Valentine Avoh is a Brussels-based designer who creates elegant and youthful wedding gowns with elements of couture such as exquisite lace, feathers, and hand-beaded embroideries. Avoh focuses on bespoke creations for her international clientele, including many brides from the US. Her closely collaborative process includes video appointments and ongoing dialogue with brides-to-be.
Bernadette Sloan Laurits is part of the new wave of wedding dress designers who are pushing back against traditional conventions, creating fashion-forward bridal wear styles that showcase personality. Some of the buzziest wedding dress designers and brands are reshaping the possibilities of wedding day attire, including ready-to-wear designers like Rodarte and Richard Quinn, who have introduced bridal-specific collections.
The pandemic has influenced the shift towards more unique and non-traditional wedding dress styles, as seen in the increasing number of designers offering suiting and separates as well as dresses and gowns that could be worn beyond the wedding day. This shift is reflected in the changing bridal dress codes and wedding styles of today, with brides and designers alike choosing to prioritize individuality over conformity.
Wedding celebrations have bounced back to pre-pandemic numbers, with approximately 2.24 million weddings occurring in 2023, a 62.5 percent increase since 2020. Despite the increase in weddings, the styles and trends in bridal dress codes have notably changed, with brides and designers opting for more fashion-forward and unique designs. Some designers are skillfully carving out their own niches in the wedding space by embracing this shift towards non-traditional bridal wear.
The rise of designers like Valentine Avoh and Bernadette Sloan Laurits reflects a broader trend in the wedding industry towards more personalized and individualistic wedding dress styles. These designers create elegant and couture-inspired gowns that cater to the modern bride looking for something different and unique. By offering bespoke creations and collaborating closely with brides-to-be, these designers are able to provide a more personal and tailored experience for their clients.
Overall, the changing landscape of wedding dress designers and bridal dress codes reflects a broader cultural shift towards individuality and self-expression. As brides and designers alike push back against rigid conventions, the possibilities for wedding day attire have expanded to include a wider range of styles and options. The result is a more diverse and inclusive wedding industry that celebrates the uniqueness and personality of each bride.
