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02 February 2025

5 minute read

2025 Wedding Dress Trends

In challenging times, it is essential to keep dreaming. While not every aspect of your wedding can be shrouded in certainty at the moment, brides can be reassured that hope is on the horizon and that 2025 is offering some stunning wedding dress trends that they can get very excited about.

A bride and groom hold hands while standing on a hilltop overlooking a vast, scenic landscape at sunset. The bride wears a flowing white gown with intricate lace details, and the groom is dressed in a black suit and tie. The bride gently lifts her dress with her free hand.
A woman with straight black hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a sleeveless black top and small, round earrings. The background features green foliage.

Written by  Anje Luck

The passionate leader of our wedding sales team. Anje excels in creating a memorable first impression.

The passionate leader of our wedding sales team. Anje excels in creating a memorable first impression.

With designers presenting authentic, beautiful and inspiring pieces, 2025 brides will be looking for their dresses to have a unique expression and will be looking to add elements of surprise in their styling and design choices.

Whether it be clean silhouettes paired with bespoke features, romantic sleeves, ultra-feminine tulle, or the bold choice of a sophisticated dress alternative, this season's designs and trends remind us that dreamy chic is still very much in style.

We are thrilled to round up the key 2025 wedding dress trends that will be influencing brides. Providing a range of choices for those opting for a more conservative and timeless approach and those wanting to emerge and celebrate in a more daring fashion.

A couple, dressed in wedding attire, sits on a large tree branch. The bride wears a sparkling white gown with a deep V-neck and sheer sleeves, while the groom wears a white tuxedo with a black bow tie. They are looking at each other and smiling, surrounded by nature.

LET'S TALK LIGHTWEIGHT TIERS AND RUFFLES... AND WHY WE LOVE THIS LOOK SO MUCH

Lightweight dresses are where ease and romance meet. Ultra-feminine ruffles, tiered skirts with fitted bodices and airy dresses are perfected for a night spent on the dance floor.

With a focus on adding volume using layers of featherlight tulle and organza, these wavy ruffles add a touch of glamour to structured or finely folded and draped bodices. Using laser cut, pinched tulle, and sculpted waves of organza, a practical element makes these dresses effortlessly wearable without excess weight.

Whether it's playful chic or a voluminous and contemporary tiered style you're after like these Karen Willis Holmes dresses, endless texture and movement make these playful gowns true statement pieces.

A woman stands against a plain background, wearing an elegant off-the-shoulder white wedding gown. The dress features a fitted bodice and a voluminous skirt with flowing, ruffled layers, and a long train. She has her hair styled in an updo and wears large, dangling earrings.
A woman is wearing a white two-piece outfit. The top is a sleeveless crop top with a deep neckline, and the bottom is a high-waisted, sheer, flowy skirt adorned with small, sporadic pearl-like beads. The background is an outdoor setting with green foliage.
A woman in a flowing white dress stands outdoors against a rustic wooden door and stone wall backdrop. She has long, dark hair and touches her face with one hand, projecting elegance and grace. Benches line the sides, and the ground is cobblestone.

THE STATEMENT SLEEVE

Dramatic statement sleeves are becoming a staple in bridal fashion in 2025. Billowing, flowing, and dramatic sleeves are in. These styles are working with flared ends, voluminous shapes, and gorgeous puffs. They're appearing in all kinds of materials as well, like lace, tulle, and organza.

WILL SLEEVES WORK REGARDLESS OF THE STYLE OF DRESS I CHOOSE?

The statement sleeve is versatile. The right sleeve can create the bridal look you're after — from modern princess to sharp and chic. Long, short, puffy and in-between, being such a versatile element, the design options are limitless. A puff sleeve can add soft and subtle highlights to the shoulders, whereas short-capped sleeves give a modern princess vibe. Vintage lace sleeves are the perfect accompaniment for the boho bride, and brides looking for an off-the-shoulder dress can add soft draping sleeves for an out-of-this-world, delicate yet romantic feel.

WINTER AND SLEEVES... THEY JUST WORK.

For colder weather, long sleeves are a flattering and practical alternative. Take this beautiful gown from Olivia Bottega, for example. The sleeves add much-needed comfort for a winter wedding while still creating a stylish and sweet wedding day look.

A woman is standing in an elegant cream-colored, long-sleeved wedding dress with a flowing train. The dress features voluminous sleeves. She is by a stone wall adorned with lush green and purple floral arrangements. The floor has a black and white checkered pattern.
A person with long hair stands against a clear blue sky, wearing a white fashion-forward outfit adorned with lace details and puffed shoulders. Their expression is serious, and they are looking off to the side. The lighting of the image is natural and bright.

THE DOUBLE LOOK

Can't decide between elegant and elaborate or short and chic? Wedding dress shopping is getting easier, with the two-look bride becoming popular. Go with traditional bridal fashion for the ceremony and something a little more in line with your personal style for the reception. It's a fun reveal and an excuse to invest in another piece you'll be able to wear for years to come.

SHORT AND CHIC

Seen as investment pieces that have more longevity than traditional dress styles, short dresses offer brides a fun and playful substitute that lends themselves to more relaxed and casual gatherings. Perfect for the summer wedding and amazingly danceable, we love the short dress for a reception look.

I'M WORRIED A SHORT DRESS MAY LOOK TOO CASUAL. HOW DO I ELEVATE MY LOOK?

Bringing a welcome element of surprise, short wedding dresses are for those who want to put their best foot (or legs) forward and are partial to accessorising with stunning shoes. Is there any better example of an elevated short wedding dress than Australian designer Kyha? We don’t think so.

Short dresses are perfect for your outdoor garden wedding. If you're getting married in winter, however, and are falling in love with the idea of going shorter but don't want to commit to an above-the-knee dress, opt for a tea-length dress, which is slightly longer but will still provide an irresistibly chic statement.

Two women in elegant white dresses pose against a light background with shades of blue and green. One wears a strapless gown with a voluminous skirt, and the other wears a short dress with a dramatic ruffled shoulder. Both have their hairstyles and makeup neatly done.

EMBELLISHMENTS

Decadent sequins, tonal beading, metallic embellishments, stunning crystals and pearl trimmings that catch the light are injecting some serious sparkle into dresses this season. For a versatile look that flows from ceremony to reception party, this season's exuberant sparkle flourishes, with delicate handcrafted detailing, are trend-setting masterpieces.

Not a sparkly bride? Consider a gorgeous embroidered detail, as featured in Hermione De Paula's range.

LOOKING TO GLISTEN UP YOUR MINIMALIST VIBE?

This is the answer. This 2025 bridal look moves away from minimalism in a very subtle way and takes another step forward in terms of understated shimmer. It's all about intricate designs and subtlety. Pearl and crystal embellishments feature strongly and are used to accentuate key elements of the dress. Consider this trend added permission to shine, or rather, sparkle, on your special day.

THE BASQUE WAIST

Combining last season's dropped waist trend with a new-found appreciation for the corset, 2025 is obsessed with the basque waist. The unique V-shape creates a stunning silhouette to complement any bride's look. Rime Arodaky's Roslyn Flowers wedding gown is the perfect example of how this new trend combines timeless bridal with modern elegance.

TULLE IS BACK IN A BIG WAY

A long, long time ago, tulle was a staple on any wedding day. It's only now, in 2025, though, that it's made its comeback in wedding dresses. Full tulle skirts will be making their way into wedding dresses across the world this year. Pair it with a drop waist, and you'll have a complete 2025 look.

A woman with blonde hair wearing an elegant white off-shoulder wedding gown stands in an outdoor setting. She gently holds the sheer fabric of her dress, facing slightly away from the camera, with lush greenery in the background.
A bride and groom stand outdoors holding hands, both smiling at each other. The bride is wearing an elegant off-shoulder white dress with buttons down the front, while the groom is in a black tuxedo with a white shirt and bow tie. They are surrounded by greenery.

PANTS AND JUMPSUITS

For those wanting to break tradition and escape having to wear a big white dress, suits or jumpsuits offer a sleek and sophisticated dress alternative and are making a daring play for the hearts of brides in 2025.

Incredibly flattering and varying from highly embellished with lace detail to tailored tuxedos, these dress alternative options mean that brides don't have to compromise on style or the ability to personalise their dream wedding outfit.

These looks first became popular back in 2025 but are evolving with each season, and in 2025, they're also creating the perfect secondary reception look.

JUST LIKE A DRESS, IT'S ALL ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU

Look for silhouettes that complement your best features, quality fabrics and embellishments or a styling note that highlights your personal flair. Textured fabrics or metallic embellishments can give bridal suits added depth and dimension. Catherine Deane creates the perfect balance of feminine and powerful in her 2025 range of wedding jumpsuits.

IF YOU'RE PREPARED TO LOOK UNFORGETTABLY GORGEOUS AND TURN ALL THE HEADS IN THE ROOM…

Then a jumpsuit might be for you!! Not to be overshadowed by bridal suits, jumpsuits are also 'having their moment', offering a versatile alternative that provides a seamless transition from day to night, from walking down the aisle to dancing late into the evening. Boho, modern, romantic or vintage jumpsuits are available in a wide range of styles and fits and can become a welcome addition to your wardrobe, able to be worn long after your big day.

A woman in a white wedding gown with a long train and a man in a black suit holding a bouquet walk hand-in-hand on a grassy area. The setting sun filters through trees in the background, casting a warm glow and twinkling lights add a touch of magic to the scene.
A woman with a floral hair accessory stands on a deserted road surrounded by rocky terrain. She is wearing a sheer dress adorned with white floral patterns, which she spreads out dramatically, creating a flowing and ethereal effect.

TIMELESS & TRADITIONAL GOWNS

2025 brides are looking to the past and borrowing what still resonates today. They're opting for traditional lace and classic embellishments. Brides are turning to timeless elegance — proven silhouettes, high and sweetheart necklines, and, of course, the corset. Take Savage and Hunt's new collection, for example.

A woman stands against a plain background wearing a stylish, all-white outfit consisting of a strapless top with an oversized bow detail and matching fitted pants. She is wearing white heels and has her blonde hair tied back in a sleek, low ponytail.
A woman in an elegant white outfit poses confidently indoors. She raises one arm while holding out the flowing skirt of her attire with the other. Behind her is an ornate white mantel with floral arrangements, and a round mirror hangs above it.

WANT TO CREATE UNDERSTATED GLAMOUR? HERE'S HOW:

Understated glamour can be created for the spring or summer bride with returns to a classic neckline and a gorgeous satin fabric. It’s all about simplicity that’s elevated through subtle touches this season.

These restrained and classic styles allow the minimalist bride to indulge in quiet luxury, making a personalised yet subtle statement.

A woman is posing against a textured brown background, wearing an off-shoulder white dress with subtle embellishments. The dress features draped sleeves and a fitted waist. Her long, wavy hair is styled down, and she wears drop earrings.
A woman stands confidently against a brown textured backdrop, wearing an elegant, long-sleeved, white evening gown with a deep V-neckline. Her dark hair is styled in loose waves, and she accessorizes with large, statement earrings.

SUSTAINABILITY AND VERSATILITY

With a focus on connectivity and the need to be more aware of the impact our decisions have on one another, brides are looking for sustainable fashion brands that advocate sustainable and ethical design processes and practices.

With this 2025 bridal dress trend prioritising what is happening behind the scenes, brides have become more conscious about consumption and considering what impact their big day will have upon the environment long after they walk down the aisle. This trend is showing up in upcycling old dresses, in particular, your mother's or even grandmother's wedding dress.

WONDERING HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR DRESS' POST-WEDDING WEAR POTENTIAL?

Brides are turning their attention towards post-wedding wear and choosing innovative designs that boast both functionality and style, allowing for their wedding dress or components of their wedding outfit to become re-utilised wardrobe favourites. Design house Pronovias is leading the way in offering brides the opportunity to donate their dress to 'Brides do Good.' This organisation sells wedding dresses and invests the proceeds (Provonias matches every dress donated) in international charity programs aimed at empowering vulnerable young women.

A woman in a long, elegant white gown with a deep back cut and side slit stands outdoors. Her brown hair cascades down her back, and she gazes over her shoulder. Tall palm trees and lush green foliage are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A woman stands in front of wooden shutters, wearing a white, sheer wedding gown with floral lace details. She has her hair in an updo and is turned slightly to the side, looking over her shoulder. She wears statement earrings, and the setting appears to be outdoors.

CONSIDER SELLING YOUR WEDDING GOWN. IT'S A GREAT WAY TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING DRESS CHOICE SUSTAINABLE.

Another way brides are exploring making their decision more sustainable and adding value by reducing waste is to upcycle their dresses. Storage space has become a significant consideration, and considering the perfect record of your dress has already been captured by your photographer, brides are finding less and less of a need to keep the physical memento. Selling through online wedding dress marketplaces like Still White means that resale potential can also be another consideration alongside style, fit and price when choosing your dress. Here are a few tips to consider that will help bolster your resale potential:

EXPERT TIPS THAT WILL BOLSTER YOUR RESALE POTENTIAL

Designer: A designer gown (either local or international) will be easier to resell than more traditional and readily available brands. Designer brands will often be able to be sold at a discount of 20-30% off the retail price as opposed to 40-60% for readily available labels.

Style Trends: A dress that follows current style trends will have a quicker turnover, think a-line silhouettes, sleeves and 3D embroidery. Alterations and the way they are done will affect the ability to resell the dress — keep any excess fabrics or embellishments for future use.

Quality of textiles: quality fabrics with a focus on durability, as opposed to more delicate/finer fabrics, will have a higher resale value. They will wear better the second time around.

Insider Tip: Keep receipts to validate your purchase price, and do not remove designer labelling. Upcycle your dress as quickly as possible after your wedding while it's still 'on-trend' and the style is still in demand.

A woman stands in front of a large window, wearing a strapless, floor-length wedding dress made of sheer, ruffled fabric. The dress features a fitted bodice and a flowing, layered skirt. The background consists of light-colored walls and natural sunlight.
A person with long hair stands confidently in a strapless, white, tulle dress. Their hands are positioned on their hips. The background features wooden-framed windows, creating a soft and light-filled ambiance.

ONLINE AND VIRTUAL FITTINGS

While it may be stretching the friendship slightly to call it a 'trend' one of the most significant shifts that will occur in bridal fashion this season will be how brides choose and purchase their dress. With the dream for most dresses starting with a ‘like’ on Instagram or an image pinned to a board, the virtual world already has a profound influence on the way brides choose their wedding attire.

Navigating restrictions and limitations placed on boutiques, designers are increasingly looking to make their online experience as streamlined and efficient as possible for brides, without compromising on the quality of service and the individual attention every bride deserves.

Online styling appointments, exclusive online-only collections and more efficient try on and return programs are assisting in making the virtual experience for brides as rewarding as the time they would have otherwise spent in the showroom.