Is it an exaggeration to say that Instagram has changed weddings? Now that every event on the path to getting married is up for documentation—the proposal, the engagement party, the bridal shower, even the cake tasting—brides are under a lot of (perhaps self-inflicted) pressure to wear the perfect look for every occasion, not just the part where they say “I do.” This was a major talking point of the Spring 2019 bridal shows; in her coverage of Wes Gordon’s first collection for Carolina Herrera, Vogue’s Laird Borrelli-Persson wrote that Gordon has “observed that some brides who come to Herrera for one dress leave with three.”

Perhaps those three frocks include a dress for the rehearsal dinner, a gown for the ceremony, and another for the reception. However, another growing trend for Spring was on the opposite end of the spectrum: detachable pieces, like sleeves, trains, and overskirts. Brides can add or subtract them to transform their gowns—no second (or third) dress needed.

Another fascination of the bridal world this season? The royal wedding, which is just a month away. Below, we’ve called out more of the top trends from the Spring 2019 shows; you can expect to see them all next summer at your friends’ nuptials (and in Vogue’s wedding coverage).





1 / 5 Chevron Chevron Reem Acra

Countdown to the Royal Wedding!

It was abundantly clear that bridal designers had Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s May 19 wedding on their minds. Several of them actually submitted sketches for Markle’s consideration, including Inbal Dror, and Monique Lhuillier’s elegant long-sleeved lace gown was made specifically for the future princess—or at least brides who want to look like one. Zuhair Murad, Reem Acra, and Marchesa all showed long-sleeved lace dresses with full skirts, which were vaguely reminiscent of Kate Middleton’s Sarah Burton–designed gown from 2011. We still don’t know who is designing Markle’s gown or what it will look like, but these might offer a few clues.





1 / 8 Chevron Chevron Lela Rose

One Dress, Two (or Three) Looks

Why buy two gowns when your showstopping Marchesa dress comes with detachable sleeves? Taking them off completely transforms the gown without the hassle (or expense) of changing into another one. Similarly, Lela Rose and Carolina Herrera showed dresses with removable trains—wear it down the aisle, then take it off for dancing. Galia Lahav introduced removable sleeves, too, and Andreas Kronthaler’s asymmetrical ivory dress for Vivienne Westwood came with panels of feathers you could pile on to customize your look.





1 / 7 Chevron Chevron Danielle Frankel

A White Dress for Every Memory

Even if you’re wearing just one “transformative” gown for the big day, you might need a few other dresses for your rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, and other events. Tadashi Shoji’s embellished long-sleeved minidress was designed to correspond to a longer version, and newcomer Danielle Frankel’s lace-trimmed shirtdress looked tailor-made for the post-wedding brunch.





1 / 6 Chevron Chevron Galvan

The Bridal Jumpsuit Is Officially Happening

We’ve seen bridal jumpsuits here and there for a few seasons, but the trend really took off for Spring. Galvan, Carolina Herrera, and Viktor & Rolf offered sleek, minimalist one-pieces, while Naeem Khan and Tadashi Shoji’s jumpsuits came in couture lace.





1 / 8 Chevron Chevron Vera Wang

For the Bride Who Says “The Jig Is Up”

If you, like Sex and the City’s Miranda Hobbes, aren’t into pure, virginal white gowns (perhaps because you aren’t so pure or virginal), you’ll have options next spring. Vera Wang’s collection didn’t feature a single white dress; instead, her whipped clouds of tulle came in lilac, cherry red, saffron, and beige. Alice Temperley’s long-sleeved gown was covered in vibrant embroideries, and Inbal Dror’s baby-blue gown looked sweetly reminiscent of Cinderella.





1 / 4 Chevron Chevron Tadashi Shoji

Something Old, Something New, Something Sexy . . .

The lingerie trend we’ve been seeing in ready-to-wear (slipdresses, bustiers, bra tops) has trickled into bridal. Experimental brides will go straight for Vivienne Westwood’s signature corset dresses, and girls who aren’t afraid to show a lot of skin will be attracted to Danielle Frankel’s lacy bra, wrap top, and high-rise trousers.





1 / 9 Chevron Chevron Viktor & Rolf

The Minimalist Bride

Perhaps in reaction to “Instagram weddings” and the trend for multiple gowns, these clean, pared-back dresses felt like breaths of fresh air. Brides who can’t abide the nonstop photos and hashtags—or just prefer a simpler look—will appreciate Monique Lhuillier’s long-sleeved, deep-V ivory gown; Amsale’s high-neck column; and Marchesa’s drapey sheath with a single bunch of silk flowers.





1 / 7 Chevron Chevron Monique Lhuillier

A Return to Classics

For some brides, a palate cleanser means a minimal column; for others, it’s a classic, full-skirted gown that won’t go out of style. Nearly every designer showed a strapless gown with a nipped waist and princess-y ball skirt, a quintessential silhouette in the bridal world. Monique Lhulilier’s had the look of a giant unraveling bow, while Viktor & Rolf’s sliced-tulle confection will speak to the avant-garde bride.





1 / 7 Chevron Chevron Elie Saab

Skip the Veil and Cover Up With a Cape

Not into veils? A cape makes a similar statement with a little extra drama. This season’s capes by Elie Saab and Reem Acra were sheer and embroidered or covered in crystals, so you won’t need a veil—or even jewelry, for that matter. Call it the Game of Thrones effect, or maybe it has something to do with our royal wedding obsession; most royal brides wear cathedral-length veils, but we wouldn’t be surprised if Markle changed things up with a cape.