Avonne Photography
Hello everyone!
Today I am super excited to discuss one of my favorite wedding aspects - the DRESS! A wedding dress reveals so much about a bride: what kind of attention they want, what they value, and how their style and personality work together. No matter what, every bride deserves to feel like a princess on their wedding day and hopefully this post can inspire you to mentally create (and find) your own dream dress!
I'm sure many of you have seen the show Say Yes to the Dress, which takes viewers on the heartwarming journey of brides' finding their dream wedding dress. Ultimately, saying yes to a dress is a big commitment because you will wear it on one of the most important days of your life! This dress will be in all of your wedding pictures, so don't settle for anything less than your dream gown.
Without further ado, here are wedding dress trends for 2021...
1. Choose a Dress that Adapts
If you want to have your princess dress, but still change into a dance-friendly ensemble for the reception, consider an adaptable dress. Before your reception, you can easily detach the skirt and train to reveal a completely different gown. It only takes 2 minutes to detach and voila! - you are ready to party! You can also save a lot of money by picking out a dress that offers you 2 for the price of 1.
2. Stand Out with Bold Colors
Even though white is the traditional color choice, there is a new wave of colorful dresses taking over our Pinterest feed. Depending on your style, there are beautiful jewel toned gowns to choose from. You can also opt for a subtle color change by choosing a blush/taupe gown that complements your natural beauty.
Yah Photography
3. Bridal Suits + Sets
As much as we love flowing gowns, there is a special place in our hearts for power suits that pack a punch. If you want to make a statement, bridal suits are a great way to go! 2021 is all about matching blazer/pant sets, but you can always choose a simpler set that features a business fresh skirt/blouse combo. Pantsuits and jumpsuits are also a fun way to show your girl boss side, while also providing comfort on your special day. The beauty of this trend is that you can still be traditional by going for an all-white look OR you can choose a pop of color! Our inspiration: Emily Ratajkowski's bright set from her 2018 courthouse nuptials. Check it out here.
Tyler James Photography
4. A Minimalist Gown Fit for Marie Kondo
Go for an effortless look with a flowing gown that matches your free spirit. The neckline, bodice detail, fabric, and train you choose will show your personal style beautifully. Plunging necklines, wispy fabric, and backless details are all beautiful ways to spice up your minimalist gown.
5. Go for New York City Elegance with a Shorter Dress
For a timeless bridal look, short dresses are the perfect choice. Shorter dresses are also great for a summer wedding soirée to fight off the heat. Pair a classy dress with statement heels and jewelry for an elegant look that never goes out of style.
Yah Photography
6. Travel Back in Time with an Era Dress
If you've never seen Pride & Prejudice, this is your friendly push to grab some popcorn and get ready for a vintage romance like no other. Era dresses are the perfect embodiment of your vintage style and are typically one-of-a-kind. Maybe you prefer Victorian era dresses with puff sleeves or go Elizabethan with a satin or velvet gown. This is the kind of dress that you might find at an estate sale in a vintage trunk: a dress with a story. Whatever style you prefer, Renaissance dresses will make a regal statement that oozes luxury.
Photography by The Stewarts Roam
7. Dreamy Cottagecore Dress
If you're on the hunt for the ethereal dress of your dreams, cottagecore might be the way to go. This style of gown dates back to Greek Mythology, which basically means a cottagecore dress turns you into a Greek goddess... right? This style of gown is majorly in right now and for good reason. Who doesn't want to wear a dress that features sheer sleeves, floral embroidery, lace details, and layers of tulle? I imagine its the kind of dress I'd wear if I was wandering through a forest listening to Taylor Swift's folklore and then stumbled across baby deer sipping from a stream. (Comment below if that's your idea of heaven too..) Cottagecore dresses coordinate perfectly with bohemian trends like pampas grass, neutral color palettes, and lush garden greenery.
8. Graceful Long Sleeved Dress
There is something so elegant about lacy long sleeves that carry the fabric all the way down to the floor... I honestly can't picture long sleeved wedding dresses ever going out of style! This is a great option if you are getting married during the colder months and want to be comfortable for any kind of weather. You can choose from off-the-shoulder long sleeves, floral lace sleeves, or satin sleeves that are perfectly Meghan Markle (!!) There are so many different ways to style long sleeves, but each one will make you feel graceful and elegant.
Stefanie Haviv Photography
9. Dress it Up '20s Style
Great Gatsby style dresses are totally on trend this year, so don't be afraid to go big on the sparkles and beaded detail for your dress. Even if your wedding theme is neutral and simple, make a statement with a gown that does the most! Etsy is a great place to find unique bridal dresses with a lot of character or you can add your own embroidered touches if you're handy with a sewing machine.
Yah Photography and Stowe Manor
10. Skip the Heels!
You read that right - 2021 is a year of change and that means heels are no longer expected. And all the ladies said amen! Instead of heels on your big day, more and more brides are choosing stylish mules, sparkly sandals, and elegant evening slides that add a subtle touch of class.
11. Choose a Unique Gown - One Shoulder/ Sparkle/ Lacy
In the end, 2021 is all about unique dresses that stand out. Whether you go for a one shoulder gown or a sparkly tulle number, it is completely up to you.
Weddings by BlueSky Photography
Choosing your wedding dress is all about what makes YOU feel beautiful at the end of the day. This will probably look different for every bride, so you should do what feels right for you! We would love to hear from you, so comment below what dress trends you are loving this year - our personal favorites are colorful, minimalist, and cottagecore dresses!