2026 Bride? Take Note Of These Major Wedding Dress Trends

1 week ago

The designers have spoken: these are the wedding dress and bridal accessories trends that brides will be wearing in 2026

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The countdown is on for 2026 brides – and the first order on the list is finding the perfect dress for the big day. And where better to start than with the people making the gowns themselves? These are the dresses, details and accessories trends that designers are predicting will be big for the 2026 wedding season.

The Biggest Wedding Dress Trends For 2026

The new bride is all about chic elegance and playful styling. She doesn’t have time to deal with fussy detailing or elaborate ballgowns – she’d much rather spend her big day having fun and dancing with loved ones. She’s shaping wedding dress trends in real time, giving us a glimpse of what to expect for 2026:

Trends At A Glance

Less Is More
Drop Waist Gowns
Bridal Scarves
Bridal Tailoring
Structured Bodices
Mini Dresses
Linen
Day Two Dresses
Something Blue, Reimagined
Corsetry
Separates

1. Less Is More

The first trend designers see being big for the next wave of brides is minimalist chic. ‘Simplicity is the buzzword for many modern brides,’ confirms Hayley Claire Neil, founder and designer of Rolling In Roses. ‘No excess details or decoration. Just quality cutting and draping, and the best luxury fabrics (which speak for themselves).’

2. Drop Waist Gowns

This throwback trend is reminiscent of the frothy ballgowns worn by the likes of Princess Diana and Mariah Carey – although Hayley tells us 2026 brides are opting for more streamlined versions of the drop waist gown. ‘This is a vintage-inspired style which was popular 30 to 40 years ago, but which has its roots in historical fashions of earlier centuries,’ she says. ‘And now, the drop waist dress is having another real moment.’ Contemporary takes pare back the look with a sleek corseted top and minimal decoration.

3. Bridal Scarves

While veils have steadily picked up in popularity over the years, a rival breakout accessory is the bridal scarf. ‘Worn draped over the shoulders, wrapped around the neck, or tied in a bow, the versatile chiffon scarf will be seen everywhere in 2026,’ says Hayley. ‘They add extra detail to simple outfits, and elevate a strapless or low-neck dress, and can also be repurposed as a hair tie or waist sash for the evening celebration or after the wedding.’

4. Bridal Tailoring

We know, we know – we’re meant to be looking ahead at 2026 wedding dress trends, but there’s something to be said about a good bridal suit. ‘Tailoring has been on everyone’s radar for the last couple of years and I don’t think we will see it going anywhere,’ adds fashion designer Nadine Merabi. ‘It’s such a classic and powerful look, especially for a wedding or civil service. You can have fun with it. And you don’t even need to wear a suit with trousers – you can pair it with tailored shorts or a skirt.’

5. Structured Bodices

‘Another bridal trend I think will be apparent is a structured bodice,’ says Nadine. ‘We’re already starting to see it creep into 2025 wedding wardrobes, and have begun incorporating this style throughout our collections. I personally think this is such a flattering and feminine look; it plays with historical fashion, but with a more modern twist.’

Woman in white wedding dress | 2026 trends

6. Mini Dresses

If you’re a bride that doesn’t instantly gravitate towards big, poofy wedding dresses – or you simply want to be able to dance late into the night without worry of tripping over your skirt – then a mini moment could be on the cards. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I love the classic, long wedding dress, but sometimes you just want something easy to move around in. Something playful, but still very chic,’ says Nadine. You also have a lot more room for fun details with a mini – think tassels, sequins and even a bow or two.

7. Linen

If it’s a summer or destination wedding you’re planning, then comfort and wearability will no doubt be high on the list of gown requirements. And while grooms have worn light fabrics like linen to these events for a while now, designers predict that the fabric will soon become a bridal staple too. ‘Brides are embracing linen for its relaxed, effortless elegance,’ notes Amy Anderson, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Kindred of Ireland. ‘It’s perfectly suited to someone who values comfort and style equally. Our brides especially love how easily linen dresses transition into their wardrobes, offering lasting wearability long after the big day.’

8. Day Two Dresses

These days, it’s not just a wedding dress that brides think about – but an entire wedding wardrobe. ‘With more couples hosting intimate second-day gatherings, we’re seeing brides choosing playful dresses featuring unexpected details like bows, crochet trims, or subtle frills,’ says Amy. ‘These fun, relaxed pieces encourage brides to let their hair down and truly celebrate their personal style.’

9. Something Blue, Reimagined

‘Brides are finding fresh ways to incorporate tradition, turning “something blue” into a stylish statement piece,’ notes Amy. ‘This could be a soft blue dress or accessories with subtle blue detailing. Expect this renewed twist on tradition to be a favourite among modern brides in 2026.’

10. Corsetry

A more traditional trend making a reappearance for 2026 is the corset. ‘Brides are really embracing corsetry right now, and we’re only going to see this more and more,’ notes Kate Halfpenny, designer and founder of Halfpenny London. ‘From sheer and daring to more traditional styles that really cinch in the waist and dip down at the front. We’re playing with styles that combine the corset with an off-the-shoulder detail that really showcases the bride’s silhouette.’

11. Separates

The last major wedding dress trend for 2026 is separates – aka, the ‘dress’ that can do it all. ‘For brides who would love to transform their look for the evening but may not have the budget (or can’t find another dress that they love), a detachable cape, skirt or sleeve is the perfect way to change up your bridal look ready for the dance floor,’ says Kate.