Spotlight: The Bridal Trend Forecast

The Shepards Photography
Spotlight
The ultimate guide to wedding day fashion trends for brides and grooms
Written by
Laura Cross

As wedding season approaches, couples everywhere are dreaming up their perfect day, complete with showstopping fashion and personal touches. From bold statement pieces to timeless classics with a twist, the 2025 wedding fashion trends are all about individuality, creativity and celebrating love in style. Here’s a look at the latest trends taking center stage this year.

For the Bride: Effortless Elegance 

Chloe Bella Photo

Chloe Bella Photo

Bridal fashion continues to evolve, but the timeless, elegant bride is always in style. According to Tania Robert of Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club, minimalistic satin ball gowns remain a popular choice for brides looking to maintain a classic look. These gowns provide the perfect canvas for adding personalized accessories, allowing brides to infuse their unique style into their wedding-day ensemble.

Retro-inspired bridal styles are also making a comeback, as Nia Alexander from True Society - Peoria & Mesa points out. Fashion trends tend to circle back, and in the world of bridal, this means the return of drop waistlines, bubble skirts, jacquard fabrics, chokers, bow ties, and other nostalgic details. These retro touches are bringing a fresh, modern twist to classic bridal looks, giving brides the chance to embrace both vintage charm and contemporary flair.

Minimalism continues to be a dominant trend in bridal fashion, with many brides opting for clean, satin gowns that rely on the drama of their construction rather than intricate details. Alexander explains that details like ruching, basque waists, and unique sleeve designs bring drama to a minimalist gown without overwhelming the look. 

In addition to these fashion-forward trends, many brides are embracing nostalgia and personalization by incorporating family heirlooms into their special day. Tony Palacio of Tony Palacio Events shares that one heartwarming trend is the resurgence of brides reimagining their mothers' wedding dresses. Rather than wearing them as they were, brides are creatively transforming these cherished gowns into modern second looks for the reception. Whether redesigned into chic cocktail dresses, elegant jumpsuits, or flowy skirts, this trend combines sentimentality with contemporary style. Palacio notes that sharing a special dance with their mothers during the reception further enhances the emotional connection, turning fashion into a meaningful story.

For the modern bride looking for something beyond traditional white gowns, Kristy Desmond from Divinity Event Productions highlights the growing popularity of non-traditional colors, such as blush, champagne, and pastels. Desmond notes that these hues, often paired with textured fabrics, add a layer of drama and uniqueness to the bridal look, making them perfect for brides who want to stand out while maintaining elegance.

For Grooms: Bold Statements & Personalized Style

The Shepards Photography

The Shepards Photography

Grooms are stepping up their fashion game with unique colors and luxurious accents, making a statement on their big day. Desmond notes that velvet accents are a key trend for adding texture and sophistication to a groom’s attire. Velvet suits or blazers in deep, rich tones lend a regal vibe, elevating the groom’s look to match the elegance of the occasion.

A growing trend is also the move away from traditional black suits, with grooms opting for colored suits to match their wedding color scheme or their bride’s vision. Meagan Pinney from Your Jubilee highlights that while classic black suits or tuxedos are timeless, grooms who want to showcase their personal style are embracing vibrant colors or custom details. Whether it’s a suit in a bold hue that aligns with the bridal party’s colors or unique tailoring that speaks to the groom’s personality, this trend is gaining traction and offers a fresh take on wedding fashion.

The slim-fit suit remains a popular choice for a sleek, flattering silhouette, but many grooms are also embracing more relaxed styles. Lightweight linen or cotton suits are perfect for outdoor or destination weddings, while layered elements like patterned vests or textured scarves bring warmth and style to winter weddings. Grooms are now more than ever taking control of their wedding look, expressing their personal taste with confidence.

Accessories: Statement Pieces & Timeless Details

Chloe Bella Photo

Chloe Bella Photo

Statement accessories are playing a key role in completing both the bride and groom's looks. Accessories are an essential part of wedding day fashion, and 2025 sees a mix of bold statement pieces and timeless classics taking the spotlight.

For brides, headpieces are gaining popularity, with delicate veils, floral crowns, and ornate hairpins adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to their overall look. Draped details like detachable capes and flowing trains are also trending, offering a modern take on traditional accessories with a chic, romantic vibe. Bridal gloves and neck scarves are making a comeback in 2025, adding a vintage-inspired flair to the modern bride’s ensemble. Lace gloves, satin mitts, and sleek arm bands are seen as elegant accents that elevate the bridal look, while neck scarves or ties in soft fabrics such as silk provide a sophisticated and unique touch.

For grooms, statement accessories are key to enhancing their attire. Personalized cufflinks, colorful pocket squares, and distinctive ties add flair and individuality. Velvet accents, such as velvet jackets in rich tones, are also a popular choice, adding texture and sophistication to their outfits. Whether opting for a bold accessory or a custom-colored suit, grooms are embracing fashion that allows them to showcase their personal style while maintaining elegance on their special day.

Jewelry remains a significant focus, with many brides choosing unique pieces that reflect their personal style. Minimalist yet bold rings, stackable bracelets, and statement earrings are trending, often incorporating non-traditional stones like morganite, sapphire, or topaz for a more individualized look.

As for footwear, both brides and grooms are embracing shoes that combine comfort with style. From stylish sneakers for casual or destination weddings to embellished heels for a more formal affair, footwear is no longer just about function - it’s an essential part of the overall wedding look.

The Overall Look: Creating a Cohesive Vision

Carmela Joy Photography

Carmela Joy Photography

When it comes to wedding fashion, creating a cohesive vision is key. Whether it’s through color palettes, coordinated accessories or a shared aesthetic, couples are ensuring their wedding looks flow seamlessly from one element to the next. From the bridal gown to the bridesmaid dresses and groomswear, everything is being thoughtfully planned to create a unified and beautiful design.

One of the biggest trends for 2025 is the emphasis on creativity and personalization. Couples are moving away from rigid traditions and embracing what feels right for them. This approach allows for more freedom in choosing wedding attire and accessories, giving couples the opportunity to truly express their individual style and personality.

The key to wedding day fashion is staying true to yourself. Whether you’re drawn to classic elegance or daring trends, your attire should make you feel confident and comfortable. By incorporating these latest styles, you’ll create a look that’s unforgettable - just like your love story.

Main Photo: The Shepards Photography