Bridal Week London 2023: Top trends from the runway

This year, the show hosted a selection of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers on the catwalk, including: Calla Blanche, Colby John, Dando London, Ellis Bridals, Evie Young Bridal, Jeune Bridal, Kelsey Rose, L’amour by Calla Blanche, La Perle, Madi Lane Bridal, Rachel Allan Bridal and The Perfect Bridal Collection by Kay Heeley.

The following companies were instrumental in supporting the shows: MG Hair & Makeup, The Perfect Bridal Company for providing veils and shoes, Jupon Limited for providing petticoats, Poirier for providing headdresses and Propress Steamers for steaming all runway dresses and Vicky and the SKIN London team for putting on another fabulous catwalk.

Romantic Ruffles

Ruffles are the quintessential look for bold brides and Colby John’s catwalk show featured the Libra dress, a slinky mermaid silhouette adorned with frothy layers of tulle ruffle along the skirt and sleeves. Like walking on a cloud, this Colby John dress was a runway show-stopper.

Madi Lane and Evie Young’s sophisticated sister, Jeune Bridal, debuted at this year’s Bridal Week London. We loved every part of this design – from the soft fishnet style side panels scattered with pearl detailing, to the abstract beaded lace. But what really caught our eye was its subtle ruffled cascading sleeves, adding a whimsical and ethereal quality to the silhouette.

The Evie Young dress, injected with a hint of lilac, incorporated romantic ruffles in its tiered skirt to create an ultra-dreamy look as well as a sprinkle of glitter to add a hint of glam to the fairytale fantasy.

Images left to right: Colby John, Jeune Bridal, Evie Young Bridal

All About The Waist

Dando London kicked off their runway with a sheer mock neck gown, the bodice emblazoned with lines of beads and sequins. The buttery soft skirt was accentuated with a thick corseted waist, creating the clean hourglass silhouette.

Ellis Bridals showcased a clean and crisp bridal gown, with clear influences from decades passed. This high-collar, deep V-neck bodice is tailored to perfection, allowing for the full satin skirt to make a statement.

The silky smooth ballgown dress will be a hit with 2024 brides and The Perfect Bridal Collection by Kay Heeley gown features a soft sweetheart neckline, voluminous skirt and detachable cape sleeves with floral applique detailing – the basque-style waist ties the piece together perfectly.

Images left to right: Dando London, Ellis Bridals, The Perfect Bridal Collection by Kay Heeley

Shoulder To Shoulder

The sleeve has proven itself to be one of the most influential wedding dress trends of all time. But this season, it’s all about the shoulder. The accentuated shoulder – a fashion element tied to the history of the women’s movement – is continually evolving, but this year, it’s here to stay.

Madi Lane’s intricately laced bridal gown wouldn’t be complete without its tulle puff sleeves. Featuring stunning high shoulders, and finished with a scattering of lace and buttoned cuffs, this dress is sure to make a statement.

Jeune Bridal featured a tiered mermaid gown on their runway. Ornate detailing covered the dress from top to toe, but it was the dramatic and swoon-worthy ruffled sleeves that wowed the crowds.

Dando London’s dress held a deep curved V-neck bodice, strewn with decadent beading and detailing. Lightly pointed shoulder pads elongate the arms and highlight the decolletage.

Images left to right: Madi Lane Bridal, Jeune Bridal, Dando London

Rocking The Separates & Detachable Pieces 

Offering versatility for the indecisive bride, bridal separates are all the rage this season: with endless combinations of tops, skirts, trousers, sleeves, capes and more, the wedding day look can be tailored to any budget, style, taste and need.

Rachel Allan have paired a form-fitting sweetheart corset with a sheer lace overlay, adding a detachable skirt for a dreamy and romantic addition.

The bohemian style was originally influenced by the free-spirited and whimsical style of the 1960s and 70s, though it’s evident the relaxed feel continues to trend in bridal fashion to this day. Calla Blanche’s floral lace and flowing skirt harmoniously partners romance and boho, and its detachable sleeves add a dash of the modern day. Featuring tasselled lace, these arm cuffs add another dimension to this soft sweetheart silhouette.

Kelsey Rose showcased a two-piece ensemble the delicate – embroidered top complemented the wide, flared trouser, offering a cool and contemporary bridal look for those wishing to dance the night away.

Images left to right: Rachel Allan Bridal, Calla Blanche, Kelsey Rose

About Ocean Media

Bridal Week Harrogate is part of Ocean Media Group’s bridal portfolio. Ocean Media Group has been established as the leading event organiser and publisher in the UK and European bridal sector for more than 30 years. Its full wedding and bridal portfolio includes Bridal Buyer, bridalbuyer.com, The Bridal Buyer Awards, Bridal Week London, Bridal Week Harrogate, White Gallery, Global Gallery, The National Wedding Show, Confetti and confetti.co.uk.

Bridal Week Harrogate will take place 10-12 September 2023 at Harrogate Convention Centre, Kings Road, Harrogate, HG1 5LA

Further reading: Top tips for finding your dream bridal gown