- RUFFLES
Ruffles are something brides tend to love or hate – they’re slightly over-the-top, definitely unminimilistic and tend to swing between either being a hot trend or likened to a toilet-roll doll (remember those?). There are some stunning ruffled gowns out there, and for the bride who wants to create impact, ruffles may be well worth a look.
From left to right:
Sarah Houston, Lucca Bride , Mia Mia Bridal
- 1950S STYLE
Yep, the 1950s style influences are still in vogue – hour-glass brides all together now - “Hooray!” 1950s chic is appearing in many designers’ collections, so hour-glass girls are spoilt for choice. And that makes me happy.
From left to right:
Ian Stuart, Alan Hannah, Justin Alexander
From left to right:
Ian Stuart, Alan Hannah, Justin Alexander
- ASYMMETRICAL SEAMS
Asymmetrical seams have been around and hugely popular for a couple of years, and there’s still plenty more of that style to come – mostly because it’s highly flattering to many brides.
From left to right:
Ronald Joyce, Mark Lesley, Benjamin Roberts
Ronald Joyce, Mark Lesley, Benjamin Roberts
- FLOWER POWER
Flower detailing is everywhere at the moment, and there really is nothing more pretty or more feminine, whether you go for a skirt smothered in foliage, or just for some small detailing.
- BOWS TO WOW
Back in the late 80′s (as a teenager), my fantasy wedding dress featured a large bow just above my butt (amongst other things I hastily add), and there are many bow adorned dresses around to satisfy my teenage desires (though actually not so much on one’s rear…). Definitely stylish, definitely adds wow factor.
- BEADING HIGHLIGHTS
Eye-catching sparkly beading on strategic areas of your wedding gown adds je ne sais quoi to what otherwise might be a fairly plain gown, and it’s very popular right now with designers.
- SLEEVES AND STRAPS
Non-sleeveless gowns are currently having their moment in the sun – around ten years ago, any non-sleeveless designs looked distinctly lonely amongst the plethora of sleeveless wedding gowns, and any bride with untoned arms had to suck it up. But sleeves and straps are back with a vengence, so if you want the variety that different styles of sleeves & straps provide, or don’t want the pain of endless push-ups, rejoice!
- FLOWING GREEK GODDESS GOWNS
If you’re blessed with a fast metabolism or the determination and will to spend hours in the gym, these gowns will probably look amazing on you – made from soft, slinky, flowing fabrics, they are super-sexy. Meanwhile, I would probably most resemble a giant lump.
- BALL GOWNS
Super fashionable for the last couple of years, ballgowns are still hot stuff, and if you always fantasised about being a Disney princess style bride as a little girl, you can safely do so without being accused of not being up to date.
- LACE
Whether you go for lace inserts or a complete covering in lace, lace embellished wedding dresses are hot right now. This is a favourite look of mine for sentimental reasons – both my mother and my sister got married in wedding dresses with a lace overlay and long lace sleeves.
