2020 (and 2021!) brides, you are in luck! Because wedding dresses have never been cooler. Whatever your style, whatever your shape, whatever the vibe you want for your wedding, there is a dress out there for you, and your budget. There's never been more choice for brides, which while mostly a great thing, can be overwhelming. So to help you get started with your dress search and work out what bridal designers are your bag and what boutiques to check out, we're bringing you the biggest wedding dress trends for 2020. Some trends from last year will be sticking around (we're ecstatic that capes are here to stay!) while exciting new ones emerged from the catwalks. Get our pick of the latest collections, with our take on the bridal trends every 2020 (and 2021, and 2022) bride will be coveting!
1. Halter Necks à la Megan
Megan Markle has a lot to answer for! Her stunning halter neck reception dress has inspired a multitude of designs among the 2020 collections, from high neck halters with pretty bows to elegant racerback styles - prepare to flaunt some shoulder in 2020.
2. Balloon Sleeves
Puffball sleeves, blouson sleeves, balloon sleeves, whatever you call them, big, blousey, statement sleeves with elasticated ends are big news for 2020 wedding dresses, showing up across the catwalks in both Spring and Fall collections.
3. Exposed Corsetry
Corseted wedding dresses are nothing new, in fact, it can be hard to find a gown that doesn't have a little secret support going on, but exposed corsetry, where you can see the boning and stitching in the bodice, of your gown is everywhere this season, from Berta and Inbal Dror to Hayley Paige and Danielle Frankel. Perhaps the biggest new wedding dress trend for 2020.
4. Plunging Necklines
Plunging necklines have been big news for several years now, but this season, they've gotten lower. This trend won't be for everyone, but remember you can always add an illusion panel for a more subtle take on the trend.
5. Fringing
So far, fringing is just a micro-trend, but we have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more cowgirl-inspired looks making the bridal catwalks in the coming seasons!
6. Clueless Mini Dresses
Definitely more of a maxi trend, there were so many mini dresses across the collections for 2020. While short, fitted and strapless (or with spaghetti straps!) was the most common look - we're thinking Cher's Calvin Klein number in Clueless - there are lots of short silhouettes to choose from for brides who want something a little less little.
7. Contemporary Sparkle
When it comes to bridal fashion, sparkle never goes out of style, but this season we saw new takes on traditional sequins and beading, from mirror-effect embellishment to full glittered textiles.
8. Cute Cover-ups
Pretty cover-ups are another timeless trend, but we saw lots of pretty caplets and bridal tops this season, and we have a feeling that brides will be forgoing shawls, fur stoles and leather jackets and opting for a styled twinset to match their dress.
9. All About the Feathers
Feathers, particularly ostrich feathers, appeared consistently across the collections this year, from full feathered dresses and skirts, to fluffy trims and feather boas.
10. Blush Pink
We have a feeling this designer trend has been influenced by brides rather than the other way around! We've seen lots of real life brides opting for blush gowns over the last couple of years, and they'll be spoiled for choice with the tickled pink options across the 2020 collections.
11. Fancy Pants
Pants are getting fancier in 2020. Every season pants, two pieces and jumpsuits offer up an alternative on the catwalks for brides who are opting out of a dress, and this year is no different, with more stylish, sparkly and sophisticated options for every kind of bride.
Loving these trends but still looking for 'The Dress'?
Hit the gallery below to see more takes on 2020's biggest bridal trends!
Feature image: Lela Rose Bridal
