A Look Back at 90 Years of Wedding Fashion Trends

Over the past 90 years, BRIDES has been at the forefront of the wedding evolution. We’ve stood by the sides of countless brides- and grooms-to-be as they got engaged, wrote their vows, and—of course—said yes to their dream wedding-day looks. Just as everyday fashion trends continue to shift, wedding fashion, too, has undergone a stunning transformation, reflecting changes in society, culture, and personal style.

While renowned designer Vera Wang notes that modern duos now have much more creativity, individuality, and freedom to express themselves through big-day fashion, the shift didn’t happen overnight. “Each new generation has pushed the envelope and explored what is unique to them,” adds Michelle DeLoach, the owner of Revelry. “From the classic, all-white wedding gowns of the early 20th century to the rise of colorful, modern bridal dresses, the world of bridal fashion continues to challenge boundaries as the centuries pass.”

Wedding trends have dictated everything from the billowing ball gowns of the 1950s to the sleek, minimalist dresses of the 1990s (think Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy!)—plus, today’s growing preference for sustainable, eco-friendly bridal wear. Of course, it’s not just about the bride. Wedding-party fashion has evolved, as well, with bridesmaids embracing mismatched styles and grooms opting for a more personalized, laid-back approach to their own attire (the black tuxedo has major competition as of late). Even wedding guests have become fashion-forward, morphing from traditional cocktail or black-tie attire to more creative, individualized looks that suit the couple’s equally personalized dress code. 

From elegant mother-of-the-bride outfits to chic, statement-making guest ensembles, the evolution of wedding fashion tells a story of changing tastes, cultural shifts, and a desire for self-expression. Below, dive into 90 years of wedding style and discover how the fashion trends of the past continue to inspire the looks at modern-day celebrations.

The Evolution of Bridal Fashion

From the drop waists and puff sleeves of the 1930s to the classic-meets-contemporary looks of today, bridal fashion has undergone a vast transformation over the course of the last 90 years. “Trends in bridal were defined, just like regular fashion, by social context, cultural shifts, and design innovation,” says Anna Ramirez, the head of design at Pronovias. “Wars and economic changes reflected constraints in fashion, from opulence to practicality and comfort.”

While tradition has always been at the heart of bridal fashion, modern couples increasingly value personal expression over conventional, and often religious, norms. “Originally, there were many more religious concerns,” notes Wang. For instance, “Brides needed to be dressed in long sleeves with covered shoulders and necklines,” she adds. Now? Not so much. In fact, Wang emphasizes that there are usually no limits for today’s bride: “Ball gowns, minis, modern columns, body-con tubes, overskirts, sheer coats, and capes,” she lists, explaining that there is something out there for everyone. Below, we explore how brides went from conforming to creative, one decade at a time.

1930s

During the 1930s, bridal fashion embraced a refined yet understated elegance, reflecting the economic challenges of the Great Depression. Brides favored sleek, bias-cut gowns with long, flowing silhouettes, often made from satin or silk, and modest details like high necklines and delicate lace accents.

1940s

Wedding dress trends in the 1940s were heavily influenced by World War II, leading to simpler, more practical designs that used less fabric. Despite these constraints (which even Queen Elizabeth II was held to, all the way across the pond), brides still found ways to infuse romance, opting for modest A-line dresses with lace detailing, shorter hemlines, and veils that added a touch of elegance.

1950s

The 1950s marked a return to opulence in bridal fashion, with gowns featuring voluminous, full skirts, fitted bodices, and cinched waists that emphasized an hourglass silhouette. “No discussion of bridal fashion history would be complete without mentioning Anne Lowe, the African-American designer behind Jacqueline Kennedy’s 1953 wedding dress,” says Neil Brown, the CEO of Amsale. Featuring 50 yards of ivory silk taffeta, “the design itself has become one of the most iconic in history.”

1960s

Brides in the 1960s preferred shorter hemlines, mod-inspired designs, and bold, geometric shapes. Influenced by the decade’s spirit of freedom and experimentation, many women opted for tea-length dresses, high necklines, and sleek, minimalistic silhouettes and moved away from traditional long gowns to embrace a more playful, youthful look.

1970s

The 1970s ushered in a new era of bridal fashion, characterized by flowing, bohemian-style dresses with bell sleeves and earthy, relaxed silhouettes; gowns were often adorned with just a bit of lace or floral embroidery. This decade also saw the decline of the traditional veil, as many brides chose to wear flower crowns, headbands, hats, or go completely veil-free—reflecting the era’s emphasis on individuality and a more laid-back, unconventional approach to weddings.

1980s

Over-the-top wedding gowns came back in full force in the ‘80s, largely thanks to Princess Diana’s iconic 1981 stunner, complete with a 25-foot train. “Wedding gowns were all about extravagant silhouettes, structured fabrics, and big volumes,” says Ramirez, noting that dramatic puffed sleeves and heavy embellishments becoming the decade’s hallmark. While veils made somewhat of a comeback due to the royal’s wedding look, the trend of skipping the headpiece has persisted ever since.

1990s

“The pendulum swung back toward simplicity and refinement in the 1990s,” Brown says, thanks in large part to designers like Amsale Aberra and Vera Wang. Emphasizing sleek and sophisticated designs, creatives introduced brand-new body-hugging silhouettes, like mermaid gowns and minis, adds Ramirez.

2000s

With shows like Say Yes to the Dress, which premiered in 2007, the early aughts marked the beginning of truly personal bridal style. “This decade also saw the rise of colored wedding dresses, with subtle hues like blush and champagne gaining popularity,” notes Brown. 

When some brides stopped wearing white, other members of the wedding party stepped right into it. Before this change, white was strictly the bride’s color. “Mothers, guests, attendants—everyone had to avoid it at all costs,” Wang says. With colored gowns entering the mix, however, the shift away from bridal white began, which left space for the all-white bridal party looks we see today (more on that later!).

2010s

Designers embraced bolder, more revealing styles in the 2010s, which is when the idea of a “sexy” wedding dress became popular. Influenced by celebrity fashion, wedding gowns of this age featured plunging necklines, sheer fabrics, and form-fitting silhouettes. “This shift coincided with a growing number of weddings moving away from religious venues, where traditional modesty had once shaped bridal attire,” Brown explains.

2020s

What makes our decade’s bridal fashion so exciting is that there isn’t one aesthetic everyone is gravitating towards. “Nowadays, wedding attire is often personalized to the individual,” Ramirez says. “This leads to unconventional styles like mini dresses or a pop of color.” The best part? Brides no longer have to put themselves in a box—they can mix looks (or opt for multiple dresses) to showcase the full range of their style. As for the overarching trends of our decade? You know the drill: pearl embellishments, sheer accents, corset bodices, drop waists, and plenty of second looks (from pantsuits to jumpsuits to micro minis) have taken over as of late.

The Evolution of Groom Fashion

The evolution of men’s wedding fashion over the last century has seen a movement from strict formality towards a more relaxed, personalized approach. In the early 1900s, grooms typically dressed in tuxedos with satin lapels and a formal, polished appearance, or they opted for a morning suit if the wedding was held during the day, Ramirez says. This formal, uniform style dominated for decades, maintaining the tradition of classic, understated elegance.

Modern grooms, however, have embraced more creativity and diversity in their wedding attire—in fact, our experts argue that men have experienced a more drastic shift if big-day fashion than women. “Men’s fashions have evolved more than women’s in general,” asserts Wang, pointing to the rise of bold colors, unique styles, and statement accessories. “Couples are trying to incorporate their wedding colors with the full suit, instead of just ties and pocket squares matching the theme,” adds DeLoach, who is currently launching a coordinating formal suit line to embrace this trend.

Additionally, textured jackets, patterned fabrics, and even non-traditional suit pieces have become popular, allowing grooms to express exactly who they are on the big day. The influence of red carpet and modern fashion trends have also played a significant role in this transformation, encouraging grooms to step outside of classic black and explore a broader range of options.

How Wedding-Party Fashion Has Evolved Over the Last 90 Years

Over the last 90 years, wedding-party fashion has undergone a major transformation, moving from rigid uniformity to more personalized, expressive styles. Traditionally, bridesmaids were expected to wear identical dresses, often in matching colors and silhouettes, creating a cohesive but uniform look. This practice emphasized the bride as the focal point, while the wedding party complemented the overall aesthetic. While this has endured to some extent, it wasn’t always the norm. Before the 1940s, on-trend bridesmaids actually matched the bride in white; at that point, the neutral became a color worn exclusively by the woman of the hour. In recent years, though, the trend has come back, with many modern brides opting for chic, all-white wedding parties that create a fresh, minimalist look.

Color isn’t the only shift we’ve seen with regards to wedding-party fashion—these groups, which now feature a mix of genders across both sides of the aisle, typically don’t wear the same style. It’s now common to see a mix of suits and silhouettes, as opposed to a single uniform garment. “Couples are celebrating their wedding-party members’ individual style,” says DeLoach. “Often, a color theme is chosen, and then each person picks a style of dress or suit that matches what makes them feel the most confident.” This mix-and-match approach has become popular as couples abandon strict conformity and embrace a more relaxed, coordinated look.

How Wedding-Guest Fashion Has Evolved

These days, wedding-guest fashion is more fun than ever. Rigid, formal dress codes have been replaced by looser iterations (often accompanied by mood boards, which are hand-curated by the couple!) that encourage more personalized and expressive style. Back in the day, weddings adhered to strict guidelines like black-tie or formal attire, ensuring a polished, uniform look among guests. “However, there’s been a shift toward more relaxed dress codes, with terms like ‘cocktail,’ ‘semi-formal,’ or even ‘beach chic’ becoming common,” notes Ramirez. This flexibility allows guests to showcase their style while still adhering to the couple’s vision—and indicates that, on the whole, weddings have become more casual affairs.

A change-up in dress codes has also altered the social dynamics of wedding fashion; the idea of not upstaging the bride is not as prevalent as it used to be. “Guests are still being given direction on how formal the event is, but they are experimenting with showcasing their style more than ever,” says DeLoach. Whether it’s a bold gown, a unique suit, or eye-catching accessories, guests now have the freedom to stand out and make a statement.

This trend extends to big-day VIPs, such as the mother of the bride, whose fashion choices have transformed from traditional and matronly to more chic, modern, and on-trend. “As is true in ready-to-wear fashion, each new generation pushes the envelope and explores what is unique to them,” adds DeLoach. “Couples are giving guidelines, but [everyone] has more freedom to express themselves, contributing to a more vibrant and individualized celebration.”

What Will Future Wedding Fashion Trends Look Like?

As wedding fashion continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: The future is all about creative freedom and personal expression. “Engaged couples are more adventurous when planning their big days,” says DeLoach. “They’re adding personal style and detailed elements with a hint and nod to tradition.” The takeaway? Couples today are less concerned with fitting into a mold and more focused on making their wedding a unique reflection of who they are—and fashion will follow suit.

There’s one trend, in particular, to watch: As weddings continue to get longer, wardrobes will continue to expand (and the idea of finding “the one” will continue to morph into finding “the many”). “Today, weddings can last up to four days, so wardrobes are required. Lunches, brunches, cocktails, dinners, after-parties, even after-after-parties,” notes Wang. This has led to a growing pattern of multiple looks, where brides and grooms switch up their attire throughout the celebration, ensuring every moment reflects their style.

Looking ahead, designers expect to see further innovation in patterns, fabrics, and silhouettes, providing even more opportunities for self-expression. As Ramirez puts it, “Wedding fashion trends will evolve hand in hand with cultural changes, and we are excited to be a part of couples’ love celebrations, creating beautiful and exquisite designs to help them find their identity through fashion.”