The top five bridal fashion trends I saw at New York Bridal Fashion Week.

The top five bridal fashion trends I saw at New York Bridal Fashion Week.

After years of watching from afar and longing to attend Bridal Fashion Week in New York City, I decided this was the year. I emailed all of my favorite wedding gown designers and let them know I would be attending, and in turn received invites to attend their presentations and shoot behind the scenes. What a feast for the eyes, and the best official “start” to the 2023 wedding season!

Every time I visit New York I come away inspired. The architecture, the intensity, the dreams wrapped in flesh that walk the streets. This city exudes a capacity for greatness, a place meant for song and dance and creation. Add a layer of bridal fashion to this, and the city was abuzz with beauty! I photographed ten brands over the course of three long days, and saw some interesting trends within the wedding industry along the way. Keep reading, and I’ll share my top five.

1. LACE

Nearly every designer I spoke with mentioned an increased request for lace. Lace gowns, lace veils, lace edging, etc. And not just any lace— more traditional lace. They spoke of a request for handmade, intricate, vintage-inspired lace and a departure from the more sculptural lace of recent years.

2. BOWS

Tiny accent bows, massive statement bows, bows in every shape and size, in every possible placement. I saw bows at the waist, bows on the back, bows as sleeves, bows as trains, bows in hair, bows to attach an overskirt, bows everywhere. I love this trend!! So fun and feminine!

3. CONVERTIBLE GOWNS

Removable sleeves, removable trains, overskirts, toppers, detachable skirts… you name it, I saw it. Lots of creative ways to customize your gown and/or change your look throughout the day.

4. THE COLOR BLUE

Blush is out, blue is in. Whether as a full gown, a pattern, or an accent, blue is this season’s color! I saw this color from Sareh Nouri, Ines Di Santo, Anne Barge, Nardos Designs, and more— all with beautiful tones and applications!

5. THE LITTLE WHITE DRESS

Lots of options for little white dresses for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, or to change into at your reception for dancing! Every designer I saw had mini options.