The 9 wedding dress trends brides-to-be need to know

Lela Rose autumn 2017 bridal collection
Lela Rose's autumn 2017 bridal collection Credit: Rex

‘Help! I’m engaged and I have absolutely no idea what kind of wedding dress I want.’

It’s a question that over 100,000 women in the UK are likely asking themselves right now, as the seven week period between Christmas Eve and Valentine’s Day is supposedly the most popular time of the year to get engaged. It’s also one sartorial dilemma that I now need to tackle myself, and, like a lot of women, I don’t have a fantasy creation already in mind.

So, to help us all out, I’ve combed the bridal catwalks and asked the industry experts for the top line on 2017’s biggest wedding dress trends. Hopefully this will give you some initial ideas to consider whatever your taste or budget- and you find 'the one'…

Wedding dress trend #1 : Décolletage

Bridal favourites Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta and Lela Rose were all keen to cite a good décolletage as a wedding day essential for 2017. More sensual than a high neck, less boob-y than a strapless bustier, a wide boat, off-shoulder, or soft sweetheart neckline will apparently offer just the right level of exposure on your big day.

Marchesa's fall 2017 bridal collection
Marchesa's fall 2017 bridal collection Credit: Rex

Wedding dress trend #2 : Sleek ball gowns

“The ball gown remains our number one best seller,” discloses Caroline Burstein, Creative Director of Browns Bride. “Many brides are looking for architectural silhouettes with striking simplicity. We have noticed that as we move in 2017 the bridal industry has more of a ‘fashion’ element showing a modern take on the classic wedding dress.”

Lady Charlotte Wellesley wearing Emilia Wickstead on her wedding day
Lady Charlotte Wellesley wearing sculptural Emilia Wickstead on her wedding day

Wedding dress trend #3 : Lots of lace

“[We’re also seeing demand for] lace heavy gowns,” says Burstein. “For 2017, we have definitely noticed that our brands are still showcasing dresses that are beautifully embellished. We have also noticed a clear trend for our brides seeking the more ‘demure gown’ with high necks and long sleeves.”

Wedding dress trend #4 : Bows

Bows are back, according to Carolina Herrera, and they’re acting as attention-grabbing focal points. Oversized knots form belts, are tied to create a dramatic back view, and are in some cases worked into shoulder sashes. Go big or go home, with this one.

Viktor and Rolf, stocked at Browns Bride from the end of January.
Viktor and Rolf, stocked at Browns Bride from the end of January.

Wedding dress trend #5 : 3D Florals

These are not just floral embellishments. These are hyper-textural, outstanding florals, made of layers of embroideries, beading and large sequin paillettes. See Naeem Khan's collection for variations across dozens of silhouettes.

Reem Acra
Naeem Khan's fall 2017 bridal collection Credit: Rex

Wedding dress trend #6 : 90s Minimalism

On the high street, simplicity rules. “Minimalist, effortless dressing is our favourite wedding trend for 2017,” says Sian Ryan, head of design at ASOS and ASOS bridal. “It stems from the return to all things 90s, things like t-shirt dresses and slip dresses.”

A slip dress from ASOS's bridal 2017 collection
A slip dress from ASOS's bridal 2017 collection

Wedding dress trend #7 : Glam bohemia

"The new collection is inspired by the idea of the American Midwest and the afterglow of a wild night," designer Jenny Packham tells us of her 2017 offering. "There's a playful take on the more glamourous silhouettes – one of our best selling styles is fully beaded with  golden starburst embellishments, whilst soft embroidered wild flowers and foliage motifs add an element of bohemia to the collection. "

The 'Jolene' dress from Jenny Packham's 2017 bridal collection
The 'Jolene' dress from Jenny Packham's 2017 bridal collection

Wedding dress trend #8 : Trousers

Both the designer names and the high street heroes have noticed an increase in the number of brides looking for anything other than a dress. “Your wedding dress can be whatever you want it to be so it could be a dress from the high street, a dress from a new emerging designer, or a dress from a bridal store, or a suit,” enthuses Ryan. “At ASOS we offer wedding jumpsuits and separates with fashion trend details.”

Monique Lhuillier's spring 2017 bridal collection.
Monique Lhuillier's spring 2017 bridal collection. Credit: Monique Lhuillier

Wedding dress trend #9 :  Colour

As in a dress that isn't white!  "I’ve also enjoyed adding seasonal colours; barley, soft petal pinks and celadon springtime greens which have very popular," says Packham of her decision to introduce more, soft colours this year. 

The 'June' dress in petal pink from Jenny Packham's 2017 bridal collection
The 'June' dress in petal pink from Jenny Packham's 2017 bridal collection

 

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