From one 2026 bride to another, you’re going to want to start wedding dress shopping right about now. And with London, Barcelona, and New York Bridal Fashion Week firmly behind us, we have a clear idea of the wedding dress trends that are defining the 2025/2026 bridal season.

The past five years have been transformational for bridal fashion. We’ve seen wedding gowns and even bridesmaid dresses move away from traditional styles and embrace versatile pieces that can be worn well beyond the big day. Where once upon a time bridesmaids would wear a uniform of identical dresses, you’re now much more likely to see bridal parties wearing completely different dresses in a complementary hue like pastels or a bright, painterly palette.

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As for wedding dresses, I have my eyes glued to the internet looking for inspiration for my own bridal gown, and wearing a non-white wedding dress is one of the more surprising micro trends of 2025. Think: creamy pastels like buttermilk yellow, off-white, or wearing your something blue for the welcome drinks or after-party. And speaking of bridal events, the rising popularity of a carefully curated wedding wardrobe is an unexpected macro trend considering how expensive everything is lately.

A few other 2025 wedding dress trends I've been seeing all over moodboards are Basque and dropped waist hemlines, South Asian-inspired neck scarves and ties, dramatic Spanish-style mantilla and cathedral length veils, and matching sets that have style mileage beyond the wedding day. In addition to being a professional shopper I’ve consulted the most influential bridal designers – Kate Halfpenny, Justin Alexander, and Galia Lahav – for their expert insights.

    “When I first joined [Justin Alexander], the trend was all about clean lines with bubble hems, pickups, sweetheart necklines, dropped waists, and Basques. Lace began to dominate after a few years, likely influenced by Princess Catherine’s iconic lace bodice and long sleeves,” Justin Alexander Warshaw, CEO and creative director of Justin Alexander, tells Cosmo. “While lace and natural waistlines have held sway for years, we’re now seeing a shift towards alternative waistlines and sleek, modern styling. Brides are seeking looks that balance timelessness with contemporary flair.”

    Basque and Drop Hemlines

    “Drop hems have been incredibly popular with our bespoke brides, it gives a cool and relaxed feel to a bigger silhouette with the added drama of a full skirt! It inspired me to create the Giselle gown which has a shredded silk skirt and corseted bodice – it’s by far my favourite look from the Twenty Collection!” Kate Halfpenny, designer and founder of Halfpenny London, tells Cosmo.

    Sentido Mini Dress
    De La Vali Sentido Mini Dress
    ÂŁ350 at Harvey Nichols
    Duchesse Satin Drop Waist Gown
    The Own Studio Duchesse Satin Drop Waist Gown
    ÂŁ3,250 at theownstudio.com
    Nara Gown
    For Love & Lemons Nara Gown
    ÂŁ715 at forloveandlemons.com

    Neckties and Neck Scarves

    “In 2025, we’re seeing brides embracing neckline modesty with elegant options like cat eye, scoop, and square necklines, replacing plunging and V-necklines,” says Justin. With brides embracing more elegant neckline options, neck scarfs and neck ties – like those inspired by South Asian Dupattās – have become very popular amongst brides-to-be.

    Oren Silk Dress
    Reformation Oren Silk Dress
    ÂŁ748 at The Reformation
    Khera Top
    Khanum's Khera Top
    ÂŁ400 at khanums.co
    Hermione Silk Scarf
    Rixo Hermione Silk Scarf
    ÂŁ75 at rixolondon.com

    Statement Veils

    According to Pinterest’s 2025 wedding report, interest in statement veils has skyrocketed. Spanish mantilla veils are seeing a +640% increase while searches for cathedral length veils are up +218% since 2024.

    Kate Halfpenny cosigns this trend, “Lately I've seen a huge demand in veils – brides are really embracing them and in true Halfpenny style we have reinvented them with our ‘Kerry’ veil which attaches to the bride's hair and flows down into puffed sleeves. You can also remove the veil from the hair, and clip it to the back of your dress to transform the look to a jacket. It’s such a dynamic, exciting piece available in silk organza and French lace appliquĂ©, and a trend I think we’ll see more and more in 2025/26!”

    Lavina Mesh Veil
    Rixo Lavina Mesh Veil
    ÂŁ185 at rixolondon.com
    Chantilly Tulle Veil
    Clio Peppiatt Chantilly Tulle Veil
    ÂŁ1,050 at NET-A-PORTER
    Leone Tulle and satin veil
    House of CB Leone Tulle and satin veil
    ÂŁ139 at Selfridges

    Sets and Separates

    “We’re seeing a major rise in Basque and drop waists, structured corsetry and removable elements like neck scarves, veils, overskirts, and capes. This allows the brides to wear a variety of looks with just one gown,” Galia Lahav, founder and designer of her namesake label, tells Cosmo. “Sets and separates are also growing in popularity, giving modern brides versatility as they can possibly re-wear the look after the wedding, while still maintaining a couture feel. Our brides are always craving individuality and these trends allow for self-expression while still feeling elevated and new.”

    Scarlie Corset
    Agent Provocateur Scarlie Corset
    ÂŁ495 at Agent Provocateur
    Amalfi Draped Satin Maxi Skirt
    Galvan Amalfi Draped Satin Maxi Skirt
    ÂŁ895 at NET-A-PORTER
    Ivory Andie Wedding Blazer
    Whistles Ivory Andie Wedding Blazer
    ÂŁ299 at Whistles

    The Wedding Wardrobe

    “Brides are becoming more confident when selecting their bridal gowns; even choosing multiple looks! They're thinking less about how timeless pieces should be and more about being a maverick on their wedding day by showcasing their individuality, personality, and ensuring their bridal style truly encapsulates who they are at this moment in time,” Kate says.

    Meanwhile, Galia traces the rise of the wedding weekend wardrobe.“The past five years have brought an increased demand for looks that transition throughout the wedding weekend, not just for the ceremony. Brides are also no longer just shopping for a wedding dress—they’re curating an entire wedding weekend wardrobe.”

    Scoop Bra
    SKIMS Scoop Bra
    ÂŁ62 at Skims
    Palermo Maxi Dress
    Monday Swimwear Palermo Maxi Dress
    ÂŁ202 at Selfridges
    Monaco Cut-Out Swimsuit
    Away That Day Monaco Cut-Out Swimsuit
    ÂŁ165 at Harvey Nichols
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    Kara Kia
    Ecommerce Editor, Women's Lifestyle

    Kara Kia is the Ecommerce Editor for Women's Lifestyle at Hearst UK, leading Cosmopolitan UK's digital shopping strategy across fashion, beauty and lifestyle. With over eight years of experience as a journalist and editor, Kara specialises in skincare, makeup, haircare and helping women find their personal style — trying and testing every product she recommends. A trusted voice in fashion and beauty ecommerce, Kara's most-read guides include the best wedding dresses under £1000, the best affordable jewellery brands, the best Korean skincare products, and the best products for curly hair. She also covers major shopping events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day for Cosmopolitan, Red and Prima. Kara previously held the role of contributing Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor at ELLE UK and Harper's Bazaar UK; before joining Hearst, she was Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER's Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and wrote for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine. An experienced interviewer, she has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles and Tyla about life, work and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and formerly based in Toronto, Kara now lives in London. Follow Kara on Instagram @kara.kia