Tara Klein ~ WPIC, Personal Bridal Consultant ~ Blue Willow Bride
What a year 2020 was for weddings! With most weddings being postponed, weddings are shifting to smaller, more intimate gatherings held outdoors or at breath taking locations. Wedding gown trends in ivory or white and the Pantone Colours for 2021 (“Illuminating” and “Ultimate Grey”) are simply gorgeous, warm, natural and romantic! Designers have been busy designing dresses and predicting visions for your “elopement”, “minimony”, “microwedding” and “sequel wedding”. The trends allow you to create the perfect look for your special day regardless of where it is, who might be attending and your wedding theme or budget!
Bridal fashion runways showcased wedding gowns designed both full length and short, unstructured, romantic, sexy, formal and informal. Fabrics used in designs were clean, modern, textured, printed and lacey. Here is what you can find while viewing gowns and bridal fashions this year:
- Short Dresses are no longer just for rehearsal dinners and bridal showers, they are now options for your secret elopement and “minimony” wedding celebrations. Different hem lengths of mini, knee, mid and cocktail are perfect for smaller intimate affairs and who does not to show off those killer/fun shoes you have been dying to wear for so many months!
- Textures and Layering are not only fashion forward, but these feminine details are also whimsical, romantic and add fullness to your gown without a lot of weight. Ruffles, tiered dresses and layers scream visions of dreamy, whimsical, outside weddings.
- Soft and Subtle Sparkle on wedding gowns produce a romantic, natural glow and who does not want to sparkle on their wedding day? Gowns that once adorned metal and heavy beading have been replaced with soft glitter tulle, tonal clear sequins and beading, producing a look of delicate, light and natural beauty.
- Crepe Dresses offer you a modern, classic and crisp look. Most crepe fabrics are lightweight allowing you to wear them in any season. You can find crepe gowns solid and clean in appearance, with cascading lace appliques or with adorned sparkly bodices. If you opt for a solid, clean crepe gown you can always dress it up with a gorgeous full-length veil or cape.
- Pants and Jumpsuits are a sleek dress alternative for the bride who does not wish to wear a traditional wedding gown. Not only are they modern and comfortable to wear, they can also be figure flattering. Jumpsuits can be constructed in many fabrics including, crepe, lace and shimmery fabrics.
- Capes were all over the runways! For those brides who do not wish to wear a traditional veil and want to make a statement, a cape is modern, visually pleasing, adds extra coverage and gives you the option of a train if your gown does not have one.
- Square Necklines flatter all collar bones and shoulders, a “Renaissance Era” look, making a very modern comeback. Gowns with this sharp neckline can be used in many different types of fabric including, satin, lace or crepe.
- Bishop Sleeves are “80’s” inspired with a modern aesthetic look. They are romantic full-length sleeves that gather at the wrist and flare at the shoulder. Some designers offer them as detachable to give you the option of two looks.
- Slip Dresses are unstructured, “90’s” inspired gowns. They are less formal, fresh and curve skimming. Most are made of light weight satins and charmeuse fabrics and although simple, they can be dressed up with a veil or cape.
No matter what may happen with weddings this year, the trending styles of bridal fashion are sure to fit into the style of your wedding. As we all know as soon as you put on your perfect dress, no matter what the months ahead may look like and how many times you “change-the-date,” you will have the perfect day with stories and memories to share forever!