Not all brides-to-be dream of massive, poofy princess skirts and ten-foot-long trains for their wedding dress. Modern brides prefer more simple, structured silhouettes. And we totally respect that.

As long as the dress (or pantsuit) you select is a reflection of your personality and the wedding you and your spouse-to-be have planned, you go girl. It’s your day to shine, and you get to decide how best to represent yourself.

Our job is to provide you the best options to choose from because one thing we believe at Afarose is that no bride ever has to settle for a wedding dress. So here are the best modern wedding dress styles from our newest collection.

First, What Are the Features of a Modern Wedding Dress?

Modern wedding dresses have less corseting, embroidery, and overall weight, so you don't have to feel hemmed in on your wedding day. Instead of the traditional gowns of yesteryears, modern wedding dresses are cleaner, simpler, and less fussy. They are more functional than frilly, and depending on the bride’s personality they can be merged with other aesthetics to create more contemporary and unique styles.

The most defining features of a modern wedding gown are the cut and structure. Needless to say, these styles require impeccable tailoring, but luckily we’re experts at that (not to toot our own horn or anything).

Some of the most common elements of modern wedding dresses include Bardot sleeves, fit-and-flare silhouettes, and flowing fabrics.

Megan Markle undoubtedly popularized this trend with her completely unadorned Givenchy wedding gown, and the aesthetic is up for grabs for every bride who wants a more contemporary take on her aisle garb, instead of the traditional princess-y gowns.

If you're a modern, practical bride who wants to be noticed on the aisle for something other than the volume of her massive ball gown, this modern wedding dress shopping guide is for you.

Modern Wedding Gown Lengths

From floor-length dresses to vintage-inspired tea-length gowns, here are the most popular lengths for modern wedding dresses:

Knee Length

You can choose to break from tradition with a knee-length dress. Highly inspired by the fashions of the ‘50s, the shorter style adds a modern twist to the traditional gown.

Our Isidore dress merges modern simplicity with vintage detailing to create a textured look that will be perfect for a quick court wedding with your closest loved ones. The satin fabric is embossed with plaid lace to reflect the personality of a simple, modern bride with an affection for fashions long gone.

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Floor Length

Instead of a traditional train, opt for a modern floor-length dress.

Our Mag dress is a classic lace, chiffon, and tulle combo that’s a perfect choice for the modern bride with boho affections. It’s enough flowing fabric to be a wedding dress fit for a beach-side wedding, yet it’s compact and comfortable enough for a simple, contemporary bride.

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On Aine, like our Mag dress, there’s an unmistakably bridal vibe, thanks to the champagne tulle skirt.

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Modern Wedding Dress Back Styles

Back cuts are important details that can add structure and elegance to a modern wedding dress. Here are some of our favorites:

Buttons

A buttoned-up back is a chic modern embellishment.

We use nape-to-floor buttons on our Piegon dress to create a perfect symmetry that gorgeously complements the illusion lace details.

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The Ada dress is the epitome of pared-back elegance. Studded straps criss-cross and taper into a single buttoned line that graces the sheer illusion V-back. If you’re planning a summer wedding, this will be a perfect choice.

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Keyhole

A keyhole back is the perfect detail to add subtle elegance to your wedding dress and reclaim the unmistakably bridal look no matter how simple your dress is.

On our Eva dress, the keyhole is created by a sheer illusion back, clasping to create a stunning diamond cut-out that will wow your guests (and your groom) on your big day.

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The Phoebe piece creates a keyhole similar to the Eva dress’ in structure, but the cutout is a cute oval shape that pairs with the tulle skirt to create a truly romantic dress. This is a good fit for a traditional church wedding; it’s modest, gorgeous, and modern. And for that price, it’s a steal!

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V-back

V-backs are a common and flattering choice and they can still be quite modern.

Ilaria is a pretty special dress for a pretty, special, modern bride. Fluttery and floaty, it is the perfect reflection of the personality of a whimsical boho bride. This chic gown is timeless and beautifully understated, so it’s a great choice to float in for a beach-side wedding.

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Our V-backed Zula is a lace dream highlighted by diamond leaf patterns. Floral laces give off casual and outdoorsy vibes, so this is a sweet option for a garden wedding.

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Modern Wedding Dress Cuts

Let’s check out a few more defining details of modern wedding dresses.

Pockets

Pocketed dresses are every woman’s dream come true. For years women have moaned and complained about the lack or inadequacy of pockets on their dresses, and we listened. Every dress needs pockets, and this is even true for your wedding dress. Where else are you supposed to stash your tissues?

On Amber, we hid huge, deep pockets in a full satin skirt. You can carry tissues, a candy bar, or a lip gloss. And no one has to know.

The dress’ off-shoulder neckline is a tribute to the Bardot trend of the ‘60s, but the cut and simplicity are modern and sophisticated. This is a perfect dress for a cooler-weather wedding. If you’re getting hitched in the winter, here‘s a great choice to stay warm and beautiful.

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Side Slits

Make your dress truly modern with a cheeky side slit.

The thigh-high slit on our Lucine dress complements the form-fitting silhouette and adds a touch of elegance to what would have been a simple cute dress. The slit says sophistication and class, yet the dress style is still understated enough to fit beautifully into an outdoor wedding setting.

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Convertible Necklines

Quick question: What’s better than a nice, practical modern wedding dress neckline? A neckline that can be converted into another one!

We love versatile pieces like our Thea dress because one minute it can be an off-shoulder wedding dress, the next it can become a strapless, gauzy champagne vision perfect for a romantic getaway wedding. The long tulle bows at the back add a breezy detail and tie it all together. Literally.

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Wedding Fashion Without the Frills

No matter what you prefer to look like on your big day, finding a perfect wedding dress shouldn’t have to be a hassle. That’s a myth that we at Afarose are trying to debunk, one versatile dress at a time.

Reach out to us to place custom orders for modern wedding dresses, or to find out about our try-at-home offers. We’re here to help make your big day picture perfect!