2026 Bridal Fashion Trends
So the New York Luxury Bridal Fashion Week and Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week shows are over; I've pored over the runways and looked through hundreds of images, to bring you my five key bridal trends for 2026.
PERIOD DRAMA
L-R: Sareh Nouri / Markarian / Idan Cohen
There was a real sense of nostalgia infusing the Spring-Summer 2026 catwalks as designers looked to period dressing for inspiration. Madame de Pompadour and post punk Victoriana took to the runway at Vivienne Westwood, with 1950's elegance inspiring Elie Saab, Sareh Nouri, Markarian and Idan Cohen to name just a few. Dramatic gowns in sumptuous fabrics captured the golden age of elegance, with princess gowns, big skirts and corsetry given a modern edge with unexpected fabrics, unique laces, embellishment and texture.
L-R: Milla Nova / Galia Lahav / Agnieszka Swiatly
80s maximalism swept the catwalks in both New York & Barcelona. Drop waists led to big skirts with bubble hems, ruffles & ruching (topped off with bridal scarves), draped basque waists show off sinuous curves, while mermaid styles and halter necks lend a sense of 1980s high octane glamour to floor length gowns.
BOWS
L-R: Galia Lahav / Lili Hod / Ines De Santo
A key motif seen in various incarnations, big bows have got bigger while smaller bows and are embellishing everything from gowns to veils. From formal silk bows on 1950s inspired gowns, Lili Hod's bow festooned veils and Ines De Santo's dramatic oversized bow hinting at a peplum waist to casually tied black ribbons at Isabella Sanchez, bows can be delicate, demure or maximalist this season.
MULTICOLOUR
L-R: Vivienne Westwood / Markarian / Sareh Nouri
A wedding gown no longer must be white. Colour has been growing in popularity over the last few seasons, and this season an array of multi coloured florals entranced designers. From floaty florals with an almost Boho feel at Vivienne Westwood, to formal green and white botanical florals with a 1950s feel at Sareh Nouri to delightful multi coloured floral sequinned minis, (perfect for the after party) at Markarian, colour adds a fresh new dimension challenging the notion of a traditional bridal gown.
STATEMENT JEWELLERY
L-R: Vivienne Westwood / Galia Lahav / Isabella Sanchis
If 2025 was the year of the statement earring, 2026 is the year of statement jewellery. No catwalk was complete this season without statement jewellery. From 1950s formal pearl collars covering the entire décolleté at Idan Cohen, 1980s punk layered pearl necklaces at Vivienne Westwood, pearl dress clips and layered necklaces at Isabella Sanchis to statement coloured bib necklaces, charm bracelets and chunky earrings at Galia Lahav, statement jewellery exuberantly embraces the drama and maximalism of the 2026 season.
Get ahead of the trend with our 2025 Statement Jewellery
2026 is all about embracing drama, maximalism and making a statement. Seize the moment and celebrate exuberantly whether you choose the golden age elegance of 1950s or 80s high octane glamour, and make sure you don't forget the statement jewellery & bridal accessories to truly elevate your look.