The Top Bridal Fashion Trends to Expect in 2023

Have you ever asked yourself, "How are fashion trends created?" Is it through social media? Celebrity culture? Fashion week? For us, we believe it's a combination of multiple factors. Every time we like a post on Instagram, comment on a TikTok video, watch a runway show, or even take a photo in our favorite outfit, we’re helping to define what’s popular in society. When it comes to bridal fashion, not only do designers set the stage for what's trending, but the brides walking down the aisle also play a major role in dictating what’s hot and, well, what’s not. 

As we enter the Fall 2023 bridal fashion season, we're eager to see what designers have in store for their latest collections. However, if this past year is any indicator as to what we can expect, then we're all in for yet another gorgeous season. From veils to sleeves and the return of plunging necklines, we’ve seen contemporary brides embrace new styles and silhouettes over the course of the last few months. What's more, celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Hyland have also catapulted bridal fashion into the limelight, creating trends many brides are looking to replicate today.

Though we don't know the exact trends that we'll see during the Fall 2023 Bridal Week Fashion Collections (which will take place from October 12 to October 14, 2022), we're confident that many of the looks we've seen at recent weddings and on our social media timelines will be at the forefront. Ahead, the top six bridal fashion trends we expect to dominate in 2023.

Sleeves

Previously seen as a conservative addition to a wedding ensemble, sleeves have become a favorite fashion detail among celebrity and royal brides, and designers have taken note. Today, wedding dresses with sleeves—whether lace, sheer, bell, cap, or balloon—have become a bridal fashion staple. The surge of removable sleeves has also created an influx of convertible gowns, allowing brides to embrace a two-in-one look on their wedding day.

Mermaid Silhouettes

Though mermaid gowns have been popular for several years, we anticipate seeing more brides embrace this shape thanks to Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Hyland, two A-list brides who recently chose this silhouette. A mermaid wedding dress is one that hugs the body down to the knees, then flares at or below the knees for a sexy, sultry look. Over the past several years, designers have been creating new iterations of this silhouette (in almost every collection), and we don't expect them to stop now. 

Non-Traditional Veils

While we've recently seen a resurgence of mini veils, especially within the Spring 2023 Bridal Fashion Week collections, we anticipate seeing more modern and non-traditional versions of this classic accessory. Hoods and blusher veils will likely rise to fame this season, as more brides are searching for new ways to mix traditional styles with modern trends when it comes to their wedding day fashions.

Sequins and Embellishments

Weddings have always been synonymous with glitz and glamour, and while there was a shift in bridalwear during the pandemic—many brides chose to embrace more pared-back looks for their micro ceremonies and elopements—today, the return of large-scale nuptials has signaled a "more is more" vibe. After all, a wedding is meant to be a grand celebration, so we expect to see designers play into this sumptuous aesthetic with dresses embellished with all-over sequins. 

Mini Dresses

If the past several Bridal Fashion Week seasons have taught us anything, it's that mini dresses are now a wedding fashion staple. This statement ensemble will only continue to rise to fame, and thanks to Kourtney Kardashian's multiple wedding looks, we can expect shorter hemlines to grow in popularity in 2023.

Plunging Necklines

Sexy silhouettes have been a preferred style year after year, and a trend we believe will be popular within that style category is plunging necklines. This neckline is a modern way for brides to show off their décolletage, and also embrace a daring design element that was once reserved for ready-to-wear garments.