Ask The Expert

Future Trends for the Bride

Questions answered by Melody Smith, National Sales Manager and Design Team Member with Essense of Australia, Jennifer Kocolowski, Marketing Representative for Jasmine Bridal and Lynn Rohrman, Head of Design for Emerald Bridal

A lot of excitement is generated around planning a wedding, especially when it comes to the bride’s gown, the bridesmaids’ dresses and don’t forget the adorable flower girls. From asymmetrical to A-Line, you want to create a new look that is uniquely yours.

To help you in your choices, we have invited three experts to give us their opinions.

Bridal Dress

What do you see changing with the bride’s dress for late spring into fall and the holidays?

MS : I think that strapless will still be the main selling feature for bridal gowns, but I believe we will see more of an introduction of sleeves into wedding gowns and smaller A-Line styles. Brides want the option of button in sleeves and removable jackets to create two versatile looks for the wedding and reception at a most cost-effective price than buying two gowns.

Do you see any style changes?

MS: At Essense we have introduced more sheer illusion necklines. Both still give the illusion of skin showing but are extremely romantic using the illusion fabric and embroidering it with lace. We definitely have added more addition of pleating into gowns to add a modern touch to an otherwise traditional gown. Brides still love lace, but used in new and innovative ways. Our style D714 shows the lace being used in a scalloping effect in the front to created an apron skirt look. This style also looks great with a fun sash added to the waist.

Fortunately for today’s brides, there is more variety in styles now than at any other time. From elegant ball gowns to hourglass silhouettes, from heavily beaded traditional dresses to flowing organza’s, there is a style for every personality and body type. I believe that a bride-to-be should go with her heart when choosing her wedding gown! While every young woman wants to look her very best, it is more important that she feels the way she has always dreamed of, whether that is elegant, sexy or like a princess. This is why I encourage future brides to try on different styles of dresses. Then, when she puts on that one special dress that makes her eyes light up, that’s the one - the magical, wondrous gown of her dreams. And it doesn’t matter if it is what she thought she would wear, or even if it is what her best friend or mother thinks she should wear. The gown that makes her happy is the most important part of her wedding day other than marrying the man of her dreams. LR

Is there anything unusual on the horizon?

I’ve seen some hi-low looks introduced that have a real 80s feel to them. I’m not sure that is for everyone though! I think we will really be taking a step back to a more romantic look in bridal. The introduction of the Souffle or pick-up skirts a few years ago really started preparing us for that look. MS

Want to make any predictions for 2008?

When I am at trunk shows, brides seem to be all about making a look unique and their own. Whether that’s introducing color into the gowns or adding custom sashes to a gown, I really think brides want a personalized look. I think brides are making more of the wedding itself personal, with monogrammed items and showing the bride and groom’s personalities by choosing favorite foods or accents for their wedding. I’ve even seen brides dying the crinoline/petticoat under their dress their favorite color. MS

Bridesmaid Dresses

What do you see changing with bridesmaids’ dresses for late spring into fall and the holidays?

There will be a lot of emphasis on layering or combining fabrics such as chiffon and charmeuse to create very chic and exciting new hues and textures. We are seeing the combination of richer jewel tones such as espresso or Bordeaux combined with softer shades of blues or pinks. You will also see that bows are definitely back, as well as styles that are designed with figure flattering bodices and skirts that can be worn again and again. JK

What colors seem to be the most popular?

Currently, the trend is for vivid citrus colors, showing in solid or two tones, such as bright greens, pale yellows, and dazzling pinks, as well as dramatic oceanic hues like azure or vibrant turquoise. JK

Chocolate colored accents seem to be the color that I hear about most often, but I believe we will see more of the jewel tones in bridesmaids like aubergines, dark teals and royal blues-think peacock feathers. Black is always a safe bet with bridesmaids-that gives an elegant touch to any wedding. MS

Do you see any style changes?

Bridesmaid gowns no longer need to look like the characteristic styles that you’ve seen in the past. Fashion is moving forward by creating fresh looks based on the old Hollywood sparkle of yesteryear. Gowns that could walk the red carpet are all the rage, whether it’s an alluring full length gown or a sophisticated T-length, glamour has made a huge comeback. JK

Are things that are popular in general fashion for more dress-up wear such as shirred bodices, peep-toe shoes, georgette, bows, also a part of the bridesmaids’ dresses?

Most definitely, you will see girls wearing gowns with various stylish embellishments such as bows and broaches. Look for softer fashion forward gowns paired with removable sashes and trendy matching jackets and shrugs. JK

In bridesmaids’ styles there are many distinctive touches, like bows, pleating and tiered ruffles, which lend unique personality to the possibilities. My advice to every bride is to choose the dresses for your bridesmaids yourself - this is your wedding and should reflect your personality. As the bride, you will obviously keep the happiness of your bridesmaids in mind, these are your best friends, just remember that you know what you want. This is your big day! LR

Is there anything unusual or surprising on the horizon?

Taffeta and lace along with illusion necklines and delicate shirred sleeves are coming back big for this season. Also, we no longer see Brides insisting their party wear the same gown, but instead letting them choose the look that best suits their own personal style and body type, all in the same colors or hues. JK

Want to make any predictions for 2008?

We are seeing more and more destination weddings for first timers, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see the brides and their party wearing elegant formalwear for the ceremony, and then having a chic, fun gown to change into later for the reception. JK

Flower Girl

What do you see changing with flower girl’s dresses for late spring into fall and the holidays?

The greatest trend we see at Emerald Bridal is the increasing popularity of the matching bridal gowns and miniature flower girl dresses in the higher price range. For flower girl dresses that coordinate with the bridal party,

The most popular trend is the blending of colors from the bridesmaids’ and flower girl dresses through to the floral decorations. Chocolate is a very hot color, working well with turquoise, pinks and taupe tones. For fall, rust, gold and brown tones reflect the fall foliage, with many weddings staying in the chocolate colors. For winter weddings, the stage is set in either reds and bordeuxs or the ever-elegant winter whites, accented with silver or gold.