by Rev. Désirée Eli of Weddings with Aloha
Although I am am wedding officiant, I love all things bridal – and that includes bridal gowns. I never know what a Bride of mine might need counsel on and so try to keep up on what's hot in wedding fashion.
- Illusion Necklines: This is a personal favorite of mine, and it bridges the gap between showing skin and being covered. A bride can give a peek of her assets through a layer of sheer fabric or lace without having everything out and “in your face.” Designer Carolina Herrera showed a lovely dress with illusion lace at the bodice and a fit and flare silhouette on the runway.
- Two-tiered skirts: A number of bridal designers have created gowns with the skirt made of two parts. It could be as a peplum layer over the bottom of the skirt, or a large flounce which folds over the rest of the skirt. Designers Christos and Anna Maier both have shown dresses with their interpretations of this trend. Tip: The upper layer made be useful to camouflage brides with wider hips.
- Exposed underlayers: Inside-out dresses, with the material stuff that's usually underneath the skirt is now showing up on top or peeking out of the bottom of a dress to create very textural bridal fashion. Vera Wang, bridal goddess, showed her creation on the runways with the crinoline made into layers to add volume and dimension to a gown.
- Blush color: This trend has carried over from last year. Blush-colored beauties are now a trend for extra-ordinary brides. White isn't for everyone and this light ballet pink color can be flattering and attention-getting for gals that want to be remembered. Actress Reese Witherspoon wore a blush Monique Lhuillier wedding gown – setting the trend.
- Lace sleeves: Duchess Kate made lace sleeves look regal and now commoners can sport her look too. This trend will be a relief to brides who have certain religious restrictions or those who don't have toned arms like First Lady Michelle Obama. Wtoo Brides created a beautiful bridal dress with lace elbow sleeves that had a deep V neckline, - classy yet slinky.
- High-Low hemlines: This trend is showing up in all aspects of ladies fashion, so it's not surprising that high-low hemlines crossed over into bridal. This style, like the illusion necklines, covers two areas in one: it's short, it's long, it's sexy but still sweet. Win win. Oscar de la Renta and Claire Pettibone are two examples of designers incorporating this look.
- Front slits: I personally think strapless gowns are played out so it's nice to see a style that focuses on other areas that a bride could feature, besides the bust. Angelina Jolie made her black dress front slit famous recently at an awards shows – and now brides can do the same. Show a little leg or thigh with a peek through the slit of a gown. Ines Di Santo and Angel Sanchez have dresses with either a centered or off-to-one-side front slit.