The Biggest 2020 Bridal Trends, Period

Amid all the fashion week hype, it's easy to overlook the bridal fashion week that quickly follows. Just as it is with ready-to-wear designers, bridal designers send out a whole new season of wedding dresses and bridal attire for brides-to-be and eager onlookers alike. While you might be under the impression that wedding dresses are kind of all the same—what with the white coloring, stereotypical ball-gown silhouette, and lace galore—that certainly is not the case. The five new wedding dress trends ahead are here to prove exactly that. 

For this particular bridal trend report, we reached out to a wedding expert, Shelley Brown. Shelley is the senior fashion and beauty editor at The Knot, meaning she eats, breathes, and sleeps in the bridal market. The following list of 2020 wedding dress trends ahead are the ones she is predicting will be the biggest come next year. Here you'll get a glimpse into the mind of a bridal editor as she expands on each trend and praises the designers doing each best.

Ahead, scroll through all the stunning bridal imagery supporting each trend in addition to a bit of light shopping in case you have zero self-control and need the look right this second. 

Wedding Dress Trends 2020

Photo:

Inez and Vinoodh Courtesy of Vera Wang

Puffy Sleeves

"We never thought we'd say this, but puffy sleeves are back in a major way in bridal. A far cry from the outdated versions of the 1980s, these ruffly and off-the-shoulder versions are all about tasteful volume. If you love this detail but are worried about overdoing it, opt for a slim silhouette with puffy sleeves and keep your accessories simple."

Vera Wang
Wedding Dress Trends 2020

Photo:

Inez and Vinoodh Courtesy of Vera Wang
Lihi Hod
Wedding Dress Trends 2020

Photo:

Courtesy of Lihi Hod

Floral Print

While understated nature-inspired motifs like floral lace and botanical details are nothing new where bridal fashion is concerned, this season was all about bold floral print gowns. Perfect for the bride looking to infuse a little color into her look, this eye-catching trend is equal parts romantic and fashion-forward."

Monique Lhuillier
Wedding Dress Trends 2020

Photo:

KT Merry Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier
Theia
Wedding Dress Trends 2020

Photo:

Rodin Banica Courtesy of Theia

Sparkle

"Designers took a cue from eveningwear trends and went all out with glittery embellishments for spring 2020. Head-to-toe sequins, silver beading, and even abstract foil prints took over the BFW runways."

Eisen-Stein
Wedding Dress Trends 2020

Photo:

Courtesy of Eisen-Stein
Berta
Wedding Dress Trends 2020

Photo:

Mike Colón Courtesy of Berta

Ruffles

"There's nothing subtle about this frothy, unapologetically romantic trend—and that's why we love it. Cascading ruffled skirts, ruffled sleeves, and frilly collars made an appearance in almost every bridal fashion week collection."

Oscar de la Renta
Wedding Dress Trends 2020

Photo:

Courtesy of Oscar de la Renta
Eisen-Stein
Wedding Dress Trends 2020

Photo:

Courtesy of Eisen-Stein

Airy Dresses

"Long gone are the days of heavy wedding gowns made of layers of tulle and crinoline—millennial brides are all about effortless gowns that look fabulous but also won't prevent them from hitting the dance floor when the time comes. From streamlined ball gowns to sheer sheaths, light-as-air gowns were everywhere."

Berta
Wedding Dress Trends 2020

Photo:

Mike Colón Courtesy of Berta