Wow, after a whirlwind few weeks of wedding dresses I have seen and swooned over all the 2019 collections from New York Bridal Fashion Week. And whatever your style, season or budget there really was something for everyone this year! Of course many designers were influenced by the not one but two royal brides of 2018, but there was plenty of other looks to love too. So I thought it was time to share the trends I see being big – and beautiful – for brides next year…..

From the very top wedding dress designers from around the world, these are the trends, looks and design details that will be seen in bridal boutiques, and gracing brides waltzing down the aisle, everywhere! So, if you’re getting married in 2019, grab a seat and have your pinning finger at the ready, because one of these might be THE one for you…..

Understated Elegance

We almost certainly have Meghan Markle’s double dose of understated wedding elegance to thank for this particular trend! Because whilst beaded embellishments, lashings of lace and endless appliqués are definitely still to be found, more and more designers showcased unadorned and understated gowns for 2019 that still manage to wow thanks to their cut and silhouettes. From slip dresses to full skirts, most designers included an ode to minimalism in their collections this season, giving brides the ability to channel their inner Megan and keep things simple and sophisticated.

1 – Anne Barge || 2 – Rime Arodaky || 3 – Elizabeth Fillmore || 4 – Justin Alexander || 5 – Marchesa || 6 – Anne Barge

Regal

Whilst undoubtedly a result of not one  but two royal weddings in 2018, this trend is less about emulating either royal bride and their understated elegance but more about living the fairytale. From glittering tiaras, to regal styles that gave nods to some of history’s most iconic royal brides (yes, we’re still talking about Kate almost 8 years later!), most of the 2019 collections have something fit for a princess!

1 – Reem Acra || 2 – Anne Barge || 3 – Marchesa || 4 – Zuhair Murad || 5 – Viktor & Rolf || 6 – Reem Acra

Beautiful Bows

Though this trend on its own doesn’t seem so new or exciting, the scale of the bows spotted throughout the 2019 collections is most definitely unexpected! Whilst in the past waistlines have been adorned with this timelessly feminine finishing touch, in 2019 bows have been promoted to become the focal point of a bold bridal look.

1 – Reem Acra || 2 – Zuhair Murad || 3 – Oscar de la Renta || 4 – Viktor & Rolf || 5 – Reem Acra

Fabulous Feathers

Feathers have been around the bridal world for a few seasons now, but for 2019 these posh plumes make a stronger statement. The use of feathers is more sculptural, taking the place of all-over embroidery and embellishments. Just be careful to style this trend carefully – subtlety is key because going over the top will give you a look more fitting for the stage than the aisle!

1 – Inbal Dror || 2 – Sassi Holford || 3 – Naeem Khan || 4 – Pronovias || 5 – Oscar de la Renta

Shoulder Baring Sleeves

A trend that has been around for a couple of seasons now but appears to be going nowhere is the hopelessly romantic drop sleeves. Harking back to the Victorian & Edwardian eras it is naturally a trend I love! And is perfect for showing off your decolletage or those sun-kissed shoulders.

1 – Lazaro || 2 – Marchesa || 3 – Lazaro || 4 – Galia Lahav || 5 – Galia Lahav || 6 – Reem Acra

3D Blooms

Whilst its no surprise to see flowers on a wedding dress – be it a print, applique or embellishment – this year florals took a more bold form, with designers adorning dresses with garden inspired blooms. Indeed who needs to carry a bouquet with dresses like this…..

1 – Anne Barge || 2 – Viktor & Rolf || 3 – Oscar de la Renta || 4 – Marchesa || 5 – Galia Lahav || 6 – Inbal Dror

Preppy Pockets

At last, a trend that is practical as well as stylish! Pockets not only look super relaxed and cute, and surprisingly sophisticated, they’re also perfect for keeping an always much needed tissue handy – or your hands warm if you’re a winter bride.

1 – Pronovias || 2 – Inbal Dror || 3 – Galia Lahav || 4 – Sasi Holford || 5 – Pronovias || 6 – Inbal Dror

Sophisticated Jumpsuits

Sophisticated and, somehow sexy, tailored jumpsuits are a streamlined and elegant option for the fashion forward bride wanting to avoid the traditional meringue. Beautifully cut to skim the curves and showcase your legs they are just as feminine as a sleek sheath. Jumpsuits are definitely no longer just for the after party!

1 – Tadashi Shoji || 2 – Justin Alexander || 3 – Ines di Santo || 4 – Viktor & Rolf || 5 – Jenny Packham || 6 – Tadashi Shoji

Halter Necks

Undoubtedly another trend we have to thank Megan – and her fabulous reception dress for – halter necks are back from the 90s. And looking fabulous… especially for those of you with yoga toned shoulders!

1 – Elizabeth Fillmore || 2 – Rivini || 3 – Viktor & Rolf || 4 – Theia || 5 – Tadashi Shoji || 6 – Elizabeth Fillmore

Romantic Long Sleeves

Long sleeves have been around since the last royal wedding, and still remain a big trend for 2019. But whilst in seasons past they have been silhouette forming, skin skimming sleeves in lace or tulle, for 2019 designers also added billowy sleeves for the bold bride….

1 – Anne Barge || 2 – Reem Acra || 3 – Galia Lahav || 4 – Marchesa || 5 – Rime Arodaky || 6 – Leanne Marshall

City Hall Chic

With the rise in popularity of intimate, backyard and city hall weddings, it is little wonder more and more designers are creating beautiful . So whether you’re planning a less formal affair, a chic City Hall celebration or looking for a second ensemble for the reception – or the traditional meringue (or pants) just aren’t your thing – there is a wealth of mini-styles this season.

1 – Viktor & Rolf || 2 – Oscar de la Renta || 3 – Tadashi Shoji || 4 – Elizabeth Fillmore || 5 – Viktor & Rolf

Well that’s my pick of the top 11 bridal trends for 2019…..what do you think? Have any got you swooning? Each and every one makes me want to get married again, so I for one can not wait to start seeing brides wearing them.

A few other things we are seeing as trends – and love – are dramatically high necks, capes, fishtail silhouettes, metallics, cowl necklines, ball gowns, … In fact, lets just say, 2019 is looking like a fab year to be a bride! I am quite envious of all who are getting to walk down the aisle this year.

Amy

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