The 2020 Wedding Dress Trends Canadian Brides Need to Know

You probably have a good idea of what you want to look like on your big day, but the wedding dress trends are forever changing, and who knows? You may want to work some of them into your bridal ensemble. We’ve rounded up the hottest looks at New York Bridal Fashion Week for the 2020 season from the top bridal designers around the globe to help you add a bit of extra flair to the outfit you’ll be rocking on your big day.

Featured at top, from left to right: Monique Lhuillier (KT Merry Photo), Hayley Paige (MCV Photo) and Peter Langner.

Here are the top wedding dress trends of 2020.

One shoulder

Last year's asymmetrical wedding dress trend has translated into one of the hottest styles of the season - one-shoulder wedding dresses. While some designers are sticking to sweet and simple styles that keep all the focus on the neckline, others are adding it to already over-the-top creations to make them even more awe-inspiring. Pro tip: you love this look, you'll want to opt for a shorter hairstyle or updo so that your guests can admire this style in all its glory.

Shown here, from left to right: Amsale, Berta (Mike Colon Photo) and Peter Langner.

Floral prints

Floral prints aren’t just for bridesmaids and wedding guests, y’all. This season we’re seeing many designers show their love for beautiful blooms by infusing their designs with some serious flower power. Instead of accents, they're using yards of gorgeous patterned material to make show-stopping creations that definitely aren't made for wallflowers (get it?). This 2020 wedding dress trend is bold, dramatic, and will definitely make your wedding style the envy of your friends and relatives. Keep in mind that if you opt to wear a look like this, you may want to ask that your guests skip wearing florals on your big day so that you remain the center of attention.

Shown here, from left to right: Monique Lhuillier (KT Merry Photo), Ines Di Santo (FirstView Photo) and Mark Zunino.

Multi-coloured layers

Want to infuse your outfit with a little unicorn magic? Go for a pastel layered dress. Most designers are favouring flowier, sheerer fabrics for this, so your final look will be nothing short of ethereal. If you love a pop of colour, this is the way to do it on your wedding day. 

Shown here, from left to right: Zac Posen for White One, Vera Wang and Ines Di Santo (FirstView Photo).

Voluminous sleeves

Add a little drama to your wedding look by choosing a dress with voluminous sleeves. While there are definitely a ton of boho creations with full-length puff sleeves out there, designers are favouring mid-length, off-the-shoulder looks above all else this season. They're also using sleeker, more streamlined silhouettes to keep the focus on the stars of the show (the sleeves). This looks great with almost every wedding dress silhouette, and designers are pairing them with everything from voluminous, flowy skirts to more figure-hugging styles.

Shown here, from left to right: Galia Lahav, Allison Webb and Monique Lhuillier (KT Merry Photo).

Off-the-shoulder

Speaking of off-the-shoulder styles, they're super popular this season (and not just the puffed versions). Many designers are doing draped and layered bodices with off-the-shoulder sleeves and simpler skirts, making the overall look a bit more modern. They’re also favouring more streamlined silhouettes, to keep the eye drawn up toward the bride's beautiful face.

Shown here, from left to right: Lela Rose (Nina Westervelt Photo), Zac Posen for White One and Rime Arodaky.

Sculpted fabric 

Figure-hugging gowns are awesome, but if you’re looking to modernize your look, think about embracing the sculpted fabric trend. Instead of layers of draped tulle and taffeta cascading over the body, this style is meant to hold its own in stiffer peaks and angles. It's being seen in accents around the bust and back and in entire dresses, so you can just have a hint of it or really go all out.

Shown here, from left to right: Mikaella, Peter Langner and Lela Rose (Nina Westervelt Photo).

Metallic accents

Want to add a bit of sparkle and shine to your wedding dress? Well, you’re in luck! This season you’ll see wedding dresses with foil accenting, giving you splashes of metallic from the bodice all the way to the floor. If you want to shine bright like the diamond on your ring, this is the 2020 wedding dress trend for you.

Shown here, from left to right: Lazaro (MCV Photo), Mori Lee by Madeline Gardiner and Carol Hannah.

Glittering fabric

If you want to look like an actual diamond when you walk down the aisle, choose a wedding dress made from glittering fabric, head-to-toe. This gives a sleeker look than stoned appliques and can be draped much more easily, so you can go with a cascading or layered look. The overall effect is romantic and show-stopping all at once. 

Shown here, from left to right: Willowby by Watters, Lazaro (MCV Photo) and Galia Lahav.

Cropped pants

For brides who are more comfortable in pants than a wedding dress, this is the 2020 wedding dress trend for you. Instead of full-length trousers that sweep the floor, designers are focusing on more cropped styles. We especially love this Hayley Paige take on the Canadian tuxedo adorned with strings of pearls, which is equal parts cool and casual and elegant and luxurious.

Shown here, from left to right: Anne Barge, Hayley Paige (MCV Photo) and Lela Rose (Nina Westervelt Photo).

High, angular necklines

In addition to sweetheart cuts and plunging Vs, designers are opting for higher, more angular necklines this season, like sport-inspired styles and halters. They add some visual interest to the clavicle area and give any silhouette a contemporary upgrade (though most are being paired with slimmer styles, like trumpet and sheath silhouettes).

Shown here, from left to right: Willowby by Watters, Rita Vinieris and Paloma Blanca.

Wrap dresses

Wrap dresses look amazing for every occasion and flatter all body types, so we’re stoked to see so many of them in designers' new and upcoming collections. They tend to be flowier and have a robe-like shape and feel, which makes them a little sexier and a lot more comfortable. Hey – if the material is soft and luxe you may actually want to sleep in your wedding dress.

Shown here, from left to right: Catherine Kowalski, Monique Lhuillier (KT Merry Photo) and Karen Willis Holmes.

High-low hemline

The high-low wedding dress trend is another style that’s come back around in a big way. We’re seeing a ton of designers try out the silhouette with more voluminous skirts, to really take it to the next level. From glitter to colour to wedding white, they’re doing it all (and more) this season.

Shown here, from left to right: Ines Di Santo (FirstView Photo), Hayley Paige (MCV Photo) and Pnina Tornai for Kleinfeld.

Dark and dramatic

If you want to go the opposite of white with your wedding dress, you’re definitely not up a creek without a paddle. This season, designers are really leaning into darker shades and even peppering in a few black dresses. Whether you want a full head-to-toe avant-garde look or something with hints of darkness, you’re sure to find something that fits the bill.

Shown here, from left to right: Claire Pettibone, Lazaro (MCV Photo) and Allison Webb (MCV Photo).

Capelet

Adding a capelet (AKA a mini cape) is a cute and fresh way to finish off your wedding look that's totally in style this season. This accessory only covers your shoulders and a bit of your torso, so you can really see the silhouette of your dress in all its glory. Many designers are experimenting with sheer fabrics and laces for this one, so you'll even be able to show off your wedding dress bodice and neckline.

Shown here, from left to right: Lela Rose (Nina Westervelt Photo), Honor NYC and Sareh Nouri.

Couture cape

More dramatic capes are also having a huge moment right now. This means you can add a wedding train to your look without opting for a super-lengthy gown. This accessory will also give your outfit some royal flair and a bit of coverage if your wedding venue gets cold (a real win-win, if you ask us).

Shown here, from left to right: Savannah Miller, Peter Langner and Marchesa.

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