Picture-Perfect Gowns: 2025 Wedding Dress Trends for Brides
As a wedding photographer, I have the unique privilege of witnessing the intricate details and breathtaking moments of each couple's special day. One of the most captivating elements of any wedding is the bride’s dress. Each gown tells a story, reflecting the bride's personality, style, and the overall theme of the wedding. As I look ahead to the wedding dress trends for 2025, I am excited to capture these stunning designs through my lens.
1. Basque Waist Dresses
The basque waist wedding dress trend is truly a photographer's dream. These gowns elongate the body and enhance the silhouette, creating a graceful and timeless look. Designers like Galia Lahav and Lihi Hood have beautifully incorporated this style into their collections. The elegant lines of a basque waist dress photograph beautifully, highlighting the bride's figure and creating stunning portrait shots.
Photo: Cinq
2. Mirrored Dresses
The reflective, mirrorball-inspired dresses are perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to wedding photos. These gowns, seen in collections from designers like Honor and Alejandra Alonso Rojas, capture light in magical ways. Whether it's natural sunlight during an outdoor ceremony or twinkling reception lights, these dresses ensure the bride shines brightly in every frame.
3. Black Accents
Incorporating black accents into wedding dresses adds a sophisticated and modern twist. From subtle black bows and belts to elegant gloves, these details create striking contrasts that make for compelling photographs. Capturing the classic white gown with unexpected black elements, as seen in designs by Nadia Manjarrez and Mark Ingram, offers a fresh and dramatic look.
4. Florals
Floral details, whether 3D appliques or hand-painted designs, add depth and romance to wedding dresses. The intricate floral work by designers like Anne Barge and Justin Alexander creates texture that translates beautifully in photos. Close-up shots of these floral elements can capture the delicate craftsmanship and enhance the overall romantic feel of the wedding album.
Photo: Justin Alexander
5. Historically-Inspired Dresses
Bridal gowns inspired by historical fashion bring a sense of timeless elegance to wedding photography. The rich fabrics, lace details, and vintage silhouettes from designers like Galia Lahav and Cinq evoke a classic charm that looks stunning in both color and black-and-white photos. These dresses add a storybook quality to wedding portraits, perfect for creating a romantic narrative.
6. Little White Dresses
Little white dresses are ideal for capturing playful and intimate moments. These shorter gowns, often used for post-ceremony celebrations or elopements, allow for more movement and candid shots. Enaura Bridal's detailed hand beadwork and Watters' feminine designs make these dresses perfect for capturing the joy and spontaneity of the wedding day.
7. Separates
Bridal separates offer versatility and creativity in wedding photography. Mix-and-match bodices and skirts, like those from Nadia Manjarrez and Andrew Kwon, provide multiple looks throughout the day. This trend allows for diverse photo opportunities, from formal portraits to fun, relaxed shots, showcasing the bride's unique style.
8. Maximalist Dresses
For brides who want to make a bold statement, maximalist dresses with dramatic details and elaborate designs are perfect. These gowns, seen in collections by Ese Azenabor and Ines di Santo, create a sense of grandeur and opulence. Capturing the intricate embroidery, voluminous skirts, and vibrant accents of these dresses adds a touch of drama and luxury to the wedding album.
9. Tea-Length Dresses
Tea-length dresses offer a charming, vintage-inspired look that is perfect for playful and elegant photos. These mid-century couture silhouettes, as seen in designs by Richard Quinn and Sareh Nouri, provide a delightful alternative to traditional floor-length gowns. The shorter length allows for dynamic shots that showcase the bride's shoes and movement.
10. Peplum
The return of the peplum adds a stylish and flattering detail to wedding dresses. Peplum gowns, like those by Francesca Miranda and Andrew Kwon, accentuate the waist and add volume without overwhelming the bride's figure. This trend offers beautiful lines and shapes that enhance the composition of wedding photos.
