The Top Bridal Trends for 2021 Weddings

From pearls and crystal-encrusted bows to satin sheaths, drop-waists, and body-skimming silhouettes, the Gatsby Era was all the rage the year Baz Luhrmann's rendition hit the big screen. But the era best known for epic parties is, understandably, getting a reboot—after all, the roaring '20s followed the Spanish Flu; it's no wonder that a resurgence of this era's best looks would follow the let downs of 2020. This look speaks to our longing for party dressing—with a modern twist.

What might have felt try-hard or costume in seasons past is now theatrical yet chic, and 2021 is all about indulging our desire for the dramatic. This trend is demure and luxe, whether you don it for the ceremony, rehearsal dinner, after-party, or other wedding-related events in-between.

Clockwise from left: Vera Wang Fall 2020; Erdem Pre-Fall 2021; Lanvin Spring 2021; Khyeli Fall 2020; Giambattista Resort 2021.

This trend goes beyond florals and pops of color. Emerging from a year like 2020, 2021 is all about bold and playful prints that make us smile, done in chic new ways. Whether it be all-over graphic blooms or characterizing designs a la Monique Lhuillier's Lily of the Valley, Miu Miu's cat-c0vered gown, or Alexander McQueen's vintage fashion sketched frock, this is for the bride who plans to throw caution to the wind once stay at home orders are lifted and gatherings commence once more.

In short: you can have fun with fashion and play dress up, even for moments as epic as your ceremony.

Clockwise from left: Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2021; Alexander McQueen Resort 2021; Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2021; Giambattista Valli Spring 2020 Haute Couture; Vera Wang Fall 2021; Miu Miu Resort 2021.

Going grand used to be about all-over lace, beading, and threadwork—but in a year were production was slowed by the pandemic and embroidery masters abroad were forced to stay home, designers took to expressing themselves with a less is more ethos, in ways that are no less of a statement.

For the bride who loves clean lines, sleek shapes, and architectural elements—sans fuss or frills—this look is all about the cut, styling, and when it comes to fit, impeccable tailoring.

Clockwise from left: Amsale Spring 2021; Viktor & Rolf Bridal Fall 2021; Caroline Herrera Fall 2021; Galvan White Fall 2021; Naeem Khan Bridal Fall 2021.

The '80s have been making a comeback on runways for seasons—and bold shoulders are just another nod to fashion's most daring decade.

Puff sleeves give the body a postural presence, while blouson sleeves feel poetic and romantic, with an edge. Bold shoulder details work double duty, feeling dreamy while offering the daring touch that thinks outside the strapless, off-shoulder, and plunging neckline standards.

Clockwise from left: Carolina Herrera Spring 2021; Christopher John Rogers Spring 2021; Vera Wang Fall 2021; Khaite Spring 2021; Danielle Frankel Fall 2020, Valentino Fall 2020 Haute Couture.

Blush was a trend ages ago; then, it became a mainstay for the aisle, followed by shades of ginger and champagne. Now, we're seeing cooler shades of pistachio, dove, lavender, and sky blue in all forms, from full ball gowns to flirty frocks.

Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, and Oscar de la Renta lead the cool tone charge; Wang showed lavender this season (along with touches of red and black, but more on those later), while Lhuiller's dove-toned gown joined the ranks of the soft greens she's been showing as of late. Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia's "something blue" gown for Fall 2020 was an early sign of the watercolor wonders we saw on the 2021 runways. Seems as though these soft tones are here to stay for a feminine yet cool take on aisle-appropriate color.

Clockwise from left: Rodarte Spring 2020; Luisa Beccaria Spring 2021; Oscar de la Renta Bridal Fall 2020; Vera Wang Fall 2021; Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2021; Cecilie Bahnsen Spring 2021.

Lace is bridal's biggest mainstay, and to reinvent it's traditional wheel proves challenging—but from laser-cut laces and graphic embroidery to statement motifs and all the re-embroidered and three-dimensional options in between, there were countless new ways to wear lace in the latest collections.

Whether you're after a slim fit, an A-line, or a ball gown, there's a new take on lace that's far beyond basic Chantilly to suit any style. Lean into all the new laces—from Tom Ford's patchwork to Dior's formal riff on Guipure—and consider how they'll best suit your wedding's setting. Nature-inspired and floral laces feel outdoorsy and effortless, while more graphic options feel like a modern take on metropolitan wedding dressing. Bring the feel of your gown into your veil for an even larger impact—but when you do, be sure the look still feels authentic and soft, rather than overwhelming.

Clockwise from left: Naeem Khan Bridal Fall 2021; Temperley London Bridal Fall 2021; Elizabeth Fillmore Bridal Fall 2021; Oscar de la Renta Bridal Spring 2021; Tom Ford Fall 2020; Christian Dior Fall 2020 Haute Couture.

This is yet another update to the boho bride of bridal's past—but this year, she comes with an added polish. Bishop sleeves, smocking, empire waists, and an overall ease characterize this look, which is equal parts Victoriana and fashion fairy nymph.

While each designer interpreted this effortless, chic, at times prairie-inspired look differently—some more modern than others—this is for the girl looking to tap into her inner romantic, without dabbling in festival dressing.

Clockwise from left: Dana Harel Spring 2021; Danielle Frankel Fall 2020; Costarellos Resort 2021; Odylyne: The Ceremony Fall 2021; Maison Rabih Kayrouz Fall 2020; Cortana Fall 2020.

Shorter hemlines have always played a role in a bride's trousseau; but this year, as civil ceremonies replaced epic 100+ person events, brides and designers alike deemed minis, midis, and ankle-lengths appropriate for the ceremony—when styled appropriately, of course.

Showing off your legs and shoes shouldn't be reserved for civil ceremonies or the after-party. Pair any of these looks with a veil, and they're ceremony-appropriate for a small wedding now, and then as a look for a larger gathering (like your postponed rehearsal dinner or reception) next year.

Clockwise from left: Simone Rocha Spring 2021; Carolina Herrera Resort 2021; Markarian Spring 2021; Kaviar Gauche Bridal 2021; Chanel Spring 2020 Haute Couture; Alexander McQueen Spring 2021.

A few seasons back, it was separates that were all the rage; then came statement suiting—but this is all about the layering.

Wedding wardrobes require versatility and longevity as celebrations continue to change, move, and morph in 2021, and in such uncertain times, your fashion choices are one thing you can control. Make them work for you and whatever unique celebration you have in the works by picking pieces that you won't want to wear just once. From sculptural capes to knitwear add-ons, lace-appliquéd trenches, and toppers, these bridal accents are responsible for the return of the convertible dress—in ways we've not seen before.

Clockwise from left: Andre Iyamah Bridal Fall 2020; Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2020; Elie Saab Bridal Spring 2021; Valentin Avoh Bridal Fall 2020; Danielle Frankel Bridal Fall 2020; Cecilie Bahnsen Spring 2021.

While volume in bridal is nothing new, recent seasons saw an influx of a new type of texture—statement froth. Weightless, full of movement, and totally dreamy, this ultra-romantic look wafted down the digital runways in droves and came in the form of puffed, ruffled, and pleated necklines, skirts, and hems.

If you're after volume, this isn't just about a full skirt; it's almost easy in all its grandeur; trust us: this look is infinitely more photogenic and effortless than a stiff silk or satin ball gown.

Clockwise from left: Ashi Studio Fall 2021; Carolina Herrera Resort 2021; Kaviar Gauche Bridal 2021; Giambattista Valli Fall 2020 Haute Couture; Tomo Koizumi Bridal Spring 2021.

Shimmer never looked so chic. This subtle shine that catches the light feels more like a night sky than all-encrusted, glamorous glitz. From all-over embellishments to semi-sheer styles, these gowns demand the limelight at any celebration, and dazzle as you move. Drive this look home with shimmering accessories and easy, tousled glam.

Clockwise from left: Galia Lahav Fall 2020; Elie Saab Fall 2020 Haute Couture; Vera Wang Bride Fall 2020; Cucculelli Shaheen Fall 2020; Toni Maticevski Resort 2021; Dana Harel Spring 2021.