I'm a Fashion Editor and 2026 Bride—These Are the 12 Bridal Brands I'm Most Excited About
I always assumed that when it was my turn to be a bride, I’d have a very clear picture of The Dress—one of those cinematic, slow-motion moments where you just know. Spoiler: That is not what happened. As a 2026 bride (and a fashion editor, which arguably makes it worse), I found myself deep in the bridal vortex during New York Bridal Week, toggling between highly impractical fantasies and the reality of what I can actually sit down in.
Bridal fashion has never been more interesting. Designers are pushing silhouettes, rethinking tradition, and treating the wedding dress as an actual fashion moment instead of a stuffy rite of passage. I’ve tried on everything from sculptural corsetry to whisper-thin slip dresses, and I’ve learned that the right gown isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about energy.
So as I hunt for the dress I’ll remember forever (no pressure), these are the bridal brands I keep coming back to—the ones that feel fresh, thoughtful, and genuinely exciting for 2026.
Danielle Frankel
Based in: New York City
Perfect for: the bride who has every Vogue Weddings feature saved on her Pinterest
Danielle Frankel (founded by Parsons-educated designer Danielle Frankel Hirsch) builds a bridge between runway fashion and wedding dressing. With sculptural tailoring, soft-but-architectural draping, and unexpected fabrics, her gowns feel equal parts minimal and high-concept. Frankel Hirsch is also no stranger to the fashion world—she cut her teeth under Vera Wang and Marchesa before breaking off to do things her own way.
Wiederhoeft
Based in: New York City
Perfect for: the bride who appreciates couture craft, queer theatricality, and a little camp with her romance
Wiederhoeft—the brainchild of CFDA-recognized designer Jackson Wiederhoeft (a Parsons alum and Thom Browne protégé)—is where bridal meets performance art. Think corsetry that feels sculptural rather than restrictive, tulle for days, and embroidery that borders on costume in the best possible way. The brand leans into fantasy, but it’s executed with such technical precision that even the most minimalist bride can appreciate the craft.
Vivienne Westwood
Based in: London
Perfect for: the bride who wants a dramatic silhouette with unapologetic attitude
A Vivienne Westwood bridal gown is basically a master class in draping and corsetry. The house’s DNA—rebellious tailoring, historical references, and that iconic sculpted bodice—translates so well into bridalwear that the gowns feel simultaneously classic and subversive. They’re structured, glamorous, and never too sweet. If you care deeply about silhouette (and love the idea of a gown that photographs like a sculpture), Westwood is always worth trying on.
Alexandra Grecco
Based in: New York City
Perfect for: the bride who loves clean lines, intentional texture, and a whimsical, romantic mood board
Alexandra Grecco has mastered the “simple but make it intentional” bridal look. Her gowns skew minimalist—just a touch of delicate lace, draping, and floral accents here and there—but the fabrics and fit make them feel incredibly considered. She’s known for satin that moves like liquid, soft silhouettes, and just enough embellishment when it’s needed.
Cinq
Based in: Los Angeles
Perfect for: the bride who wants something soft, cinematic, and otherworldly
Cinq is one of those brands that feel instantly recognizable—all airy layers, lineal ruching, and corsets that look like they were made in a candlelight-filled artist’s studio. Designer Macye Wysner leans into a romantic, almost ghostly aesthetic in the chicest of ways.
Floure
Based in: Sydney, Australia
Perfect for: the bride looking for something no one else will have
Floure Studio, an emerging label our editors just discovered during New York Bridal Week, sits in that cool-girl bridal space with its modern silhouettes, fresh-feeling details, and a strong focus on shape. Sculpted bodices and textural fabrics all play into the brand's ability to make classic silhouettes feel new and reimagined.
Francesca Miranda
Based in: Barranquilla, Colombia
Perfect for: the bride who loves intricate craftsmanship and a hint of old-world romance
Francesca Miranda has been designing couture bridal for decades, and her gowns are known for beautiful handwork (mostly lacework), embroidery, and textural detailing. (The brand's signature motif is a artisanal weave called pata de cabra.) Her designs lean romantic but sophisticated, ideal for a bride who appreciates craftsmanship and wants a gown that feels steeped in tradition.
Wed Studio
Based in: London, England
Perfect for: the bride who wants her personality to shine through her dress.
Wed (launched by designer Amy Trinh and Evan Phillips in 2019) explores modern bridal through personality, with each individual style feeling reflective of the bride who wears it. There's something for everyone who shops Wed: romantic lace mantilla veils, tulle petticoats, and drop-waist bubble hems. It’s the kind of brand fashion editors quietly bookmark for themselves: clean, cool, and slightly offbeat in the best way.
Sept
Based in: New York City
Perfect for: the bride who wants clean silhouettes with subtle, sculptural interest
Sept focuses on elevated minimalism. Think sleek lines, thoughtful cutouts, and fabrics that drape beautifully. The brand reads very “European fashion girl,” with pieces that feel refined and modern without being fussy. Although designer Sarah Seven's self-titled line is the object of affection for thousands of brides across the country, her higher-end label, Sept, steps it up.
Jenny Yoo
Based in: New York City
Perfect for: the bride (or bridal party) looking for polished, wearable, timeless pieces
Jenny Yoo has been a staple in the bridal space for years, known for sleek slip dresses, timeless ball gowns that actually photograph well, and silhouettes that feel classic but current. Both Jenny Yoo Collection and Jenny by Jenny Yoo gowns follow the same ethos: clean, feminine, and extremely easy to wear. If you’re dressing a whole bridal party, this is usually the brand everyone agrees on.
Kyha
Based in: Melbourne, Australia
Perfect for: the bride who's looking for something a bit more fashion-forward
Kyha (formerly One Day Bridal) is all about strong shapes: structured bodices, sharp tailoring, and gowns that look like they were pulled from a fashion editorial. There’s always an element of drama, but it’s delivered with that cool Australian nonchalance—great for brides who want something statement-making but not overly formal.
Hera Couture
Based in: Auckland, New Zealand
Perfect for: the bride who wants romance with impeccable construction
Founded by Katie Yeung, Hera Couture is beloved for its fit, structure, and ultra-flattering silhouettes. The gowns often combine soft, romantic details with serious technical precision, making them ideal if you want something classic but not bland. There’s a quiet luxury to the brand that feels super timeless.

Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.
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