To love and to cherish
From bows to black, experts predict what brides will be wearing down the aisle this year. By
BOWS SUITS KATIE WRIGHT
WITH engagement season in full swing and wedding season on the way, bridal fashion is a hot topic right now, with thousands of brides-tobe saying yes to their dream dress as they prepare to tie the knot.
Or they might be choosing a suit – tailoring is just one of the non-traditional bridalwear trends that style experts predict will be on the rise this year...
The perfect embellishment for walking down the aisle, expect to see oversized bows adorning the back of wedding gowns or ‘second look’ evening dresses.
“For me, bows are very fun to play with. I’ve recently seen brides looking for less minimal and more elaborate designs,” says fashion designer Nadine Merabi (nadinemerabi.com).
“Bows are a perfect addition to make a gown more feminine and playful, yet still glamorous.”
From Bianca Jagger’s iconic 1971 wedding suit to Emily Ratajkowski’s mustard two-piece, a tailored piece is the way to go for the bride who likes to do things differently. “For me, a wedding suit means a celebration of the fact that every bride is different, and proof that a power suit can be as stunning as a wedding dress,” says Nadine, who loves the “sophisticated coolness” and versatility of bridal tailoring.
CLASSIC DRAMA
“We are seeing a return to more classic styles of bridalwear, such as cathedral length veils, full skirts and timeless silhouettes,” says couture bridalwear designer Phillipa Lepley (phillipalepley.com).
“With the rise in couples wanting outdoor ceremonies, there will also be more top layers and removal sleeves for functionality.”
While Nineties minimalism may be ruling the catwalks, Eighties maximalism is making waves in the bridalwear world.
“This is a trend we’ve seen waltz back time and time again, which we’ll gleefully welcome back every year,” says Heather McReynolds, from David’s Bridal (davidsbridal.com) “For our brides who are set to make jaws drop and eyes well up as they strut the gloomy winter season away in their spring wedding.”
COLOURFUL DRESSES
“Strictly white wedding dresses are not for everyone, and we have started to see brides swaying away from this tradition,” says Phillipa.
. “We will see a rise in brides selecting more colourful dresses, particularly elegant, soft shades of pink and coloured floral embroidery in soft tulle overlays that look equally stunning and sophisticated down the aisle.”
Going one step further, brides like Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn are making a case for the ultimate non-traditional bridal colour.
“We’re seeing that black wedding dresses aren’t just for the alternative bride anymore, with this trend continuing to dominate on social media,” says Heather. “Brides are experimenting with their wedding day looks more than ever before, with showstopping black dresses and vivid pops of colour.”
SHORTER HEMS
“Whether they’re walking down the aisle or dancing the night away at the after party, the Little White Dress offers a playful yet timeless elegance which doesn’t falter when it comes to practicality and perfection,” says Heather.
“As our customers are looking to be more sustainable where they can, shorter dresses also offer a more versatile option
which can be reworn over many years, tying sentiment into different events.” From midi-length full skirts to vintagestyle sheaths and flapper dresses, shorter lengths can still be glitzy and elegant. “Many brides are also opting for a second dress for the reception – the shorter hemline trend is perfect for dancing all night with friends and family,” says Nadine.