New York Bridal Fashion Week’s Top Trends for Spring 2024

The cherry blossoms are in full bloom here in New York City alongside the latest Spring 2024 Bridal Fashion Week trends. Reinvigorating beloved bridal styles and marrying them with bold details were themes among this season's collective of designers. The fashion promised one-of-a-kind wedding moments for future brides and an equal emphasis on the importance of a second (or third!) wedding day look. Here’s what you need to know.

First things first: What is Bridal Fashion Week? 

This semi-annual spectacle (which spans three to four days in both April and October and is often referred to as “NYBFW”) showcases the wedding industry's top designers and a handful of designer debuts—the "something new" among the fashion-frequented—all accommodated under the umbrella of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Organized to debut the latest in “I do” style, the frenzy of florals hitting Manhattan in April complements the following season's spring collections, while the tri-color foliage of Central Park in October welcomes the previews of bridal designers' fall collections for the following year. Long story short, it’s a picturesque marriage between quintessential Big Apple charm and the latest in bridal trends.

The biggest Spring 2024 bridal trends from Bridal Fashion Week

From sheer fabrics cut to complement modern silhouettes to fairycore-inspired hues and embellishments, here are the top Spring 2024 trends we noticed at Bridal Fashion Week to bookmark now. (And for more front-row NYBFW coverage, head to the Carats & Cake Instagram.)

1. Sheer Imagination

"Unlined" became a not-so-forbidden word among designers and buyers for Spring 2024, all catering to an entirely new group of brides manifesting the latest translucent trends. Tel Aviv luxury designer Dana Harel debuted a Claude Monet-inspired twist on tradition with lilies floating atop sheer fabrics and corsets. Crystals and luxe embellishments paired this modern trend with opulent styles at Reem Acra, while Mira Zwillinger created a floral focal point with layered, handmade motifs. Esé Azénabor used feathers to create a festive option with a sheer crystal skirt.

2. Fairycore Fantasy

Fantasy-themed styles have found their way from the dreamy racks of ready-to-wear to down the aisle. Bold colors stepped onto the scene last NYBFW, but this season amped up the whimsy with ruffles, feathers, pastels, and embroidery. Ines di Santo leaned in with dramatic proportions complementing playful textures and enchanting hues of pink and blue. Anne Barge debuted a lavender ballgown with tiers of tulle, while Elie Saab joined the chat with an opulent bejeweled interpretation. Kelly Faetanini went rose ombré with a train as dramatic as it was delicate, and Wiederhoeft redefined playful bridal style thanks to poodle-persuaded proportions (not for the wedding wallflower).

3. "Something New" Lace

Lace is a tried-and-true traditional fabric for classic-craving brides, and it’s been given a "something new" refresh for Spring 2024. Chosen by KYHA and Galia Lahav made an artistic statement with black lace stunners—an official invite for gothic garments to enter the bridal scene—and offered a leading-actress spotlight to a supporting second wedding look. Monique Lhuillier gave life to the garden party movement with lace reimagined as a delicate cape or sleek corset overlay. Dana Harel premiered two contemporary alternatives to the lace ballgown (one structured and sleeveless, and the other floor-length with long sleeves), while Lee Petra Grebenau was in good company with two designs set to reenergize black-tie favorites.

4. Bows Are Back

Bows are synonymous with bridal fashion and have danced on and off the NYBFW runway for the past few years. Returning for Spring 2024, bows provided a beloved way for designers to create an elegant bridal exit thanks to fanciful back-of-dress embellishments. Jenny by Jenny Yoo Bridal created the illusion of a train with the ribbons of an elaborate bow enhancement, while Anne Barge focused on playing with the feminity of a delicate knot. Mark Ingram went the pop-of-color route by providing personalization in an array of pastel shades, and Andrew Kwon amped up the drama with a stately attachment that adds volume to a column silhouette.  

5. Modern Minis

The mini is no stranger to the wedding weekend and has become the after-party's acclaimed outfit-change idol. The range of above-the-knee dress styles seen throughout Spring 2024's presentations varied from mystical to 1960s mod-inspired. Designed for the courthouse bride who daydreams of a City Hall elopement, looks from Monique Lhuillier vowed commitment and joy via a bubble skirt and intricate lace bodice. Markarian fulfilled a bride's desire for "something blue" with a chic daisy-print mini and matching veil. Mark Ingram jumped on the daisy craze with an elaborate print that welcomed a plus one with a pair of matching gloves, and Chosen by KYHA invited a darker shade to post-ceremony festivities thanks to a black lace knockout. 

6. Floral Splendor

Florals, for spring? Groundbreaking (but actually!). Pop-of-petal 3-D floral embellishments, "best believe I'm still bejeweled" crystal trims, and luxe intricacies that gave depth to traditional fabrics and textures shined bright for Spring 2024. "More is more" fulfilled a maximalist bride's dream thanks to debuts seen by Reem Acra, who paired awe-inspiring adornments with dreamlike silhouettes. An English rose-inspired gown and matching veil from Monique Lhuillier welcomed an in-bloom opportunity for the bold bride. Laser-cut florals from Mira Zwillinger gave life to flowy sleeves, while Madeline Gardner provided a patterned option for brides not looking to fully color-commit.

7. Drop Waist Revival

Made popular during the 1920s, the drop waist is a familiar ode to vintage fashion and a recent style favorite among bridal designers. A drop waist sits lower than your "natural" waist, giving the illusion of a longer torso. Lihi Hod went sleek and structured, romanticizing the style with a mikado fabric and sweetheart neckline. The OWN Studio used sheen to modernize the look, while Cinq and Wiederhoeft layered contrasting textures to create a diversity of depth and originality.