These Aren’t “Wedding Dresses,” But I’m a Fashion Editor, and I’d Get Married in Every Single One

Bridal wear, once a niche category, has quietly but quickly evolved into a very lucrative and popular market. By 2030, it’s expected to top about $83 billion—a reminder that the wedding dress carries not only emotional weight but also financial weight. This growth has attracted a new group of players: ready-to-wear designers eager to seize the opportunity. Alongside their regular seasonal offerings, they’re now introducing bridal capsules. These collections vary widely, ranging from ball gowns suitable for formal celebrations to minimalist designs for small courthouse ceremonies.

From A.L.C. and Batsheva to Silk Laundry, Silvia Tcherassi, and Cult Gaia, ready-to-wear designers are elevating the bridal category with fresh perspectives on occasion dressing. True to their DNA, they’re all approaching it through a distinctly fashion-forward lens. For some, such as Batsheva, this marks their first foray into bridal. Meanwhile, designers like Silvia Tcherassi, building on the success of previous collections, are cementing bridal as a core offering for their brand. Regardless of their place in the market, these collections—along with those from designers such as Khaite, Magda Butrym, and Gabriela Hearst—are ideal for a fashion person seeking a nontraditional outfit.