Bridal designers were dreaming big for the spring 2024 season.

Gowns maxed out on volume and embellishment, offering clients several sartorial paths to take as they eye dressing for the aisle.

The princess silhouette made a robust return as seen within the highly structured A-lines from Oscar de la Renta, Ines di Santo and Elie Saab, whose runway show recently made a splash at Barcelona’s Maritime museum. The Lebanese couturier’s full-skirted gowns were inspired by the work of Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.

“Floral embellishments done with sequins and pearls with an iridescent finish, in addition to feathery details, added to the contemporary romantic vibe that ran through the gathering,” wrote WWD’s Martino Carrera.

Brides trying to partake within the voluminous trend in an unconventional manner will enjoyment of 3D floral appliqués, shown prominently in the shape of rosettes, which bloomed everywhere in the collections of Madeline Gardner and Galia Lahav, where creative director Sharon Sever said his selection of the cassia flower was inspired by the one thrown by Carmen within the opera of the identical name.

Elsewhere, pouffed, mutton-style sleeves a la Vivienne Westwood and floor-sweeping capes, like those in Nardos’ debut bridal show, were large and in-charge, proving dramatic enough to upstage the coronation robe King Charles wore this past weekend at Westminster Abbey.

Sahar Fotouhi, the designer behind buzzy latest label Yellow by Sahar says her purpose, “is to create gowns that ladies long to wear, something that fulfills their childhood fantasy,” pointing to the grand entrance as a pivotal moment to make a press release. Volume, the Parsons alum added, “is greater than the trend for me, it’s a celebration.”   

And with large-scale formal gatherings becoming the norm once more, the message she and other designers are sending is jovial. Brides can now have their cake — and will want to appear to be they’re wearing it, too.

Tiered skirts were one of the crucial outstanding ways designers achieved an ethereal, yet high-impact look from neat rows of lace upping the nostalgic romance at Honor to Rivini by Rita Vinieris, where a mountain of unfinished tulle froth exploded from underneath a satin bodice for barely disheveled take. Justin Alexander, Monique Lhuillier and Kelly Faetanini also played with cascading ruffles resembling chantilly cream.