All of the "Cool Bride" Things to Know in 2023

The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, exploring cult items from heritage brands, tapping the experts in the fashion space, and doing deep dives into the investment pieces that are worth it.

Looking ahead to bridal style in 2023, there are some upcoming wedding trends to have on your radar that are set to define what brides and bridal parties will be wearing this year. Cult designers such as Danielle Frankel who have landed on the short list for in-the-know brides are carving out some of the biggest trends in the wedding space, and buzzy trends from the ready-to-wear runways are also making a big impact.

Looking at the biggest wedding dress trends for 2023, there's something for everyone, whether you envision wearing something opulent, understated, or trend-forward. Ball gowns have reemerged in a major way at the same time that we're seeing pared-back '90s minimalism return. Classic wedding rings are in-demand, while fashion-forward second looks and mismatched bridesmaid dresses point to the importance of strong personal style and individuality. Ahead are the major wedding trends that will be huge in 2023.

Danielle Hirsch, the designer of the cult bridal brand Danielle Frankel, is one of many designers endorsing dramatic ball gowns—hers are designed with billowing taffeta skirts and romantic details like soft smocked tulle and grosgrain straps. On the other side of the spectrum, there is a strong display of '90s minimalism with simple strapless dresses and satin slips that feel reminiscent of the silhouette Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy wore for her 1996 ceremony. We're also seeing inspiration from the runways, with designers distilling some of the biggest trends from the fall/winter 2022 and spring/summer 2023 collections into the bridal space in the form of delicate rosette details, elegant sequins, and mini hemlines that are making an impact on what the most in-the-know brides will be wearing this year.

Though many fashion insiders have been spotted wearing nontraditional wedding rings with sculptural designs and colorful stones in the past several years, there is one trend that is prominent right now: classic silhouettes. Echoing what we're seeing across the luxury-fashion space—where there is a rising interest in classic investment items over trendier pieces—rings are returning to timeless designs such as solitaire engagement rings and wedding bands with a full circle of diamonds.

For shoes, you can go one of two routes: timeless and classic or directional and trend influenced. Personally, I'm equally invested in both. I think the direction you take is dependent on the dress and whether you're interested in keeping things streamlined or adding a talking point to your look. Brands such as Magda Butrym and Miu Miu have the season's coolest takes on directional bridal shoes, designed with everything from floral details to satin ballet-flats silhouettes. If you're looking for something outside of the current trends, The Row has a stunning pair of minimal strappy heels, while Manolo Blahnik has a beautiful pair of pointed mules that are sure to stand the test of time.

Accessories are the finishing touch that can take a bridal look to the next level. On the runways, we've been seeing designers embrace gloves, ranging from short crocheted versions to sheer tulle opera-length styles. Baroque pearls are also making an impact, and right now, we're seeing them enter the wedding space in a cool way with decorative belts. Bridal bags ranging from delicate woven satin styles to minimal leather pieces will be big for weddings this season, and they're pieces that can be used long beyond the ceremony.

Second looks have become more and more common for brides to change into for wedding receptions once the dance music begins and the party portion of the evening starts. This is a moment for the bride to tap into a new dimension of her personal style and have an extra level of fun. Right now, we're seeing micro hemlines, pant sets, and textured pieces win out.

Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are one of the breakaway trends to have on your radar. While identical dresses have been traditionally seen on the bridal party, there is a new wave of coordinated yet unique dresses we'll be seeing more of this year. This trend plays up individuality when it comes to style, allowing your bridal party to tap into what they are most excited to wear. To pull this off in a way that feels cohesive, stick with dresses that are similar lengths and fall into a general color family, but feel free to mix florals with solids and include a range of silhouettes.

Next: Inside Our Editor in Chief's Dreamy South of France Wedding