Wedding Gown Trends...Couture and Comfort Rank High This Year

If you’re the type of bride who wants to look like you’ve just stepped off the runway and onto the aisle, then this year’s couture-inspired dresses are just your style.

According to Heather Batt, owner of Hayden Olivia Bridal in Charlotte, asymmetrical designs, and particularly the one-shouldered dress, are all the rage. The exposed shoulder is a fresh change from the traditional strapless gown, and it allows brides to be chic and sexy without being too revealing.

Another big trend is making everything old new again. The 1920s have a big influence on this year’s designs, with flapper dresses and vintage-style accessories. Batt says pillbox hats with mini cage veils, along with ostrich or crème-colored feather hairpieces, are great complements. Greek goddess dresses are also making a comeback. The sleek designs of this period offer versatility — you can simplify for beach or destination weddings, or glamorize for more elegant affairs. These dresses look fabulous on bridesmaids, as well as on brides.

Color is also in vogue. “Ivory is the new white,” says Batt, who adds that pastels like blush pinks and baby blues (yes, for the wedding gown!) are becoming big sellers, too. While the boldest hues of black and red are now available, top designers are pushing the warmer shades like toast and charcoal (Vera Wang), champagne and platinum (St. Pucchi), and multi-colored gardens of embroidery (Claire Pettibone).

But going couture doesn’t mean going without comfort. Batt says natural waists and full-to-pleated skirts are still in, along with lightweight fabrics like organza.

And don’t forget the mini. It’s still a favorite option with brides, particularly those who want to change into something a little more practical for receptions and after-parties.

So whether you’re a traditionalist or a trailblazer, the latest designs are diverse enough for you to don the dress of your dreams. ~KGM