Whether you’re a bride or professional in the wedding industry, we’re sure you’re well-acquainted with the practice of curating bridal wardrobes–having multiple outfits throughout the wedding celebration.
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This new norm has made it sartorially exciting for brides-to-be as it gives more opportunities to let their fashion sense shine. Similarly, it opens up prospects that designers and stylists should definitely think about. To help you understand this, we’ve broken down everything below:
Bridal fashion is changing
Instead of focusing on a singular wedding gown, brides are now selecting outfits for various parts of the festivities. This new norm goes hand in hand with the increasingly elaborate nature of weddings. While some weddings have the standard ceremony + cocktails + reception agenda, others can last longer with a pre-wedding dinner or post-wedding lunch.
These multi-day celebrations are organized with a singular creative concept in mind or a wedding “brand.” It’s no longer just about having a theme but knowing what kind of font to use on invites, what message or feeling the entire celebration should embody, and how that can further be translated in smaller details.
This ideal for cohesiveness has extended into bridal fashion through the wardrobe, ensuring that every single bridal look aligns with the wedding narrative as a whole.
Elements of a bridal wardrobe
Before we discuss the various outfits in a bridal wardrobe, it should be understood that they should not be thought of as costume changes, though it can feel like such. The purpose is for the bride to feel confident and comfortable throughout different stages of the event so she can truly enjoy her big day.
So before creating six outfits, brides should ask themselves: Which parts of the wedding would probably need a specific outfit? Do I really need a different look? Will it make me feel confident and happy?
Outfit #1
There are typically 2-5 outfits in a bridal wardrobe. Of course, there’s the ceremony gown which is the star of the show, the fashion centerpiece. This dress is what people will remember in the future, so it’s important that it represents the bride’s personality well and that she feels at her best.
Outfit #2 and #3
Oftentimes, brides change into a reception dress to allow more range of motion for partying and fun. This is also a chance to showcase their casual, more upbeat side. Typical designs feature fringe, feathers, and fun motifs like beads and ruffles.
Sometimes, brides will have a separate outfit for the cocktail reception and change into a different one for the party.
Outfit #4
For cases when there are pre-wedding events, brides would also need something to wear, depending on the nature of the occasion. Beach destinations call for something breezy yet elegant, while more formal dinners would require a cocktail dress.
Outfit #5
Some brides have content shoots during hair and makeup or after the ceremony (right before the newlyweds enter the reception). In the former, typical attire would be bridal robes, and the shoot often includes the bridesmaids who have their own set of robes.
Accessories
Naturally, a fabulous outfit wouldn’t feel complete without jewelry and shoes. The challenge is pairing the right kinds to each outfit while keeping the desired aesthetic in mind.
For example, fun brides might gravitate to white boots for the after-party as opposed to high heels. In the same way, ceremony jewelry (diamond necklaces, bracelets, and earrings) might want to be pared down during cocktail hour.
Beauty
Although hair and makeup might not be as dynamic as bridal fashion, it’s a crucial element in expressing the bride’s personality by embracing her natural beauty. The trick is nailing a look that’s appropriate for all outfits.
The social media effect
Every ensemble in the bridal wardrobe can be thought of as instruments in an orchestra–different roles that contribute to one symphony. Each iteration builds and strengthens the bridal brand.
It goes without saying that these outfit changes are also largely influenced by the strong force of wedding content. Compared to yesteryears when just a photographer and videographer were the bare minimum, weddings now have dedicated content creators who craft Instagram reels or manage social media on the big day. Thus, brides feel the need to have various looks to keep content fresh and maintain a coherent visual narrative.
More than peer pressure, though, this is truly about brides taking control of their big day and shaping it according to their creative vision. This can be more thoughtful than it seems. For instance, a bride could create a reception dress with floral appliqués representing each person who’s touched their lives as a couple. Or maybe it’s a frock inspired by what she wore during their first date!
There’s plenty of room for personalization, making the bridal wardrobe a more meaningful practice than typically given credit for.
The role of designers
Truly, curating outfits that align with the bridal brand takes a lot of strategy and ideation, not to mention the actual sourcing and designing. This is where wedding professionals can step in. There are two pain points that businesses can address: styling and selection.
Some brides may have a solid aesthetic in mind but might not have the sartorial language or trend knowledge to translate their vision. Thus, designers can help by proposing looks for the entire wardrobe.
On the other hand, some brides already have specific outfit ideas but aren’t sure how to make them happen. Bridalwear companies can provide support by offering RTW or made-to-order designs for receptions, after parties, etc. This way, brides would know where to go and would just need help selecting the right options. Designers can also offer wardrobe package deals to simplify the process.
One trend we’re seeing, for example, is modular bridal collections. These are versatile ensembles designed for the aisle and beyond. Think column gowns, pantsuits, lace dresses, and embroidered separates that are dramatic enough for the ceremony but just as relaxed for the reception.
Business opportunities
Complete services
Beyond flexible fashion pieces that cater to different aesthetics and events, one business prospect is offering all-in services that cover everything from bridalwear, accessories, and hair and makeup. We’re envisioning this as a collaboration between designers and makeup artists who could independently offer this joint package to their clients, thus expanding clientele for all parties as well.
Comprehensive content creation
Photographers, videographers, and social media producers alike should acknowledge the multifacetedness of weddings, but most of all understand the bride’s vision from the get-go. As such, the challenge is to demonstrate expertise through concrete suggestions that directly translate the vision and create a riveting narrative. These could be in the form of layout ideas, posing suggestions, and Instagram reel concepts.
The big picture
Whether you’re a bride-to-be or a wedding professional, the key word you need to know is world-building.
The rise of wedding or bridal brands comes from the desire to create an immersive world that’s both aesthetically pleasing and personally meaningful. It’s a way for couples to tell their story and share it with their loved ones. Hence, wedding professionals are encouraged to reimagine their techniques and accommodate for different wedding scenarios.
At the end of the day, what enables a successful wedding is communication and collaboration. Developing a strong relationship with the couple is crucial, as they are the main characters in the story after all.
Stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on the growing bridal wardrobe trend. Discover exclusive opportunities and industry insights with the Wedded Network.
Brides, Ready to curate your dream bridal wardrobe? Let Wedded Concierge guide you through every step. Discover personalized styling and seamless coordination for your multi-event celebration.
