Bridal Style Trends to Watch in 2021

Keep your eyes out for all the chic bridal style trends that are coming your way in 2021!

Even in a pandemic, the ever-evolving fashion industry continues to churn out trend after trend for the upcoming year. The new bridal collections for 2021 seem to be taking it back to simpler silhouettes. These days it can be exhausting always trying to keep on-trend, especially when you’re dealing with your wedding gown. You want to be fashionable and up-to-date, but you also don’t want to be too trendy that your gown choice fades into a dated piece within a few years. Easy fix? Include one or two bridal trends in your wedding gown, but keep the rest of the gown and your silhouette to a more timeless fashion. Look below for our style roundup of the bridal trends you should keep on your radar during your wedding gown search!

Pearl Details

Oh, my pearl! When you think of sophistication and elegance, a pearl necklace is one of the fashion choices that will come to mind. But, the bridal industry is taking pearls and turning them into a bridal accessory for the cool-girl bride. From veil accents to scattered gown embellishments, pearls are one of the new “it” details for 2021. They still add a classic elegance to your bridal look but are also a fun addition that can transform your bridal look into something romantic and high-fashion.

Button Trails

Follow the button trail road! We love a good silk, ivory button, a la Grace Kelly. Button trails, whether they’re on the back, front, sleeves (or all three!) of a gown, make for an eye-catching addition to any wedding gown. They’re a perfect detail if you’re going for a simpler silhouette because they add elegance and whimsical romance to your bridal look without being too over the top. You can add as little or as many as you want, just make sure to gauge your decision based on how embellished your wedding gown already is.

Photography by Ria Mackenzie Photography

Statement Sleeves

Talk about owning the aisle like the queen you are! The statement sleeve is a strong contender for our favorite trend to come out of the newest bridal collections. It gives you so much room to play with your bridal look. You can opt for a simpler puff sleeve or take it out of the box with a feather-accented sleeve. Either way, your sleeve attachments will be making a fashion statement that is both elegant and playful. It can also work for any season, if you still want a sleeve moment in the hotter months, opt for a more modern sheer or detachable sleeve.

Illusion Panels

Peek-a-boo, but make it bridal! Illusion panels are all the rage right now, this is a trend that Reem Acra leaned into for their collection this year and it was stunning. Illusion panels give you a chance to add a bit of sultriness to your bridal look in a cheeky way that is still elegant and romantic. It can be as simple as an illusion neckline or an illusion side panel that will give your wedding gown a unique element sure to catch the eyes of your guests as you make your way down the aisle. If you want a bit more flair, add floral or lace details to your illusion panels.

Cape Details

Take your shero energy to the aisle! A veil isn’t for every bride, but a cape is an alternative accessory that can give you the same length and volume as a veil. This empowering, modern trend doesn’t have to just be an accessory you wear off the shoulders as a full cape. A lot of designers are making the trend even more modern by creating capes that are sheer or only attached to the shoulders of the gown. A cape can complete your bridal look, creating an ensemble that is both modern and timeless.