February Has Arrived: Wedding & Prom Trends for 2026
Hello February! As the days begin to feel a little lighter and love is very much in the air, the boutique is buzzing with excitement. February is always a special month here at Not Just Brides, engagements are still fresh after the festive season, wedding plans are gathering momentum, and this year in particular the energy feels extra special. Looking ahead to 2026, there are so many beautiful trends emerging, and I’m delighted to share what we’re seeing, not only for brides, but for prom too.
Wedding Dress Trends for 2026
One of the strongest trends for 2026 weddings is a return to soft romance and effortless elegance. Brides are choosing gowns that feel natural, feminine and comfortable, with beautiful movement and a timeless quality that won’t date.
Our collections from Pure by Romantica of Devon perfectly capture this mood, with flowing skirts, gentle silhouettes and thoughtfully chosen fabrics that drape beautifully. These gowns feel light to wear while still offering structure and support, making them ideal for brides who want to feel relaxed and confident from morning to night.
Alongside this, Emma Bridals continue to shine with their refined approach to bridal design. Their dresses focus on clean lines, elegant shapes and subtle detailing, creating gowns that feel modern yet classic. These styles are perfect for brides who love understated beauty and want their personality to shine through rather than being overshadowed by heavy embellishment.
Modern Lace & Minimal Detail
Lace remains a much-loved feature for 2026, but with a more modern and refined feel. Designers are using delicate lace placement and softer floral patterns to enhance the shape of the gown without overpowering it. Emma Bridals are especially strong in this area, blending lace seamlessly with smooth fabrics to create a look that feels both romantic and contemporary.
Comfort, Confidence & Personal Style
Comfort continues to be at the heart of bridal design for 2026. Brides are prioritising gowns that feel as good as they look, dresses that allow them to move freely, enjoy every moment and feel completely themselves. Both Pure by Romantica of Devon and Emma Bridals design with this in mind, ensuring each gown offers a beautiful fit without feeling heavy or restrictive.
More than ever, brides are choosing dresses that reflect their own personal style, rather than following rules or expectations. Whether that’s simple and modern, soft and romantic, or something in between, the focus is firmly on individuality, and that’s something we love celebrating during our relaxed, personal fittings.
Love Is in the Air - Valentine’s Month
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, February feels especially romantic. It’s such a popular time for engagements, and we often see newly engaged couples beginning to dream about venues, dates and dresses. There’s something truly lovely about starting your bridal journey during the month of love, full of excitement, possibility and anticipation. If you’ve recently said “yes”, we’d love to welcome you into the boutique and help you take those first exciting steps.
Prom Season Is Busier Than Ever
One thing that has really stood out this year is just how busy prom season already is. We honestly can’t remember a time when the boutique has been so full of girls and boys this early in the year. Prom excitement is building faster than ever, with students planning ahead, securing their outfits early and making the most of the widest choice available.
Our prom collections are already proving incredibly popular, with both dresses and suits in high demand. It’s been wonderful to see so many young people finding styles that truly reflect who they are, and the confidence that comes with that is just lovely to witness. If prom is on your horizon, I’d definitely recommend booking sooner rather than later to avoid missing out.
February at the Boutique
February is a beautiful time to visit the boutique. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, the rails are full of stunning gowns, and there’s time to explore options without pressure. Whether you’re planning a wedding, getting ready for prom, or simply starting to gather inspiration for 2026, we’d love to help you along the way.
Thank you, as always, for supporting Not Just Brides. Being part of so many special moments is an honour, and I can’t wait to continue sharing this journey with you throughout the year ahead.
With love,
Claire 💕