OPHELIA, WITH A CAP SLEEVE, BEADED LACE BODICE, PLUNGE NECKLINE, KEYHOLE BACK AND FIT-TO-FLARE CREPE SKIRT | FROM THE KELLY FAETANINI NEVERLAND COLLECTION 2023.

Sleeves, lace, pearls and capes — the opportunities are endless when it comes to wedding dress shopping this year.

The bridal industry is buzzing with new ideas to make every bride look beautiful in their own personal way. Many brides are opting for a clean, minimalist look with splashes of eccentric details — such as puffy or fitted sleeves, pearl beading, floral embroidered veils and even detachable capes.

Another popular way brides are stepping outside the traditional box is by having multiple looks for their wedding day, says Miranda Katchur, senior stylist at Blanc de Blanc Bridal Boutique in Carrick.

“Voluminous overskirts have been requested for the ceremony and are taken off to reveal a fitted gown underneath,” she says. “Detachable sleeves are also a fun way to accomplish multiple looks on a bride’s special day.”

(LEFT) CELESTE, A BEADED AND EMBROIDERED STRAPLESS BALLGOWN WITH CORSET BODICE AND FULL TULLE SKIRT; (RIGHT) AINSLEE, A STRAPLESS CREPE FIT-TO-FLARE GOWN WITH A PLUNGING SWEETHEART NECKLINE AND CENTER TWIST DETAIL. | BOTH FROM THE KELLY FAETANINI NEVERLAND COLLECTION 2023.

Another way a bride can tie together her whole look is through accessories. Penny Smith, one of the owners of Clarissa Boutique in Lawrenceville, which specializes in custom bridal headpieces, combs, veils jewelry and accessories, notes that brides have started to stray from glitz and glam.

“A lot of the brides are requesting very simple pieces in veils and headpieces,” she says.

Smith also noted many brides have begun pairing statement accessories with simple, classic dresses. She also has noticed brides replacing rhinestones with pearl accents or switching from lavish headpieces to a statement earring.

(LEFT) CARINA, A CREPE V-NECK FIT-TO-FLARE GOWN WITH WIDE CUMMERBUND WAISTBAND AND CENTER FRONT SLIT, SHOWN HERE WITH THE CELESTE BOLERO; (RIGHT) FOREST, WITH A HIGH NECK ILLUSION LACE BODICE, LONG SLEEVES AND KEYHOLE BACK WITH A FIT-TO-FLARE CREPE SKIRT. | BOTH FROM THE KELLY FAETANINI NEVERLAND COLLECTION 2023

Pam Olivo, the owner of Bridal Beginning in Mt. Lebanon, says pearl accents on dresses, veils and even headpieces are in.

One versatile trend that she has noticed gaining popularity is capes. Whether brides are going for a regal look for their ceremony or dressing up a cocktail dress, capes have become an accessory of choice at Bridal Beginning.

Another stylistic choice that Olivo has seen countless brides make is a floral print. Some brides may choose a show-stopping floral print gown, while others may select a more subtle floral-embroidered veil, which can be beautifully paired with chic and classic fabrics such as satin, mikado and charmeuse. Either way, flowers have started blooming all across the wedding dress industry.

ROMINA, A SLEEVELESS V-NECK COCKTAIL DRESS WITH A SQUARE BACK AND ASYMMETRICALLY HAND-PAINTED PLEATED BALL GOWN OVERSKIRT. FROM THE INES DI SANTO SPRING 2023 BRIDAL COUTURE COLLECTION. AVAILABLE AT BRIDAL BEGINNING

With limitless options, Olivo recommends having a set budget in mind, looking at styles online and knowing both your wedding date and venue before your appointment. Another thing she suggests brides be aware of is how many dresses they try on — too many stores or too many gowns can become overwhelming.

(LEFT) PASSION, A SLEEVELESS ILLUSION PLUNGING V-NECK MODIFIED TRUMPET GOWN WITH LOW ILLUSION BACK AND SWEEPING DETACHABLE CAPE AND BALLOON SLEEVES. FROM THE INES BY INES DI SANTO FALL 2021 BRIDAL COLLECTION. AVAILABLE AT BRIDAL BEGINNING. | (RIGHT) NICOLE KUBIT’S GOWN FROM THIS MAGIC MOMENT BRIDAL STUDIO WASN’T ABLE TO BE SMOOTHLY BUSTLED, SO SHE LATER CHANGED INTO A SIMPLE LULUS DRESS TO DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY WHEN SHE MARRIED CHRISTOPHER HOMA ON JUNE 11, 2022. PHOTO BY MEGAN ALEA PHOTOGRAPHY.

Katchur advises brides to think carefully about who they will bring with them to their shopping appointment as a way to avoid excessive stress.

“Every bride is different,” she says. “Some make the best decisions at their appointment alone, and others are happiest with their inner circle present.”

Regardless of the trends, Olivo says brides should note that their originality is a trend in itself.

“Wedding trends for 2022-2023 brides are aimed at individuality, meaning there is nothing that is not in. This is the best time to choose a wedding dress because the options are limitless and fabulous,” she says.

(LEFT) EMILIA, A UNIQUE ONE SHOULDER CORSET BALL GOWN WITH FLORAL SLEEVE AND CATHEDRAL TRAIN. | (RIGHT) MARGHERITA, AN EMBROIDERED ILLUSION STRAPLESS CORSET MODIFIED TRUMPET GOWN WITH SIGNATURE LOW BACK AND HOODED EMBROIDERED CAPE. BOTH FROM THE INES DI SANTO FALL 2022 BRIDAL COUTURE COLLECTION. BOTH AVAILABLE AT BRIDAL BEGINNING.