Wedding Dress Trends: 5 Functional Elements Beyond the Bustle!

Don't sacrifice functionality or comfort for your wedding dress. Get inspired and check out these functional wedding dress trends for modern brides.

For decades, designers have overlooked the functional elements of a wedding dress in favor of priorities like style, design, pizzazz, and comfort.

As more brides shift to non-traditional wedding dresses, more functional dress styles are rising in popularity. From discreet pockets to reception wardrobe changes, these modern wedding dress trends can give any bride the confidence to strut their stuff down the aisle.

Pair fashion and function with these five functional wedding dress trends that will inspire any bride.

1. Wardrobe Change Options

One common trend among brides is the desire for a wardrobe change during the wedding. Recently, wedding dress trends have evolved and brides are now surprising guests with a second and sometimes even a third look on the big day.

A surprise wedding dress alteration is the perfect alternative to a wardrobe change. This can be a money saver and allow the bride to enjoy the wedding reception more comfortably without a full outfit change.

One popular wedding dress trend is the two-in-one dress. These beautiful dresses can be transformed from ceremony to reception ready in a snap. In addition to being functional and fashionable, two-in-one dresses are perfect for the budget-conscious bride. Another option is the party mini, with short hemlines to make the bride party-ready.

Wardrobe changes can be a hassle but can be a great option if a bride wants to quickly and comfortably make it to the picture-perfect reception.

Afarose Insider Tip: While most brides opt for a single look, some may go for as many as three throughout the entire day. A multi-faceted wedding dress gives you the freedom to change your look for the ceremony, reception, or after-party.

2. Wedding Dresses With Pockets

The evolution of pockets in wedding dresses is quite interesting. It is believed that this trend gained popularity when the topic of social roles between men and women gained momentum. Historically, men would be the ones working outside of the home, labeling them as the primary breadwinners. Meanwhile, the role of the wife was to work inside the home. At the time, clothing designers did not see the need for pockets as they were not seen as practical.

It was not until the Women’s Rights Movement in the 20th century, that the demand for rational women’s clothing echoed throughout the nation. Tailored suits, also known as Suffragette Suits, started to make their debut. These feminine suits could include as many as 6 pockets.

Today, pockets are one of the most popular wedding dress trends. There was a time when the maid of honor held the responsibility of handling the bride's phone, lipstick, or tissues, leaving her with little room to handle more. This rising wedding dress trend allows brides to free up their maid of honor’s duties and safely tuck away their pocket-sized belongings, allowing everyone independence to enjoy the big day.

A-line and ballgown-style gowns are perfect for pockets. Consider an a-line dress for a flattering, comfortable look or the ballgown to bring a storybook feel to your princess wedding.

3. Convertible Wedding Dress Styles

A full wedding wardrobe change can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you are under a time constraint. Convertible wedding dresses are the perfect solution. These dresses can quickly transform any ceremony dress into something completely new and out of the box for the reception.

Convertible wedding dresses are not only practical but also chic and fashion-forward. One example is the overskirt convertible, which can dramatically transform the bottom half of a wedding dress. Another convertible option is detachable sleeves, which are perfect for a traditional or even a winter wedding. Following the ceremony, simply remove the sleeves for a party-ready reception look.

Wraps are another great option to consider. These versatile accessories can instantly change the look of any wedding gown. It’s the benefits of a convertible dress without the cost.

4. Corset Bodices

Dresses tailored with detailed corset bodices are a captivating and timeless wedding dress trend that is making its comeback. This wedding dress component provides brides with a beautifully figure-enhanced shape and can be found in various dress styles like ballgown, long-sleeved, and a-line.

A corset-style dress will flatter any body type, making these dresses one of the top wedding dress trends. Corset bodices might be considered old-fashioned, but their functionality is timeless.

5. Sheer and Transparent Wedding Dresses

Adding pockets or an overskirt are just some of the functional edits you can make to your wedding dress. To ensure your dress is a true reflection of your personality, yet still practical, you must consider the dress material. Sheer and transparent dresses have risen in popularity, making them one of this year's top wedding dress trends.

Materials like tulle or chiffon create beautiful, embellished patterns giving brides a sultry, romantic look. These dresses are also breathable and guarantee comfort during the wedding ceremony and are perfect for the dancefloor at the reception.

For the daring or free-spirited bride, channel a classic feel and add function by altering the cut of your dress for something easy moving or consider an illusion wedding dress for a detailed, alluring look.

Find Your Dream Wedding Dress at Afarose

Wedding dress trends will continue to evolve with time. To keep up with the ever-changing needs of today's bride, it’s important for designers to adapt.

Gone are the days when traditional, fairytale, princess ballgowns hold the top spot for wedding dress trends. Today, brides seek comfort and function when it comes to their gowns. Wedding dress trends like pockets, convertible dresses, and transparent fabrics offer the modern bride exactly what she needs.

Discover fashionable AND functional wedding dresses at Afarose today!