Kristy’s Pick: Trend Spotting at Bridal Market 2024
Our team has been to a few bridal markets in 2024, and here are the top four trends standing out so far.
If there’s anything I’ve noticed about bridal fashion from over a decade of owning a boutique, it’s that trends move quickly! Each year my team and I attend industry bridal shows to shop the latest collections, and we’re always keeping our eye out for what’s new. So far, we’ve been to events in Charleston and Chicago, and we’ve been taking notes on all the latest fashion trends in the world of wedding dresses.
If you’re dress shopping this year, you probably want to know what to expect from the newest collections—and we have the tea! Below, I’ve picked out a few dresses that my team and I think are perfect examples of some of this year’s bridal fashion trends—but they’re far from the only ones that are on their way to us from designers.
The full collections are already starting to arrive, and we have plenty of options for you to look through. So if 2024’s styles match your vibe, pay us a visit and we’ll find the dress that’s truly you. In the meantime, you can get your mood board started with some of our favorites.
1. Clean and simple
Sometimes, it can be refreshing to go back to fundamentals. Lots of the dresses we’ve seen so far this year are simple and striking, accentuating silky-smooth fabric with clean lines and subtle detailing. Against such a pristine background, little touches like creative seaming or a tiny row of beads make a big impact.
One of our favorites in this style is Philippa. The dramatic illusion plunge and vertical seams add shape to the sweep of crepe, and are mirrored on the back of the dress in the corset-style boning and long train of decorative buttons. It’s an elegant, timeless look that, paired with an updo and maybe some long gloves, is giving Old Hollywood.
2. Bishop sleeves
Have you, like Anne Shirley of Green Gables, always dreamed of puffed sleeves? You’re in luck this year! We’ve spied bishop sleeves in several 2024 collections so far, and we love their flowy, romantic look. And if you’d like to channel some fashion-forward Bridgerton vibes on your special day, look no further—bishop sleeves started gaining popularity in the 19th century, so you’re right on time.
Floaty, flowy Phoebe is the perfect showcase for this kind of good old-fashioned romance. The floral print—flowers are another thing we’ve seen quite a bit of this year!—is cozy and sweet, and the layers of light organza give her an ethereal look that the translucent bishop sleeves take to the next level. And if you get too warm in the sleeves—like, say, dancing at the reception—they’re detachable.
3. High necklines and modest styles
Bishop sleeves aren’t the only sleeve trend we’ve noticed. In fact, we’ve noticed more sleeves on dresses across the board, as well as higher necklines, too. This year’s dresses offer plenty of options for brides who prefer to cover up a little more, whether that’s for a chilly fall or winter wedding, for cultural or comfort reasons, or even just because it’s a look that speaks to you.
One dress that definitely speaks to us is Provence. The sparkle tulle skirt is a frothy dream, balanced by the sleek and fitted bodice that’s neck-to-wrist lace. The bold floral lace appliqués that cover Provence fit with other bridal trends we’ve seen this year, too, adding texture and depth that contrast with the simplicity of the skirt.
4. Do both—separate looks for the wedding and reception
Weddings are a lot of work. You should be able to have your cake and eat it, too. This year’s trends seem to agree: we’re seeing a lot more options for the dress after the dress, so you can cut loose at the reception while still feeling bridal. Two dresses? Why not. You make your own rules.
These reception dresses tend to be shorter and lighter, easier to move around in and—if you’re up for it—show a little more skin. They also reflect a lot of the same bridal trends we’ve been seeing in their full-length sisters. Take Reese, for example. The jacquard fabric gives it a clean, elegant look from a distance, but shows off its subtle floral details up close. Vertical seams stand out against the fabric, and paired with pleats and a basque waist give the impression of a corset—while still giving you plenty of room to move.
Trendy or timeless, your wedding dress is all about you.
Fashions come and go all the time. The latest trends can give us ideas and options, but at the end of the day, your dress is yours to choose. After all, you look your best when you’re happy—so at the end of the day, that’s the most important requirement for your dress!
That’s also why trying dresses on makes such a difference. Something that didn’t wow you in a picture online or even on the hanger might surprise you when you see it in the mirror—and you can’t fake that say-yes feeling. At The White Dress, we know that wedding dress shopping is almost as special as the day itself, and we’re here to help you find what you’re looking for. Come by our shop and see all the options—the very newest ones, and the classics. Book an appointment with us today!