2026 Bridal Trends For An Unforgettable Big Day
From statement veils to the return of a cinched-in silhouette – these are the bridal trends we will be channelling in 2026
Bridal fashion is stepping out of its quiet luxury era and into something far more expressive. For 2026, designers are embracing sculptural silhouettes, intentional drama, customisable details that place a bride’s personal narrative at the forefront – leaving fairytale tropes firmly in the past. From drop-waist gowns to architectural forms, Bazaar Arabia reveals the bridal trends poised to define the year ahead.
Versatile Gowns
Transformative bridal gowns crystallised in 2025, with brides favouring versatile looks that shift effortlessly from ceremony to celebration. A sculptural base – often a corseted or structured gown – is reimagined throughout the day with detachable trains, sheer overlays, or statement accessories, allowing for both formality and freedom of movement. For some, it will always mean one dress simply won’t do – Selena Gomez chose a trio of Ralph Lauren bridal looks for her September 2025 wedding to Benny Blanco; a floral lace gown for the ceremony, a draped silk gown for the reception, and a Marilyn Monroe-inspired party dress for the after-dark celebrations.
The Corset Returns
The most defining silhouette for 2026 is the basque waist, featuring a corset that dips below the natural waistline to create a cinched, hourglass effect. This trend is already gathering pace on social media following ceremonies in 2025 of celebrities like Youmi Khoury, whose custom Dolce & Gabbana gown flaunted a fitted mermaid silhouette with intricate floral embroidery.
The Statement Veil
Once a simple final flourish, the veil has become the focal point of the modern bridal wardrobe. This season, statement veils – particularly the revival of cinematic Mantilla styles – frame gowns with a timeless, ethereal sensibility. Increasingly, brides are also treating veils as personal memoirs, commissioning custom embroidery of vows, dates or handwriting. Millie Bobby Brown recently underscored the trend on her multi-dress wedding weekend, spotlighting intricate, bespoke lacework set to carry through 2026.
Fairytale Glam
For 2026, bridal beauty is shifting towards an editorial-meets-authentic aesthetic, where sculptural, high-polish hair is balanced with minimalist, skin-centric make-up. The move away from mask-like foundation continues, favouring sheer, radiant coverage that allows natural texture to show through, while hairstyles follow suit with the rise of bridal bobs and sleek, unconventional chignons that prioritise undone beauty over harsh, scraped-back looks. Lana Del Rey in the trend’s pin up girl – she opted for a vintage-inspired ponytail with a charming ribbon to complement her porcelain perfect skin.
