Best Wedding Dresses for Fall 2018 Brides

What started off as bohemian swags and Coachella vibes has evolved into a slick, straight-across neckline for brides still into the idea of foregoing strapless and opting for an off-shoulder sleeve. This neckline is going nowhere, but Fall 2018 is promising a more classic, refined and uptown twist on this previously laid-back look.

1

Straight-Across Shoulders

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What started off as bohemian swags and Coachella vibes has evolved into a slick, straight-across neckline for brides still into the idea of foregoing strapless and opting for an off-shoulder sleeve. This neckline is going nowhere, but Fall 2018 is promising a more classic, refined and uptown twist on this previously laid-back look.

From left: Carolina Herrera, Viktor & Rolf and Lela Rose Fall 2018 Bridal.

2

All About Intimates

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Exterior corsets, negligee-esque laces and lace layering bras (yes, layering bras) have replaced the once-heavy handed linings American bridal has long embraced. For next season, Vera Wang proposed you wear your corset and garters on the outside of your ballgown, while newcomer Danielle Frankel offered brides the option to order a sheer A-line look with a lace bra or mini slip rather than a full silk lining. At Galia Lahav, sheerness that was once dubbed too sexy for bridal got an athletic-inspired makeover with a swimwear inspired neckline and cheeky shorts.

From left: Danielle Frankel, Galia Lahav, Vera Wang Bride and Naeem Khan Fall 2018 Bridal.

3

Petit Fleurs

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Florals? For Bridal? Groundbreaking.

We know, nothing about flowers for weddings feels new—until designers downsized them and opted to showcase them in bolder tones. For Fall 2018, expect an array of blooms in sizes as petite as a delicate trim, and prepare to plan your bouquets accordingly.

From left: Temperley, LEIN, and Carolina Herrera Bridal Fall 2018.

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4

Moves Like Jagger

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Bianca Jagger's effortless wedding suit permeated the bridal runways for next season's wave of edgy aisles. But, rather than feeling angsty or less than ladylike, suits this season felt sweet, gamine and undeniably elegant—perfect for civil ceremonies, after parties, rehearsal dinners and, if you dare, the aisle.

From left: LEIN, Danielle Frankel and Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2018.

5

After Party Midis

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Super-short, flirty party frocks are going nowhere for the reception—in fact, a finale of beaded fringe minis graced the runway at Naeem Khan this season–but designers are offering an alternative to after party looks that's just as sexy, but endlessly more sophisticated. Enter the after party midi, which shows off your frame as much as it does your fashion-forward aesthetic.

From left: Monique Lhuillier, Sachin + Babi and Galia Lahav Fall 2018 Bridal.

6

Regal Behavior

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This season, the bigger the ball skirt, the longer the train, the more dramatic the veil and the more stately the silhouette, the better. The most jaw-dropping gowns for Fall 2018 appeared to be the modern day alternatives to some of royal weddings' finest, and actually made strides on delivering updated interpretations of the majestic looks today's princess brides would be after, rather than carbon copies of dresses past. Brides next season are all about elegant doses of drama, and so it seems, appearing effortlessly opulent.

From left: Viktor & Rolf, Elie Saab, Vera Wang Bride and Zuhair Murad Fall 2018 Bridal.

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7

Puff Sleeves

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The '80s are back—and we're not mad about it. Instead of over-the-top everything, the maximalist vibes of the decade once dubbed as fashion's worst are making an appearance in sleeves—adding volume, interest, size and scale to the simplest and most romantic of silhouettes.

From left: Danielle Frankel, Sachin + Babi and Marchesa Fall 2018 Bridal.

8

Size Matters

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Ball gowns were bigger than ever on the Fall 2018 runways, and while a more effortless, bohemian, carefree and easygoing look has dominated in seasons past, it appears that the future of bridal is returning to its roots. From layered skirts to full-scale poofs, girls who opt for a voluminous skirt should aim to go big or go home.

From left: Anne Barge, Galia Lahav and Reem Acra Fall 2018 Bridal.

9

So Fresh & So Clean

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Designers decided to forgo over-the-top embellishments this season, opting instead for a heightened sense of restraint and minimalism that the gallery girl, the uptown sophisticate and the effortless bohemienne will gravitate toward. No matter what silhouette you're after, it's been challenging in the past to find a bridal gown without an ounce of lace, beading or appliqué–until now.

From left: Lela Rose, Reem Acra and Danielle Frankel Fall 2018 Bridal.

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10

Silver Streak

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Sparkle, shine and metallics are no stranger to the bridal space, but designers have long strayed from dabbling in shades of grey, most likely in fear of looking drab. With silver on the rise in ready-to-wear for Fall 2017, it was no surprise to see it shimmering on the bridal runways for next season—be it in a metallic-threaded brocade, a flat sequin embroidery or subtly via a soft, gossamer grey tulle.

From left: Galia Lahav, Carolina Herrera and Naeem Khan Fall 2018 Bridal.

11

Aisle Cool

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While last season marked the debut of the bridal badass and put a chic version of the gothic bride on the map, this season is more about and easy sense of cool. This bridal style is all about confidence, ease and laid-back sophistication that spans across styles.

From left: Sachin + Babi, Danielle Frankel and Zuhair Murad Fall 2018 Bridal.

12

Wear Again Minis

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While bridal's often been spoken of as a once-in-a-lifetime experience (and in so many ways, it is)—designers are opening up to the idea of you being able to wear your look long after your wedding day. Imagine slipping into your reception dress for a newlywed date; or, even better, realizing your civil ceremony dress fits again after you and your husband celebrate the birth of your first child. Rather than pushing dresses one can wear only once, bridal designers are turning a new leaf, offering brides-to-be options they can wear long after the big day.

From left: LEIN, Viktor & Rolf and Marchesa Fall 2018 Bridal.

Headshot of Carrie Goldberg

Carrie Goldberg is HarpersBAZAAR.com’s Weddings & Travel Director. She oversees the site’s BAZAAR Bride channel, travel & dining content, and styles fashion and bridal editorials for BAZAAR.com. When she’s not traveling, she spends her free time in her hometown–New York City–where there is no shortage of new places to shop, eat, drink, see and explore.

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