Getting married in 2020? Here's the top bridal fashion trends you need to know

If you’re a bride-to-be, planning your wedding for this year or even for 2021 and beyond, then we’re willing to stake that your bridal outfit is something of utmost importance to you. In fact, some brides even say that it’s the most important element of their wedding - aside from the spouse, of course. With so many options available, it can be hard to know what you’re looking for, or how to pick an outfit that you’ll still love in the years to come.

So, if you’re yet to settle on your big-day outfit and you’re looking for inspiration, read on - we’ve spoken to some of Scotland’s top bridal designers, ahead of the return of The Scottish Wedding Show in Glasgow this weekend (22-23 February), to help you in your quest for ‘The One’…

Much like everyday fashion, bridal trends change every year. Inspired by catwalk trends, shift in the public mood and particularly, celebrity weddings, you can expect to see big changes in bridal trends year-on year.

Celebrity and royal weddings are the biggest markers of predicting the trends, as they so often shape them; remember when lacy, long-sleeved dresses shot up in popularity after The Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding back in 2011? And who didn’t adore the clean lines of Meghan Markle’s Givenchy gown in 2018?

Current trends have been a bit of a mixed bag; clean, modern designs were huge in 2019, whilst the ever-popular lace had a little bit of a retro makeover, with 70s-inspired designs and larger lacework patterns becoming much more prevalent with contemporary brides.

For 2020, we’ve got the rundown on what we’re predicting to be the biggest bridal trends, and expert advice on how to choose your dream dress (or separates, or jumpsuit…)

keeping things casual

Traditionally, the wedding day would be the day where you’d be the most dressed-up you’ll ever be in your life - sparkly dress, complete with showstopping shoes, a dazzling tiara and a veil that trails for metres on end. But in 2020, things are getting a little more pared-back, with brides opting for a look that’s a little less glitzy, but no less glamorous.

Alison Malcolm is the owner of Alice Jayne Bridal in Glasgow. She tells us that there’s been a real shift in what brides want to wear for their big day: “More and more brides are opting for a casual look, but still with the wow factor. The days of the big, blingy dress are on their way out!”

Separate it

Struggling to find a dress that ticks all the boxes? Perhaps a two-piece is the answer, helping you construct your dream outfit from separate pieces, to come together as one gorgeous and contemporary bridal look.

“Bridal separates are becoming really popular,” says Alison. “We’ve seen an increase in demand for our crop top and skirt sets - especially for weddings abroad. They give an edgy, modern look that’s perfect for a bride who likes to do things a bit differently.”

Double down on the dress

Another trend that’s making waves is brides opting for two dresses on their wedding day, according to Alison. It’s perfect if you can’t decide on one style over another, or if you’ve got your heart set on a stunning dress for the ceremony that’s wholly impractical for dancing - it means you can go crazy with a fun, quirky outfit or a glitzy mini dress for the reception!

“Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle both changes outfits for their reception,” says Alison - of course, who could forget Meghan’s breathtaking Stella McCartney evening gown? “Brides are seeing it as a way to incorporate two very different looks into their big day. It’s actually not a new thing - in fact, as early as the 1930s, you would often see brides change into a different dress for the reception, but it’s definitely making a comeback!”

Bold and beautiful

These days, it’s no longer a safe bet to assume that the bride will arrive in shades of pure white or ivory. With coloured wedding dresses on the rise, we can safely say that when it comes to 2020 brides, anything goes.

Brides have dabbled in coloured dresses over the years - Gwen Stefani’s dip-dyed fuchsia gown, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Biel both opted for blush pink, and don’t forget Chrissy Teigen’s crimson reception gown - but colourful dresses are definitely becoming more of a popular choice for bold brides unafraid to break the rules.

“We’ve made a black wedding dress recently, and I’m actually in the process of making separates in a bright pink,” says Alison. “Opting for a made-to-measure, bespoke dress design means that the sky is the limit and you can choose whatever look you want.”

Jump around

Jumpsuits are also making waves in the world of bridal fashion, with designers such as Maggie Sottero and Eliza Jane Howell including jumpsuits in all of their latest collections. It’s a fresh, cool and contemporary take on bridalwear, and we’re all for it. Imagine a crisp white jumpsuit, paired with a veil and some stunning shoes - it’s the ultimate in modern bridal vibes.

Scottish bridal designer Joyce Young has seen an increasing number of enquiries about jumpsuits from brides: “Jumpsuits are the perfect alternative for the bride who’s looking to swerve tradition! They are also proving really popular for same-sex marriages, where the brides both want the traditional ‘white wedding’ look, but also want to be different.”

SLEEVE IT OUT

Trends come and go, but one of the most timeless, and enduring, trends for wedding dresses is undoubtedly, sleeves. Think Grace Kelly, The Duchess of Cambridge, Audrey Hepburn, and even contemporary style icons including Kim Kardashian and Olivia Palermo; they all opted for elegant, long-sleeved wedding dresses.

“Statement sleeves are one of the other key trends we are gearing up for in 2020,” Joyce Young tells us. “From structured shoulders to billowing floaty sleeves, there are so many beautiful options to choose from. There is a definite move away from strapless dresses, with brides now seeing how sophisticated a sleeve can look.”

Remember, Hood is running a competition to win tickets to The Scottish Wedding Show this weekend - click here to enter!