Trends are less about following fashion for fashion’s sake and more about choosing a dress that feels personal, wearable and timeless, with just enough edge.
Here are the wedding dress trends we’re seeing brides fall in love with for 2026.
1. Clean lines with quiet drama
Minimalism continues, but with a twist.
Think clean sillhouettes adorned with modern details, soft draping, statement waistlines and textural clean fabrics.
These are dresses that feel modern and unfussy, but still undeniably special. Perfecty paired with a detailed lace veil or silk neck scarf, and youre onto a winner.
Perfect for: City weddings, modern venues and brides who want elegance without excess.
London by Justin Alexander, S/S 26
2. Texture over embellishment
Applique lace gowns are taking a step back in favour of fabric-led beauty.
In 2026, interest comes from texture:
- Jacquard
- Brocade
- Silk crepe with movement
- Subtle beading or lace details on otherwise clean gowns
These gowns photograph beautifully and feel luxurious and timeless without being overworked.
Josette by Justin Alexander in their luminous brocade satin
3. Dropped and Basque waistlines
Corsetry paired with an incredibly flattering and feminine lowered wiastline or basque (pointed or sloped down) wiastline. Its got historical romoatic references and it comes back again and again because it just sits so beautifully on the female form and enhances that hourglass sillhouette.
Brides love the confidence this gives, and how it created a modern romantic feel to a gown.
Joelle by Justin Alexander
4. Sleeves (but make them clever)
Sleeves remain popular for 2026, but they’re more versatile:
- Detachable sleeves, for two looks and ease of movement
- Sheer, lightweight fabrics
- french lace, glove style sleeves
Brides love the option to change their look from ceremony to evening without changing the entire dress.
Kendall by Justin Alexander
5. A move towards individuality
Perhaps the biggest “trend” for 2026 isn’t a silhouette at all.
Brides are increasingly confident in choosing what suits them, not what they think they “should” wear. That might mean:
- A shorter train
- A lighter fabric
- A dress that prioritises comfort and movement
And we absolutely love that.
At The Bridal Atelier, our 2026 brides aren’t chasing trends, they’re choosing dresses that feel right for their wedding, their venue and their personality. We dont underestimate how much even small changes made during the alterations stage, can make or break the experience of wearing your dress on the day. Many a time i have removed petticoates to reduce the volume of a skirt, or added a clever bustle to create a floorlength gown out of a huge sweeping train, giving a bride the ‘best of both’ on the day. To me, its just as important to feel beautiful in your gown as well as look it.
Trends are simply a starting point.
The real magic happens when you put on your dress, which fits like a dream and makes you feel like your very best self.
