Here Come the Bows | 2024’s Bridal Dress Trends Focus on Detail 

by Kerri Cooke 

 It’s the most exciting time of your life, and the question “what do I wear” begs to be answered. While shopping for the most important dress you’ll ever own is exciting, it can also be stressful. However, you don’t need to get lost among your options. Here are the major trends you can choose from this year: 

Florals  

It’s hard not to love flowers. And you don’t need to confine flowers to your bridal bouquet and table center pieces. Dresses with rosettes at the bust offer a feminine, refined and classic look to any bride. Floral appliques sprinkled along a skirt will attract attention, especially if you’re planning a garden-party wedding. 

Bows 

It’s a bow renaissance! A big bow on the bust of a gown makes a statement while a large bow on the back of a gown displays effortless glamour a la Christian Dior. If you are more of a minimalist, a small bow here and there will add a bit of personality without overwhelming your senses.  

 “Bows are still having their moment and we love to see it,” says Laurie Baynard, owner of L Bridal Couture. “The ‘coquette’ look is strong this season, which is just a classic, romantic look typically with a bow or florals. We absolutely love the ‘old money’ aesthetic that has been strong as well—very traditional, classic bridal looks, which are what our brides have always loved anyway!” 

Statement Sleeves 

Bishop sleeves and lace sleeves are dainty options, but expect more choices for what a bridal gown can look like with the re-emergence of popular ‘80s-style sleeves. Shoulder pads (you either love them or you hate them) are back if you like sharp shoulders. Puffed sleeves, heavy on volume, are adorning more gowns. 

Customization   

Do you want more than one dress for your wedding? That problem can be solved by customizing your wedding dress. For the ceremony, you can add a voluptuous overskirt to your sheath dress. When the reception comes, remove the overskirt for a new silhouette. You can also add sleeves to a strapless gown for a more modest look. By adding and/or removing one or multiple items from your original dress, you can rock several styles throughout your big day. 

Color  

Pastel pinks and blues are popular alternatives to white and ivory. Not everyone wants a white wedding dress. Pink is feminine, soft and looks good on everyone, while a light blue gown will give you that “something blue.”  

Drop Waist 

Moving a waistline greatly alters the style of a gown. A drop-waist gown is perfect whether you want an Art Deco look or prefer a corseted dress. A dropped waistline can give the illusion of length when it comes to a flapper-like maxi gown, while dropping the waist on a corseted dress will bring attention to a woman’s shape. 

1990s Minimalism 

Are you more of a sleek and simple girl? Take a cue from the ‘90s and grab an elegant silk slip dress. Minimalistic gowns are chic, will never go out of style and are easily dressed-up with accessories.  

While bridal trends come and go, Baynard says “Our brides in the south are still very traditional. A traditional dress with a statement veil or sleeves can be on trend, and the brides can still be classic southern brides.”