A Bridal Week is a series of events at which designers and fashion houses present their new bridal collections. “Bridal” means “relating to the bride.” The focus is on wedding dresses, modern wedding looks, and matching accessories. Depending on the event, groomswear, eveningwear, and occasion wear may also be included.

The collections are presented on the runway, in showrooms, and at trade fairs. There, designers, buyers, press, stylists, and other industry professionals come together. For bridal boutiques, these events are important ordering dates: they select the collections that will later be available in their stores.

The international bridal calendar includes standalone Fashion Weeks, trade fairs with runway shows, and regional event formats. Key events include:

• New York Bridal Fashion Week – New York, USA
• Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week – Barcelona, Spain
• Bridal Week London – London, United Kingdom
• European Bridal Week – Essen, Germany
• Rome Bridal Week – Rome, Italy
• Sì Sposaitalia Collezioni – Milan, Italy
• Bridal Fashion Warsaw – Warsaw, Poland
• IF Wedding Fashion İzmir – İzmir, Türkiye
• Shanghai Bridal Fashion Week – Shanghai, China
• HUM Bridal Couture Week – Lahore, Pakistan, among others
• Bridal Fashion Week – Vancouver, Canada, and Los Angeles, USA

India Couture Week in India is also relevant to the international bridal scene. It presents couture with a strong connection to Indian wedding fashion. Haute Couture Week in Paris also provides important design inspiration for luxurious wedding looks. Both are part of the couture calendar and are not Bridal Weeks focused exclusively on bridal fashion.

The internationally renowned and influential bridal designers and fashion houses include numerous names with very different design signatures. The following overview is meant as orientation, not a ranking:

• Established names in the international luxury segment: Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Reem Acra, Ines Di Santo and Marchesa.
• Glamorous bridal and couture labels: Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Galia Lahav, Berta, Mira Zwillinger, Lihi Hod and Dana Harel.
• European designers and fashion houses: Vivienne Westwood Bridal, Viktor&Rolf Mariage, Peter Langner, Jenny Packham, Halfpenny London, Sassi Holford and Kaviar Gauche.
• Leading bridal brands: Pronovias, Rosa Clará, Justin Alexander, Maggie Sottero, Demetrios and Milla Nova.
• Australian bridal labels: Steven Khalil, Pallas Couture and KYHA Studios.
• Influential names from Asia: Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra, Tarun Tahiliani, and Falguni Shane Peacock from India, Faraz Manan from Pakistan, and Yumi Katsura and Kiyoko Hata from Japan.

Which designers take part in a given Bridal Week depends on the season and the event format. Some labels show on the runway, while others focus on showrooms, private appointments, or their own collection events.

As a model, you can find a range of opportunities at bridal events: runway shows, presentations at trade fair booths, showroom jobs, and accompanying photo or video productions. In showroom modeling, for example, you present the garments to buyers so they can assess fit, fabric, and movement.

Preparation especially includes handling long hems, trains, veils, and voluminous skirts with confidence. At the fitting, agree on how you should move the dress when walking and turning. Posture, pace, and facial expression follow the label’s concept.

See also: Showroom I Showroom Jobs, Stylist, Fashion Week, Haute couture, Fitting.