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Wedding Gown Trends for 2024

November 12, 2023 | riley

Image by Jamie Y Photography. Keep scrolling for the wedding gown trends for 2024

And just like that, we’re only a couple of months away from welcoming 2024. There’s something exciting about the new year–especially if you were recently engaged or you’re tying the knot this year! With the new year comes new wedding trends. From color palettes to decorations to bridesmaid’s dresses to wedding gowns, it’s time to start planning what is going to be big this year! With puffy sleeves, shorter hemlines, and sequins making their way into the wedding industry, we’ve rounded up the styles that are going to be a hit in 2024. So what’re you waiting for? It’s time to get wedding dress shopping!

Wedding Gown Trends For 2024

Bows

As more brides are opting for sleeker gowns, they’re still choosing to make a statement with oversized bows. You’ll see them on the back of the dresses. However, we also sense that we’ll see them act as smaller details on necklines and bodices.

Slip Dresses

Speaking of simple, one of the biggest silhouettes that we saw at 2023 Bridal Fashion Week was slip dresses. These effortlessly chic dresses are the perfect choice for the laidback bride who doesn’t want anything over the top for their big day. They make a subtle nod to the 1920s, and they’re extremely easy to dress up with accessories.

Image by Nikk Nguyen

Short Hemlines

The past few years have been the years of elopements and courthouse “I do’s,” which call for shorter hemlines. They’re casual, romantic, and not to mention more comfortable than traditional gowns. If you’re opting for a shorter dress but still want to stand out on your special day, consider pairing the dress with bolder accessories like an embroidered veil or statement earrings.

Image by Eyeronic Love.

Printed Dresses

If you want to express your colorful personality, opt for a non-white dress that is as bright as you are. Whether it’s a subtle swap like champagne or blush, or you want to go bold with black or red, there are so many possibilities out there.

Image by Sarah Bill

Floral Appliques

Much like floral wedding dresses, floral appliques are going to be another big trend in 2024. Think white gowns with colorful florals embroidered on the dress. However, if you’d rather stick to an all-white dress, fret not. There are plenty of options with bold embroidery.

Image by Radu Benjamin.

Mesh

We’ve seen a lot of mesh in the fashion industry as a whole, so it’s no surprise that it’s making its way to the wedding world. Unlike illusion fabric that is meant to blend in with your skin, this mesh is typically white/ivory to match the dress. This gives it a very modern look that can be great for keeping you warm.

Image by Dallas Olga

Two Pieces

Separates are by far the most versatile, playful look out there thanks to their ability to be mixed and matched. Whether you’re mixing a bustier top with a full tulle skirt or a crop top with a fitted, figure-hugging skirt, the options are endless. Not to mention the killer pantsuit options.

Over the Top Reception Outfit Changes

Wedding attire is all about being the star of the show these days, and what better way to do so than with an over-the-top reception outfit? Whether you opt for a dress decked out in sparkles to a sexy jumpsuit that lets you dance, no matter which one you choose, you’ll feel completely and utterly glamorous on your wedding day. Not to mention ready to party.

Image by Lite Weddings

Now that you know what we expect for the wedding gown trends for 2024, it’s time to book your first wedding dress appointment. Check out our guide with everything you need to know to prepare for your wedding dress shopping experience!

Image by Mariah Treiber.

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Relaxed Garden Party Evergreen Museum and Library Wedding

November 12, 2023 | justine

Who can resist the charm of a garden wedding? It’s like pure magic. That’s why Courtney and Christopher had a dream to exchange sweet vows amid a beautiful garden. With a soft, dreamy color palette, lush flowers, and that enchanting outdoor setting, they turned this dream into reality at their Evergreen Museum and Library wedding. 

Their garden ceremony was like something out of a fairy tale, with stunning floral pillars framing the moment they said “I do.” After tying the knot, they continued the celebration in a tented reception area adorned with elegant drapes, sparkling chandeliers, and exquisite table decor.

If your dream wedding involves a historic mansion and perfectly manicured gardens, this is just the inspiration you need. Keep scrolling to see all the stunning details beautifully captured by Junebug member Jacqueline Davison.

The Couple:

Courtney and Christopher

The Wedding:

Evergreen Museum and Library, Baltimore, Marland, United States

Finding Calm in the Groom’s Smile at the Aisle

I felt so much stress and anxiety leading up to the wedding, and the threat of rain had us nervously checking weather forecasts up to the last minute, literally. I had barely finished my vows despite starting them months in advance. And right as I heard my music cue, I think all the nerves that had been at bay just hit me. I couldn’t see him initially and must have seemed a little shaky because my mom kept reminding me to breathe. And then I saw him. And I know it sounds silly, but I felt completely calm. I knew other people were there. But I just saw him smiling (and crying), and I felt like everything else faded away, and it was just me and him. I’ll never forget that moment and that feeling.

Personalizing the Ceremony Through Unconventional Traditions and a Soulful Playlist

We worked closely with our officiant to find inspiration and quotations from our favorite authors to set the tone for our day and life together. We didn’t feel the need to conform to any single tradition or template. For instance, Courtney is closest to her mother and grandmother, so they walked her down the aisle. As Black Americans, it was important to honor the tradition of jumping the broom, so we also incorporated that. It was fun to take elements to fit who we are and to tie it all together. The music was hugely important: we love classic R&B, funk, and hip-hop. Our top priority was to see our guests dancing and enjoying themselves, and the DJ brought his A-game. We ensured they had Stevie Wonder and The O’Jays in their repertoire. As a nod to Courtney’s DC roots, our DJ obliged us with an epic Go-Go set.

The Moment They Knew That an Evergreen Museum and Library Wedding Was The Perfect Choice

​​​​We were going for a relaxed spring “garden party” feel. In our venue search, we needed to find a place with its own natural beauty that we could play off of. When we first toured the Evergreen Museum and Library, we knew that was our place. Driving to the venue, you pass through the Roland Park neighborhood. With all these incredibly stately homes with beautiful foliage and landscaping. And then you turn into a dramatic, rolling driveway and this grand Victorian mansion and cozy, elegant gardens. It made for a memorable entrance.

The Floral Transformation at Their Evergreen Museum and Library Wedding

Our florists did a great job of playing off the environment, using soft petal blooms like ranunculus, sweet peas, and garden roses that played up the garden textures and foliages of the venue. They created a beautiful freestanding arch with flowering branches like forsythia and dogwood. It was the backdrop for our ceremony in front of the garden and was repurposed to frame our seats at the head table. They completely knocked it out of the park!

Wedding Day Wisdom: Embracing the Imperfections

Something will go wrong. Maybe even a few things, but that’s ok. The sooner you can come to terms with that, you can focus on enjoying the rest of the day. And the things that end up being better than you could have imagined. Also, surround yourself with people who can shield you from some of those issues, especially on your wedding day—having the right vendors passionate about their work matters. And, of course, having people in your wedding party who love and support you and your partner. And want to ensure you have a great day can help keep you calm and focused on what matters. We feel so fortunate to have had such a fantastic vendor team and wedding party.

 

Making the Celebration Last Longer by Hosting Welcome Drinks and a Farewell Brunch

It’s not exactly a surprise because we were warned about this by almost every married couple we know. But, the day goes by so quickly. We’re grateful we had both welcome drinks the night before and brunch the following day. Those events allowed us to spend more time with our friends and family. And to hear all the fun stories from the wedding we may not have been a part of.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Jacqueline Davison
Event Planning – Oak and Poppy Event Design
Venue – Evergreen Museum and Library
Floral Design – Wanton Poppies
Catering – Rouge Fine Catering
Cake – Whole Foods
Officiant – Morgan A. Wilson, Esq.
DJ – DJ Darnell Soprano
Live Music – Kennedy String Quartet
Videography – Vincent Smith
Makeup Artist – Naomi Wiggins
Hair Styling – Skyler Fordjour
Wedding Dress – Designer Loft
Bridal Accessories – Neiman Marcus
Groom’s Apparel – Sartoria Ambrosiana

 

Congratulations to Courtney and Christopher on their relaxed garden party at the Evergreen Museum and Library wedding. And a big thank you to Junebug member Jacqueline Davison for capturing all the gorgeous details couples who’ve just started on their wedding planning journey can use as inspiration.

You can create a stunning garden wedding like this with a beautiful venue, lush florals, and teaming up with trusted pros. From choosing decor and color palettes to handling the surprise rain, check out our guide for ideas to help create the perfect outdoor soiree.

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Bright and Whimsical Butterfly-Filled Esperanza Wedding

November 11, 2023 | justine

Reid and Elliott had one goal in mind:  create an intimate destination wedding in Mexico with their nearest and dearest. When Elliott asked the big question, Reid wasted no time, firing off an email to their wedding planner to see if a Cabo wedding could happen. And with the bride’s embroidered veil as inspiration, their Esperanza wedding theme blossomed into a magical world of flowers and butterflies. With the help of their trusted vendor team, their vision of a bright, colorful, and whimsical celebration became a reality in a creative and stunning way!

Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sea of Cortez, the couple shared their vows in an intimate beach ceremony, enveloped by beautiful blooms all around. As the sun set, the outdoor terrace welcomed their reception. Adorned with vibrant flowers, delicate butterfly details, and splashes of blue, the decor beautifully harmonized with the scenic waterfront views. To top it all off, twinkling string lights hung overhead, adding the final touch to this celebration.

What truly ties this enchanting scene together is the couple’s attire. The groom rocked a blue jacket, while the bride was an absolute dream in her strapless gown and veil complete with  delicate butterflies and flowers. If you want to see all the incredible details they painstakingly put together, scroll through these captivating photos taken by Junebug member MC Wedding. You’ll find plenty of inspiration to craft your very own romantic waterfront celebration.

The Couple:

Reid and Elliott

The Wedding:

San Cabo Lucas, Mexico

Kicking Off Their Wedding Weekend with Fun Pre-Wedding Celebrations

Elliott and I chose not to have bridesmaids and groomsmen. Instead, we invited our close friends to join us a few days early for pre-wedding celebrations. On Thursday, we hosted bachelor and bachelorette parties, with the girls enjoying a sunset cruise and dinner at The Office while the boys played golf and dined at Bar Esquina. Both parties ended the night downtown Cabo San Lucas. Elliott and his friends missed the transportation bus back at the end of the night.

Reid and Elliott’s Journey to Their Dream Esperanza Wedding

A small destination wedding in Mexico with our close family and friends had always been a dream of ours. Once Elliott had popped the question, I immediately sent an email to Elena Damy to see if a wedding in Cabo would be realistic for us. I had been following Elena Damy on social media for quite some time, and after our initial meeting, we knew without a doubt that they were the perfect fit for us—definitely in terms of the vibe and atmosphere. All the credit and a big thank you go to the Elena Damy team and our vendors for creating such a magical event and a night we will never forget.

Setting the Right Tone with Welcome Bags Filled with Local Artisan Treasures

Elena Damy went above and beyond with our welcome bags. We knew we wanted something our guests could use and enjoy during the weekend and take home as a souvenir. We also aimed to source as many items as possible from local artisans. The woven palm bags included two ceramic shot glasses, a bottle of tequila, a bag of tortilla chips, and a jar of salsa. The choice of tequila and shot glasses was a no-brainer, as it is our favorite spirit, and the chips and salsa were the perfect option for a late-night snack. It was exciting to see all of our guests using the bags by the pool or beach and subsequently using them as their carry-ons at the airport on their way back home. All in all, they were a huge hit!

The Monique Lhuillier Veil That Became The Inspiration Behind Their Wedding Design

Since the ceremony was going to be on the beach, I wanted my gown to be really simple but with a unique touch. Toward the end of my gown appointment, I was about 90% certain about my choice, but something felt missing. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the Monique Lhuillier floral embroidered veil that the boutique had from a trunk show. I decided to try it on, and it was perfect! It completed the look and ultimately became the design inspiration for our wedding. As for my makeup, I aimed to feel like the most beautiful version of myself, so we went for a natural, glowing, sun-kissed look. Los Cabos Makeup did an exceptional job of making me feel confident and beautiful throughout the entire weekend.

How They Made Their Dream Esperanza Wedding Come To Life

Romantic, intimate, whimsical, and fun were the words we used to describe our wedding vibe. We wanted to celebrate with all our close family and friends. Esperanza provided the romance and intimacy we sought in a venue, thanks to its endless ocean views and rocky terraces. When I tried on my floral embroidered veil, I knew it had to inspire the wedding’s design and décor, as evident in the florals and butterfly accents. From the Mariachi band that kicked off the party at the end of the ceremony to DJ Inflyt at the reception and after-party, everyone danced all night long. In summary, Elena Damy and her team were 100% committed to bringing our vision to life, and they exceeded our expectations.

Elevating their Esperanza Wedding Experience with Cabo’s Culinary Delights

Food was really important to us, which is another reason we chose Esperanza for our venue. We wanted our guests to experience Cabo’s incredible culinary scene, and Cocina del Mar offers some of the best local and fresh Baja cuisine. The unquestioned star of the show were the Carajillos that we passed around as our after-dinner drink. Carajillos are similar to an espresso martini but better and are made with espresso and Licor 43. Guests from our wedding have told us they have purchased Licor 43 and now make Carajillos at home because they enjoyed them so much.

Dressing the Part: Finding Fun and Vibrant Attire in Mexico

For our welcome fiesta, our rehearsal dinner party, and the wedding after-party, I wanted outfits that portrayed Mexico’s fun vibrancy. Honestly, they were the most complex outfits to find, and there were a lot of returns before finding the perfect fit. For the welcome fiesta, I am so grateful to Nardos and the team who helped me find the most spectacular dress for the occasion. For the after party, I found a two-piece blue sequin skirt and feather top set by Bronx and Banco that gave me all the sexy, fun mermaid vibes to end the night.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – MC Wedding
Event Planning + Floral Design  – Elena Damy
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Esperanza
DJ – DJ Inflyt
Invitation Design – Carolyn Duckett
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Los Cabos Makeup
Wedding Dress – Alexia’s Bridal Boutique
Groom’s Apparel – John Craig Clothier

Congratulations to Reid and Elliott on their bright and whimsical butterfly-filled Esperanza wedding. We’d also like to thank Junebug member MC Wedding for their exceptional work in capturing every precious moment of our special day. For more unique celebrations like this one, be sure to explore their profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.

Infusing your big day with meaningful, personalized details is a beautiful way  to celebrate your unique love, just as this couple did. For a comprehensive guide on planning a standout wedding that truly reflects your relationship, make sure to explore our how-to guide. It offers insights on finding and using inspiration to create a celebration that is as genuine and extraordinary as your love.

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