Hey brides! It’s me, Eleanor Stenner, your friendly Birmingham, Alabama wedding photographer. If you’re reading this blog, it might mean you recently got engaged! YAY! I’m sure there are 100 things on your to-do list, and one of them is shopping for a wedding gown!

If this is your first time being engaged, then it’s also probably your first time trying on wedding dresses. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Compared to everyday street clothes, bridal designs can be fairly overwhelming. For instance, there are different silhouettes that compliment different body types and heights Bridal sizing is nothing like your typical department store clothing. You’d think colour would be an easy decision to make (white, right?). Not anymore!

Let’s be honest, bridal fashion trends can be hard to keep up with! So, if you’re about to get started looking for that perfect gown, here’s a list of 10 bridal fashion trend predictions for 2023 to give you an idea of what to expect this upcoming year!

Details details details

2022 saw some gorgeous, classic minimalist styles. This included any neckline and silhouette as long as the gown was made of completely bare fabric. Like I said, classically bridal!

2023 will start to see a LOT more intricate details: beading, glitter and tons of lace. There might not be a single space on the dress without some sort of beautiful design! My bride Christianna Phillips  knows a thing or two about detail – just look a that beautiful gown!

Detachable trains

What’s better than one wedding look? Two wedding looks, obviously! Brides can make a statement at their wedding by purchasing a detachable train with their gown. For the ceremony, you get that beautiful A-line or ballgown look by wearing the detachable train. Right before the reception, you take that baby off and underneath is a whole new dress! It’s chic, it’s modern and it’s coming in full swing in 2023!

My bride Sarah Beth Stewart had a beautiful example of the detachable train this past June.

Pops of color

You might be surprised to learn that almost no one wears a white wedding dress anymore! Well, at least not technically. The color ivory has taken over bridal design in the last few years. It’s a little bit warmer, and compliments more skin tones than stark white does.

On top of that, many designers have been opting to place pops of color in their designs (this is one of my favorite bridal fashion trends). Check out the gorgeous floral colors in this collection from Monique Lhuillier. She’s a fairly high-end designer, but I expect to see others following suit in their upcoming collections.

Sleeves

Sleeves are such a fun way to add uniqueness to a dress! They can be short, long, fitted, flowy, or anywhere in between! I have just loved seeing what designers have come up with recently.

I know what you’re thinking: “Eleanor, I’m getting married in August in Alabama. Do you really expect me to wear a sleeve?” Well, maybe not, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t adorable! There’s a time and place for everything.

One of my good friends and January 2022 brides, Jessi Duke, wore a dress with some of the sweetest sleeves – I just loved them!

Interesting necklines

The popularity of those clean, classically bridal looks forced many designers to get really creative with the structure of their gowns. They wanted to do something that would make their satin ballgown stand out from the next, and the answer to that problem was a unique neckline!

In 2023 we’ll see more asymmetry, square necks, scoop necks, plunging v-necks and straight strapless looks. This doesn’t mean the v-neck or sweethearts are out – those will always be in style. I do, however, believe more brides will start to branch out and end up with these unique, flattering looks! My bride Andrea Knause wore a gown with the most beautiful plunging neckline – I’ll never get over this dress!

Unique veils

One think I love about a completely clean, classically bridal gown, is that you are free to so whatever you want with your veil! Embroider your initials along the ends, add colorful 3D florals that match your wedding colors or cover the whole thing in pearls! The possibilities are endless. Jenn Taunton had the sweetest elbow length veil with a dainty beaded trim – so special and so her!

No veil at all

Okay, I know I just said I absolutely love veils, but so many brides are opting to forgo veils altogether these days! Instead, they’re finding crowns, tiaras, headbands or other headpieces that fit their personality better than a veil. I just can’t wait to see what new ideas brides come up with in 2023! Shelly Mosley, one of my beautiful 2021 brides, went without a veil and instead had a gorgeous veil-like train to the bottom half of her gown! SO COOL!

Sparkle

You might love the subtle sparkle that glitter can provide, but you’re wondering: is it worth it to be slightly covered in glitter for days after my wedding? I’m here to tell you: the answer is yes.

I’m telling you, glitter is the perfect way to subtly add glam to your gown without covering it In sequins, beading or rhinestones. Many designers will put a layer of glitter tulle or something similar under the top layer of the gown so that shimmer peeks through just the right amount. That’s exactly what Weathers Rollings’ gown did below! It’s perfection!

Bows

Small bows. Big bows. Origami bows. Bows made of tulle. Bows made of satin. Every kind of bow is welcome in 2023!

Most brides I’ve talked to either love them or hate them. But I appreciate that they’re a way to add a personal touch to your gown. Plus, most of them are detachable! You could leave it off for the ceremony, and then add it back to your dress for a fun and flirty reception look! Erin and Mike just got married in January 2023, and she had the CUTEST bow on the back of her gown!

Reception dress

The idea of changing into a different dress for the reception/exit isn’t a new one. This is one of many bridal fashion trends that have been around for years and years! What’s changing this upcoming year is the style of that second dress. Want to find a jumpsuit completely covered in sequins? Go for it! Love the idea of a white feather cocktail dress? Make a statement! This is the perfect way to find something that isn’t classically bridal and really show off your fun personality! Christina Humphrey knows a thing or two about cute reception dresses!

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That’s a wrap on my predictions for 2023 bridal fashion trends! Let’s be honest, I don’t think I can pick a favorite, so I hope to see more of ALL of these trends! Each of them are so fun and unique in their own ways. For more info on wedding planning, photography, and bridal life, check out the Tips for Brides category on my blog at eleanorstenner.com/blog