A Bridal Designer Just Told Me These Wedding Dress Trends Are Going to Dominate in Fall 2026

Over the past year, I unexpectedly found myself immersed in the wedding industry. I'm not complaining, though. To my surprise, I've had the chance to attend beautiful runway shows and meet one-on-one with many talented designers. It even led me on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Amanoi in Vietnam for Kyha's fall 2026 runway show.

Kyha is an Australia-based bridalwear brand that creates pieces for the fashion-forward bride who isn't afraid to challenge traditional boundaries. (It's also launching a ready-to-wear collection in November.) Kyha Scott, the founder and creative director, launched the brand in 2011 after being disappointed with the overly traditional wedding dress options she encountered while searching for her own. In Vietnam, I had the chance to sit down with her to learn about her new collection, Waterlines, and get her insights on the bridal dress trends she expects to dominate in fall 2026.

"There used to be a certain formality to a wedding or a way that you should dress, but now, brides are breaking all of those rules and doing what's right for them versus what they're expected [to do or wear]," she tells me. "It's becoming prevalent in the way that we're seeing different outfits, such as bridal suiting, and in color as well." Her fall 2026 collection—which is inspired by Vietnam's flora, fauna, landscape, and craftsmanship—clearly reflects that shift.

When it comes to color, many pieces on the runway featured a deep ivory, which Scott believes will be prominent in fall 2026. "Bright ivory is having a very strong presence in the market, but now, I'm seeing that lean into a deeper ivory," she says. "I think we're going to see a lot more brides move into that colorway, which … I think is a bold choice." While the collection showcased many moments of ivory, it also included a bright green called Bitter Lime. "Green is a huge part of the landscapes here [in Vietnam], so I really wanted to work within that color scheme and make the collection pop," she notes. "It can be a challenging color to work with, but I like the challenge."

Other bridal trends Scott predicts will be popular include lace dresses, those with draped details, and an overall focus on texture. Out of 19 looks, nine featured lace, and two included feathers. "The brand doesn't believe in using feathers, but I love the texture of it, so we worked very hard, and that has been in development for a long time to have their laser-cut organza and then hand-sewn down so that it can create that feathery look, lightness, and texture while remaining sustainable," she notes. That's not all. For more insight into the bridal fashion trends that Scott expects to dominate in fall 2026, keep scrolling. Plus, discover the new collection.

Reverse-V Waistlines

This may be controversial, but the basque and drop-waist silhouettes in wedding fashion have started to feel overdone. That's why it was refreshing to see Kyha reinterpret this dramatic shape with a new perspective, focusing on a reverse-V waistline. This was demonstrated in its River dress, crafted in ivory duchess satin and a striking burnt gold. It offers the same drama and princess-like effect in a fresh way. Expect to see more of this style from now until the end of 2026.

Sweetheart Necklines

Kyha incorporated the sweetheart neckline in some of its previous collections, but for fall 2026, the silhouette really shines. This time, the design takes inspiration from the lotus flower, as mentioned in the brand's press release. The flower is a symbol with deep cultural meaning in Vietnam, representing purity, strength, and resilience. While the neckline dates back to the early 20th century, Kyha reinterpreted the design through a modern, fashion-forward lens, making it feel fresh, elevated, and, of course, intentional.

Lace, Lace, Lace

Lace is very much in, and many fiancés will be embracing the romantic aesthetic in 2026. You can make a real impact with a full lace gown or consider a dress adorned with elegant lace accents that delicately frame key areas. The charm of lace lies in its remarkable versatility, effortlessly complementing a wide array of personal styles and helping each wearer express their individuality on their special day.

Drapery

One trend, both in ready-to-wear and bridal, that has been gaining popularity over the past year is the draped dress, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it's in draping along the neckline (as seen in Kyha's Blyth dress) or done asymmetrically across the hip (as seen in its Eaton, Wilton, and Sen styles), there are many ways to wear this relaxed and luxurious design. What's great about it is that it makes a statement for a minimalist dresser while also feeling pared down yet perfect for a maximalist. Plus, the dress does the work for you, making anyone look like they've hired a stylist.

Capes

Kyha consistently blurs the lines between high fashion and weddingwear, so it's no surprise that the brand's latest collection features polished capes—a trend we've been seeing in ready-to-wear from designers like Proenza Schouler, Burberry, and Chloé. Kyha's version, crafted in lightweight chiffon, is the perfect piece to throw over a wedding dress as an alternative to a veil. It can also be styled with a skirt and a bralette for the after-party or paired with jeans for a polished yet casual courthouse look.