13 Perfete Trends from New York Bridal Fashion Week

Kunbi O / Wednesday October 16, 2019
Galia Lahav/ SYPhotography

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock or taking a #TechBreak you’ve probably seen the whirlwind of runway content from New York Bridal Fashion Week on our Instagram Stories over the last week or so. We’ve been recapping our favorite collections here on the blog and sharing our favorite looks on our feed. Being the diligent bridal fashion lovers that we are, we’ve had a team of writers and photographers running all over NY (“America’s Next Top Model” go-see style) observing and capturing all the trends you can expect to see over the next year.

2019’s shows were a huge departure from the last few years of modern-meets-boho toned down looks. This year’s theme might as well have been “The Bigger the Better.” And honestly we are PUMPED for the return of glam! Let’s dial it up a notch! Let the wedding gowns be bold and statement making and save the sheaths for nights out on the town. The 80’s are back with a vengeance (sorry bout it) with huge statement sleeves, metallics and big headpieces as far as the eye can see. Here are the top 13 trends we saw this year at New York Bridal Fashion Week, starting with #1:

P.S. Images by our Photography partner SYphotography are labeled as such.

1.) Celestial Shimmer

Chosen by One Day / SYPhotography

Is it too cheesy to say that we’re “over the moon” for all the celestial looks we saw this year? It probably is, but you know I can’t pass up a good pun! Glittery stars and moons were everywhere; Pronovias based their entire ‘Beyond the Stars” collection on it! Love the idea of a Khaleesi “moon of my life” tie-in for Game of Thrones fans here, but anyone can rock this trend by adding a little infinity and beyond to their wedding day look. Think pretty star and moon details, shooting star jewelry and sparkle everywhere. Speaking of sparkle, Berta owned all the glittery moments with their 2020 collection.

2.) Bows

Peter Langner / SYPhotography

Put a bow on it baby. Whether tying off a one-shoulder gown (also big this season) or as a part of a chic bridal headpiece, bows were popping up all over the place. We especially loved the way Anne Barge and Julie Vino brought bows to life in their collections. You can get in on this trend by going all-out-girly adding ribbons in your hair or a big bow on the waist, or by adding a little pop of interest to the bustle of your gown with a sweet little bow detail.

3.) Sleeve Action

Lihi Hod

When it comes to sleeves, this year the theme was “the bigger the better.” Previous years have seen a mostly altogether lack of sleeves with the majority of gowns being strapless or with spaghetti style ties. The only other type of sleeve you would see is long sleeve lace a la Kate Middleton (which will always be classic) but we LOVE the diversity and interest that the voluminous sleeves bring to the table. Looking forward to see these on some real brides.

4.) Mirrored Metallics

Yup! Like we said, the 80’s are back and this is a big part of it! Shine on girls, now is the time! Gold has long since had a bit of a moment in designs, but we saw a ton of mirrored metallics this year. Silver gowns, silver detailing and silver accessories – like the #perfete Little Silver Dress by Inbal Dror.   There was a few stand out gold gowns as well and we love the royal vibe of it all. Very Palace of Versailles level of opulence. Shy brides need not apply.

5.) Capes and Trains 

Berta / Image @thesyphotography

We are HERE for the return of capes and huge trains. Yea, you want to make a big entrance walking down the aisle, but what about a slam dunk exit? A cape is such a bold “dont @ me” statement and we die for the royal wedding vibes of a long, stunning train.

6.) Feathers

Ines di Santo @thesyphotography

When I think feathers, the first thing I picture is Xtina’s iconic hot pink Roberto Cavalli feather mini dress from the VMA’s. TBH I think that look inspired a lot of gowns this season and I am obsessed. Whether as the focal point of the dresses themselves or fun details to add to headpieces, bouquets and skirts, feathers were popping up everywhere.

7.) Ruffles

Ines Di Santo taught us all about how ruffles can be chic AF in her Fall 2020 collection. Luxurious layers of tulle create amazing texture and volume to the bridal look. Ballgowns become pieces of work with layers and layers of gorgeous ruffles – just imagine these beauties in motion down the aisle!

8.) Little White Numbers

Mini dresses have fast become a staple in any wedding dress collection. For one, it’s perfect for any of your pre-wedding festivities, for another, it’s a perfect reception or city-wedding look. We say all this to say, you need a little white look for your wedding, why not make it couture?

9.) Headpieces 

We did an entire post on the bridal headband trend. It’s not even limited to bridal btw, headbands are the statement accessory of the fall season. Blair Waldorf fans, this is your moment. Beyond headbands, veils are back in a major way. We’ve seen a lot of veil-less brides lately and are loving the return to the drama that a veil brings. That moment when the father of the bride or groom lifts it back to reveal the beautiful bride? And everyone gasps at her exquisite beauty? (too much?) Either way, we’re glad this stunning traditional element of the bridal look is back.

10.) High-Low Dresses

Business in the front, party in the back. Hi-lo dresses were seen in so many runway collections this year. You worked hard to get those wedding day legs, why not show them off? While totally gorgeous for any part of your bridal celebration, we especially love this look for a second reception dress. Easy to dance, easy to pee. What?! It’s practical!

Ines di Santo / SYPhotography

11.) Butterflies

images by SYPhotography

12.) Embellished Nude

13.)Return of the Princess Bride

It’s all been leading up to this moment: the return of the princess bride. The last few years have all been about minimalist bridal looks, and while we love the chic elegance of a simple gown our heart lies with GLAMOUR. The return of the princess bride is beyond exciting! Big dresses, dramatic veils, glitter, sparkles, volume, texture and shine. Give us every last drop! We absolutely cannot wait to see some killer ballgowns with 8ft trains floating down the aisle. And how about some metallic, caped gowns making every jaw in the ceremony room drop. Yes please.  2020 will be the year of drama and we are looking forward to every magical moment.