You might just think of wedding dresses as fabric and lace, but they’re actually a wonderful snapshot of fashion history and culture! Over the years, bridal trends have evolved, reflecting broader cultural changes, from the bohemian vibes of the '70s to the sleek minimalism of the '90s.
If you’re a modern bride dreaming of wearing a gown inspired by decades past, you’re in luck! At Lily's Boutique, we have a huge variety of dresses that celebrate the timeless beauty of wedding fashion. So, join us as we take a trip down memory lane, revisiting iconic bridal trends from the '70s to today, and explore how to wear these vintage looks with a modern twist.
The 1970s
The 1970s were a time of self-expression, and that was certainly reflected in wedding fashion. Many brides opted to design and make their own gowns (yes, DIY queens!), often turning to fabric shops for inspiration. There was a boho, laid-back feel to bridal looks of the '70s, with lightweight fabrics like cotton or chiffon, loose-fitting silhouettes, and often a bit of homemade charm. Whether it was a flowing, empire-waist dress or a gown made from a re-purposed net curtain (yes, really!), brides of the '70s embodied the spirit of personal creativity.
How to wear the look today Modern brides who love that free-spirited '70s vibe can look for dresses with flowing sleeves, lace details, and relaxed shapes. And why not add flower crowns or loose waves for a touch of bohemian beauty? At Lily’s Boutique, we have a range of dresses that capture this ethereal aesthetic but with modern tailoring and luxe fabrics. A vintage-inspired lace gown with bell sleeves is perfect for a garden or outdoor wedding, adding that effortless elegance.
The 1980s
The '80s were all about excess, and wedding dresses were no exception! Bridal manufacturing became more prominent in this era, and suddenly, brides had access to more extravagant designs. Silk dresses with large, puffed sleeves dominated wedding aisles, and the bigger, the better. Think Lady Diana’s iconic wedding dress with its over-the-top sleeves and long train; a style that set the tone for the decade. Brides wanted drama, and they embraced it with voluminous skirts, long veils, and bold details like ruffles and lace overlays.
How to wear the look today While we may not be bringing back the oversized sleeves of the '80s (unless of course that’s your vibe, in which case, you do you!), you can definitely incorporate elements of this era into your wedding look. At Lily’s Boutique, we have modern gowns that feature romantic puffed sleeves with a sleeker, more sophisticated silhouette. If you love the volume, try a gown with a fuller skirt or add a dramatic cathedral-length veil for that regal touch. You can either keep the rest of your look simple to keep the focus on your dress, or you can go all out with plenty of 80s inspired accessories!
The 1990s
After the excess of the '80s, the '90s brought a breath of fresh air with minimalist fashion. Wedding gowns became sleeker, with clean lines and simple shapes. Gone were the layers of lace and silk; instead, brides opted for slip dresses, column gowns, and unembellished designs. Accessories were kept to a minimum, with brides embracing simple veils, delicate jewellery, and subtle hairpieces. This pared-down aesthetic allowed brides to embrace an understated elegance that felt refreshingly modern.
How to wear the look today The minimalist '90s look is still incredibly chic even today. For modern brides, the key to channelling this era is simplicity, so try to look for clean, streamlined silhouettes like a slip dress or an A-line gown without much embellishment. You can always add a sash or a simple veil to elevate the look, or keep it bare with sleek, understated accessories. At Lily’s Boutique, we carry timeless gowns that are perfect for the bride who values simplicity but still wants to make a statement. Think elegant, effortless, and totally sophisticated!
The 2000s
The 2000s saw the rise of the strapless wedding gown, often paired with a crystal sash or belt for some extra sparkle. These gowns were typically simple, with minimal embellishment, letting the bride's natural beauty take centre stage. Inspired by the fairy-tale weddings of celebrities and royalty, many brides during this era gravitated toward gowns with a princess-like feel, straight across necklines, fitted bodices, and flowing skirts.
How to wear the look today Strapless gowns are still a favourite among many brides, but today’s versions often come with more versatile options like detachable straps or illusion necklines for extra support and style – perfect if you’ve got larger boobs! At Lily’s Boutique, we offer gowns that take the best of 2000s bridal fashion and update it for the contemporary bride, ensuring a look that’s timeless and flattering.
The 2010s
Two royal weddings — Kate Middleton in 2011 and Meghan Markle in 2018 — had a huge influence on bridal fashion during the 2010s. Kate's lace-sleeved gown brought sleeves back into the bridal spotlight after years of strapless domination, while Meghan’s sleek, minimalist dress ushered in a new era of modern elegance. These royal weddings sparked trends that brides everywhere wanted to emulate, with long lace sleeves, bateau necklines, and minimalist shapes becoming highly sought-after.
How to wear the look today For brides who dream of royalty, there’s no better way to channel that elegant style than with a dress inspired by these iconic weddings. Long lace sleeves remain a popular choice for brides who want a touch of traditional glamour. At Lily’s Boutique, we offer gowns that balance royal sophistication with modern style. Whether you prefer a classic lace design like Kate's or a sleek, structured gown like Meghan’s, we’ll make sure you feel like a princess in your chosen dress!
The 2020s
In the 2020s, anything goes, and we are so here for it! Brides today are pushing the boundaries of traditional wedding fashion, with sexy, form-fitting silhouettes, sheer panels, and even non-traditional colours like black making their way down the aisle. Sleeves are back in style, but they’re often sheer or delicately embellished. This decade is all about individuality — no rules, no limitations.
How to wear the look today For the modern bride who wants to make a statement, the 2020s provide endless possibilities. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek, sexy silhouette, a gown with daring sheer details, or even a black wedding dress, you can find a style that’s uniquely you. At Lily’s Boutique, we embrace the "anything goes" philosophy, offering a wide range of gowns for every bride. Go bold with a non-traditional colour, add sheer sleeves for a contemporary twist, or choose a gown that blends vintage and modern styles for the best of both worlds.
Ready to find your dream wedding dress? Book an appointment today!
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