From the Markle Effect to the End of Boho Bridal, These Are the Top Wedding Dress Trends of 2018 (2024)

Over-the-top embellishments appear to be a thing of the past, thanks to designers opting for a heightened sense of restraint and minimalism (read: thanks to Meghan Markle). Finally, clean styles the minimalist, uptown sophisticate, and even the effortless bohemian would gravitate towards can be found without an ounce of lace, beading, or appliqué. The simplest of designs can be the most challenging to create–there's little place to hide when neither appliqué nor embroidery can conceal a design flaw–and your wedding is the time to invest in a design that's all about the fine details.

Pictured: Reem Acra Bridal Fall 2018, Viktor & Rolf Bridal Fall 2018, Lela Rose Bridal

For the beach bride, ditch the dress. Opt for a wow-factor suit—but make it bridal—for the after-after party, Sunday beach brunch, or ceremony if you so desire. Brazen bridal looks sizzle when done right, so keep it classy with a white one-piece that's styled under a sheer dress, or save it for after a dress change and channel your inner Julianne Hough during a romantic waterfront photo session with your photographer.

Pictured: Photos by Sarah Falugo, Christopher Ferguson, Chase Sevey, and Bianco Photography

From watteau and detachable trains to long, trailing capes, there’s no denying that business in the front, party in the back bridal is of-the-moment and all about drama. When it comes to accessorizing, insure your extras complement and don't compete with the drama of your dress.

Pictured: Toni Maticevski Bridal, Carolina Herrera Bridal Spring 2018, Vera Wang Bridal Spring 2018, Zuhair Murad Fall 2018, Mira Zwillinger Spring 2018, Sophie et Viola Bridal

Bows in bridal? Nothing new—we know. Knots, loops, and ties have long been associated with wedding gowns, but now bridal bows are taking new forms. From obi sashes and details on sleeves, to oversized versions with a dramatic flair and a pop of color, these fresh takes feel more sophisticated and structural than super-girly.

Pictured: Lela Rose Bridal, Viktor & Rolf Bridal Fall 2018, Carolina Herrera Fall 2018, Marchesa Bridal Spring 2018

Push past any negative connotations about the color black in bridal because, honestly, it’s incredibly chic. Whether it be a touch of black or a daring head-to-toe look, don’t be afraid to incorporate this sultry shade into your wedding day wardrobe. Black dress details make a powerful and refined statement that is tastefully timeless.

Pictured: Marchesa Bridal Spring 2018, Carolina Herrera Bridal Spring 2018, Reem Acra Bridal Spring 2018, Elizabeth Fillmore Bridal Spring 2018, Vera Wang Bridal Spring 2018

Floral designs on the bridal runways may not seem the most groundbreaking of ideas, but designers have been trading in basic lace appliqués for delicate wildflower prints, blooming accents, and bold embroideries that infuse color and whimsy. Paired with demure accessories, a floral-inspired wedding dress can feel fashion-forward and even feel a little bit edgy without being overly bohemian. Pro tip: plan to prepare your bouquet accordingly.

Pictured: LEIN Bridal Fall 2018, Temperley London Bridal Fall 2018, Caroline Herrera Bridal Fall 2018, Suzanne Harward Bridal

While high grandeur took the place of all-over glitz and sheer silhouettes for brides looking to make a statement, bridal bohemian has a fresh face as well—in the form of a lax, laissez-faire attitude that is definitely more cool girl than festival chic. The key word here: effortless. Less lace and more slimming, silk silhouettes are sexy and sophisticated in all the right ways.

Pictured: Danielle Frankel Bridal Fall 2018, LEIN Bridal Fall 2018, Dana Harel Bridal, Elie Saab Bridal Spring 2018, Vera Wang Bridal Spring 2018

Bows are not the only girly-girl redux we’ve seen this past year. Pearls are making a comeback and in a big way: from pearl embroideries to features like dress straps, necklines and in accessories, these are not just your grandmother’s “something old.” This dainty detail can feel organic, innovative, and gives looks an extra elegant feel.

Reem Acra Bridal Spring 2018, Naeem Khan Bridal Spring 2018, Lela Rose Bridal, Danielle Frankel Bridal Fall 2018, Miu Miu headband

It’s no surprise that this undeniably elegant, multi-piece trend is still showing up on the runways. Bianca Jagger’s bridal Le Smoking suit ushered in the craze; it’s chic and sophisticated and being served up in more ways than ever before, from sweeter versions to sultry suits. Perfect for civil ceremonies, after parties, rehearsal dinners and, if you dare, the aisle, bridal suits are back and mean business–#PantsuitNation.

Pictured: Oscar de la Renta Bridal Fall 2018, Danielle Frankel Bridal Fall 2018, Vera Wang Bridal Spring 2018

Ball skirts are back–and bigger than ever. These high-drama, royal-wedding worthy gowns signify a more fashion-forward return to bridal's roots—and we’re not mad about it. Layered skirts to full-scale poofs in a variety of fabrications and textures are proving singularity over subtlety. For the girl opting for a voluminous skirt—heed this fashion creed: death to basic, strapless A-lines; go big or go home.

Pictured: Elie Saab Bridal Fall 2018, Vera Wang Bridal Fall 2018, Reem Acra Bridal Fall 2018, Zuhair Murad Bridal Fall 2018, Viktor & Rolf Bridal Spring 2018

From tongue-in-cheek accessories to powerful statement pieces, designers are taking personalization to new heights. Express your love for love with Lela Rose’s “Love Is Love” bridal jacket that hit the runway for Spring 2018 or consider unique ways to personalize your dress, like it-girl Chiara Farragni’s custom Dior ball gown embroidered with the lyrics her now-husband penned for her proposal. The name of the game here is individuality, without going overboard; this trend, in too large a dose, gets cutesy, not cool.

Pictured: Oscar de la Renta Bridal Spring 2018, Chiara Ferragni in custom Dior, Lela Rose Bridal Spring 2018, Edie Parker clutch.