9 Bridal Collections That Prove Wedding Fashion Has Never Been So Modern

It’s well established that all you need is love—even, or especially, during a pandemic. So it’s no surprise that couples have proceeded to fall in love, get engaged, and host weddings throughout this past year. Brides- and grooms-to-be have found safe, romantic ways to celebrate their nuptials, whether a socially distanced micro wedding or a virtual watch party. Wedding-wise, couples are going against the norm in favor of what works best for them, and this is also the case with bridal fashions. At more recent cautious celebrations, we’ve seen fewer froufrou fairy-tale ball gowns and more looks that evoke an effortless elegance. It seems that comfort and ease are being prioritized more than ever.

In tandem, fashion designers are meeting the moment. Bridal and fashion labels are helping modern brides get dressed in unfussy frocks and comfortable shoes that still feel magical. In fact, several recent bridal collections have captured our eye and the essence of what it means to be a bride in 2021.

Erdem recently debuted what it calls its first “white collection,” which eliminates the back-and-forth process of made-to-order gowns while still maintaining a sense of formality that’s special enough for the big day. “I thought, How modern would it be to have a cotton wedding dress, but it’s embroidered in Italy with little guipure trims inserted in?” founder Erdem Moralioglu explained to Vogue. That’s not the only label taking a casual, cool approach to wedding-day dressing. Sleeper, the brand behind those Instagram-famous feather-trimmed pajamas, recently released a sweet collection for the stay-at-home or easy-elegant bride filled with lace- and ruffle-adorned dresses and silky sets. Sleeper’s accessories are equally noteworthy, from the elbow-length gloves to the ballet flats crafted in a nubby silk textile. Speaking of beautiful, comfortable shoes: Neous’s bridal collection includes architectural sandals made in walkable heel heights—a detail warmly welcomed by brides.

Delicate touches are just as important. New releases from fine-jewelry labels have also received modern updates. In a new bridal collaboration between Amanda Hearst Rønning and Vrai, sustainably created diamonds are clustered with mismatched shapes. It’s a collection that looks as modern as it does timeless.

Here, some beautifully designed bridal collections to help you prepare for a charming (and comfortable!) wedding day.

Neous

For brides who don’t want to compromise comfort, look to Neous for dainty satin shoes that are easy on your arches.

Erdem

Erdem’s easygoing, all-white collection was crafted especially for modern brides. In this of-the-moment collection, you’ll find gossamer cotton dresses and embroidered capes that are incredibly lovely with none of the fuss.

Amanda Hearst Rønning x Vrai

Exquisite diamond shapes collide with one another in this bridal-jewelry collaboration for a futuristic and sustainably minded take on classic jewels.

Sleeper

Sleeper has mastered the art of relaxed elegance with its romantic bridal collection. What’s best is that you can now complete your look from head to toe, thanks to a new collection of dreamy ballet slippers.

Reformation

Dresses from Reformation’s new bridal collection can—and should!—be worn long after your wedding day.

Jenny Packham x Helzberg

Jenny Packham fans will delight in her collaboration with Helzberg. The collection offers pieces as perfect and whimsically wonderful as a Jenny Packham dress.

Rixo

Rixo is proving that little white dresses aren’t just for the everyday. A collection of ivory designs—with see-through fabrics and feather embellishments—makes for fashions that can be worn on the very big day.

Molly Goddard

Molly Goddard’s bridal collaboration is the epitome of modern-day drama, with playful, ruched fabrics and easy, crisp cotton designs. Each dress is made to order; find more details on Molly Goddard’s site directly. 

Sarah Flint

Sarah Flint designed herself a shoe—white, satin, and low heeled—for her own pandemic wedding, and now it’s available for shoppers for a limited time.