Is it just us or are wedding dresses also randomly on your mind too—even if you don't have a significant other? With an influx of new designers like Danielle Frankel, whose forward designs are speaking to the needs of the modern bride, and luxury shopping sites like FWRD creating their own wedding curations, it seems the spring bride has never had a cooler, fresher selection of dresses to choose from than right now.
Whatever the reasoning for our sudden spark of wedding inspiration, we're blaming it on the upcoming royal wedding. We're not alone either. We asked Shelley Brown, a fashion and beauty editor at wedding site The Knot, to weigh in on the season's best bridal trends. "The influence of the upcoming royal wedding was present in every [bridal] collection," Brown told us. "Bold ball gowns, capes and capelets, and dresses with allover sparkle (think: lots of sequins or beading) reflected bridal designers' royal inspiration."
With the royal wedding just weeks away (we've marked our calendars for May 19), it's impossible for Meghan Markle's omnipresent influence not to affect the biggest trends in bridal this spring. If you're as impatient as we are to see the royal wedding dress, you have to see our sneaky first look at Markle walking down the aisle in a white dress.
Ahead Brown is breaking down the top trends that every spring bride should know.
The Trend: Puffy Sleeves
"Puffy bridal sleeves are back and better than ever—believe it or not. A far cry from the outdated versions of the '80s, these gauzier versions are pure romance, especially when paired with a modern, formfitting silhouette. Long sleeves à la Kate Middleton have been hot for a few seasons and are also still going strong."
Designers to know: Gracy Accad, Theia, Pronovias
Shop our picks
Available in sizes 0 to 10.
Available in sizes 0 to 8.
Available in sizes
The Trend: Ball Gowns
"If you're looking to make a dramatic entrance, a classic ball gown is for you—and we saw plenty of them. From classic satin ball gowns with long sleeves to more romantic styles with frothy tulle skirts, this traditional bridal silhouette is definitely not going anywhere."
Designers to know: Reem Acra, Amsale, Viktor & Rolf.
Shop our picks:
Available in sizes 2 to 16.
Available in sizes 00 to 32W.
Amsale Logan Dress (price on request)
Sizing information is not available.
The Trend: Sparkle
"Over-the-top sequins, tonal beading, and metallic embellishments turned the Bridal Fashion Week runways into a glittery affair. Perfect for evening nuptials under the stars, this trend is daring but sophisticated."
Designers to know: Mira Zwillinger, Berta, Naeem Khan
Shop our picks:
Available in sizes 36 to 40.
Available in UK sizes 6 to 18.
Available in size 1.
Opening Image: @daniellefrankelstudio
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