The Biggest Wedding Dress Trends From New York Bridal Fashion Week Fall 2026

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

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

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.