Photo (top) left: Bridal shop: JPC Collection - Brand: Pronovias / center: Top and trousers: Karolien Verstraeten - Photographer: Stories of You / right: Bridal shop: JPC Collection - Brand: Pronovias
1. Back to the 80s!
The 80s are completely back. The typical details of dresses from the ’80s—such as full skirts, puff sleeves and big bows—are being reintroduced into wedding dresses in 2023 in an elegant, stylish way. The result is a traditional yet playful look.
Feel free to go for your own ‘belle of the ball’ look with an impressive princess gown. Feathers and ruffles (frills) are also making a full comeback, for an extra full skirt or a beautiful finish.
2. Off-the-shoulder sleeves
Alongside puff sleeves, the 2023 wedding dress trends also feature long, loose sleeves, which you can often detach from your dress. That way, you can put your sleeves on or take them off for a slightly different look. In that same vein, long gloves are also making a comeback.
These sleeves—seen both subtly and dramatically—are mainly worn off the shoulder. This lets you pair a strapless dress with sleeves after all.
3. The neckline: scoop, asymmetric or high
As you can see in the photos above, the off-the-shoulder wedding dress creates a very romantic neckline—and sexy looks. In the 2023 wedding dress trends, we therefore often see this scoop neckline. Here, the strapless dress doesn’t form a straight edge, but dips into a romantic curve between the two highest points.
The asymmetric neckline is also part of the 2023 trends, where your dress, for example, goes over just one shoulder. Another popular 2023 neckline goes all the way up, with a closure around your neck.
4. It’s in the details - bows, flowers and pearls
Not only are big statement bows on the rise this year—such as extra-dramatic puff sleeves or a large bow on your back or waist—but small bow details are also frequently incorporated into wedding dresses.
In addition, large, sometimes oversized, flowers—worked into the dress or (partly) placed on top for a 3D effect—are gaining popularity.
Pearls are also appearing more and more, as a finishing touch on wedding dresses or on accessories—such as jewelry or shoes, for example.
5. Color: pastels and floral prints
The trend colors of 2023 also carry through into wedding dresses. Light blue and lavender pastel shades are totally “in,” whether as a base color or the main color of your wedding dress.
Or will you go for a bold floral print—or a floral detail on your dress—in the red shade Viva Magenta, Pantone’s Color of the Year?
Of course, these colors are also perfect for your bridesmaids’ dresses.
6. Transparent fabrics
In the 2023 wedding dress trends, we also see the use of sheer and transparent fabrics. These are sometimes finished with pearls or another shimmering detail. The see-through fabrics are used both for sensual dresses, where the legs or upper body are often largely visible, or for specific parts of the dress, such as the sleeves or a cape.
7. Capes
You read that right—capes are also part of the 2023 wedding dress trends! You can wear them either sheer or in the same material as your wedding dress. Capes are increasingly chosen as an alternative to veils. You can put them on and take them off for a different look, they create a long train, and unlike a veil, you don’t attach them to your bridal hairstyle—just around your shoulders or onto your dress.
8. Minimalist and two-piece
Do you prefer a sleeker look? The “bridal suit” for the bride continues to grow in popularity, just like minimalist wedding dresses.**
Minimalist wedding dresses in 2023 are often fitted slip dresses made from a light, thin fabric that feels like a second skin. Slip dress or not, with a minimalist dress your look is guaranteed to be clean and understated, elegant and chic.
Two-piece sets also remain trendy this year, such as a two-piece combination of a top with a skirt or trousers. This creates a playful, creative, flattering and comfortable look. These outfits often feature a lace top paired with an airy, loose skirt or trousers made from softly draping silk fabrics.
9. Mini dresses and high-low combos
In the 2023 wedding dress trends, we also see mini dresses. In a short bridal dress, you enjoy complete freedom of movement, and you can show off your beautiful shoes and your legs!
Can’t choose between a short wedding dress and a long ballgown skirt? Then the ‘high-low’ trend is perfect for you. Your short skirt transitions into a long skirt with a train at the back. The best of both worlds!
Do you feel a bit overwhelmed by all these 2023 wedding dress trends? Don’t worry—if you choose what you love and what you feel good in, you can’t go wrong! You can also always mix and match different styles and trends to suit your taste—for example, add eye-catching details to a minimalist wedding dress, such as detachable sleeves, a deeply cut (back) neckline, or bows. Good luck and have lots of fun in your search for the perfect wedding dress!
