Every wedding is as unique as the couple saying “I do” and there seems to be an endless number of choices for everything from bridal gowns to venues to flowers to themes.
Catherine O’Neill, sales and communications manager for the Bridal Fantasy Group is in touch with the top trends for tying the knot.
When it comes to dresses, O’Neill says designers like Hayley Paige are using luxe layering to create modern, tiered gowns.
“The gowns come out in a tiered, layering fashion, but on the bottom of each layer will be a different fabric so you can see it a little bit more and play with movement,” she says.
Another popular dress trend is lace sleeves in the style made popular by Kate Middleton’s royal wedding gown.
“But they’re kind of not really the ball gown style,” O’Neill says. “A lot of them are the sheath, a more fitted silhouette, so it doesn’t look so antique. I guess you could say it’s kind of like a nice vintage twist on a modern gown.”
O’Neill says dresses are also featuring more detail with keyhole backs and eye-catching embellishments using sequins and beading.
“Another really cool trend that I saw were these three-dimensional organza flowers that are being detailed on dresses,” says O’Neill. “They’re not usually the same colour as the gown, they’ll do a cool pastel like a pink or a blue for contrast.”
Long trains are also walking down the aisle and O’Neill says that fashion forward brides are opting for gorgeous, floor-length veils.
A bride’s bouquet is as personal as her dress and these bunches are ranging from lush and romantic to high tech. O’Neill says succulents are still on-trend this year along with more luxurious blooms.
“You’re seeing a lot more peonies, blowsy roses and hydrangeas. Usually they’re in the pink and cream gradient, but with the hydrangeas I’ve seen light blue and light purple as well. It’s very feminine.”
O’Neill says brides are increasingly incorporating technology in their weddings, hash-tagging their nuptials, using wedding apps for the event, and even incorporating lighting in bridal bouquets and centrepieces to create drama.
When it comes to wedding themes O’Neill says dramatic, statement themes are growing in popularity.
“In that you’ll see a lot of black and white contrasting details, theatrical and unusual venues. And along with a dramatic theme, you’re seeing a bride that will go with that in what outfit she chooses,” she says. “So there’s this cool trend in wedding gowns and it’s minimal chic and maybe some geometric details.”
On the other end of the spectrum, the more casual, relaxed wedding themes are still the choice for many couples.
“That whole rustic-chic, barnyard-chic is here to stay as well so that natural, warm, friendly, kick-off your shoes at the end of the night theme,” O’Neill says. “And along with that, there’s been an increase in people wanting locally-sourced food so farmhouse dining and serving it family style rather than a set plate menu.”
Brides-to-be can check out all of the trends at Bridal Fantasy on Sunday, January 19 at the Northlands Edmonton Expo Centre.
