Top trends

Scottish Wedding Directory editor Natasha Radmehr reveals the next big trends in bridalwear you should be seeking out for your big day

Discover the latest bridal style tips with Scottish Wedding Directory editor Natasha Radmehr.

1. SLEEVEY WONDER

Illusion sleeves are becoming increasingly popular – they’re made from a sheer fabric that blends in with your skin, which is often adorned with floral appliqués to give a tattoo effect as seen in this Pronovias gown. If you’d prefer to be covered up, sleeves in general are having a moment right now, particularly 70s-inspired bell shapes which featured heavily in the 2018 bridal runway shows.

2. FLUTTERING FLORALS

Flowers and weddings will always go hand in hand, so why not let your dress get in on the floral action? Hand-sewn fabric petals are a key feature of many dresses this year, giving the material a gorgeous three-dimensional texture. You’ll see them on bodices (like on this dress by Kirkcaldy-based designer Mirka Bridal Couture), cascading down skirts and even fluttering at the edges of long, sweeping veils.

3. BOMB(ER) SHELL

It’s time to say bye-bye to the bridal bolero because there’s a much cooler wedding jacket in town. Coinciding with the 90s revival on the high street comes the bridal bomber, which is no bad thing if you’re getting married in Scotland and need something more substantial than a cardi to fend off the chill. Not your style? Leather biker jackets are becoming a favourite of brides who want to go for an edgier look.

4. DEEP POCKETS

There isn’t a woman on this planet who won’t appreciate the growing number of designers incorporating pockets into their dress designs. Though they don’t work on streamlined styles, pockets make a welcome addition to a full-skirted dress and lend a bit of casual insouciance to what was traditionally a very formal gown. Plus you’ll have somewhere to stash your lippy, which is the most important thing.

5. COLD SHOULDERS

Off-the-shoulder tops and dresses were everywhere last year so it should come as no surprise that the bardot neckline has once more infiltrated the world of bridal. Despite being on-trend, this is a look that never really goes out of style (Elizabeth Taylor sported a dress like this for her second marriage in 1950). Opt for a ballgown if you’re a fan of the classic 1950s aesthetic, or a slim silhouette for more of a boho vibe.

6. STAR ATTRACTION

Every bride wants to look out of this world, and what better way to do it than in a celestial-inspired dress?

Rather surprisingly, outer space is proving a big influence on weddings right now, with some couples going so far as to theme their day around the galaxy.

You don’t need to name your tables after constellations to sprinkle your day with otherworldly magic, though – a star-speckled dress is enough to make you shine.

7. SWIRL AROUND

Designers are getting more adventurous with their prints and patterns, which is why we’re seeing more fabrics embellished with bold Art Nouveau-inspired swirls. This type of dress is ideal for brides who want to make a style statement in a contemporary dress that’s still guided by tradition.

8. WEAR THE TROUSERS

Call it the Solange effect (the singer wore a jumpsuit to her wedding in 2014), but designers have finally cottoned onto the fact that some women simply don’t like wearing dresses.

Tailored white suits might look a bit Peter Andre on a groom but they look incredible on a bride, while jumpsuits like the one pictured look cool and modern, especially with a lace capelet slung over the top. Let’s just cast aside the whole going-to-the-loo faff.