My Expert Guide on Bridal Trends for 2026

As an award-winning bridal hair and makeup artist (with a fabulous team by my side), I spend my life immersed in weddings—whether it’s sleek London townhouse ceremonies or romantic countryside celebrations in Surrey. And if there’s one thing I know, it’s that bridal style never stands still. Brides today want individuality, luxury, and that perfect balance of timelessness with a whisper of “now.”

So, what will 2026 bring for the style-conscious bride? Here are my top predictions for the looks and details that will define next year’s weddings.

(Photography by Lauren Marsh Photography, Accessories by Eden B Studio, Hair and Makeup by me, Amanda White)

Bridal Trends for 2026-Basque Waistlines & Sculptural Corsetry

Corsetry isn’t new, but in 2026 it’s evolving into something far more refined: sculptural, architectural, and designed to flatter without overwhelming. Basque waistlines that dip into elegant Vs and curves are on the rise, balancing drama with classic sophistication. Vivienne Westwood springs to mind as the Queen of sculptural corsetry. Alongside Hera Couture and Suzanne Neville. hair and makeup of course will play their role here: sleek up-dos or polished waves pair perfectly with these statement silhouettes.

Bridal Trends for 2026- Bridal Separates & After-Party Minis

One gown? Lovely. Two gowns? Now we’re talking. Brides in 2026 are embracing the idea that their wedding day can have more than one fashion chapter. From having pieces that separate to reveal a new outfit to glittering after-party minis, the second look has officially become a must for the style-conscious bride.

Sophie Habboo put this firmly on the map when she walked down the aisle in her chic Vivienne Westwood mini dress, paired with a short veil and oversized bow. Her choice made waves across the bridal world — proving that short can be just as chic, luxurious, and unforgettable as traditional full-length gowns.

This “mini movement” isn’t just about fashion rebellion; it’s about freedom. Brides want to glide through their ceremony in couture elegance, then change into something playful, light, and dance-floor-ready as the evening unfolds.

Designers leading the way include:

• Clio Peppiatt, whose hand-embellished minis and bridal separates blur the line between party dress and couture.

• Rachel Allan, offering a dedicated line of bridal minis for brides who want that red-carpet energy.

• Halfpenny London, known for modern separates, detachable skirts, and pieces that can transform in an instant.

And the beauty of this trend? It gives me and my team the chance to design dual looks for our brides. A smooth transition from polished ceremony style to something more playful and statement-making for the night.

(Custom made Code 8 lipstick being made)

Bridal Trends for 2026- The Rise of the Custom Lipstick

For brides who want every detail to feel utterly unique, custom-made lipsticks are emerging as the ultimate finishing touch. Imagine walking down the aisle wearing your perfect shade — one that has been blended exclusively for you, designed to complement your gown, your skin tone, and your overall bridal style.

In the UK, beauty houses like Cosmetics à la Carte in Chelsea, Code8 Beauty in Burlington Arcade, and Chelsie Lane are offering brides the chance to create and name their own lip shade. Luxury brands such as Guerlain and YSL Beauty are also tapping into the personalised lip movement with engraving and shade-blending technology.

As a bridal makeup artist, I love the idea of a “signature bridal lip” becoming part of your day — something personal, meaningful, and re-wearable long after the wedding. It transforms a lipstick from just another product into a keepsake, a story, and a little piece of your wedding day.

Handbag Bouquets

Bridal Trends for 2026 I would expect to see bouquets stepping into the world of accessories — and none more stylish than the handbag-inspired bouquet. Think florals woven into sculptural handles, clutch-like shapes framed with blooms, or delicate purses draped in cascading flowers.

It’s part bouquet, part fashion accessory — a statement piece that feels more editorial than traditional. Brides in London are pairing them with sleek, modern gowns for that “front row at Fashion Week” edge, while Surrey countryside brides are leaning into softer, garden-inspired versions that look like they’ve been plucked straight from an English meadow.

The beauty of this trend is its dual purpose: it frames the bridal silhouette like jewellery while also replacing the need to clutch a bulky bouquet all day.

(Selena Gomez sporting her modern, soft waved hairstyle by Renato Campora)

Bridal Trends for 2026- Hair forecast

Bridal hair is taking its cues from the runway and the red carpet — clean, sculptural, and unapologetically modern. Forget over-styled curls or boho looseness. The new look is about precision with ease: hair that’s polished enough to read as couture but relaxed enough to move naturally.

What’s trending now, and translating fast into bridal:

• Loose, directional waves that look expensive and editorial, not beachy.

• Deep, deliberate partings as a styling choice — sharp side parts or bold centre parts that frame the face with confidence.

• Short or bob cuts are becoming a deliberate, high-fashion choice.

  
  

  Where once “bridal hair” was synonymous with long waves or a low bun, we’re now seeing a surge of brides choosing shorter lengths. Selena Gomez cemented this shift at her own wedding when hairstylist Renato Campora sculpted her sleek bob into a polished, soft wave masterpiece. With its deep parting, glossy finish, and subtle Old Hollywood nod, it proved that short hair can be just as bridal, just as glamorous, and arguably even more modern than traditional styles.

(First and last image photographed by Lauren Marsh Photography. Hair and makeup by me, Amanda White)

Quiet Luxury: The New Face of Bridal Beauty

Moving into the new year, bridal makeup is defined by quiet luxury — beauty that feels understated but meticulously crafted, where every detail is intentional. This isn’t about piling on product; it’s about creating a look that whispers refinement and photographs flawlessly From morning prep to evening celebration.

Sofia Richie Grainge became the poster bride for this aesthetic when she married in the South of France. With makeup artist Pati Dubroff, she showcased luminous skin, balanced brows, and a perfectly neutral lip — a look that went viral for its restraint, polish, and timelessness.

Eye sculpting is most definitely not going anywhere but for 2026 I predict a look that is more lifted, defined, and camera-ready without harsh lines. On recent red carpets, we’ve seen makeup artists swap graphic black liner for diffused shading techniques — using soft kohl pencils, shadow liners, and blending brushes to elongate the eye shape with subtle smoke and precision.

The effect is transformative: it lifts and sculpts the eye while staying modern and understated. Paired with fluffy lash work — think carefully placed clusters, seamless extensions, or layered strip/individual combinations — the overall look is wide-eyed yet sultry, elegant without being overdone.

(Photo by Matt Penberthy, Hairstyling by me, Amanda White)

Bridal trends will always evolve

Every year brings a new wave of inspiration in bridal beauty. For me, the joy lies in taking those shifts from the world of fashion and translating them into something wearable, personal, and unforgettable for each of my brides.

I love what I do because no two brides are the same. One may want polished waves and barely-there skin, another might choose a fashion forward bob and a custom lip colour — but what they all share is a desire to feel confident, radiant, and completely themselves. That’s the part I take the most pleasure in: creating a look that reflects you, not just a trend.

When you book me and my team, you can feel assured that you’re in expert hands. I’ll guide you through the noise, take inspiration from the best of fashion, and refine it into a look that feels luxurious, modern, and entirely yours.

If that sounds like the experience you want for your wedding day, I’d love to hear from you. My 2026 diary is already filling, so let’s connect and start planning your bridal beauty look.

Get in touch today by filling out my contact form here, email - amanda@amandawhite.co.uk or send me a Whatsapp on - 07872003739