5 Bridal Outfits for Every Stage of Your Wedding
Words by Eleanor Hibberd
If you’re tying the knot in 2025, there’s a good chance your celebrations won’t be limited to the big day alone. Whether you’re planning a wedding ceremony that’s chic and intimate or an all-out party with a guest list to match, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun with bridal style both on your wedding and in the lead-up. From engagement party ensembles to modern wedding dress ideas, here’s what to wear at every stage of being a bride.
The Engagement Party
You may be feeling the butterflies on your first event as a bride-to-be, so aim to strike a relaxed style note. Off-white separates from Ralph Lauren Collection, Max Mara and more make for chic, cosmopolitan style without restricting you to the typical bridal genre – meaning you’ll be free to re-wear the outfit post-wedding, too. If suiting’s not your thing, smart-casual midi dresses are equally understated yet elegant. These outfit formulas work perfectly, too, for smaller, town-hall style weddings – or for a whirlwind elopement.
The Hen Do
Here’s your opportunity to really have fun. While traditional bridalwear may call for Grace Kelly levels of poise, the so-called ‘last night of freedom’ invites something a little more daring. Put your faith in professional partiers such as Self-Portrait, Alessandra Rich and Sabina Bilenko, whose white hen-do outfits offer an abundance of ruffles, bows, crystal embellishments and thigh-skimming hemlines.
Getting Ready
Some think of the wedding morning as just the staging area, but these are precious moments to share with your closest friends and family. Countless glam sessions with them have led to this moment – attention must be paid. Look the part in time for the photographer’s arrival in Olivia von Halle’s signature PJs or Rosamosario’s dramatic sheer robes; elsewhere, smooth silks from the likes of Carine Gilson and Torlowei will be enough to soothe any pre-wedding jitters. Or, if you’re still searching for your ‘something blue’, your getting-ready look is a good place to start.
The Ceremony
The pièce de résistance – your wedding gown. No two brides are the same, and with the myriad options out there, choosing a wedding dress can feel daunting. The most important thing to remember is to remain true to your personal style. Wear a piece that makes you feel like the best version of yourself, whether it’s head-to-toe embellishment, a slinky silken number or a chic and structured silhouette. Pamella Roland and Maticevski’s beautifully adorned gowns make for the ultimate entrance, while E.Stott’s bridalwear is perfectly understated.
The Reception
Now comes the party. As your guests make their way to the dance floor, this is the time to slip into something a little more ‘evening’ in tone and aesthetic. If you can’t do an outfit change on your wedding day, when can you? Opt for a clean silhouette with freedom of movement, so you can concentrate on having fun – rather than who’s stepping on your train – and lean into the celebratory spirit with mirrorball embellishments.
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