2023 Bridal Trends

What a year it has been thus far! We have seen the wedding industry flourish in a world that has had to adapt to an ever-looming threat of COVID waves. Nevertheless, 2022 is predicted to be the best year in bridal fashion since 1984 – and boy are we on track!

This year’s bridal fashion weeks, which aim to launch 2023 bridal trends and designs, have shone a new light on bridal couture, digging deep into historical trends and design elements.

Let’s explore some of the biggest 2023 bridal trends predicted and showcased amongst the worlds leading fashion houses and designers:

1. Sheer Fabrics

The barely-there bridal look is one of the forerunning trends incorporated into upcoming 2023 collections. We’re not talking about risqué amounts of nude skin – think light, delicate materials such as illusion/tulle embellished with crystals, floral appliqué and luxurious hand-beaded craftsmanship.

For years Berta has made this one of their signature styles, however, it seems that more designers are leaning towards this jaw-dropping 2023 bridal trend.

Muse By Berta - Debbie

Designer: Muse by Berta – view dress

Muse by Berta - Carmen

Designer: Muse by Berta – view dress

2. High Necklines

In 2021, Paris Hilton wowed the world with her gorgeous rendition of the high/mock neckline. We have also seen a host of other A-list celebrities and Royals incorporate this element into their bridal attire.

A mock-neck has a high collar that goes all the way around the wearer’s neck, without any fold.
This look had an incredibly strong presence amongst 2023 bridal trends, particularly at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week. We saw Pronovias showcase their jaw-dropping ‘Fayette’ which encompassed all things regal and elegant.

We love how this neckline trend can accompany a wide variety of skirt and sleeve options.

Paris Hilton Oscar de La Renta
Libelle

Designer: Libelle

Designer: Pronovias – view dress

3. 3-Dimensional Appliqué

We absolutely adore this trend and the dimension, texture and movement it creates – truly bring- ing dresses to life. Appliqué is ornamental needlework in which pieces or patches of fabric in different shapes and patterns are sewn or adhesively bonded to a larger piece to form a picture or pattern.

This design element’s prevalence throughout 2023 bridal trends is certainly noteworthy as we saw numerous designers such as Pronovias, Nicole Milano and Berta incorporate this into their upcoming collections.

Eve by Berta

Designer: Berta – view dress

Berta Bridal

Designer: Berta

4. Modern Minimalism

This trend is here to stay – and we’re all for it!
Never before have we seen such an overwhelming response to a trend from every type of bride – no matter their personal, religious, ethnic or cultural needs and preferences.
The minimalistic bridal approach allows for magnificently structured bodices and complete variation in style.
Amongst 2023 bridal trends we are seeing rich mikado satins, luxurious crepes and luscious charmeuse used for these types of designs.

Pollardi

Designer: Pollardi – view dress

Designer: Pronovias – view dress

5. Straight Necklines

Move aside ‘sweetheart’ neckline – straight cut is here!
While we’ve seen several changes in neckline preferences, from long sleeves to strapless silhouettes, the sharp and dramatic angles of straight necklines is what all the fuss is about.

This style is also incredibly flattering for different bust sizes and offers a comfortable fit.

Straight necklines also allow you freedom with overall design styles and choices such as ball gowns, A-lines and sheaths.

Anki by Pronovias

Designer: Pronovias – view dress

6. Puffy Sleeves

Puffy sleeves have made an incredible comeback in the past 2 years and we continue to see the trend dominate the bridal scene – but in a less ’80’s’ manner!

This 2023 bridal trend allows for wide interpretation depending on your preferred fabric – a lighter, more transparent material will give you a whimsical and romantic look, while a denser, more structured fabric will give you that high-fashion, modern, wow-factor.

Designers have reimagined this voluminous trend, with some even taking inspiration from the decade-defining gown worn by Princess Diana

Fascinatia by Pollardi

Designer: Pollardi – view dress

Masazir by Pronovias

Designer: Pronovias – view dress

7. Asymmetrical Necklines

Sometimes called a one-shoulder neckline, asymmetrical designs look different on one side than the other. In most cases, this means that the neckline sweeps down diagonally from one shoulder across the chest and under the other arm.

We absolutely adore this modern bridal look. By accentuating the neckline, this 2023 bridal trend allows for a statement, modern bridal look.

Queenliness by Pollardi

Designer: Pollardi – view dress

Femme Fatale Pollardi

Designer: Pollardi – view dress

8. Architectural Corsetry

Another prominent 2023 bridal trend, visible corsetry, allows you to add the perfect amount of sexy to your dress. Often better known as ‘exposed boning’, this trend incorporates a wedding staple – corsetry – into the interior and/or exterior design of your bridal gown.

Exposed boning and moulded cups also allow for amazing additional structure – giving you that snug and sinched fit.

Riccarda by Pollardi

Designer: Pollardi – view collection

Riccarda by Pollardi

As the latest 2023 collections begin to arrive at Veil Bridal Couture, we are so excited to offer the South African bridal market new, innovative and industry-leading designer gowns. Rated as one of the best bridal boutiques in Africa, we offer our brides a world-class fitting and consultation experience with exclusive brands such as Berta, Pronovias, Randy Fenoli and Nicole Milano.