Whether you have that all-important rock on your wedding finger or not, us girls can't help but sit up and take notice of the latest bridal trends. So with Bridal Fashion Week 2011 wrapping up in New York last week, we have highlighted the most beautiful bridal looks soon to be walking up an aisle near you...
TOP TRENDS OF THE SEASON
Short & sweet
Like music to the fashion maverick's ears, if you are the kind of bride prepared to shun that traditional meringue and aim for something different, then the mini lengths hot off the catwalk are perfect for you and your wedding. An overwhelming amount of designers showed daring mini dresses this season, securing the sexy style as a sure trend. Some showed frocks with hemlines modestly hovering above the knee, while other more risqué styles moved even further up the thigh.
The daring mini from Marchesa: This look is definitely a dress for bombshell brides; eye-wateringly short and seriously glamorous, wallflowers need not apply. If you have the pins to pull it off, we love the strapless, itsy-bitsy design with gorgeous light lace voluminous layers at the front and a waist-cinching ribbon sash.
The classic with a twist from Amsale: We could see Holly Golightly getting hitched in this frock. Short but sweet and simple but different, it is a mini with class. The elegant high neck and fitted bodice coupled with the classic shift shape and cute bow detail make it classic enough, but still a quirky choice. We would style it up with simple vintage accessories to maximise its retro appeal.
The best of both worlds from Reem Acra: We think this is the perfect dress for those who can't decide whether to do long or short, because it does both! With the sassy mini length at the front and long train of tulle at the back, it offers you the appeal of going short while still protecting your modesty from behind. It is a real show-off frock that has oodles of wow factor.
From L-R: Marchesa, Amsale images courtesy of Dan Lecca; Reem Acra image courtesy of Reem Acra
Original origami
If you like a classic look with a slice of modern direction, then this trend will definitely work for you. It was generally spotted this season on traditional bridal shapes with design details like intricate twists, voluminous puffs and artistic folds that open out into the statement dress you have always dreamed of. Look at these styles as sculpted works of art. They certainly aren't for the faint-hearted, and are best tackled with very minimal accessories - let your dress do the talking.
The high-drama version in satin from Anna Maier: With voluminous origami folds you could get lost in, and peek-a-boo tulle detail at the hem, this dress really is the best of both worlds. You have the high drama folds, but in a chic satin, with a classic bodice and sweetheart neckline to help keep things simple and under control.
The column with curves from Oscar de la Renta: This slinky mermaid-shape dress has so much more to offer than a sexy figure-hugging fit. With its gathered ruched side detail and stiff curvy folds at the shoulder and hips, it makes a quiet statement, but definitely offers an individual look for those seeking something different for their big day.
The ruffled confection from Vera Wang: Layers, pleats, ruffles and folds - this dress has got them all over and in abundance. Painstakingly detailed, it is more a work of art than a simple dress, yet despite all its many attention-grabbing aspects, it avoids being overpowering thanks to the simple strapless column shape. A modern style that is also brilliantly timeless.
From L-R: Anna Maier image, courtesy of Anna Maier; Oscar de la Renta, courtesy of Dan Lecca and Vera Wang image courtesy of Vera Wang
Fairytale tulle
If you have ever dreamed of that princess wedding with the full-on tutu dress, then you are in luck this season, as the designers have been in full princess mode, designing wedding dresses in layer upon layer of enveloping tulle. A huge current trend, generous wisps of the 'light as a feather' fabric adorned dresses in almost every collection. From puffy, cloud-like styles, to classic princess designs and lightweight dresses that seemed simply to float down the catwalk, transparent acres of tulle were everywhere we looked.
The tulle fantasy from Monique Lhuillier: A frothy, rosette-covered princess-length dress with a long, cascading train, this look embodies romance and femininity. Fit for a princess, if you are looking for gasps of delight, this is your dress.
The hint of colour from Vera Wang: In the softest, dusty lilac, this multi-layer tulle dress is like some kind of lavender powder puff. Its flower-embellished bodice and tie-waist belt give way to a full skirt of crossover layers of puffy tulle. Not your average bridal gown, this dress will earn you style stripes for daring to be different.
The figure-hugging version from Kenneth Pool: Tulle doesn't have to be all wispy and light and this dress shows the tougher side of the fabric, all thanks to a body-hugging strapless bodice that snakes down to the mid-thigh before fanning out in a dramatic fashion to layers of spiky tulle. Almost flamenco-like in design, this spunky style screams that tulle can be sexy and not just soft.
From L-R, Monique Lhuillier, courtesy of Dan Lecca; Vera Wang image courtesy of Vera Wang; Kenneth Pool courtesy of Dan Lecca
IF MYDAILY WERE GETTING MARRIED...
Here at MyDaily we are playing fantasy weddings, and have picked out our favourite looks from Bridal Fashion Week 2011 for our dream day. From the ultimate wedding gown, to our bridesmaids' dresses and even what the mother of the bride would wear, we have scoured the catwalks. This is what our wedding would look like...
Our top three favourite wedding dresses:
The Jessica Rabbit-inspired dress from Monique Lhuillier: It can be hard to strike the right balance between being sexy on your big day and still retaining some kind of bride-to-be innocence. The embellished strapless design slinks its way to the floor skimming every curve, without clinging or flashing too much - simply divine.
The romantic frock from Douglas Hannant: Classic in shape, but big on design and a little bit magical, we love the pleated bodice, the full skirt - that has just the right amount of puff - and the faded, antique silver rose design, which offers fashion edge without overkill. Whispering softly to us, we couldn't resist this most fantastical dress.
The vintage-style dress from Oscar de la Renta: The fluidity of this long and lean satin Thirties-look is understated style at its best. No OTT ruffles, meringues or bling required, its cap sleeve, cowl neck combination sets it apart in a sea of strapless designs. We also love the simple embellished sash and retro-style accessories.
From L-R, Monique Lhuillier, courtesy of Dan Lecca; Douglas Hannant image courtesy of Douglas Hannant; Oscar de la Renta, courtesy of Dan Lecca
Our bridesmaids would wear...
The fuss-free column dress from Amsale: Simplicity is the key here; the flowing column dress with pretty, crossover, fluted neckline detail is the perfect bridesmaid's dress. It will complement rather than overpower any bride thanks to the flattering soft colour and chic, feminine style with enough detail to be interesting but not controversial.
The strapless version from Priscilla of Boston Collections: For a dress that packs a little more punch, this style is perfect. In a rich, understated colour that will easily blend and tone with any scheme, the sweetheart neckline and fitted bodice give way to a flowing maxi length and on-trend, oversized corsage detail. A little sexier than most bridesmaid's dresses, it is a fun but stylish option.
The simple silhouette from Amsale: For something really pared down and understated, this minimalistic frock is a really strong contender. Simple but certainly not boring, this pretty style has a daring neckline with a pretty frill detail. However, it's kept classic thanks to the timeless navy blue hue, meaning it can be worn again and again, not just for the big day.
From L-R, Amsale, Priscilla of Boston Collections and Amsale images, courtesy of Dan Lecca
The mother of the bride would wear...
The cap-sleeved dress from Priscilla of Boston Collections: We love the colour of this dress - a gorgeous deep mauve is the perfect mother of the bride shade. The flattering pleated bodice with slightly off the shoulder cap sleeves will suit mums with a fashion edge, while the knee-length pencil-style skirt keeps things chic and elegant. Match this up with a killer hat and it's a really strong look.
The simple satin sheath from Priscilla of Boston Collections: Simple yet effective, this dress is like a blank canvas for mums that like to accessorize. We would play up the vintage shape of this frock with a really bling necklace or brooch and maybe gloves and a pillbox hat. The colour is understated, but makes a change from all those garish colours and prints usually associated with mother of the bride gowns.
The bright burst of colour from Priscilla of Boston Collections: This stunning jolt of turquoise catapults anyone to mother of the bride status. Strong and simple with a youthful feel, this gorgeous dress has more going for it than just the colour. We love the asymmetric pleats and pretty flower embellishment. Bare shoulders can be covered with a stylish wrap, but overall we think it's a perfect style for yummy mummies.
From L-R, all Priscilla of Boston Collection, courtesy Dan Lecca