Today's bride is truly spoiled for choice. Delve into the dress buying behaviour of previous generations and you'll discover how post-war brides were often left little choice but to use old silk parachutes or lace curtains in order to create their gowns.
The Wedding Company
Though modern brides are increasingly exercising a greater degree of inventiveness in pursuit of individuality - not to mention money saving and eco-friendliness - you probably don't need to resort to ripping up the carpet or stripping the bed sheets for inspiration.
Instead, let the catwalks provide all the muse you need as you deliberate, devour and decide upon the latest fashions that offer everything from classic couture to contemporary cool. From high fashion to effortlessly chic and understated, there's a wonderful wealth of styles to suit.
Lavender Rose
We've highlighted the top five movers and shakers in the categories of dress shape, colour, fabric and bridal accessories to help you master your individual style.
SHAPES
Ballgown
The classic silhouette continues to enthrall designers, as fitted bodices and big skirts dominate the catwalks. From multi-tiered, lavish layers to peplums, detachable tulle overskirts, giant pockets and floor-length ballerina-style skirts, the fairytale factor is in fabulous full force.
The Bridal House of Cornwall
Little Anne-Maids
Amanda K Bridal
Mermaid
Celebrating the hourglass figure and harking back to Hollywood glamour, the mermaid takes a multitude of forms, including body-con styles where the body-hugging craze continues with sculpted style, bandage dresses and Victorian-esque corsetry. Add a high-neck bodice and collar (or long/illusion sleeves) for a vintage twist, especially via lace or a sexy sheer fabric.
The White Room
Amanda K Bridal
The Wedding Company
County Cream
Amanda K Bridal
Off-shoulder
With one shoulder, off-shoulder and cap sleeved necklines being de rigueur, collarbones are being beautifully exposed to the spotlight (including deep V-necks). Grecian influences return with flowing fabrics, draping sleeves and embellished decolletage.
County Cream
Little Anne-Maids
County Cream
Lavender Rose
A-Line and column
Part of the minimalist movement, simple white shifts smack of slinky allure while A-lines provide the perfect vintage style silhouette, from kitsch '50s skirts to tea-length gowns and art deco styles. Embellish with oversized bows, lattice details, portrait backs or pearls for hot-to-trot fashion.
The Bridal House of Cornwall
Little Anne-Maids
County Cream
Amanda K Bridal
The Wedding Company
Tailored
Softening the androgynous look with slouchy satin suits and slimline tuxes, tailored fashion also see midriff-flashing separates of waist-high skirts teamed with cropped tops. In short, fitted fashions make for fashion-forward brides.
The White Room
The White Room
COLOURS
White and ivory
Bright, eye-catching white and elegant ivory comprise wedding world's most wearable shades. Cool, crisp and clean, the traditional wedding dress colours mark a pivotal component of both the modern minimalist and romantic.
Little Anne-Maids
Amanda K Bridal
The Wedding Company
Lavender Rose
Lavender Rose
Metallics
From muted to shiny metal, gold and silver return to the most-wanted lists, representing screen siren glamour and head-turning glitz. Subtler shades such as champagne and bronze also achieve the look.
Sam Cox Bridalwear
Little Anne-Maids
Nudes
Pale hues such as barely-there pinks, dubbed 'rose petal' and 'pink quartz', along with soft dove greys form part of the misty-coloured spectrum that moves from nudes through to soft cotton candy and light smoky shades.
Amanda K Bridal
Amanda K Bridal
Frosted tones
Think cool blue, snow grey and mint green for a fabulously frosty appeal as fairytale morphs into a sultry ice queen aesthetic.
The Bridal House of Cornwall
Blues
From baby to bright, blue is undeniably the colour du jour. Worn in block, ombre, or with flashes via on-trend features such as shoes, jewellery and accessories - think a peacock headdress or some sapphire jewels - you'll materialise a truly modern bride.
MATERIALS
Silk or faille
Soft-to-touch and effortlessly seductive, silk is a sensuous and timeless choice. Perfect for a multitude of cuts and styles, from Grecian goddess to vintage glamour, both brides and designers continue to delight in its light and lustrous look.
Little Anne-Maids
Lavender Rose
Chiffon
Being both sheer and lightweight makes chiffon a winning fabric, ideal for anything from gowns to sleeves, collars and overskirts; what's more, it oozes femininity and romance.
Sam Cox Bridalwear
Organza
Similar to chiffon in its sheer effect, organza is a stiffer fabric that adds a little visual volume and is ideal for more statuesque shapes such as layered skirts and overlays.
Amanda K Bridal
Lace
Shifting form slightly, naked lace (on nude underlays) is the latest look, while traditional white and cream laces are still a popular, chic and timeless choice.
Little Anne-Maids
The Wedding Company
Amanda K Bridal
Amanda K Bridal
Tulle
Tulle is the top netting fabric for skirts and veils, especially for a tutu-like look. Soft when made of silk or starchier in nylon or rayon, tulle joins the organza and chiffon family of transparent and totally on-trend materials.
The Bridal House of Cornwall
ACCESSORIES
Shoes
From '50s peep-toes to blue stilettos, shoes have become a simple and statement way to showcase the latest trends. Bejewelled and dazzling, the latest heels are sparkly and Swarovski.
Rainbow Club
Rainbow Club
Rachel Simpson Shoes
Rachel Simpson Shoes
Rachel Simpson Shoes
Rachel Simpson Shoes
Headwear
From floral crowns to dainty headbands, headwear is a highly lusted-after look. Pick from fascinators, a birdcage veil, cap, hairpins and hats for head-to-toe trendiness.
The White Room
Shim Sham
Shim Sham
Holly Young Headwear
Holly Young Headwear
Holly Young Headwear
Veil
Both long, flowing cathedral-length veils as well as short '60s frou-frou styles are top picks, instantly adding edge, romance or bygone mystery to the bridal ensemble.
Love By Susie
Lavender Rose
Amanda K Bridal
Cape
Cool cover-ups such as (long) capes and (short) capelets - especially high collared and lace, illusion or sheer - are top trenders. Also consider fur and feather stoles, shrugs and jackets.
Anna D'Souza
Jewellery
Vertical beading accentuates long, slim lines - including floristry via vines where long lines of embellishment weave upward. Floral appliques, sequins and 3D flowers are en vogue embellishments, while body chains, oversized earrings and bejewelled gloves are other hot runners in the style stakes.
words Hannah May
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
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