Top 3 wedding dress trends of 2023, according to an expert

2023 wedding dress trends — (Image credit: Courtesy of Phillipa Lepley)

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1. Colourful Dresses
2. A return to the classics
3. The rise of personalisation

Whether you're a traditional bride or your aesthetic veers more towards alternative bridal dresses, there is no denying that choosing a wedding dress is an incredibly big decision. After all, your wedding day is a moment that you will look back on for the rest of your life, so ensuring you have a gown you love is paramount.

With planning for 2023 and 2024 weddings well underway, we turned to expert Phillipa Lepley, to understand exactly what kinds of dresses are expected to gain prominence this season. Lepley is a London-based bridal couturier with thirty years of experience in the industry, so there is no doubt she knows exactly what she's talking about.

From the rise of colourful dresses to the resurgence of classic silhouettes, keep scrolling for Lepley's insights on the 3 wedding dress trends we can expect to see this season.

1. Colourful Dresses

According to Lepley, "We are seeing a shift in more brides opting for colourful dresses." Though, this doesn't necessarily mean we're about to see bright, saturated shades walking down the aisle. Lepley clarifies, that we're seeing brides opt for "soft elegant shades of pink and coloured floral embroidery in soft tulle overlays." It's all about a subtle use of colour.

2. A return to the classics

It seems this year, brides will make a case for the traditional. "There will be a return to a more classic look," Lepley explains. Think full skirts, cathedral-length veils, clean satin dresses and full lace.

In addition to this, Lepley predicts that brides will be drawn towards looks that have the ability to be modified. "There will also be more top layers and removal sleeves," she said. These items can be added or taken off after the ceremony to create an entirely new look.

3. The rise of personalisation

"Personalised elements are becoming increasingly popular," Lepley says. From monogrammed initials to hidden sewn in dates, and even paw prints. "People are wanting to tell their story through their dress!"

Lepley explains that she's also seeing more brides opts for multiple dresses, further enhancing the personalised element of their day.

A post shared by Phillipa Lepley (@phillipalepley)

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Zoe Anastasiou is a Fashion Editor with over eight years of experience working across digital publications in New York, London and Australia. She has contributed to publications including Harper’s BAZAAR and ELLE Australia, and was the Fashion and Social Media Editor at Who What Wear UK before joining Marie Claire.