With the start of a New Year comes a whole host of new wedding dress trends to get our teeth into, including styles inspired by weddings gone by. One huge trend set to make a comeback for 2023 is the 1980s as Viero Bridal details:
“The 80s are back in a big way, from music and movies to wedding dresses. Consider incorporating this trend into your wedding day for an extraordinary celebration. For instance, expect to see wedding gowns in the style of Princess Diana but with an updated, more youthful twist. The revived retro trend has been used throughout fashion design, with many garments taking on puffy sleeves, strong shoulders, and dramatic accessories.”
It’s not just the 80s that provides plenty of food for thought for brides looking to make a splash style-wise on their special days. Here we reveal how to embody styles of the past in the present, decade by decade!
The roaring 20s
Known as the era of Jazz and renowned for its glamour and luxury, the 1920s is a great decade to emulate at your 2023 wedding.
The flapper style was of course seen heavily across the wedding scene in the 1920s, with the loose and straight cut particularly flattering for a plethora of body shapes. In addition to intricate beading and embroidery, 1920s brides loved to use dramatic accessories, with a floor-sweeping veil particularly popular.
The classic 1930s
In the 1930s, waists returned to the majority of wedding gowns with the slightly dropped waist the go-to style. Designs also became more figure-hugging to reflect the Hollywood glam that was so prolific during the period. The fitted bridal look was offset with puffed sleeves adding yet more curves in all the right places.
The elegant 40s
The bride’s obsession with Hollywood glamour continued into the 40s with corset shapes and gathered features that accentuated the feminine form. V-necklines only added to the sexy yet elegant styles of the 1940s.
The playful 1950s
The ball gown was huge news in the 1950s, with brides of this era adoring the princess-inspired, cinched-in look that this signature style promised. Unlike the ball gown styles of today, the necklines of 1950s wedding gowns were much higher to ensure a fuller, more playful yet conservative finish.
The swinging 60s
Hemlines couldn’t be more different a decade later with tea-length and short gowns the top choices amongst brides in the 1960s.
Loved by mods and hippies alike, these short hemlines reflected the revolutionary flair of the era. Brides had more fun with quirky textures (such as lace, feathers, embroidery and crepe) to ensure a style that reflected their uniqueness.
The groovy 1970s
In the 1970s, brides took a different approach teaming simplistic, turtleneck dresses with statement accessories. Bridal capes, hats and boots offered fun and unforgettable flourishes to 1970s bridal looks.
The retro 80s
You’ll be no stranger to 1980s bridalwear trends once 2023 is done and dusted. During this era, a mantra of ‘the bigger, the better’ was embraced by brides everywhere with oversized skirts, puffed sleeves, dramatic capes, cathedral trains and plenty of frills creating the drama that brides craved.
The minimalist 1990s
A decade later, the voluminous styles brides were obsessed with were officially things of the past. During the 90s, designs were sleek and accessories simple, with figure-skimming cuts stunning and standout in their own right.
Looking to stay on trend for the rest of your 2023 nuptials? Check out the top wedding trends for 2023 and get inspired!
