5 Bridal Designers to Keep an Eye On in 2026

As I prepare to head off to my very first New York Bridal Fashion Week, I figure it’s the perfect time to sneak a peek into next year’s bridal designs—and share with you the main designers I’m personally keeping my eye on. I am BEYOND losing it that I am finally making one of my childhood dreams come true (yes, I was an elementary DIVA dreaming about NYFW), and cannot wait to come back with all sorts of inspo to share with my 2026 couples ✨

Before I dive into these ever-talented designers, I want to make one thing clear: anyone can wear a bridal dress to their wedding. I will be using the word “bride” throughout this article for the sake of simplicity, but please know that you can rock each and every one of these styles no matter how you identify. I have been so thrilled to see more gender-fluid wedding attire in recent years, and to see couples throwing tradition out the window in favor of dressing in a way that feels true to them. Fashion does not discriminate, my loves!

5 Designers to Keep an Eye On in 2026

1. CINQ

CINQ is for the bride who craves an ode to the past, with modern details. I could rave forever about my obsession with CINQ gowns as of late, from ALL of their bridal collections over the years. From the southern mystique of Collection I to the cinematic nostalgia of their upcoming Spring 2026 Collection V, CINQ gowns offer the ideal balance of past, present, and future, incorporating a variety of textures, layers, and one-of-a-kind pieces to make every bride feel like royalty. A little bit of romance, a little bit of reverie, every gown crafted to tell a narrative. Collection V draws on a love for eras past, with gowns that feel like they belong in an old painting you’d walk past at the Met. The dreamy palette of delicate creams, ethereal whites, and pale blues offer options for the unconventional bride, every gown featuring thoughtful details such as broomstick-pleated chiffon, romantic puffed sleeves, intricate bows, and glass beading. Inspired by films like The Little Princess, The Beguiled, and Picnic, designer Mayce Wysner has created an effortless balance of form and fluidity, with a vintage touch reminiscent of timeless Victorian-era designs. 

NYC and LA brides, be sure to visit one of CINQ’s flagship locations to find your perfect piece in-person!

A selection of my favorites from CINQ’s latest collection. . .

Ethel, made of delicate French cotton lace and silk tulle, shaped by an internal corset and structured petticoat. The epitome of “Victorian ghost” for brides who love a little bit of a haunted, mysterious aura.

Marjorie, featuring a bold silhouette, sharp lines, and an ethereal, flowy skirt. The sculptured shantung bodice offers such a dramatic contrast to the gentleness of the train that floats along the ground, and the curved neckline makes an effortless but powerful statement.

Juliette Veil, composed of French lace with a blue taffeta bow and glass bead trim. Adding this to any of the gowns of Collection V would make for an unreal bridal look.

2. SAINT Bridal Couture

One of the designers I am looking forward to seeing the MOST at NY Bridal Fashion Week, as they share their brand new Archangel collection with the world. Known for designs that are timeless yet refined, SAINT is the embodiment of fashion-forward bridal wear featuring luxurious details, breathtaking layers, and spectacular textures across every design. Gowns in their newest Archangel collection speak to a yearning for bold, revolutionary stories with a bit of historical mystique sprinkled in, blending effortless strength with romantic delicacy with every touch. Sculptural silhouettes, voluminous trains, and ethereal textures shine among every Archangel gown, paying homage to the elegance of old and drawing inspiration from intricate medieval designs. Gowns such as Macbeth and Siena call attention to 15th-century-inspired structures and old-world details, with sweeping lines, exquisite details, and ornate craftsmanship. The drama of each of these gowns is simply enchanting, seemingly pulled straight out of a storybook.

Avilia has got to be a favorite of mine, a gown that uniquely captures the intricate designs, details, and movement of 15th-century stonework. The cascading chiffon layers and ethereal movement of Fiora take my breath away every time I see them, and don’t even get me started on the unbelievable celestial beauty of Asteria. . . the corded embroidery and billowing organza are a little bit of real-life magic.

3. Honor NYC

With gowns that have been worn for press events worldwide (including this year’s Grammy’s), Honor NYC takes a bold and unconventional approach with each and every look they curate. Their Spring 2026 Collection X utilizes colors, patterns, textures, and materials unorthodox to many traditional bridal designers, with looks that incorporate metallic threadwork, velvet skirts, celestial bead straps, floral embellishments, and—my favorite—just the right amount of glitter. Derived from a romantic and feminine style, every look invites you to reflect on what “bridal” can mean, challenging tradition with unexpected details that transcend the ordinary & unabashedly challenge the status quo. Shades of blue, blush, plum, and silver offer variety throughout Collection X, with many pieces featuring asymmetric shaping and details that leave you doing a double take. Look 6 features one of my favorite pieces from Collection X, the Queen of Hearts Bodysuit that can be paired with any of the phenomenal skirts in this collection—the all-blush look with the glitter details is unbelievable!

4. Tanner Fletcher

Tanner Fletcher made their 2026 bridal debut inside of a church, transforming the space into a stunning venue to honor their newest collection, titled Going to the Chapel. The collection takes a modern twist on 1930s wedding fashion, welcoming genderless styles into the nostalgic elegance of the era. In the world we are living in, it’s more important than ever to honor our individuality and celebrate love of all kinds—and Tanner Fletcher does just that with their joyful, contemporary collection! Featuring details such as lace-covered bustiers, taffeta rosettes, and floral jacquard suiting, Going to the Chapel celebrates love in all its forms, and invites couples to take their power back by embracing their unique styles. Oversized bows, custom blazers, and billowy skirts give every couple the chance to express their unique personalities through timeless pieces that make a damn statement without even trying. It makes me SO happy to see collections like this that celebrate a greater purpose, and open up a world of possibilities for couples who want to tell their story through fashion.

5. Monique Lhuillier

For the bride who wants to keep things a tad more conventional, yet still add a unique spin on their gown—and by conventional, I mean sticking to classic elements, traditional materials, and white/cream color palettes—Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2026 collection may be just what you’re looking for. They have done a phenomenal job of maintaining a sense of timeless beauty and effortless glamor, presenting somewhat traditional materials in new, innovative ways, with subtle sensuality at the forefront of every design. Multi-dimensional designs and soft spring blooms are the stars of this collection, with flattering sculpted bodices, accentuated Basque waistlines, cascading embroideries, and textured foliage to honor the season.

Mini skirt gowns are so in right now, and Marmont knows it—crafted with silk faille and showcasing an oversized blossom front and center. Layla isn’t afraid to show off delicate spring florals on a larger scale, taking a contemporary spin on a billowing ball gown featuring floral-printed gazar, puffed sleeves, and a glorious skirt. Brides seeking a more sleek, sophisticated look may gravitate toward Chandler, a strapless matte satin column gown, or Brea, a dazzling Mikado draped corset cocktail gown that would be the perfect second dress to change into for your evening soiree.

Honorary mention: Hayley Paige

A bonus shoutout to Hayley Paige for finally getting to design again under her name! If you haven’t been following her multi-year legal battle, she has put a tremendous amount of work into regaining the rights to design under her name after a lawsuit from her former employer. I have been cheering her along the entire way and am SO thrilled that she is back to being able to work her magic, and provide so many brides with the stunning pieces that only she could dream up. Her spring 2026 collection, Twice Upon a Time, invites you to be unapologetically yourself by wearing an extraordinary piece of art on your wedding day. From the rose-colored extravagance of The Rachel to the Princess Diaries-inspired Queen of Genovia, Hayley has truly outdone herself with this enchanting collection, where every piece is a personal statement that encapsulates your own flavor of magic.

I absolutely cannot wait to see what else 2026 brings to the wedding world, and to see how you choose to express yourself in your own unique way. 

As a photographer who draws much of her inspiration from fashion and the evolution of style throughout the eras, it is my honor to work with couples who crave artful images full of storytelling, personality, and bold statements—just as each of these gowns offers. Reach out now to work together on your 2026 wedding!

Now, NY Bridal Fashion Week, here I come 🥂

Washington brides—don’t miss my curated list of the Top 8 Bridal Boutiques in the Seattle Area.