal Trends 2023: One-Shoulder Silhouettes

Giving traditional wedding styles a modern-day spin, bridal designers like THEIA (seen here), Peter Langner, and Mira Zwillinger have offered alluring one-shoulder gowns this season. The asymmetrical neckline creates an eye-catching effect, adding a touch of playfulness to any bridal ensemble.

Peter Langner

Nadia Manjarrez

Bridal Trends 2023: Make It Mini

Costarellos is among the designers fully channeling the freedom of a mini wedding dress. Though this style is a departure from conventional floor-sweeping hemlines, it still makes for an elegant bridal ensemble. Go ahead and channel a sense of rebellion with these spring 2023 iterations.

Nicolas Montenegro

THEIA

Bridal Trends 2023: Gilded Glamour

From pearls to gold sequins, the spring 2023 bridal dresses offer gilded glamour like never before. Whether through a voluminous ball skirt, a corseted bodice, or a flower-encrusted veil, these embellishments are especially celebratory on a wedding day. Take cue from the creative minds behind KYNAH (seen here) and Sophie et Voila to start.

Rita Vinieris

Sophie et Voila

Bridal Trends 2023: For the Love of Sheer

The sheer trend has been everywhere on the ready-to-wear circuit lately, and wedding styles are the latest to embrace all things sheer. These dresses deliver a romantic sensibility, whether the entire gown is sheer or just certain elements, like along the sleeves or back. Channel ethereal vibes with designs by Mira Zwillinger (seen here) and celebrity favorite Galia Lahav.

Galia Lahav

Pronovias

Bridal Trends 2023: Romantic Ruffles

Romantic ruffles are a bridal standby, and this season you'll find them in an array of silhouettes, from floor-grazing bohemian-inspired frocks to form-fitting column dresses. Retailers like Bhldn and Lulus are popular destinations for these sweet styles at affordable price points.

Lulus