Bridal Fashion Week

In this case, more material equals more stunning.

The trend is still going strong and looking better than ever.

22 options that'll convince you to skip the ball gown.

Historically, a bride wore a veil to cover her hair and face in reference to her virginity. After walking the aisle, either her father (or whomever else walked her down the aisle) lifts the veil, or the groom does, thus symbolically consummating the marriage. How romantic. Now, most brides wear veils because, well, they're ridiculously chic and glamorous. Think of the veiled wedding moments in history you can recall within seconds: Kate Middleton, Grace Kelly, Kate Moss ... all brides with veils.  While wearing a veil on your wedding day will never get old, we're always reminded during Bridal Fashion Week that, like all things in fashion, trends are constantly evolving, even in a space that tends to skew on the safer side. So what's the 2018 version of the veil? Serena Williams can tell you: It's a cape. From Reem Acra to Elie Saab to Zuhair Murad, we've seen runway after runway featuring bridal capes rather than veils, a dramatic alternative to the traditional standard.  "We're always trying to find new ways to revolutionize bridal wear and the idea of a cape is actually great," bridal designer Rime Arodaky tells InStyle.com. "It can instantly elevate an understated look, give it a majestic aspect all while being detachable. Capes can also be seen as a white canvas that can be personalized, embroidered, structured in a certain way. A great practice for the imagination.” "Brides are craving something different," designer Alexandra Grecco adds. Grecco's collection this season featured a long-sleeve sheer cape over a mini slip dress as one of many standout looks. "Capes are the answer if a bride wants to add a little drama to the ceremony. It's such a statement piece for the independent, fashion-forward woman.” Designer Tadashi Shoji included not one, but two capes in his runway collection. “Capes are an easy way to cover up or show-off.  It can be the finishing touch to your look.” Below, all the capes from Bridal Fashion Week Spring 2019.

Out with the old and in with the new, or in millennial speak, new-new. For their just released spring/summer collection during Bridal Fashion Week, in addition to classically pretty gowns, David's Bridal incorporated modern components. Inevitably included: a plethora of shorter length dresses, but other surprise elements: a crop top and pant ensemble, high-low hems, and tinges of millennial pink and powder blue. VIDEO: Taylor Swift was the Cutest Bridesmaid [brightcove:5600086451001 player_1] But our absolute favorite? An embroidered bridal denim jacket that you’ll probably end up wearing more than you think beyond D-day. Scroll down for your newest Pinterest mood board additions.

As pretty as froufrou gowns that resemble over-frosted cupcakes are, I really can’t wrap my head around wearing one for a full day, let alone one of the most emotional in my adult life. There are a million justifications to why a long, trailing hem won’t work for everyone. Thankfully, designers are picking up on this and creating more variety length-wise. Here’s proof that you shouldn’t dismiss a hem because it’s short for your wedding day – really chic one-pieces at Bridal Fashion Week that don’t sacrifice femininity just because of the vertical. Keeping reading and get ready to be inspired (and practical).