Today’s hottest wedding dress trends

Among the items on a wedding planning checklist, choosing a wedding gown often is a top priority. While certain wedding dress trends withstand the test of time, others have shorter shelf lives. Though no one knows what the future holds for wedding gown trends, these are some that may be notable as brides walk down the aisle in the months ahead. Floral appliqués and 3D accents Florals are nothing new on wedding dresses, but they're being elevated this year with new interpretations. Floral embellishments give texture and help brides make a statement. Appliqués may be on sheer panels that serve as a top layer of the dress, or grouped together to form rosettes or additional three-dimensional floral details. Florals were on display at the Fall 2024 New York Bridal Fashion Week.

Coquette is everywhere Flirty and feminine is the name of the wedding dress game, as many gowns showcase feminine details like corseted tops, bows and soft colors, say the experts with Martha Stewart. Hyperfeminine looks may not be for everyone, but this style merits consideration for the bride who wants to appear romantic and approachable.

Mini dress Although one of the first pictures to come to mind when one envisions a wedding dress may be a floor-length gown, mini dresses continue to make bold statements on bridal runways and in magazines. The abbreviated hemlines can be flirty and fun, and are featured on various types of dresses, including fitted, strapless, flowing, and even puffed styles. Jacquard and other opulent materials Lace long has been a bridal dress staple, but designers are branching out into other fabrics that lend luxury and opulence to dresses. Texture can make a wedding dress a unique visual during ceremonies and the after-party, and may help a bride feel like royalty.

Pearls and more pearls Pearl necklaces and other jewelry has long gone hand-in-hand with weddings, but brides-tobe can now find pearls turning up just about anywhere. Pearls are embroidered onto dresses, veils, sleeves, and headpieces, and even can be used on wedding cakes to mirror a pearl aesthetic used elsewhere.

Bows Along with pearls, a growing number of designers are opting for bows in their wedding dress designs. They may be subtle, such as stitched onto the bodice of the dress, or more over-thetop, like a huge bow at the waist or near the train bustle, according to One Fab Day. Shimmer and sparkle A little bling (or a lot) never goes out of style. For 2024, many brides plan to embrace even more shimmer and sparkle as silver takes center stage in dress designs. Silver thread embroidery or even mirror-type embellishments will ensure all eyes are on the bride when she makes her entrance.

Overskirts Many brides want a dramatically shaped dress for the ceremony, only to pare down a bit for the reception. The style experts at Vogue note an overskirt provides the flexibility to easily remove layers of fabric to unveil a more fitted silhouette.

Wedding dress styles continue to evolve, and this year's trends merit modern brides' attention.