It’s the end of a decade and 2020 promises to be an interesting year in bridal fashion. We have two aesthetics challenging each other for their place in modern fashion history – excess and minimalism, and from the looks of it, excess is winning.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Tenth & Grace
GOWN | Marchesa
FASHION STYLIST | Cavin Elizabeth
Before we dive into the extravagant embellishments awaiting us in 2020, let’s touch base with the minimalist trend. While it is no longer dominating the runways, these styles remain popular with brides all over the world. Gowns featuring clean lines and simple un-embellished fabrics, like crepe, bring bridal into a realm where most modern brides are comfortable – gowns that are cut and feel just like your favorite cocktail dress. There is something to be said about the timeless nature of a minimalist bridal look. If you’re stumped on how to give your minimalistic look a little upgrade – think dramatic, overtly bridal elements (trains, veils, etc.), that are sure to give you that “you’re a bride” feel.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Anna Peters
GOWN | BHLDN
Now we’re not talking tailored Princess Kate sleeves, we’re talking about, voluminous, “my face is up here” sleeves. We saw them a bit last year and now they’re popping up everywhere. Don’t get us wrong, we’re just as excited about sleeves as everyone else, but when a trend appears and immediately saturates your insta feed, that’s a sign that you should take caution before diving in headfirst.
Before you commit to big sleeves on your wedding gown, make sure that you like them for you and not just because you’ve seen them everywhere. If they don’t fit into your normal personal style, the chances of you regretting such a big style commitment, later on, are very high.
Most brands will make different variations of a similar design, one will be more editorial and one will be more commercial. Unless you normally dress like you’re going to be featured in the street-style section of Vogue (more power to you!), consider going with the paired down version of the trend. You’ll satisfy your desire to have a gown that stands out without the “What was I thinking?” moment later.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Michelle Beller
GOWN | Galia Lahav
This trend is still going strong. Off-the-shoulder is the new strapless-sweetheart and we don’t see it going anywhere soon. It is a timeless look that is universally flattering; it also makes for great portrait shots. If you really want to embrace this trend, consider rocking off-the-shoulder sleeves.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Esmeralda Franco
GOWN | Elaya Vaughn for BHLDN
We’re seeing less and less white and ivory on the runway, which is very refreshing! Many modern brides express the desire for something non-traditional, color is an easy way to accommodate that wish without having to sacrifice on style. Some brides are going full-throttle with marigold and black wedding gowns, while others, who want to push the envelope just slightly, opt for champagne or ivory with colorful embroidery.
As far as staying-power goes for this trend, we say, it’s safe to invest in a colorful gown if that’s something you’ve always wanted. If you need that big white dress to make you feel like a bride, there’s no harm in skipping this trend.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Sylvie Gil Photography
GOWN DESIGNER | Monique Lhuillier
Whether it’s silk petals, pleated tiers, or ornate beading, we are seeing a lot of three-dimensional elements on gowns. We love this trend because ornate embellishment really takes a look from gown to wedding gown. This trend goes hand-in-hand with the rise in colorful gowns. Brides often question whether their look will be bridal enough or if they will be outshined by their guests…not if you’ve got a dramatic train with silk petals and an ornately beaded bodice. If your gown is so over-the-top that it would be offensive for you to wear it to another person’s wedding, that’s how you know it’s a wedding gown–regardless of the color.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Anna Roussos
GOWN DESIGNER | Madebride by Antonea
Skin used to be all about the neckline, but in 2020, it’s all about the legs – and it’s about time! We love this trend because not only do you get to show off the wedding bod you’ve been working so hard on, you also get to showcase your shoes (what’s not to love?). Depending on how daring you are, you can opt for a subtle high-low hem or a thigh-high slit, the choice is yours.
PHOTOGRAPHY | The Edges Wedding Photography
GOWN DESIGNER | Monique Lhuillier
We know capes are nothing new, but they’re finally starting to take hold in the bridal arena. Capes are a great alternative to veils and boleros for coverage and drama, and for these reasons we are all for them! When selecting a cape, proceed with caution as they can go from fashion statement to cosplay gone wrong all too quickly. Look for a cape that compliments the neckline of your gown instead of covering it. Consider asking your alterations specialist to make your cape detachable so that you can remove it after the ceremony. Your cape should be purposely short or longer than the train on your gown; if they are too close together in length it may look like an afterthought.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Hannah Mayson Photography
GOWN | Ines Di Santo