I spent days perusing bridal gowns, and These Seven Brands Stood Out to Me

I frequently make up the prank that I’ll get married in a few days just to have the reason to use everything. (I’m only kidding, of course.) Although I’m not planning any weddings, I still have a passion for marital attire.

As the editor of my companion group, I have been countless times asked which marital companies should be on a 2024 bride’s radar because many of my friends are getting engaged and married. Today, there are tons of typical marital models that we all know and love, but I wanted to find companies that may not be the second that come to your mind when you’re thinking about marital events or the big time.

Two of the most fashionable readers I know, both of whom are bride-to-be, also happen to be. I’m going to discuss the marital brands I’m currently obsessed with, but I also thought it would be best to hear from two wedding planners who are really getting ready to walk down the aisle. Keep browsing to see the bridal companies Evans and Flanagan are eyeing along with seven bridal companies I’d suggest to 2024 wives.

Morgan Evans, independent director for The Cut, Vanity Fair, and Magazine

Major bridal brands from Evans:

“Some weddings in the process of costume shopping may be familiar with New York–based bridal product Lein. If you’re not, it’s time to become acquainted. After falling in love with a close-up of an elaborate large ribbons and beaded skirt, I discovered Lein’s soft, smooth, and loving palette on Instagram. I next proceeded to do a dealership visit of the set during Bridal Fashion Week, and it wasn’t very shortly after that I found myself in a private interview with the architect,” Meredith Stoecklein.

Lein’s designs are a new take on contemporary style, with many of her apparently basic styles being the most elaborate, especially in her passion of ribbons detailing. Stoecklein’s creative designs include everything from retractable hats and scarves to invisible buttons for convertible clothes, shirt add-ons, and a number of combinations and combinations that can be mixed and matched with several of her other items, especially if you love sets!

“Next year, Anifa Mvuemba’s Hanifa took its strong and vibrant ready- to- wear brand to the next level with its first- always bridal collection. I was anticipating Hanifa’s bridal collection would be an extension of the brand’s signature vibrancy, but I was also a fan of her fitted, sexy, chic silhouettes and standout statement pieces.”

“As a future bride-to-be, I had the honor of covering the designer’s inaugural bridal show last fall, which featured a variety of bridal options, including ball gowns and glittering statement sheaths, feathered trimmed dresses, hats, and gloves, as well as an assortment of sexy bridal lingerie. As a self- proclaimed disco bride who loves everything from embellishment to whimsy tulle, Hanifa’s bridal collection presents something for every kind of bride. From the “go big or go home” bride who prefers bold and occasionally flashy statement pieces to the “bride who loves a bold and sometimes flashy statement piece,” Hanifa has looks and accessories for all bridal personalities and styles.

Simpler attire doesn’t need to be boring. Take it from Kyha, an Australian- based bridal brand with flagship stores in Sydney and New York that has elegantly elevated the modern minimalist bridal style. The bride who wants to go beyond the traditional but still maintain the classic style should choose Kyha’s designs. Kyha’s structured silhouettes, which are renowned for their flawlessly crafted corsets, create a bold, elegant statement that isn’t over the top. From simple satin sheaths to fluttery tulle ball gowns and a fun selection of trendy beaded ensembles great for second- look options of other wedding event occasions, Kyha’s simple, chic styles have the essence of traditionalism but with more dreamy drama.

Top bridal lines from Flanagan:

“It’s nearly impossible to find a wedding gown that strikes the perfect balance between plain and dramatic.” If you’re engaged, you know that most dresses on the market are either too plain and sort of boring or overly embellished and in desperate need of some editing. Enter Blanc Wear, an Amsterdam-based bridal brand that specializes in understated gowns that are still special enough to wear on one of the biggest days of your life. “Designer Sarah Bruylant combines trendy elements like a drop waist, basque waist, moon-shaped bustier, or cathedral-length scarf with very basic textures, fabrics, and patterns. Each look feels sleek and polished yet still fashion- forward.”

“Look no further than Khya if you want a wedding dress that looks just as good walking down the aisle as it would walking down a runway at fashion week. The Australian brand is ideal for contemporary, unassuming brides who want to experiment with their wedding attire. From gowns and after- party dresses to two- piece sets, jewelry, veils, and bridal hats, Khya’s cool- girl designs are available in over 20 different countries, online, and at its flagship boutiques in Melbourne, Sydney, and New York.”

The Own Studio is my top recommendation for brides who want to evoke an effortlessly cool aesthetic on their wedding day. The designs are ultra-clean, straightforward, and precisely made, and made of the highest quality materials, so each one looks (and feels) like it! elegant and expensive. Check out the newly released party collection from Own Studio if you’re looking for a second look. Highlights include a crystal lattice minidress with semi-sheer fabric, a minidress with beaded embellishments, a sequin crop top, and a double-breasted tuxedo dress.

“Perfect for all the unconventional ‘anti- brides’ who want to make a statement with their wedding dress, Wed Studio specializes in interesting and inventive silhouettes that you certainly haven’t seen before and won’t find at Kleinfeld Bridal. Cutting, craftsmanship, and creating consciously are the three guiding principles behind each piece’s design. Wed Studio will challenge your opinion of bridal fashion, from a dress with geometric draping to one with stretch-jersey fabric. The label also recently launched an that’s to die for.”

Shop the 7 bridal brands that I’m currently a fan of:

Kyha

This Australian bridal brand has taken New York brides by storm, including both Flanagan and Evans, who mentioned this brand as one of their standouts. Every year during Bridal Fashion Week, I look forward to visiting Kyha’s downtown Manhattan store to see the gorgeous designs on display. What I really like about Kyha is that it’s a one-stop shop for wedding and event attire. While there is one dress that’s the dress, fashion- savvy brides usually end up needing several white dresses for events such as the rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, and bachelorette party.

Kyha offers a range of dresses in other colors besides white, making a dress for all of the above. On my most recent visit to the Kyha’s New York City location, I was able to see the Beau, the company’s new drop-heel wedding dress. I also can’t stop thinking about the bubble- hem Kennedy minidress.

Retrofête

One of the first places I would shop if I had just got engaged is the brand that is designed for bold women who are throwing themselves at a fabulous party. The bride who embraces being the center of attention is the bride’s style and boldness in Retrofête’s bridal collection. If you have an over- the- top reception or bachelorette trip planned, then snagging a look from Retrofête is right up your alley. I’m a huge fan of the Deema’s outfit, which is pearl-encrusted. The pearls on this dress look even more glamorous up close, and I’ve seen it in person. I’m not even close to getting married, but I have the Deema already on my bridal mood board.

Danielle Frankel

After working for legendary bridal powerhouses Marchesa and Vera Wang, Danielle Frankellaunched her own bridal label, making pieces designed to be worn long after the big day. Frankel has captured the attention of fashion-forward brides who enjoy unexpected pattern choices and whimsical silhouettes and styles. I am obsessed with the Guinevere Gown.

Bronx and Banco

This celebrity- loved brand is mostly known for sparkly, pop- star- ready stage and red carpet outfits and has the prettiest selection of occasionwear dresses. Bronx and Banco’s bridal collection, which stays true to its brand DNA, includes tons of trendy, enjoyable accessories for brides to play with. Bronx and Banco has a lot of options for you if you’re looking for something a little bit more over-the-top for your wedding dress. I’d go to this brand for a possible second dress/reception dress when shopping for your bridal shower or bachelorette party.

Alex Perry

Who doesn’t want to feel as good as possible on their big day? Alex Perry dresses have been known to sculpt and contour the body. The Alex Perry designs for the modern bride clearly emphasize elegance and a sophisticated approach to bridalwear, with classic styling and tailored fittings. The brand’s Eliza satin- Crepe Gown is also on my bridal wish list.

House of CB

This London-based company was established for its corsetted dresses and tops, which were incredibly well-fitting. The brand has expanded into a collection of affordable but stylish and romantic bridal dresses as a result of all of its pieces being designed and made in-house in London. The collection is a wide range of dresses perfect for everything welcoming your guests to your pre- wedding cocktail party to toasting champagne at the announcement of your engagement to picking great pieces for your bachelorette. House of CB is all there is.

This is undoubtedly where I would stop for event dresses if I were getting ready for my big day. Plus, the price tags won’t make your wallet want to cry, which is important when you’re on a budget. The company also offers a lot of fantastic options for bridesmaid dresses.

Sau Lee

Founded in 2014 by Cheryl Leung, this Hong Kong–based brand is self- described as a “love letter to women”, creating stunning ready- to- wear pieces and accessories. It is a must-have brand for those looking to land a spot on the “best dressed guest” list at the most well-known wedding on your calendar, and its bridal collection is undoubtedly something to watch. The Playful Bride, the Romantic Bride, and the Classic Bride are the three sections of the brand’s elegant collection. The choice is yours.