There's no arguing that one of the most romantic elements of a wedding is the bridal gown. It holds much symbolism for the bride, which is why most women who are getting married take meticulous care in choosing this once-a-lifetime dress. The thing is, there are so many designs or styles to choose from. It can get quite overwhelming, taking in all the options available. In addition to that, people tend to impose what they want on the bride. 

Here's a useful tip: Go with a design that makes you feel great and happy. It doesn't matter if it's consistent with your typical style or if it aligns with what you fantasize yourself as a bride. The design needs to be what brings a huge smile to your face. However, it's still helpful to know the latest trends because they can provide you with ideas on how to create the dress of your dreams. 

Quite often, the perfect wedding dress is an amalgamation of different beautiful bridal dresses. You can pick out details that you want from various dresses and have a gorgeous wedding gown designed with all those details present. To provide you with inspiration for your big day dress, listed below are the top bridal trends for 2021.

1. Statement Sleeves

Big, puffy, and intricately designed sleeves, which are a revival of 80s fashion, are all the rage in the bridal fashion world. These sleeves bring something incredibly edgy or unique to bridal gowns, making them more high-fashion overall.

Choose from bell sleeves, giant cap sleeves, lantern sleeves, leg of mutton sleeves, and so much more. Any of these sleeves can instantly turn traditional wedding dresses into push-the-envelope fashion.

2. Separates

Bringing more comfort to often restricting wedding gowns are separates. A well-fitted top (young brides-to-be gravitate toward cropped ones) and a flattering skirt ensemble is perfect for brides who want a bit more freedom with movement. 

Likewise, a lot of women confess that this is a fantastic trend because separate pieces can hide a multitude of sins, even without shapewear.

3. Off-White

White will always be the top color of choice for wedding gowns, but for 2021, designers are keen on other soft, romantic hues. For 2021, expect a lot of wedding dresses in blush, pale yellow or straw, light cerulean, and seafoam green.

Consider such off-white options if you wish to veer slightly away from conventions.

4. Geometric Trains

Non-traditional shapes for trains are popular details for designer wedding gowns. Those with strategically placed pleats and curled fabric provide a punch of avant-garde to a typically romantic silhouette. 

So, if you want to add a bit more drama to your wedding gown, think about geometric trains that would be quite suitable for it.

5. Drop Shoulders

This is a trend that will not go away for a long time because drop shoulders show off an elegant neck, and it's flattering on all women. Also, this is a style that transcends seasons, especially if it's paired thoughtfully with other bridal trends.

6. Flapper

Apart from an 80s style revival, bridal fashion's other "make old things new" effort is the flapper style, which was quite en vogue back in the 20s. The flapper style impresses by having a lot of fun components. It usually boasts of magnificent beadwork and the incorporation of fringes and other details that create a lot of movement for the dress.

The thing about the flapper style of dress is the dress is not enough. The best way to pull off the style is by fully committing to it by wearing the right makeup and accessories. Yes, it can look like a costume, but it's a costume that's quite appropriate for a celebratory day of love and union.

7. Bohemian-Romantic

This is another trend that has been around for quite some time and does not seem to be going away anytime soon. Bohemian-romantic wedding dresses are the only option for women of a particular lifestyle. Still, they're quite in demand among those who want their wedding day garb to be comfortable and breezy.

Bohemian-romantic dresses are typically made of a lightweight and flowy fabric, and while they can be quite figure-flattering, they tend to hang loosely on the body. 

8. Suits

Androgynous fashion is back and strong, and it's taking over bridal fashion as well. Therefore, you can see a lot of suits or suit-inspired wedding dresses in fashion week runways and magazines.

But, the fascinating thing about wedding suits is that they still pack in a feminine punch. The jackets come with a train, the trousers show off curves, and women can still work a sweetheart neckline for the look of ultimate amour.

9. Capes and Capelets

Capes and capelets give off an old-world vibe to dresses; plus, they make fantastic replacements for built-in trains and veils. Capes with a hood that are made with thick yet soft fabric are perfect for winter weddings. 

Meanwhile, capelets that are made of hand-sewn silk shantung, satin, or even organza improve dress proportions and create an exquisite silhouette. 

10. Sleek and Minimal

For people who are all for what's beautiful is simple, the sleek and minimal trend for wedding gowns is the logical choice. These designs do away with a lot of embellishments. They are focused on highlighting the bride instead of sharing equal spotlight with the bride.

However, much attention is given to the cut of the dress. Therefore, designers get really creative in making the cut as flattering to the body of the wearer as possible. Some of the best minimal dresses are silk, spaghetti strap ones, as well as mini cocktail-inspired chiffon dresses, which are highly recommended for petite brides.

Those are the most popular bridal dress trends for 2021. Some have been around for a long time, others are revivals, and some are new artistic concepts. You can easily find all these in a reputable bridal shop, where you can choose from a selection of designer wedding dresses, as well as, have a one-of-a-kind dress created just for you.

Which of the trends discussed above appeal to you?