Covid death of the big white wedding dress? How pandemic weddings are changing bridal trends

With the coronavirus pandemic limiting weddings across the country to as few as 15 guests, many couples tying the knot in 2020 have been forced to rethink – or completely reorganise – their big day. 

Smaller wedding ceremonies have meant a greater number of brides ditching the traditional big white dress in favour of a more simple, subtle gown. And according to experts in the field, that’s a trend set to continue into next year.

Lauren, director of The Mews Bridal which has branches in London, Bristol and New York, said: ‘Less is more and quality over quantity are going to be big concepts for 2021, and possibly beyond. 

‘Increased internet searches for “simple weddings” and elopements indicate many couples now have a desire to keep things chic and discreet. Brides are now looking for styles which are adaptable and versatile.’ 

Smaller wedding ceremonies have meant a greater number of brides ditching the traditional big white dress in favour of a more simple, subtle gown. Pictured: Sophie Et Voilà’s Elvirita Trussord bow dress

To get a gauge on what to expect in the coming year, FEMAIL asked the experts at The Dress Tribe (www.thedresstribe.com), an online platform co-founded by friends Damaris Paputsakis and Rebecca Goodwin, which enables brides-to-be to browse gowns from the comfort of their sofa.

As well as analysing their customers’ behaviour on the site, they scoured what’s trending on social media and reached out to their vast community of bridal boutiques and brands around the world. Here’s what they predict are set to be the biggest bridal trends of 2021.  

Farewell to the big white dress

There is already a much higher focus on civil bridal outfits and fashion statement bridal wear, opposed to the traditional bridal look, and this is inspiring brands to be a bit more creative in their collections and designs.  

London-based boutique Bon Bride said its most popular style is its roll neck long sleeve open back gown with pearl details. A close second is an off the shoulder dress which screams high fashion and cool vibes. 

Its founder and creative director, Pippa Cooke, said Covid forced them to ‘think outside the box’.

London-based boutique Bon Bride said its most popular style is its roll neck long sleeve open back gown with pearl details (BB06)

A close second is an off the shoulder dress which screams high fashion and cool vibes (BB:05)

London-based boutique Bon Bride said its most popular style is its roll neck long sleeve open back gown with pearl details (BB06). A close second is an off the shoulder dress which screams high fashion and cool vibes (BB:05)

Annelise, from The Fall bridal boutique, added: ‘We’re also seeing brides leaning towards more relaxed looks; for us, the future is the “non-bridal” bride.’

A spokesperson from the South African brand Vagabond Bridal also noted a trend for brides opting for smaller, less fussy styles.

‘Brides are getting down to what really matters in life on all fronts,’ they said. ‘We have based our new collection on this trend; all simple silhouettes, very wearable gown fabric, at an attractive price.’ 

While elaborate, traditional wedding dresses are falling out of favour, many brides are opting to 'accessorise' their gowns with a statement bow. Pictured: a Jesus Peiro gown

While elaborate, traditional wedding dresses are falling out of favour, many brides are opting to ‘accessorise’ their gowns with a statement bow. Pictured: a Jesus Peiro gown

Bow down to the bow! 

While elaborate, traditional wedding dresses are falling out of favour, many brides are opting to ‘accessorise’ their gowns with a statement bow.

Katey of the Ghost Orchid bridal boutique in Hull said: ‘Bows are back, and it’s bow big or go home.’ 

Winter wedding styles have seen a lot of statement sleeves and capes continue to be popular as they make a statement and great entrance.

Shorter dresses and jumpsuits

Designer Suzanne Neville, who specialises in evening wear, bridal gowns and couture wedding dresses with UK shops in London and Cheshire Manchester, noted they have experienced a spike of interest in their shorter dresses. 

This could well stem from the recent trend of brides choosing two outfits for their big day.

Jemma Palmer, owner of Halo & Wren bridal boutique in Hemel Hempstead, said: ‘A lot of our brides are searching for not one but two knockout looks. 

‘I’ve definitely noticed our brides now buying two outfits; one for the smaller wedding and one for the big celebration, later down the track. 

‘It is a great opportunity for brides to try our more minimalistic styles or try a ready-to-wear collection. 

‘Then, for the big party they’re planning for when restrictions ease, our brides can opt for a more traditional and dramatic look.’

Jumpsuits also continue to be a popular option for brides planning a more low-key celebration.  

Designer Suzanne Neville, who specialises in evening wear, bridal gowns and couture wedding dresses with UK shops in London and Cheshire Manchester, noted they have experienced a spike of interest in their shorter dresses. Pictured: Sophie Et Voilà's Daniella gown

Designer Suzanne Neville, who specialises in evening wear, bridal gowns and couture wedding dresses with UK shops in London and Cheshire Manchester, noted they have experienced a spike of interest in their shorter dresses. Pictured: Sophie Et Voilà’s Daniella gown

Black and coloured dresses 

Katey from the Ghost Orchid bridal boutique said coloured dresses will become a more popular choice in 2021 – black in particular, perhaps a reflection of the sombre mood of the nation due to the pandemic.

‘Forget what you know about black wedding dresses of the past,’ she said. ‘2021 is set to see some of the chicest most dramatic dresses be brought in black.’ 

Rita Colson, another UK based bridal and evening wear designer said she plans to incorporate more colour into her next wedding collection.

Katey from the Ghost Orchid bridal boutique said coloured dresses will become a more popular choice in 2021 - black in particular. Stock image

Suzanne Harward Black Onyx gown

Katey from the Ghost Orchid bridal boutique said coloured dresses will become a more popular choice in 2021 – black in particular. Pictured right: Suzanne Harward Black Onyx gown

‘Sustainable’ two-piece outfits

After this year, savvy brides are in the market for a dress that is adaptable to any kind of wedding, in case they have to change their plans last minute due to the Covid restrictions.

As a result, two-piece outfits are growing in popularity as they can be re-styled in different ways for other special (or even casual) occasions. 

There’s also been a greater emphasis place on sustainability in recent years, both from a re-wearable and material perspective.

The Own Studio style 004 and style 005 tux suit

Catherine Deane Michelle top

Two-piece outfits (pictured) are growing in popularity as they can be re-styled in different ways for other special (or even casual) occasions

There's also been a greater emphasis place on sustainability in recent years, both from a re-wearable and material perspective. Pictured: Marguax Tardits 'Betty' dress

There’s also been a greater emphasis place on sustainability in recent years, both from a re-wearable and material perspective. Pictured: Marguax Tardits ‘Betty’ dress

Brides are also more budget conscious; they either want to spend less for the civil or small ceremony in the hope of holding a larger one later, or as a result of the general fragile economic situation. 

Annelise from The Fall, a London bridal boutique, said: ‘More of our brides are finding it extravagant to purchase an outfit to wear once; they are now shopping for their bridal outfit with a conscious intention of re-wearing at least part of it again.’  

Bridal designer Catherine Deane added: ‘All of our linings will be 100 per cent recycled, so that makes 40 to 50 per cent of our collection eco.’