Lyst unveils 2018 wedding fashion report

Global fashion search platform Lyst has released its 2018 wedding fashion report

After analysing search and sales data from 12,000 online stores and designers, fashion search platform Lyst has released its 2018 wedding fashion report. Here are five key insights from the report.

Female empowerment

Brides are breaking from tradition with their wedding fashion choices. Searches from bridal jumpsuits and bridal suits increased by 113% in the last year, while searches for ‘backless’, ‘sexy’ or ‘nude’ wedding dresses have doubled year on year. However, modest dresses are also growing in popularity; views of ‘long sleeve’ and ‘high neck’ styles have increased by a combined 47% year on year.

Budget

According to Lyst’s report, wedding dresses are getting cheaper. In April 2017, the average price of a wedding dress on Lyst was £832, 25% lower than in 2016. This year, it has decreased by a further 5% and is currently £790. Wedding dresses from Topshop, Coast and ASOS are the most sought after low-budget options, as well as Needle and Thread and Reformation.  

The Meghan effect

Although Meghan Markle’s wedding dress designer has not yet been confirmed, it hasn’t stopped rumours from swirling – and it’s making an impact on bridal brands. The brands that Meghan could be wearing have seen a significant rise in wedding dress searches, including Erdem with an increase of 43%, Ralph & Russo with an increase of 82%, Misha Nonoo with an increase of 79% and Roland Mouret with an increase of 38%.

Colour

Searches for coloured bridal dresses are becoming more popular, suggesting that weddings in 2018 will be more colourful than ever before. While white is still the most popular option for wedding dresses, it is closely followed by rose, yellow and red. Searches for black bridal dresses have also increased by 18% year on year. Furthermore, brides are five times more likely to opt for jewel-encrusted or coloured shoes to complement their dress as opposed to cream or white.  

Accessories

Lyst’s report states that sales of hair clips and headpieces have risen 39% in the last year, with Simone Rocha being the most-searched-for brand. There are also 24% more feathered bridal products available on the website than this time last year – it seems that 2018 is the year of accessorising.