Read on for our guide to some of the most swoon-worthy designs from brands we love – you might just find your dream dress below...
New York Bridal Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 came and floored us with tonnes of mesmerising, oh-so-stylish wedding gowns floating down the runway. Well-loved fashion designers in the world of couture showcased plenty of curve-hugging dresses, with sublime details like illusion necklines, girly ribbons and lace, textural 3D appliqués and embellishments, and lots of airy tulle.
Anne Barge
Known for excellent craftsmanship and classic silhouettes, the American designer’s latest collection – from voluminous ballgowns to figure-hugging sheath dresses – is romantic and womanly with floral appliques, hints of pale gold and vintage lace.
Badgley Mischka
Inspired by Buenos Aires in the 50s, Mark Badgley and James Mischka’s opulent new collection features glamorous, hand-beaded embroidery on bodices and shoulders, and soft, princess-like silhouettes in tulle, Chantilly lace and stretch georgette.
Berta
For brides who like high drama and body-skimming gowns, Berta ticks all the boxes. Provocative and polished at the same time, its fall collection featured sheer, barely-there lace, plunging necklines, intricate lace appliques, shimmering fabric and embroidery, and detachable skirts to switch things up. We especially love the shoulder-baring caped number.
Carolina Herrera
Embracing elegant, timeless silhouettes – the designer’s forte – Carolina Herrera’s ladylike collection showed off scalloped, V-shaped necklines, delicate lace embroidery, and float-y pleated skirts. One of the most hyped looks, however, was a modern, two-piece cropped set with a green and pink hand-painted floral motifs.
Claire Pettibone
Taking notes from the extravagant fashion of the late 19th century, Claire Pettibone’s “The Gilded Age” collection is filled with luxe gold embroidery and embellishments, feather-light tulle overlays that flow with each step, antique floral motifs and unexpected pops of powder blue, pink and black.
Galia Lahav
Sparkling hand-beaded crystals, striking fringing, sheer panels and majestic headpieces stole the show in Galia Lahav’s “Ivory Tower” collection, which draws inspiration from the medieval age. We can totally picture Daenerys Targaryen looking regal and resplendent in these beauties.
Hayley Paige
This season, the chameleonic designer had plenty of surprises up her sleeves, including playful pastel hues, flirty and modern mini dresses, and edgy black ensembles. Lots of brilliant options for brides who like fresh, out-of-the-box ideas.
Ines Di Santo
Inspired by the beauty of light, Ines Di Santo’s fall offerings featured heaps of sheer layering, lace, hints of eye-catching glimmer and sculptural shapes. Avant-garde details included asymmetrical skirts, and a transparent lace bodysuit with a detachable tulle skirt.
Jenny Packham
Channeling the style of Old Hollywood’s screen sirens, Jenny Packham’s Fall 2016 line features gorgeously-embellished sheath dresses and subtly cinched waists.
Kenneth Pool
Injecting a little edge into the label’s sophisticated dresses, designer Amsale Aberra’s latest collection for Kenneth Pool ranged from minimalist satin slips to frothy ballgowns with tiered skirts. Shimmering beading, illusion necklines and structured bodices were also at play.
Lazaro
Awash with soft pastel tones, from buttery yellow to blush, Lazaro’s dreamy new collection put the spotlight on watercolour textures, lush-looking ruffles, and intricate bead, crystal and lace details.
Lela Rose
For Fall 2016, Lela Rose marries modern cuts with feminine flourishes, such as 3D organza floral appliques cascading down the length of a halter-neck gown, and sensual, peek-a-boo lace sections on a long sleeve, floor-grazing dress. We love their use of textural fabrics, like a silk fil coupe covered in dainty pansies.
Maggie Sottero
Exuding elegance and timelessness, Maggie Sottero’s enchanting collection featured traditional silhouettes elevated with touches like scalloped hems, diaphanous tulle layers and an embroidered capelet.
Marchesa
Exquisite lace embroidery, heavily-embellished bodices, sensuous open backs and plunging necklines were the highlights at Marchesa’s collection. An all-over lace dress with a gloriously sculpted peplum train was one of the show-stoppers.
Monique Lhuillier
Taking us into a girlish garden fantasy, Monique Lhuillier’s fresh new bridal collection had modern touches like high slits, detachable skirts, sheer necklines and sleeves, and printed lace organza for depth.
Naeem Khan
The Indian-American designer’s resplendent details always leave us blown away, and this season was no exception. With Latin American women as his muse, his Fall/Winter collection featured gold foil hand-painted onto tulle, bohemian fringing and feathers, and the most amazing pink, plunging gown.
Oscar De La Renta
Victorian-esque high, ruffled necklines and delicate 3D rosettes breathed fresh air into Oscar De La Renta’s traditionally feminine and romantic aesthetic.
Pronovias
Designer Hervé Moreau chose to celebrate the female form this season, with ultra-flattering, fluid frocks in Chantilly lace and silk Mikado. Mermaid dresses that hug natural curves, as well as ballgowns that flared out from the waist, were adorned with cleverly-placed, figure-enhancing appliques and sheer panels winding around the torso. A few minimalist designs also made an appearance, including a jaw-dropping sheath gown with a glamorous cape.
Reem Acra
Giving an airy touch to its Fall 2016 collection through organza, tulle and chiffon, Reem Acra’s collection featured plenty of lingerie-inspired corset bodices, translucent, see-through portions and the brand’s signature ethereal embroidery.
Rivini
Inspired by the first frost of winter, Rivini’s pretty-as-a-snowflake gowns shone with shimmery beading, metallic organza, and elaborately-layered tulle.
Romona Keveza
Romona Keveza’s couture line stole our hearts with the most breathtaking hand-painted florals, billowy skirts and beaded lace. For brides who prefer clean lines, Keveza also unveiled sleek dresses with ornamental metal belts.
Temperley
For Fall 2016, Temperley’s offerings had a sheen of bohemian romance with sweet cap sleeves, drop waists, gold geometric embroidery and glamorous beading.
Vera Wang
Like an extension of her Spring/Summer 2016 bridal collection, Vera Wang’s latest range is once again daring and monochromatic, with sheer lacy details, giant bows and plenty of play on length and volume.