Four Bridal Styles: Old-Money, Eclectic, Cottage-Core, Urbanite

Four Bridal Styles: Old-Money, Eclectic, Cottage-Core, Urbanite
January 17, 2025 Yagmur Telaferli

When you picture yourself walking down the aisle, what’s the vibe? Is it classic and traditional or bold and unconventional? Are you gliding down the aisle in a grand cathedral? Dancing barefoot at the seaside? Or maybe saying ‘I do’ on a rooftop with the city skyline view in the background? Whatever your vision, that's your style shining through.

Planning a wedding is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming at times. This is because you’ve got a million decisions to make from the venue, dress, flowers and cake to the tiniest details. And somewhere in the mix, you’re figuring out how to make it all feel like you. That’s where these bridal archetypes come in. They’re here to inspire you and guide you on some of those tricky decisions.

We will break down the basics of four different bridal styles. From the mood and setting to fashion and details, we’ll help you understand what each one represents and how it might fit into your dream wedding. Let’s dive in and find the style that matches your vision and feels most like you.

What Are the Four Bridal Styles?

There are typically four distinct bride archetypes that categorize bridal styles based on personal preferences and overall aesthetic of the wedding. These archetypes—Old Money, Eclectic, Cottagecore and Urbanite—reflect different styles and types of brides, which represent fashion choices, venue preferences, décor styles and the overall mood a couple wants to create on their special day. They likely came about as a response to patterns and trends observed over time in the wedding industry.

However, these archetypes are not meant to categorize any personal preferences, they are only helpful frameworks created by wedding professionals like planners, stylists and designers. They can help you explore what vibe you’re drawn to more and narrow down the countless decisions that come with wedding planning.

Old Money Bride

The Old Money style embraces elegance, tradition and a sense of class that doesn’t rely on trends or showy displays. For the Old Money bride, less is more and elegance is all in the details. It’s more about creating a celebration that feels classic and refined, with just the right amount of luxury.

When we look at the details, the palette we usually see is neutral and understated, and everything from the floral arrangements to the table settings feels carefully curated and cohesive. The dress, for example, has clean lines, minimal embellishments, perhaps delicate lacework, a high neckline or long sleeves. Accessories are subtle, classic and elegant, too. 

When we think of Old Money, a classic getaway car immediately comes to mind. It has a sense of tradition that makes it feel like it belongs in a black-and-white photo from decades past. For the venue, grand estates, historic mansions or private country clubs really bring out that Old Money vibe, too. 

If you’re into this classic and elegant style, you might just be an Old Money Bride at heart. You’d probably love a wedding where guests feel like they’ve stepped into a well-planned, high class celebration, full of thoughtful and tasteful touches that leave a lasting impression.

Old Money Bride

Eclectic Bride

When we think of the Eclectic Bride, we picture someone who doesn’t follow the crowd or settle for one style. This is someone who enjoys mixing things up, embracing individuality and creating a celebration that’s unique. 

So, we can expect a kind of wedding that has a bit of vintage vibe mixed with boho vibes, modern minimalist elements, and definitely a splash of bold, unexpected colors. Décor might include a combination of hand-made figures or art pieces, unique floral arrangements and personalized, one-of-a-kind details that make the space feel completely unique. 

Even the jewelry choices reflect this diversity. The Eclectic Bride loves to mix and match. They might pair a vintage-inspired ring with modern, geometric earrings or wear a necklace with a mix of colorful gemstones. 

If you’re the type who loves mixing patterns, thrives on creativity and isn’t afraid to make bold choices or put your own spin on things, the Eclectic Bride vibe might be calling your name. You’d love a wedding that’s a reflection of who you are, full of your personal touches and a celebration filled with creativity and individuality.

Cottagecore Bride

The Cottagecore Bride embraces romance, simplicity and a deep love for nature at heart. This style feels like stepping into a fairytale. It’s a vibe that celebrates the beauty of the countryside, nature and a bit of nostalgia. 

A Cottagecore wedding is inspired by pastoral scenes, blooming gardens and cozy cottages. Flowers are a key part of the look. We can picture an outdoor ceremony surrounded by wildflowers, maybe under a canopy of trees or in a meadow.

The reception could be in a charming barn, a garden, or even a backyard adorned with fairy lights and rustic tables full of flowers. The dress is flowing and romantic, often with lace details and puffed sleeves. It’s the kind of wedding that feels like a peaceful escape to the countryside.

If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding surrounded by nature, filled with handmade details, authenticity, calmness and pastoral scenery, then the Cottagecore vibe might be just what you're looking for. It will be a wedding that celebrates the beauty of nature and creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

Cottagecore Bride

Urbanite Bride

The Urbanite Bride is a bit different from the other styles we've discussed so far. What makes it different is that it is far from tradition and vintage vibe and is rather into contemporary style with a bit of edge. When we think of an Urbanite wedding, we imagine a city skyline as the backdrop, maybe in a rooftop setting or a chic loft with floor-to-ceiling windows. The overall feel is polished yet inviting, with clean lines and thoughtful details that reflect a modern, chic aesthetic.

The dress might have a minimalist design with sharp tailoring, bold accents or unexpected cuts. It can even be a modern two-piece set. For décor, the Urbanite Bride keeps it clean and modern. Black-and-white palettes with metallic accents are popular, but pops of bold colors or creative floral arrangements can also make an appearance.

The jewelry keeps up with this style too. Instead of traditional centerpieces, we might see more modern pieces like tennis bracelets, statement drop earrings or sleek stacked rings that bring in a fresh, edgy vibe.

If you’re envisioning a wedding with a clean and contemporary vibe, the energy of an urban setting and a design that feels stylish and modern, then you might lean toward the Urbanite aesthetic. This style is perfect for those who appreciate tasteful touches and a fresh, innovative take on tradition.

What Type of Bride Are You?

Now that we’ve introduced these four unique bridal styles—Old Money, Eclectic, Cottagecore and Urbanite—you might be wondering: which one feels like me? Maybe you love a little bit of everything. The truth is, you don’t have to fit into just one category. You can mix design elements from different styles to reflect all the sides of your personality and tastes. Remember, these styles are meant to inspire, not box you in!

On the other hand, if one of these styles speaks to you loud and clear, leaning fully into it can make planning simpler and more cohesive. Choosing one aesthetic gives you a clear roadmap for everything from your venue to your dress, décor and even your bridal jewelry.

The beauty of planning your wedding is that there are no rules. You get to decide what feels right for your big day. The key really is to stay true to yourself and go with what makes you feel excited and inspired. At the end of the day, the only “type” of bride you need to be is the one that feels just you.

What Type of Bride Are You?

Finishing Touches: Jewelry to Match

No matter your style, vibe or vision, jewelry is the finishing touch that brings it all together. It’s one creative way to let your personality shine through and make your style speak for itself.

Whether it’s a delicate heirloom-inspired bracelet, a pair of bold statement earrings, or a sparkly tennis necklace, the right jewelry can reflect you in the most beautiful way. Because no matter which bridal archetype resonates with you, you deserve jewelry that shines as brightly as your love on your special day.