There's a definite sense of drama in the air. Fresh-from the catwalk and winging their way to the aisle, the latest bridal fashions offer a heady mix of show-stealing silhouettes, exquisite embellishment and designer details befitting a red carpet.
True Bride, Lavender Rose
Offering a new wave of whimsical, yet very wearable wedding fashion, the collections busy beelining their way to boutiques include everything from old favourites with modern twists to new daringly decadent designs that will have everyone in your wake veritably weak at the knees.
True Bride, Lavender Rose
Set the swoon factor to max as we delve into fashion's current forerunners - and prepare to strut your stuff in super sassy style...
SHAPELY AND CHIC
Whether you're seeking a fantasy fairytale gown, a classic A-line or a body-con sheath, the catwalks are awash with a swoon-worthy array of silhouettes and stunning shapes to select from.
Mori Lee, Amanda K Bridal
Alfred Angelo, The Wedding Company
In particular, flared lines - specifically by way of peplums and fishtails that enhance the classic hourglass figure - add feminine and vintage style, merging modern with an edge of bygone glamour for a fresh take on nouveau romance.
Miquel Suay, County Cream
Terry Fox, The White Room
Otherwise, necklines and backs are causing something of a sensuous stir. From cut-out bodices, over-scooped sweetheart necklines and lingerie-like bustiers to open, portrait and sheer backs - a sexy show of skin is another headliner on the most wanted list. Laser-cut shapes through to slightly more subtle illusion necklines are illustrative of this dynamic approach to design, which is providing brides with a tantalising choice of contemporary couture.
Jenny Packham, Sam Cox Bridalwear
Elizabeth Stuart, The White Room
True Bride, Lavender Rose
SHADY LADIES AND PERKY PATTERNS
It's all in the detail, folks. Slip into a different shade and consider the hottest hues of the moment, from pastels, off-whites, baby blues and pinks to golds, champagne and nudes.
Enzoani, Lavender Rose
On the more dramatic end of the colour spectrum, black weddings are all the rage, as are monochrome (think a demure black bodice with a frothy white skirt), grey (with a little luxe such as mink and dove), blush and fuchsia pinks.
Jenny Packham, Sam Cox Bridalwear
With art deco and geometric making waves in wedding world, think about weaving some pattern into your fashion. Circles, jacquard fabric, marble, snake, tapestry - almost anything goes with regards to the visuals of your dress.
Elizabeth Stuart, The White Room
Annais Bridal, Little Anne-Maids
MINI AND MODISH
Although floor-sweeping is de rigueur for a look of timeless elegance, especially the 1920s look, micro minis are a fun bet to bare your legs and sport some fabulous right-now fashion. Think ballerina-style skirts teamed with feminine, quilted bodices or straight mini skirts and cropped jackets for retro '60s chic.
Mooshki, The Bridal House of Cornwall and The White Room
Romantica, County Cream
Super short aside, the high-low hem is another hot prospect, as is a knee-skimming design for a less drastic alternative to the mini. Channel your favourite '50s starlet in a fabulously feminine tea-length gown and make a feature of a covetable pair of hip heels, which might take the fashionable form of lace, metallic or jewel-encrusted peep-toes in silver, white crystal and coloured stones.
Annalise Harvey
Annais, Little Anne-Maids
FLORAL FANTASY
Bold blooms are taking centre stage. From flower-inspired shapes such as tulip skirts to intricate details like silk organza flowers dotted over the dress, floristry continues to spill beyond the bouquet into dress design.
Enzoani, Lavender Rose
Noami Neoh, The Bridal House of Cornwall
Maggie Sottero, Amanda K Bridal
Gowns embellished with flowers, from subtle inclusion via appliques to 3D flowers and romantic, Renaissance patterning, have cascaded into bridal boutiques. Incorporate blooms through corsages, overlays or accessories - the most beguiling being a striking floral crown for true boho beauty.
Maggie Sottero, Amanda K Bridal
Alfred Angelo, The Wedding Company
Annais Bridal, Little Anne-Maids
COOL COVER-UPS
Layering is another key look, and adds a practical, pr�t-à -porter element to bridal fashion. As well as ruches, ruffles and cascading frills, classic cover-ups such as boleros, fur wraps, lace shawls and silk capes are making a comeback.
Enzoani, Lavender Rose
Anna D'Souza
Terry Fox, The White Room
Go glitzy with modern takes such as colourful and floral cardigans, tulle shoulder wraps, lace coats and long jackets, which all make for au courant cover-ups.
True Bride, Lavender Rose
Anna D'Souza
Miquel Suay, County Cream
MATERIAL GIRL
Mix materials for a tangible sense of texture. Think silks and satins through to (fake) furs, organza, tulle, lace (with top style points for Chantilly, guipure, rose and bubble laces).
Naomi Neoh, The Bridal House of Cornwall
Naomi Neoh, The Bridal House of Cornwall
From frothy frocks to sleek, body-hugging numbers, fabrics are form-fitting and flaunting or creating striking silhouettes that swish and sway as moving pieces of art.
Mori Lee, Amanda K Bridal
Mori Lee, Amanda K Bridal
Add dramatic veils in tulle (and trimmed with lace) for extra standout style that oozes romance while adding to the top-trending layering look.
Diane Harbridge, County Cream
Annais Bridal, Little Anne-Maids
ARMED AND FABULOUS
There's one sleeve type that's dominating all (in no doubt due to a certain Middleton muse), which is long. Long and in lace, to be exact.
Eternity Bride, County Cream
Jenny Packham, Sam Cox Bridal
Delicate cap or spaghetti sleeves are also striking a style chord, while strapless remains oh-so popular, either alone or paired with long gloves (in soft suede or delightfully risque - and black - leather à la Vera Wang).
David Tutera, Lavender Rose
True Bride, Lavender Rose
Miquel Suay, County Cream
words Hannah May
Copyright Wed Magazine 2013
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