The theme for the First Monday in May was “The Garden Within: Reawakening Fashion” and the state of formalwear was definitely reawakened last night at the 2024 Met Gala. Inspired by “The Garden of Time”, a short story by JG Ballard from 1962, the theme sparked a great deal of groundbreaking florals for spring, a renewed sense of glamour and great looks. And with such an elegant theme, we saw so many bridal-worthy looks we knew brides everywhere would be inspired by to take into their wedding day fashion choices.
So, we’ve gathered our top 2024 Met Gala trends for you to glean from, add to your bridal mood boards and use as inspiration as you craft your dream wedding wardrobe.
Use #BlackBride1998 to let us know in the comments; What was YOUR favorite look from last night and what Met Gala trends YOU want to try for your wedding day looks as a bride or guest of!
Floral Appliqués Are Forever Timeless
Floral Appliqués proved their timelessness once again at the Met Gala last night. Whether dainty and demure or gigantic and gaudy, the addition of a floral appliqué can truly add to the wonder of your bridal look. No matter if you are the bride or are styling your bridal party, curating a look that includes these can be just the touch of glamour you need to up the ante of the look. Our favorite Floral Appliqués of the night came from Madelyn Cline, Colman Domingo, Teyana Taylor, Camila Mendes, and Mona Patel. By incorporating a floral appliqué into your wedding gown or wedding guest look, you add dimension and vibrancy to your nuptial ‘fit.
Going to Cape Town
A cape silhouette is one of the most regal choices you can make for your wedding day fashions. From an add-on piece to making it your silhouette of choice, a cape truly adds drama to a look instantly while remaining graceful and elegant. Greta Gerwig rocked an all-black Chloé look while Kris Jenner rocked one also by Oscar de la Renta in all-white. Queen Latifah went black with splashes of color for her cape and Usher upped the ante with his Harlem Renaissance-coded custom Alexander McQueen caped suit. And as if you needed anymore reason to try a cape for your wedding day style, remember that capes are a great and easy way to not only add depth to your look but get two looks in one for your big day.
Never Save the Drama
While drama in real life is berated for being too much and often a party stopper, in fashion’s case, drama often gives more life. Actress Mindy Kaling proved a great example of this at last night’s gala, wearing a stunning Gaurav Gupta gown complete with a hood, statement sleeves, and a gorgeous train. Sarah Jessica Parker also followed suit by saving her drama for her accessories with her Philip Treacy hat to atop her Richard Quinn bag. These two stars along with co-chair of the evening, Zendaya’s Givenchy look, Paloma Elsesser’s H&M number, and Michelle Yeoh’s Balenciaga look. Their looks serve as great additions to your bridal mood board when looking for ways to incorporate a dramatic moment into your wedding day fashions.
Sheer Fit & Flare
A fit & flare silhouette works well on elongated body types best and the long and tall girls served in this a lot last night! From Eva Chen in Robert Wun and Riley Keough in Chanel, to Elle Fanning in Balmain and Emily Ratajowski; a fit and flare automatically gives a sense of elegance to your look, but going sheer with it adds character and sexiness to the rather demure silhouette, making it a must-try when wedding dress shopping!
Neutrals Will Always Win
With the trend landscape of the past decade or so, neutrals have become even more of a commonality within the style zeitgeist when it comes to crafting a look. And the great thing about neutrals is that they look good on everybody because of their wide range and, well, their neutrality. Our favorite neutral looks last night included Tyla’s sanded Balmain gown, Aurora James’ Ana Khouri number, Emma Chamberlain’s laced JPG dress, Chris Hemsworth’s Tom Ford suit and Taylor Russell’s Loewe look. By picking out a neutral color palette for your bridal party or wedding guest dress, you guarantee a timeless finish to your wedding fashions that will forever stand the test of time and trend.
Embroidery For Suiting
Who says suiting has to be boring? A great and innovative way to add flare and character to your suit or your groom’s is to try some embroidery. Hand stitched to meet your stylistic needs, embroidery opens the door for customization and personalization to be invited to your wedding day looks. Nicholas Galitzine and Julez Smith both did this stunningly in Fendi and Luar (respectively) last evening and other stars like Lena Waithe in Etro and Lewis Hamilton in custom Burberry also did the thing with subtle and bold nods to the craft as well.
Be Bejeweled
What’s better than a wedding dress? A glamorously beaded one! Bejeweling your wedding look with intricate beading instantly adds a sense of glamour and mystique to your look. The intention that goes into crafting such intricacies makes you and your guests appreciate the look all the more and revel in looking at it. This sentiment was shared with stars who took the bejeweled route last night like J.Lo in custom Schiaparelli. Karlie Kloss in Swarovski, Gigi Hadid in Thom Browne, and more. By going beaded with your dress, you tell everyone that you are the unequivocal belle of your ball.
Written by Fashion Writer, Kennedi LéShea.
