Bridal Trends for 2005
By Judy Thompson
Bridal Gowns
The timeless, strapless gown is still a hot number this year. If the bride is self conscious about wearing a strapless dress, there is plenty of other styles to choose from, such as spaghetti straps, sexy off the shoulder look, sleeveless or lacy cap sleeves and halter styles.
Materials such as organza, real silk, chiffon and satin are popular, in white, diamond white, ivory, egg- shell, champagne and mocha colours. The latest colour to hit the gown shops is a beautiful hue of blush.
Colour is being used more in wedding dresses with either a satin sash around the waist, tied at the back and incorporated as part of the train or with coloured embroidery on the gown. A thin sash with a bow tied at the waist is also a great use of colour, along with satin flowers on the hip or at the back of the gown. A light coloured lace, netting or tulle over the skirt is also a great way to show off colour.
Skirt styles this year are leaning towards gathered pleating, silhouette or poufy silks. Crystal and rhinestone beading on the bodice or on the skirt is popular too. Corset type bodices with lace ups at the back are a real hit among the brides with choices of embroidery, lace or intricate beadwork.
Trains are still a lovely eye catcher to a gown with either a long, narrow flowing train or a full sweep.
Veils
Tiaras are really in demand this year, whether it is just a small tiara to bring out the sparkle in the eye or an ornate one. If the bride decides on this type of headpiece, make sure it suits the face shape. Again, we all have different shapes and one tiara may suit while another doesn’t. Another tiara style is one with a veil attached at the back of the head.
The flower wreath adorning the bride’s head is always a popular headpiece, timeless and romantic. Last but not least is the long, cathedral veil, which is also a hot trend, elegant and flowing.
Accessories
Rhinestone or crystal jewellery is seen quite often on brides, both in necklaces and earrings. Long, drop earrings can give a dramatic flare depending on the style of the dress.
Some brides don’t care to have a veil but will opt for a comb or hairpins, which can be found in various styles, beaded and pearl encrusted combs or a silk flower with netting, or the more elaborate Spanish style comb.
Headbands either with crystal or colour beading add a nice touch. Another headband style is a satin headband or a thin headband tied in a simple bow in either white or coloured material.
Fresh or silk flowers can be used instead of a veil. Some brides even add feathers to give their headpiece some texture.
There are some wonderful accessories to be had and again the crystal or rhinestone beading is popular, along with the antique or vintage brooch. The bride could clip the brooch to her gown, shawl, bouquet or hairstyle. An old vintage brooch borrowed from a grandmother or aunt would add a sentimental touch to something old and something borrowed. The daring bride could even go with a vintage coloured brooch, coordinated with the colour theme of the wedding.
More accessories
Shawls are popular with the strapless gown, whether in smooth satin or a dreamy lace, which matches the lace on the gown. They add dimension to the gown and for those cool evenings keep the chill off. Fur stoles are making a comeback for winter weddings.
Gloves add another dimension to the strapless gown, long elegant elbow gloves or short lace ones with a button or tiny bow on the wrist.
Shoes
For spring, summer and fall weddings, depending on the type of theme the bride has decided on, the sling-back, whether open toed or closed is a favourite. If the wedding theme is a beach scene, wedding sandals are wonderful for keeping the sand out. Pumps would be used for the winter weddings. All shoes have various heel heights. Rhinestone beading on the shoe is popular as well as lace or bows, silk flowers and feathers.
One last word . . .
Anna Giannopoulos, Manager of Nicholas and Elizabeth Bridal in London, Ontario, says do not be afraid to try on different styles. This ensures, which type of gown will suit and compliment the bride’s personality and body shape. To also try on different veils, to find one, which will compliment your height, face shape and your gown.
A tip from Anna, pick out the gown, headpiece, jewellery and shoes all at the same time, to make sure they all look good together and bring in a picture of the hairstyle for the wedding day or have your hair done in that style when shopping for the gown and veil.
Heather from Nicholas and Elizabeth mentioned when trying on a gown or coming in for fittings, it is important to bring the proper underclothes, such as the bra or bustier, which is going to be worn on the actual wedding day.
Every woman is beautiful, finding the right style or cut of the gown, which suits will only accentuate the best of the figure and bring out the full potential of the glowing bride.
