With a new year comes brilliant new trends. Amy Shearer rounds up the showstopping bridal styles that are going to be hot for 2024, from flirty florals to fabulous feathers
Ruffles
More is more, baby! Once thought as something only spotted on those vintage toilet-roll-holder dolls, the ravishing ruffle is back in business. They are dramatic, bold and bound to draw gasps – perfect if you’re a bride looking to make a statement. J-Lo even sported some on her big-day look.
1. The lush multi-layered silhouette decorated with ombre ruffles from Pollardi’s Lago di Como collection is playful and trendy. 2.Kenneth Winston has nailed the drama with this beautiful gown. The button detailing on the back adds a delicate finish to the glamour of the full skirt. 3. Dare to bare in this Justin Alexander Boboli gown with lavish beadwork, soft tulle ruffle skirt and sexy split. 4. If a chic mikado bodice and princess-style organza ruffle skirt is your vibe, look no further than Rachel Allan Bridal’s style RB5033, a gown that’s also available in head-turning red. Add the matching necklace to complete the spectacle. 5. The Roma gown from Jeune Bridal is effortlessly chic – the corset bodice and ruffle detailing incorporate two of 2024’s hottest trends.
Mini wedding dresses
It may be mini in length, but it certainly isn’t small in impact: the mini dress is big news for 2024. Made popular by celebrity brides such as Kourtney Kardashian Barker and Sophie Habboo, short and sweet styles make ideal second dresses, or even your main look if you’re feeling brave!
1. If Julia Roberts got hitched in Pretty Woman, she would have definitely considered this Sasha Loochi mini for her big day. Como has a cute tulip skirt and elegantly cut shoulder strap detailing. 2. The two-in-one trend is oh-so popular, and this Dando London mini with matching long cape shows how you can still make a statement in something shorter. 3. For the sartorially savvy bride, Jessica Couture’s Sandi is a fashion-forward mini blazer that oozes glamour. 4. If you’re looking to dance the night away, this sweet and colourful Casablanca Bridal floral lace mini lies under a removable overskirt. 5. Liana – a satin halterneck mini dress with an open back, tie neck, frilled skirt and defined waistline – from By Malina embodies the mini trend perfectly.
Corset
A symbol of femininity, the corset is back with a fashion-forward feel. Usually reserved for undergarment purposes, designers are bringing the inside out with these chic, boudoir-inspired dresses.
1. Sultry yet sophisticated, Malta from Jeune Bridal is timeless and elegant thanks to the structured silhouette. 2. Evie Young’s Zana is showstopping – the exposed ‘boning’ beaded trim is inspired by red-carpet gowns. 3. The aptly named Future dress by Justin Alexander offers a modern take on a classic shape. 4. Banks, a strapless A-line gown from Modeca’s Blissful collection, features pearls on the bodice and a swooshy tulle skirt. 5. We adore the pearl-strewn mesh fabric on this off-the-shoulder Dando London number.
Peekaboo
Peekaboo – we see you! Looking for that classic bridal look but still want to show some skin? A sheer shape or cut-out panel can work across an array of different styles, no matter if you want a romantic gown or to sport a slinky statement slip.
1. Apolline, a crepe fit-and-flare dress with illusion hip dips and a cowl neckline, is one of the latest designs from Maggie Sottero. 2. Also from Maggie Sottero, the Zinaida ballgown boasts subtle peekaboo detailing at the waist. 3. Contrasting laces shape the statement bodice on this Kelsey Rose Bridal Gaia dress, while the keyhole and cut-out back steal the show. 4. Pairing a popular neckline with cutout detail, this Morilee gown nails the trend! 5. A simple style with waist-cinching cut-out detail, the Story dress from La Perle taps into a luxe-boho aesthetic.
Exaggerated sleeves
Puffed sleeves were acceptable in the eighties – and they are certainly acceptable now. Something you might have spotted on your mum’s wedding dress, designers have put a modern spin on the staple sleeve of the decade where crimpers were king and Madonna and Wham! dominated the charts. Blue eyeshadow, however, is not obligatory…
1. This sleek Effie gown from Ellis Bridals is paired with Spencer mikado detachable sleeves with unique starburst beaded detailing that would be a dream for a winter wedding. 2. Maggie Sottero’s Ortensia is a chic update to a fairytale favourite with its puffed lace sleeves. 3. Named One and Only, this gown with a luxurious removable bolero from Pollardi will definitely make you stand out. 4. The Crown gown from House of St. Patrick’s puff three-quarter sleeves leave a lasting impression. 5. Designed for the modern bride, Sarah Alouache has set off this sleek gown with an exaggerated sleeve.
Feathers
Does a feather look tickle your fancy? Well, you’re in luck. From subtle trim detailing, to full-blown feathery fabulousness, these looks will guarantee your bridal get-up is funky, fun and ready for frolicking on the dancefloor.
1 .Whether you dare to bare or fancy a sleeve, Eliza Jane Howell’s Erin and Scarlett gowns epitomise the fluttery aesthetic. 2 From the Ricca Sposa Amalfi Passion collection, the Monica gown has a dramatic skirt pairing beautifully with an on-trend corset top 3. The Massimo gown from the same Ricca Sposa collection certainly does not lack in wow-factor details. 4. If dresses aren’t your thing, this Emmy blazer from By Malina is bang on-trend and fun. The best thing? It can be worn again.
Sleek ballgown
Elegant, timeless and classy, there is something frocking fabulous about a sleek ballgown. These luxe dresses create a regal feel, suit a wide range of body types, and act as a perfect blank canvas for you to put your own stamp on.
1. The clean lines of this Ellis Bridals Effie dress sweep down the full skirt and is finished with buttons running the length of the train. 2. Flash those pins in the Agata dress from the Adorious collection by Modeca, a timeless classic for the romantic bride. 3. The chic Bertha from House of St. Patrick combines elements of traditional ballgowns with a modern and alluring twist. It even has pockets! 4. The simple Jane bodysuit from Ellis Bridals is teamed with the brand’s Marie skirt to create a regal look. 5. Look effortlessly glam in Kashi, a gorgeous halterneck mikado ballgown from Ronald Joyce.
Colourful florals
Who says that wedding dresses need to be white or ivory? Designers are placing that tradition on ice and are opting for colourful florals that still look and feel very bridal. Whether you fancy a subtle pop, or have your heart set on a charming full-colour extravaganza, its time to colour outside the lines!
1. Kaoria is a botanical blush dream from Ronald Joyce. 2. It’s hard not to be bowled over by the whimsical beauty of this delicate Shine gown from La Perle. 3. Bring a summer garden aesthetic to your big day with the Lily fit-and-flare dress from Casablanca Bridal. 4. Romantic and modern with just a hint of colour (and detachable sleeves) is Elora by Josephine Scott. 5. Dare to be different in Randy Fenoli’s Flora gown with puff sleeves and high split.
Wedding dress shopping tips from fashion designer David Emanuel
Amy Shearer caught up with bridal legend David Emanuel at Harrogate Bridal Week for his top dress-shopping advice.
The brains behind Princess Diana’s gown – one of the most iconic wedding dresses of all-time – believes finding your dream wedding dress should be a ‘blissful’ journey.
“I always say to brides to relax, consider their budget and only bring three people to help: usually their mum, mother-in-law and best friend,” explains the designer, famed for hosting Say Yes to the Dress. “Understandably, it can be a nerve-wracking experience, but finding ‘the one’ is a lovely feeling that leaves you on top of the world.”
Amy Shearer and David Emanuel at Harrogate Bridal Week
Emanuel, who offers VIP consultancy appointments with bridal label Dando London, also suggests doing your research: “Give yourself ample time; you want to ensure it is a calm process, not one where you’re panicking about order times.
“Try to be objective in your choices. What necklines suit you? What shapes do you already wear? Consider what is already in your wardrobe to see what you might feel comfortable in as a starting point.”
In a world of fashion where ethics and sustainability are at the forefront of many shopping experiences, it was a joy to discover Freedom Bridal at Harrogate Bridal Week. Founded by Nicole Robyn, the brand helps women who have been trafficked or exploited in East Asia experience freedom, establish independence, and develop careers.
Freedom Bridal offers a second-chance to those exploited by human trafficking
After a trip to Asia in 2011 where Nicola learned about the need for employment as part of the solution for sustainable freedom, the business that helps to employ survivors making accessories was born.
The brand stocks a number of accessories and gifts from other ‘freedom’ brands around the world, but takes great pride in offering their own beautiful veils to customers on both an individual and wholesale basis – with stockists throughout the UK carrying the ethical offerings.
There’s everything from impressive cathedral-length veils that offer drama, to cute fingertip-length numbers for a more classic look, all with a variety of finishes, including pearls, lace edges or even detachable bows. Brides can be assured they will find something to suit their personal style and vibe – all whilst supporting a very good cause.
