New York Bridal Fashion Week fall 2026 was a season full of surprises. Not all the major bridal designers decided to show this season, so many in the industry were expecting a slower and less robust schedule. That was not the case. Instead, there were plenty of presentations, runway shows, parties, and showroom appointments that highlighted the stunning creations that will be heading down aisles in late 2026 and early 2027 weddings. The general theme of trends? Everyone is going bigger and bolder. Designers were pushing their collections with more embellishments, creative draping, larger petticoats, and unique materials that allow a bride to have a standout moment on their wedding day.
Ahead, we break down all the wedding dress trends from New York Bridal Fashion Week that are going to be defining the wedding world in the year ahead.
An Embrace of Lace
Courtesy of Francesca Miranda
Courtesy of House of Gilles
Courtesy of Markarian
While the bride who loves a clean silk or mikado can still find options this season, if you have any leaning towards lace, you’re in luck. This season, almost every collection featured a dress (or five) featuring the material. Beautiful lace ensembles at Markarian, layers of delicate fabric at House of Gilles, crocheted lace at Francesca Miranda, and modern takes on traditional lace gowns at Kyha and Monique Lhuillier all served as proof this trend is going to be forever associated with the 2026 bride.
Shimmering Embellishments
Courtesy of Floure
Courtesy of Elie Saab
Courtesy of Marmar Halim
Designers might have had Taylor Swift’s wedding on their mind at New York Bridal Fashion Week because their collections were fully bejeweled, with embellishments to a degree we have not seen in recent years. Fabrics covered in sequins, glitter, rhinestones, pearls, and appliquéd gems (including a $1 million dollar ruby at Galia Lahav) shined their way down the bridal fashion week runways. Those looking to wear an embellished gown should tread a fine line, however. While some designers like Marmar Halim, Elie Saab, and Floure tastefully incorporated them into their gowns, the quality in adornments across collections could easier veer into gaudy territory. If you want to embrace this trend for your wedding look, do so thoughtfully.
Front Bows
Courtesy of Claire Pettibone
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Courtesy of Sarah Nouri
Monique Lhuillier, Bridal Fall 2026, New York City, October 14 2025Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier
When I saw two dresses with a pair of bows down the bodice of a gown on the same day, it felt like a funny coincidence. Cut to the end of bridal fashion week and I had seen at least 12 gowns from new collections with bows on the front of designs. Of course, bows are nothing new. Second-generation bridal designer Jaclyn Whyte even told me her mother used to say, “When something won’t sell, put a bow on it and it will.” In the past few seasons, we have often seen these adornments on the back of a dress. This year, they are heading to the front to add an extra dose of sweetness to bridal gowns.
Cool Coats
Talissa BenamouCourtesy of Sept
Monique Lhuillier, Bridal Fall 2026, New York City, October 14 2025Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier
Courtesy of One/Of
Getting married in the fall or winter doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your comfort for fashion. A chilly forecast can be paired with one of the new coats and capes from designers showing this season. Outerwear down the aisle can be found adorned in feathers, covered in lace and floral appliqués, or constructed in chic, minimal shapes that provide both warmth and an extra layer of cool to your bridal look. Brands like One/Of, Monique Lhuillier, Kyha, and Sept have beautiful new options worth exploring.
Unexpected Fabric
Courtesy of Ines Di Santo
Courtesy of Jaclyn Whyte
Courtesy of Halfpenny London
Don’t be surprised if you come across textures you have never encountered before when shopping for a wedding gown next year. Faux laser-cut feathers, chainmail-like weaving, and shimmering liquid organza were just a few fabrics at play in collections this season. Designers are having fun with non-traditional fabrics and even sourcing vintage deadstock to curate outfits that will look and feel entirely different from anything you have ever seen heading down the aisle.
Big Ballgowns
Nicole and Felicia, Bridal Fall 2026, New York City, October 13 2025Courtesy of Nicole + Felicia
Monique Lhuillier, Bridal Fall 2026, New York City, October 14 2025Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier
Courtesy of Ferrah
Perhaps it’s the rising tide of traditional, conservative values. Perhaps it’s the desire to take advantage of one of the few socially acceptable times to wear a full-skirted princess dress. No matter the root, the classic ballgown is back in a big way. Many collections showed gowns layered with petticoats to create massive volume and toppers to ensure a more modest trip down the aisle.
Sexy Silhouettes
Courtesy of Galia Lahav
Courtesy of Hila
Courtesy of Alexandra Grecco
In contrast, there was no shortage of sexier ensembles to wear on your wedding day. Body-hugging lace, peekaboo cut-outs, and plenty of bra tops were found in collections for brides that want to lend a sensual edge to their wedding wardrobes. The daring may choose to wear these designs for their big ceremony, or choose to reveal them later in the evening once the older guests have already gone to bed.
Weekend Wardrobes
Courtesy of Alexandra Grecco
Courtesy of Nardos
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Courtesy of Lein
If you have attended a wedding in the last year, you likely have seen the couple wear more than one look throughout the celebration. While many to-be-weds need ensembles to fill out their wardrobe for welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, and day-after brunches, choosing a ceremony, reception, and after-party outfit for the day of has also become more of a norm. While some turn to ready-to-wear brands to find these extra fits, bridal designers are taking note and expanding their selections this season to offer silhouettes that can work for a number of occasions. Tea-length dresses that are easy to move about the dance floor were in abundance, as were minis, suiting options, and not-so-traditional looks for brides looking to have a bold fashion moment outside of their main gown.
