All the Significant Wedding Trends Expected to Shape Bridal Style in 2026

      Wedding season is here as we enter the spring and summer months—typically the most exciting period of the year for couples to wed. While the wedding trends of 2025 are still yet to be seen, we already have forecasts for the direction bridal fashion will take next year. During Spring 2026 Bridal Fashion Week this month in New York, designers showcased their latest interpretations of modern wedding style. Editors from Who What Wear attended in person to get an early look at what’s emerging in bridal fashion.

      This season has seen refreshed takes on recent bridal trends. Drop-waist dresses have been reimagined into grand, theatrical gowns featuring bubble skirts and Basque waists. Bows made their presence felt in every conceivable form. Corsetry took a more pronounced role with sculpted bodices integrated into dresses, along with two-piece sets that paired corset tops with coordinating skirts. Moreover, certain themes have transitioned from the broader fashion world, particularly a nostalgia-driven approach harking back to the styles of the 1950s, the revival of peplum shapes, and a focus on tactile textures and innovative fabric techniques. Below are highlights of the key bridal trends for 2026.

      Bows have long represented celebration, joy, and the promise of new beginnings, making their incorporation into bridal wear a natural choice. Their use in wedding gowns and separates underscores the meaningfulness of the occasion, symbolizing both a gift and a moment of shared joy—a fitting emblem for a day that celebrates the merging of two lives.

      In the spring/summer 2026 collections, bows made a striking appearance in various styles and placements. Idan Cohen featured them delicately on straps, adding a soft touch that elevated the gown's elegance without overpowering it. In contrast, Ines De Santo opted for oversized bows at the hips, making a bold statement. Tanner Fletcher took a more modern approach with subtle, small bows, while Sarah Nouri creatively positioned them along the back of gowns, turning the rear into an eye-catching focal point. Viktor & Rolf embraced a maximalist aesthetic, adorning entire dresses with bows for a playful yet sophisticated look that celebrated the joy of the occasion.

      On the ready-to-wear runways, minimalism has defined many recent seasons, but a shift toward lavish maximalism is becoming evident. The bridal fashion realm is experiencing a similar transition. While past seasons showcased ‘90s-inspired wedding gowns that favored simple silhouettes, this is evolving. Last year saw the rise of voluminous drop-waist dresses, which in 2026 is transforming into gowns that can only be described as grand. These new designs are dramatic and impactful—possibly reflecting the burgeoning influence of ‘80s glamour and opulence. Styles featuring bubble skirts, including oversized gowns at Katherine Tash and Marmar, are noteworthy. Ines di Santo showcased a heavily layered design, Dana Harel introduced a mermaid silhouette, and Khya concluded its show with detachable voluminous skirts.

      High-neck gowns emerged as a standout trend on the spring/summer 2026 bridal runways, providing a sophisticated alternative to more revealing, low-cut styles that have recently been popular. This resurgence of the high neckline—be it in the form of a turtleneck, halterneck, or draped high-neck—indicates a broader cultural movement toward modesty in fashion. However, this shift is about empowerment and individuality rather than concealment, allowing wearers to express their own style instead of conforming to external expectations. These silhouettes enhance the natural beauty of the wearer by drawing attention to the face, neck, and shoulders, creating a balanced visual that elevates the bride’s inherent glow.

      The peplum silhouette has made a significant comeback. After being absent from fashion for several years, it re-emerged prominently at Spring 2026 Bridal Fashion Week. At Lein, a bodice with cutouts and covered buttons was presented. Cinq featured a sheer organza jacket adorned with a ruffled collar and a delicate waist. Danielle Frankel introduced a sculpted corset paired with a draped maxi skirt, while Markarian showcased a long slip dress accented with frills at the hips. Francesca Miranda displayed a fluted strapless lace top with a matching skirt. These diverse interpretations of the peplum silhouette not only highlight the trend's anticipated prominence in 2026 but also its versatility for various wedding weekend events—think a peplum jacket for the courthouse, a gown for the ceremony, or a mini dress for the after-party.

      A notable trend is occurring across runways, red carpets, and street style—an inclination toward nostalgic fashion and vintage elegance. This backward glance has led to an increase in pillbox hats in recent collections from brands like Prada, and Elle Fanning sported a Givenchy look reminiscent of 1952 for the 2025 Oscars. This trend also includes a revival of car coats, slingback heels, and traditional hosiery. The 1950