One of the biggest decisions a bride will make while wedding planning is… the dress, of course! Whether sleek and simple, beaded and boho, or lacy and romantic, a bride’s wedding dress truly sets the tone for the big day. I had the opportunity to attend Chicago Bridal Market earlier this season, on behalf of BRIDES magazine and Essense of Australia, to gather a look at the top trends dominating the bridal scene this season.
HERE ARE 5 MAJOR BRIDAL TRENDS TO KNOW FOR 2018:
DIMENSION | From floral appliqués to soft overlays, dimension is a leading trend this season. One particular dress that caught my eye is a stunning garden-inspired gown by Martina Liana, featuring laser cut floral details and multiple layers of lace. The dimensional design of the dress gave a knock-out look that would impress from all angles.
SEPARATES | I love the concept of bridal separates. It gives brides a chance to play with varying styles, like a modern crepe skirt and a romantic lacy top. Martina Liana specializes in separates, allowing a bride to create a custom, fashion-forward look. We’re also seeing detachable overskirts that give a sense of drama for a ceremony, but can be removed for the reception. It’s all about versatility!
ILLUSION | Illusion is a trend that’s returning again this season, but in new ways. Among many wedding dresses, I noticed subtle illusion necklines (and backlines) that show a peek of skin, as well as latticework. A popular way to see latticework is near the hip, as a crosshatch pattern placed over sheer side cutouts to sculpt and contour the silhouette, like on this dress by Stella York.
ROMANTIC NECKLINES | While traditional v-neck and sweetheart necklines are still very much ‘in,’ a whole new spin on bridal necklines is here. We’re talking off-the-shoulder, illusion tulle, delicate straps that drape across the back, and dramatic deep necklines. Brides are also embracing long sleeve designs for 2018, for an ultimately timeless and elegant look.
MIX AND MATCH | Lastly: we can’t forget about bridesmaids! “Mix and match” is a top trend lately that’s here to stay. A great tip from Sorella Vita is to select a unifying feature for bridesmaids — whether it’s color, silhouette, or neckline — when mixing dress styles. I especially loved this cross-neck gown, Nouveau Sequin design, and the shade, vintage rose, for bridesmaids.
Thank you to BRIDES and Essense of Australia for sponsoring this post.
