Thanks to lockdowns and restrictions due to COVID, many weddings have either been dialled back or completely cancelled, so it’s worth noting that the backdrop of a pandemic has definitely had an impact on how brides are planning their outfits for the big day.
For this piece, I spoke to a range of wedding dress designers, retailers (luxury and secondhand) and Lyst, a global fashion search platform, to get the best idea of what brides are going to be after come the new year. So, whether you’re rearranging your look for a postponed ceremony or just looking for inspiration for upcoming nuptials, keep scrolling for everything you need to know about the biggest bridal trends for 2021.
1. TWO OUTFITS
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The Duchess of Cambridge wearing a second look for her wedding in 2011
By far the biggest trend for brides right now is choosing two outfits for the big day. Designers, luxury retailers and even secondhand bridal stores told me that plenty of brides were searching for not one but two knockout looks. Luxury retailer Net-a-Porter told me that it’s a trend that has been gaining traction for some time but is only set to continue.
Grace Loves Lace founder Megan Ziems and designer Kate Halfpenny revealed a similar trend, especially when plenty of couples have had to postpone a bigger event due to COVID.
“I’ve definitely noticed is our brides now buying two dresses; one for the micro wedding and one for the big celebration, later down the track. A lot of couples still want to keep that original, special wedding date they have set, so this is a great opportunity for brides to try our more minimalistic styles. Then, for the big party, they’re planning for when restrictions ease, our brides can opt for a more traditional and dramatic look,” said Ziems.
Brides with Halfpenny London are being quite innovative when it comes to its outfits, revealed the designer. “Our slips and slinky dresses look incredible on their own for a simpler look and the overskirts and veils can be saved for the party, making them feel like they have two completely different yet equally special outfits,” said Kate Halfpenny.
But it’s not just those looking to buy brand new. Kate Atkinson, founder of Bridal Reloved, the UK’s biggest secondhand bridal store chain, also told me the same: “Brides want two dresses, one for the marriage and one for the party (whenever that may be).”
