Wedding dress trends in 2023 will see a new wave of creativity, authenticity, and intention. Over the last couple of years, what makes a wedding dress a wedding dress has shifted. Historically, brides chose a gown using a pre-existing guide: white, bridal, once-in-a-lifetime dress.
But this mould no longer exists, and some trends set a new precedent for what’s possible. With a new perspective on what’s possible, 2023 includes some of the most exciting wedding dress trends. So, here is a list of the top wedding dress trends in 2023.
Wedding Dress Silhouette Trends in 2023
Wedding dress trends in the 2023 season will see a range of silhouettes, but the most popular include 90s silhouettes, elaborate ballgowns, bodysuit bodices, and separates.
90s silhouettes
2023 will shift towards simpler, barer wedding dresses reminiscent of our favourite 90s silhouettes. The minimalism of the ’90s includes relaxed shapes, bias cuts, and simpler ball gown silhouettes in plain satins. If this trend inspires you, look for white gowns with spaghetti straps.
Elaborate ballgown wedding dresses
Even with the surge of mini dresses, there’s still a demand for glamorous ballgown wedding dresses, especially with the return of large-scale weddings. Designers such as Elie Saab and Monique Lhuillier feature some of the most beautiful ballgowns for brides looking to feel like a royal princess on their wedding day.
Bodysuit bodices
With an interest in creating two separate looks from one gown, there will be a growing interest in brides looking for a bodysuit bodice. This dress trend enables brides to alter the dress’s top and bottom, creating multiple looks throughout the day.
Separates
Over the last few years, brides are ditching traditional dresses for chic separates. This design trend is especially fitting for small ceremonies and micro-weddings because it offers much more versatility. For Spring 2023, many bridal collections featured separates brides can wear long after their wedding day.
Slip dresses
Another popular wedding dress silhouette in 2023 is the slip dress. This style is effortlessly glamorous and currently experiencing a serious fashion revival. If your heart is set on something else, consider this style for the rehearsal dinner or the after-party.
Unexpected Fabrics
Despite minimal shapes, wedding dress fabrics in 2023 are unexpected, experimental and luxurious. These fabrics will challenge what a traditional wedding dress fabric is and what you would normally see in a wedding. Fabrics like mikado, organza, lace, taffeta, silk chiffon or even silk charmeuse will create a luxurious and elegant look to your dress.
Silk tulle can create a sophisticated, romantic look, while lace has a more delicate and timeless feel. Organza and silk chiffon both offer a lightweight, airy look with a bit of movement. For a more traditional or structured look, mikado is an excellent choice, who needs shapewear? If you’re looking for something truly luxurious, try silk charmeuse.
Wedding Dress Necklines
Traditionally, wedding dress silhouettes would draw attention to the body, either with a mermaid shape or a ballgown. But now, designers are drawing attention to the neck with unique, flattering designs.
High necklines
Halternecks and mock necks inspired by iconic wedding dresses of the past will remain as popular as they were then. Think ‘70s-inspired halter necks like Meghan Markle’s Stella McCartney reception gown and mock necks with intricate details that feel as delicate as they look.
Asymmetrical necklines
Next are asymmetrical necklines. Spring 2023 collections brought a few interpretations of this design element. Whether off-the-shoulder, a deep V with a sheer overlay, or plunging back with a mock neck, designers are playing with shape, and brides are here for it.
Scoop strapless necklines and corsetry
Corset bodices with a scooping neckline are here! This flattering style highlights the décolleté, neck, and shoulders. It also offers more support than a straight-across strapless dress. The scooped strapless neckline also works well with different fabrics, including heavy satin, sheer tulle, and form-fitting crepe.
Wedding Dress Colours
It’s unlikely that brides will ever stop getting married in white or ivory, but with each passing year, fewer brides consider this shade as their only option.
Baby blue wedding dresses
Over the last year, designers saw an increasing number of brides choose colours adjacent to ivory, such as cream, soft pink, or antique gold. But in 2023, brides are going all in with colour and not just pastels. One standout colour is blue. But instead of something borrowed, it’s their something new. These gorgeous blue ballgowns are fit for a luxury, black-tie wedding in the vineyards of Victoria.
Dusty rose wedding dresses
In 2022, we saw the beginnings of dusty rose, powder pink or blush-coloured wedding dresses. This trend is set to continue and take off in 2023 with brides opting for a unique look for their wedding day and choosing colour over tradition.
Wedding Dress Hemline Trends in 2023
Wedding dress hemlines in 2023 are getting shorter. Whether it’s at the ankle or above the knee, the long train isn’t as practical.
Vintage hemlines
Brides getting married in the upcoming season will consider hems cut at the ankles worn either at the official ceremony or the reception. Some shorter dresses nod to vintage silhouettes, like Audrey Hepburn, and offer a great alternative for those planning an intimate celebration or registry wedding.
Party minis
If you’re looking for a second look or want the perfect dress to accompany your non-traditional celebration, then consider the party mini. Sparkles, spaghetti straps and colour — these dresses are sure to shake things up and make for an unforgettable evening.
High-Low Hemlines
A wedding dress with this unique hemline offers the formal feel of a long gown and the ability to show off your wedding shoes. Plus, if you’re on the hunt for two wedding looks, some designers feature detachable overskirts that you can remove to reveal a minidress underneath.
Thigh-high slits
Sure, sultry slits have been a staple of bridal fashion for years. But, if Bridal Fashion Week’s lineups are any indication, they’re about to get even more risque, with designers like Dana Harel and Alexandra Grecco showcasing thigh-high slits that are anything but subtle.
Wedding Dresses With Sleeves
Capped sleeves
One aesthetic that’s dominating the 2023 wedding dress trends is the emergence of capped sleeves. If your taste leans on the sweeter side, consider pairing the trend with a delicate A-line dress. However, for those who have a more quirky style, consider pairing this sleeve with a fuller skirt or adding a floral detail.
Capes
If veils feel too traditional, consider a wedding dress with a cape. This less-expected wedding day accessory offers the same photogenic movement as a veil, but it brings the glamour of the red carpet and doesn’t mess up your hair. Capes can also serve as a great alternative to sleeves.
Long sleeves
Aside from the capped sleeves, wedding dress sleeves are becoming longer and more elegant. They really add an elegant and timeless look. Plenty of designers have taken on this trend for the 2023 season, but if long sleeves aren’t for you, you can opt for gloves.
Wedding Dress Detail Trends for 2023
It’s all in the details! This wedding season, expect more wedding dress details like mini bows, floral motifs and feathers—anything to help a bride feel like themselves.
Ruffles
Ruffles are soft and slightly more traditional detail than feathers. They add just the right amount of romance to any silhouette. For this season, expect opulent ruffled ball gowns and dramatic mermaid gowns with ruffled skirts.
Bow details
Designers are always looking for ways to incorporate unique details within their collections, and this season, mini bows were that special element. From mini bows down the back to one big bow at the bottom of the bodice, these are the perfect final touch to a ballgown.
Oversized embroidery
Embroidery is nothing new within bridalwear – cue Hailey Bieber’s veil — but this year, designers are using embroidery to create oversized floral motifs. This detail perfectly suits a blue ballgown with capped sleeves and a silk veil.
Feathers
If you’re looking for a wedding dress that’s both fashion-forward, editorial and luxurious, consider one with feathers. The dramatic plumes can elevate any wedding gown silhouette and give a fun and festive nod to the celebration. Other designs that work well include a feathered hemline or a feathered minidress.
Wedding Day Gloves
Bridal gloves, whether fingerless, opera style or wrist-length, exude timeless romance. Almost every Bridal Fashion Week collection for 2023 included gloves which tells me this trend isn’t going anywhere. Similar to other wedding accessories, such as veils and hair bows, bridal gloves add a layer of elegance to the look.
Floral applique
In addition to the floral embroidery, floral applique is making its way into 2023 and it’s the perfect way to add interest to your wedding dress – especially if you choose a simple silhouette. Floral applique adds texture and dimension to ensure your wedding dress stands out.
Pearling details
Whilst diamonds are a girl’s best friend, pearls are the queen of gems. Pearls add a delicate elegance to any wedding day attire be it in the form of beading on your dress, or details such as a headpiece or sewn into your veil. Consider adding pearls if you prefer an understated chic wedding day look. After all, as Jackie Kennedy once said, “Pearls are always appropriate”.
Wrap Up
It’s safe to assume that fashion ebbs and flows. Each year welcomes new and old trends. Wedding trends in 2023 defy all odds and shift what it means to be a wedding dress. The shift embraces authenticity, personality, and creativity from colour to floral detailing. I’m excited to see these trends come to life at the weddings I photograph this upcoming wedding season.
If you’re still looking for a wedding photographer, let’s chat. I have a few spots left for 2023 and have officially opened up my calendar for 2024. I always start the process by understanding your vision to ensure I’m the right fit to bring your wedding photos to life. For more helpful resources like this one, check out the journal.
Interested in the latest trends? Take a peek at my article on wedding dress trends in 2024.
xo, Sonya
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