For 2021 bridal gowns, wedding fashion designers have delivered romantic gowns and fun, flirty dresses that are just what we need to boost our spirits. Brides are all too happy to refresh their wedding plans after postponements or celebrate brand-new engagements with their search for The Dress.

Here are some top trends from Bridal Fashion Week 2021.

Layered Skirts: Voluminous skirts are tiered for movement, with less weight and a delicate structure that has evolved into one of the top trends for this year, says Lori Dunn, gown stylist and owner of Model Bride in Savannah, Georgia. Look for Hayley Paige designs for an example of this ethereal look.

High-Low Skirts: It's knee-length in the front, gradually tapering down around the sides to a full-length hem in the back. High-low skirts mix formal and fun, keeping with the 'I love it all' mindset of the 2021 bride.

Dramatic Backs: Adding gorgeous visual crafting to the back of the dress, such as beading, metallic embroidering or subtle shimmer, ensures that guests will be treated to beauty from any angle -- in person or on Zoom. Open backs remain beautiful in their simplicity and sexiness, and they are a top trend of their own this year, but artistry on the back of the dress allows the bride to complete her full bridal impression in 360-degree view. Or, she may opt for one impression from the front, such as an elegant silhouette with delicate beading, and then a "wow factor" back with more detailed beading or shimmer.

Bows: Big and dramatic, structured bows add dimension and artsiness to waists, backs or shoulders.

Capes: For fall 2021 weddings, it's what's draped over the bride's shoulders and sleeves that make a big impression. "Cap sleeves are on trend," says Dunn, and the Bridal Fashion Week shows featured a range of accents at the shoulder, from cap sleeves extended into a pretty flow of cape fabric to balloon sleeves.

Slip Dresses: These body-skimming, elegant columns of fabric are often seen with delicate straps and are fitting for both formal and casual weddings.

Glittery Sparkle: We've moved on from the heavier, metallic bling of yesteryear to delicate shimmer courtesy of glitter tulle, tiny beading and petite sequins for the bride's dream of sparkle without the heavy hand.

Ruffled Fabric: Frilly ruffles constituting the skirts of a dress add volume and movement to a full or mermaid skirt. Ruffles add softness, but they absolutely must avoid any semblance of do-it-yourself tulle gathers.

Square Neckline: Showing off the collarbone in a style reminiscent of old-world royal gowns, the square neckline is having its day as an elegant alternative to past years' penchant for the plunging neckline.

Pants: "Pants provide a dressy alternative to formal gowns or short dresses that might not suit the bride's style," says Dunn. "And they can easily be worn to other bridal events such as showers, breakfasts, rehearsal dinners and post-parties." Trends hold in all manners of gorgeous fabrics, such as lace, sleek silk, shimmer edges and embellished.

Short Dresses: Knee-length or shorter dresses are perfect for smaller ceremonies held before a future wedding celebration where the real gown will appear or as the highlight of a Zoom wedding. They provide the opportunity for the bride to add her personality to a flirty or formal dress that shows off her legs and her shoes, a big appeal for brides.

In any range of white or off-white color, pattern or fabric type, the little white dress, or LWD, family of dresses adds flair to a wide range of wedding types and settings, from outdoor at-home weddings to socially distanced weddings on the beach or on a yacht.

Again, here we have a dress style that can be worn at a range of additional wedding events, says Dunn. You might think that a short wedding dress means big savings on the wedding budget since it's a smaller garment. But that's not always the case, says Jessica Bishop, owner of a blog called The Budget-Savvy Bride. "Generally speaking, a short dress is likely to be more affordable than a floor-length dress because less fabric is used, but that might not always be the case," says Bishop. "For designer dresses, the cost has more to do with fabric quality and construction than with length. If you're looking to score a bargain, steer clear of high-end designer labels or ultraluxe fabrics, no matter what length of dress you're looking for."

Trends and budget aside, the key is feeling great in The Dress, which will always translate into looking great. Dunn's advice: "Never rush your gown search; try on plenty of options; consider a professional gown stylist, who can help with gown issues you might not know to question, such as back and side views and a range of movement tests." One of the most unexpected tests for how a dress will wear on the wedding day is the view from above you, which is where taller guests -- and drones -- will have their vantage points.