Top Bridal Dress Trends for 2026

If you’re gearing up for your 2026 wedding, chances are your Pinterest boards are already bursting at the seams.  And quite right too, your vision is everything.  This year our brides are arriving with a very clear sense of what they think they want. What’s interesting for 2026, though, is how often those expectations shift once dresses are actually tried on. 

We’re loving seeing our bridal designers responding to that exact moment too – when a bride realises she wants to feel confident, comfortable and completely herself, not boxed into a trend.  The newest designer bridal gowns are confident, expressive and beautifully wearable.  There’s structure, softness, colour all over the place but the most exciting thing for us is seeing our designers realise that brides are dressing for themselves first and foremost (it definitely hasn’t always been that way).  

So based on what’s actually happening right here in the boutique - not just what’s on the catwalk - here are the bridal trends we know are happening in 2026.  

Prints are back (and they’re bolder than ever) 

Prints are making a real comeback and for 2026 they’re softer, more romantic and actually wearable – hurray!  

Bridal designers are working with ivory bases overlaid with delicate floral prints in pale blue, blush pink, lilac and even subtle lemon tones. The effect is almost watercolour-like, adding depth and movement without overpowering the dress. 

Our brides are choosing whimsy this year - those gorgeous, muted colours and prints are being paired with frills and texture for a super romantic big day look, perfect for spring and summer weddings.  

Mikado magic – structure meeting style 

There’s one fabric popping up time and time again in appointments: Mikado.  It’s fast becoming a 2026 favourite for both brides and bridal designers and for good reason.   

Mikado is crisp, structured and incredibly flattering.  It holds its shape beautifully, making it ideal for clean lines, sculpted bodices and dramatic skirts.  It’s a little stronger than taffeta and stands quite stiffly but hangs so beautifully on the body.  

The fabric really comes to life in modern, minimalist gowns where the quality of the material is on full show. It looks fab in gowns with strong A-line silhouettes or statement pleats.  It’s also the perfect partner for some of 2026’s most-loved details…yep, pockets we’re looking at you.   

Dresses with pockets – functional glamour 

Of course pockets are still very much a thing in 2026 (when will they not be!?).  

Bags are out.  But brides don’t want to spend the day asking someone to hold their phone and tissues.  Enter the pocket.  

At Lily’s, our brides are always asking about pockets. It’s about the practicality and maybe a little bit of attitude.  And while we know it’s unbelievably satisfying to announce to the room ‘yes, it has pockets’, if you don’t want them to be visible, there are stacks of ways of hiding them cleverly, keeping your silhouette clean.  

Pockets work particularly well in structured fabrics like Mikado and satin bridal gowns, where they can be hidden seamlessly. It’s functional glamour at its best, thoughtful design that genuinely makes your wedding day a bit easier.  

Heavy bodice structure and corsetry 

Structured bodices are everywhere for 2026 and our brides have been loving them.  

We’re not talking about uncomfortable corsets or feeling so restricted you can’t enjoy the epic food you’re serving to your guests.  Modern designers are using some clever internal construction - boning, supportive linings and smart tailoring - to create the right shape and support without sacrificing comfort.   

Heavy bodice structure works beautifully with both A-line and mermaid dresses.  A fitted, supportive top paired with a flowing skirt gives balance, definition and confidence for brides who want to feel held in, not held back.  

It’s also a brilliant option for brides who want to skip straps but still feel secure throughout the day.  

Colour in the modern bridal wardrobe 

Ivory will always have its place but colour is no longer an ‘alternative’ choice, it’s just …personal.  

Around half of our brides are now open to colour in some form. For some, that’s those softer blush or lilac shades. For others, it’s bold statements in red, deep purple and even black.  

And there really are no rules.  Brides are choosing what makes them feel amazing regardless of hair colour, skin tone or tradition. It’s all about feeling – one bride might feel truly powerful rocking a black dress, another might opt for purple because it’s her favourite and makes her utterly light up.   

Colour has become about self-expression, not rebellion.  Bridal designers are going all in on that freedom and we’re definitely here for it too.  

A-line and mermaid silhouettes stay strong 

Trends evolve but some wedding gown styles never lose their appeal.  

A-line gowns will always be a firm favourite thanks to their versatility and universally flattering shape.  They work beautifully with prints, structured bodices, pockets and both lace wedding dresses and satin bridal gowns.   

Mermaid silhouettes are also holding strong this year with their drama, elegance and impact.  Mermaid gowns can be where structure, corsetry and strong fabrics like Mikado really come into their own, giving brides a sculpted, confident look.  

Rather than replacing these classic shapes, 2026 trends are building on them – familiarity with a really modern edge.  

Real-life examples 

One of our favourite dresses this year perfectly captures the mood of 2026: an ivory Mikado dress with lemon floral detailing, a structured corset bodice and hidden pockets. It shows how multiple trends can work together in one design and is giving our brides everything they’re asking for.  

We’re loving the colour confidence this year too. One bride chose a bold black gown to pair with her gorgeous red hair - not to make a statement but because it made her feel incredible. That sense of permission to choose what feels right is shaping bridal fashion more than any single trend. 

 

Finding your dress for 2026 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: regardless of the current ‘trends’, the right dress is the one that feels most like you.   

Bridal gowns are more expressive, wearable and personal than ever and the best (read: only) way to discover what works for you is to try them on with expert guidance in a relaxed setting.   

Visit our bridal range for inspo and then come on in and see how they look, feel and move in real life.