9 Wedding Dress Trends for 2024, From Corsets to Dramatic Trains

The Coquette Aesthetic

Flirty, feminine details—corsets, bows, florals, soft colors—will define the year’s gowns, say the experts. "Coquette is everywhere right now, and I predict we will continue seeing this trend ramp up with subtle use of bows, soft romantic colors in florals, and hyper-feminine wedding looks," says bridal designer Katherine Tash. "When done well, I think it's a really beautiful aesthetic."

At Azazie, creative director Daniel Sanchez describes the look as "Barbie meets Westwood," with traditional details modernized and paired with contemporary silhouettes. Designer Rime Arodaky also expects to see "playful, coquettish details" on the rise. "These details are perfect for brides looking to add a hint of nostalgia and romance to their attire," says Arodaky. "Chantilly lace gloves, delicate bows, and other whimsical accessories add a touch of vintage charm and femininity to the bridal ensemble."

Opulent Textures

While lace is a wedding embellishment that never goes out of style, expect to see contemporary, "boho-meets-glam" versions, says Sanchez—not fussy, old-fashioned patterns. "For this trend, laces are more modern; they are not heirloom in feeling," says Sanchez. "Touches of sparkle are mixed with intricate laces, which are a fresh approach to this type of dress. Dramatic sleeves and transparency are key features."

Another rising trend in texture is the incorporation of jacquard fabrics, says Arodaky. "The intricate patterns and rich feel of jacquard bring a luxurious and opulent touch, perfect for brides seeking a gown with a unique visual interest," she says.

Dramatic Skirts and Trains

As couples opt for blow-out weddings instead of minimalist micro-ceremonies, more brides will don a gown that provides a major fashion moment. "I'm seeing more and more of the fashion set leaning back towards full ballgown silhouettes for their aisle walk: think really good, early-'90s bridal era," says Tash. "It's so lovely and dramatic. It looks rich in photos and truly is a bridal moment." For Sanchez, this trend includes showstopping trains—"All kinds! Oversized, embellished, intricate lace placements!"—inspired by wedding looks from Princess Diana and Sofia Richie.

Revival Waistlines

The reintroduction of familiar waistlines melds these iconic configurations with on-trend fashions. "The classic corset is making a comeback, but with a modern twist. We’re seeing designs that combine traditional corsetry with contemporary draping techniques and innovative cuts," says Arodaky. "This fusion creates a stunning silhouette that is both timeless and modern, offering brides a sophisticated and figure-flattering option."

Hurwitz also anticipates a comeback for dropped waists and basque waists. "It's a perfect way to add drama to the silhouette of your wedding dress without having to go over the top with the details,” she says.

Subtle Color

While brides continue to embrace pops of bright color throughout their wedding weekend wardrobes, experts expect to see an increase in bridal gowns in soft, non-white hues—especially pink, says Tash. "I love that more brides are feeling empowered to lean into their own personal style in this way and wear something they love rather than something they feel they're supposed to," she says. "Color has always been such a polarizing notion for the bridal gown, but more and more often I'm seeing brides be open to subtle shades of color. It's just enough color to feel unique, while the gown still feels bridal."

Minimalist Dresses

Brides who want to stand out in a sea of ballgowns, trains, and embellishments will veer in a fully opposite direction, with minimalist slip dresses and barely-there gowns. Sanchez predicts a move toward slip dresses inspired by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's 1996 dress. "Less is more!" he says. "Precise cut and immaculate construction are key to nailing this look."

Arodaky points to "the naked dress" as another increasingly popular option. "The naked dress will celebrate daring elegance, blending sheer fabrics and strategic detailing to artfully reveal the beauty of the bride’s silhouette, embodying modern confidence and individuality," she says.

One-of-a-Kind Fashions

Vintage and custom gowns and embellishments allow brides to create a wedding look that's uniquely their own. "We are seeing more and more brides request custom or vintage pieces, and sometimes a combination of both," says Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride. "We recently did a rehearsal dinner dress for a bride that incorporated lace from her mother's wedding dress onto a new dress that we created with our in-house designer; it was magnificent, and an amazing story that she loved sharing with her guests."

Hurwitz also fields an increasing number of client requests for a one-of-a-kind piece. "A lot of brides want a wedding dress that they haven't seen splashed all over TikTok, Instagram, and the internet," she says. "Outside of going the custom route, the best way to get that one-of-a-kind wedding look is to find something vintage. And an added bonus? It's also sustainable."

Three-Dimensional Florals

Textural, three-dimensional flowers are a delicate embellishment that add interest to gowns, veils, and other weekend attire. "Drawing inspiration from both the runway and red carpet, dimensional florals serve as a contemporary twist on traditional lace, and help to provide a romantic, bold, and utterly unique bridal look," says Andrea Louie Brown, divisional merchandising manager of Anthropologie Weddings. "We love adding romance through 3-D florals; whether on the gown, the after-party mini, or the veil, textured and floral embellishments invite a playful—yet charming—moment to the aisle."

Mini Moments

For the reception—and even the ceremony—more and more brides are opting for a short cut. "The mini is here to stay," says Tash. "Brides aren't worried anymore about a complex bustle or dancing at the after-party in a giant skirt." Sabatino has watched her clients incorporate a minidress into their wedding day fashions by adding a third outfit change: They choose a slim, floor-length gown for the reception in keeping with the guest dress code, and switch into a minidress for late-night celebrating and the after party.

At Anthropologie Weddings, minis are a favorite for the ceremony and reception. "The transition into a mini dress provides brides with the opportunity to feel more at ease, let loose, and enjoy precious moments with their loved ones," says Brown. "These shorter dresses, we often refer to as 'dance-floor minis,' are the ideal fit for dancing barefoot or when paired with sneakers. The incorporation of playful elements, such as feathers, fringe, sequins, and bows, adds a delightful touch, making them a perfect choice to infuse joy and style into the celebration."