Shady lady
One definite way to hit a six in the style stakes is to opt for colour. Whether it's a focal splash or head-to-toe tinting, selecting a contemporary shade is the easiest way to ensure a fashion-forward bridal look.
Designers are currently enjoying a love affair with blue, particularly of the powder variety, which evokes a Disney-esque aesthetic and makes the ideal double-the-impact pairing with a princess gown.
Then there's blush pastels and pink frocks, with the odd lavender and pale green gown making standout appearances on the catwalks. From subtle ombre effects to coloured skirts, select your own way to sport a shade that individually suits.
And what screams 'look at me' more than metallics, with everything from champagne and rose gold to hue du jour, silver, causing a sartorial stir. Don a diva-like glitter gown or mirror dress to command a spotlight that follows your every light-glinting move from day to night.
Chantel Lauren, The Bridal Room St Ives
Chantel Lauren, The Bridal Room St Ives
Special Day, The Bridal Studio
Sophia Tolli, The Bridal House of Cornwall
Sophia Tolli, The Bridal House of Cornwall
Watters, The Bridal Room St Ives
Watters, The Bridal Room St Ives
Wendy Makin, The Bridal Studio
Drama queen
With today's trends embracing an air of regal romance, a sense of the theatrical continues to permeate into bridal fashion. Waterfall skirts are a prime example, with dramatic billowing veils and the must-have accessory, the kaftan, also making waves on the catwalks.Anything with extra volume achieves the high drama look, from floaty boho gowns with dynamic layering to sweeping fairy tale gowns and bustles - it's all about putting yourself on a fashion pedestal and making an ultra-memorable entrance.
Think shoulder or elbow-length veils with beaded fringes or lace trims, sequin-encrusted kaftans or capes, big ballgowns and tiered skirts for show-stealing flair.
Aire Beach, The Bridal Studio
Aire Beach, The Bridal Studio
Jesus Peiro, The Bridal Room St Ives
Aire Beach, The Bridal Studio
Sophia Tolli, The Bridal House of Cornwall
Sassi Holford, The Bridal Room St Ives
Catherine Deane, The Bridal House of Cornwall
Lusan Mandongus, The Bridal House of Cornwall
Jesus Peiro, The Bridal Room St Ives
Sexy shapes
Silhouettes are form-flauntingly striking, from seductive mermaids to mesmerising mini dresses, while more demure, cover-up styles are enjoying risque features such as plunge backs and deep V-necklines.
Mini dresses are all the rage and are ideal for a flirty '60s vibe or as an evening gown change for a practical and playful party look.
Rock the layered look with a robe dress, or opt for chic coordinates (suits and separates) to personally dress to your shape while making a less traditional yet still standout statement, combining a casual ready-to-wear look with bespoke couture.
Jumpsuits are another form de rigueur, where androgynous tailoring is softened with sheer fabrics, feminine cuts and dainty details for en vogue va-va-voom that's as arresting as it is elegant.
Rosa Clara, The Bridal House of Cornwall
Aire Beach, The Bridal Studio
Justin Alexander, Elaine Rawlings Bridal
Lusan Mangongus, The Bridal House of Cornwall
Sincerity Bridal, Elaine Rawlings Bridal
Justin Alexander, Elaine Rawlings Bridal
Wendy Makin, The Bridal Studio
Catherine Deane, The Bridal House of Cornwall
Justin Alexander, Elaine Rawlings Bridal
Rembo Styling, The Bridal Room St Ives
Rembo Styling, The Bridal Room St Ives
Naomi Neoh, The Bridal House of Cornwall
Jenny Packham, The Bridal House of Cornwall
Willowby by Watters, The Bridal Room St Ives
Willowby by Watters, The Bridal Room St Ives
Aire Beach, The Bridal Studio
Sassi Holford, The Bridal Room St Ives
Sophia Tolli, The Bridal House of Cornwall
It's all in the details
From the accessories to personalised features, what so often makes a show-stopping gown is the minutiae.
Feathers, pom-poms and florals (think cascading or oversized) are all attention-grabbing embellishments, while statement sleeves (puffy, sheer tulle, lace balloon or flower-embellished) ensure top-trending impact.
Whether you wish to literally shine with the addition of sequins, metallic embellishments, tonal beading and crystals or incorporate some bows and ribbons into your ensemble - anything supersized or in dazzling abundance spells so-now style.
Aire Beach, The Bridal Studio
Jesus Peiro, The Bridal Room St Ives
Aire Beach, The Bridal Studio
Willowby by Watters, The Bridal Room St Ives
Willowby by Watters, The Bridal Room St Ives
Rembo Styling, The Bridal Room St Ives
Justin Alexander, Elaine Rawlings Bridal
Catherine Deane, The Bridal House of Cornwall
words Hannah May
Copyright Wed magazine 2019