What does your dream wedding day look like? Perhaps it’s a ‘traditional, but make it iconic’ celebration in a chic country house? Maybe it’s a romantic destination wedding in the French château? Or are you loving the effortlessly cool vibe of a modern registry wedding? Whatever style of day you have in mind, 2026 is the year of keeping things meaningful and carefully curated, to reflect who you are as a couple. So you’ve got the wedding style in mind, but what about the dress? That’s where we can help. 

Meet our wedding and bridal fashion expert

Ellie, the founder and owner of Ellie Sanderson, has worked at the heart of the wedding industry for well over a decade. Whether she’s FROW at New York Bridal Fashion Week, meeting with the world’s best bridal designers to talk new collections or helping brides find their dream dress in one of her bridal studios, Ellie lives and breathes all things wedding related. She has seen how our ES brides have evolved over the years, and all her experience and expertise make her the perfect person to share her thoughts on the shape of today’s weddings. Here’s her expert take on the three main types of modern weddings, plus the go-to designers you need to know about. 

The Iconic Wedding

Traditional weddings are still huge, but today’s take is anything but run-of-the-mill. Couples are opting for timeless yet modern big days, built around creating that ultimate once-in-a-lifetime moment. The focus is on luxury, elevating the traditional formal ceremony and stately home venue to something iconic. Every detail is considered, emotionally significant and elegant, looking like a wedding straight out of the pages of Vogue.

What to wear for an iconic traditional wedding

For a wedding this iconic, you need a dress that matches the super-luxe vibe. It’s all about presence, so choose a bridal gown that makes an impact. I love dramatic lines, structured bodices and full skirts for an iconic traditional wedding – a long train works perfectly, too. For me, a veil is far more than a simple finishing touch – it’s a key part of any bridal look and an absolute must for this type of wedding. I think designers like Suzanne Neville, Caroline Castigliano and Moira Hughes get this ‘contemporary but classic’ style so right.

The destination wedding

Destination weddings used to be in the minority, but I’d say that around a third of my brides are now getting married abroad. While barefoot beach weddings are still in demand, I’ve seen a definite move towards château, vineyard and villa weddings. European destinations are hugely popular, with many couples opting for multi-day celebrations to make the most of their gorgeous setting. These weddings still have a real sense of occasion, but with a more relaxed vibe. From personal experience, I can absolutely recommend getting married in the South of France. Sunshine, idyllic countryside and fabulous rosé; what more could you ask for?

What to wear for a Destination Celebration

If you’re marrying somewhere hot, you want a wedding dress made of lightweight fabric, offering easy movement. It’s got to be comfortable and easy to wear, while still feeling elegant. Soft, fluid silhouettes are a massive yes, but I would advise against ballgown styles which often feel too formal and restrictive in the sunshine. A destination wedding dress is all about refined ease. Get the look with dresses from designers like Jesus Peiro, Andrea Hawkes and Eva Lendel. And if you fancy tapping into the ‘two dress/wedding wardrobe’ trend, I think KHYA Bride has some awesome designs for cute, party-ready second dresses.

The Modern Registry Wedding

Stylish registry office weddings are absolutely havig a moment. It’s such a chic and modern alternative to a traditional wedding ceremony and something that’s become more popular than ever with my brides. The coolest couples are choosing ceremonies at places like Marylebone or Chelsea town hall, followed by an intimate meal with a smaller guest list at a posh pub or exclusive restaurant. Nothing about this wedding type is basic – it’s intentional and beautifully edited. 

What to wear for a modern registry wedding

When it comes to dressing for a registry wedding, it’s less about tradition and more about personal style. There are no rules; brides just want to feel like themselves. I think a registry wedding is the perfect setting for a fashion-led gown, with clean lines and a modern silhouette. Go short or full-length, it’s your call – although I’d suggest either no veil or a minimal birdcage or headband-style design. For this kind of ceremony. Check out KYHA Bride, Hera Couture and Milla Nova for cool, considered, registry wedding dresses.

Where to buy your wedding dress in 2026

Ellie Sanderson is widely regarded as one of the very best places to buy your designer wedding dress in the UK, and it’s a reputation we’re very proud of. We put you – the bride – at the centre of everything we do. From one-to-one appointments with our experienced bridal stylists to bespoke fittings, we’ll be with you every step of the way. We stock some of the world’s best bridal designers, including Suzanne Neville, Caroline Castigliano, Jesus Peiro and KYHA Bride, at our Beaconsfield and Kiddington studios. Click here to book your appointment with us. We can’t wait to meet you!