Even though the 2016 New York Bridal Fashion Week has passed, its hype and excitement are still lingering on our minds and we bet on yours too. How can it not, with the number of impeccable dresses by notorious designers filling every runway? Some well-known names like Carolina Herrera, Reem Acra, Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, and Vera Wang flaunted their collections, exposing various trends for every kind of bride. That's not all. The hair trend was also evident in the shows, providing more inspirations for every fashion lover and bride-to-be. In that case, you've come to the right place, as today's article on the Bridal Fashion Week will cover everything there is to know about the event. Sit tight, relax, and let's get to it.
What are designers saying about next year's trend?
Looking at the beautiful array of dresses gracing the runway, it's pretty clear that the trends revolved around a few things. Feminine details marked with beautiful embellishments and sequins dominated the runway; perfect for the classic bride. One of the designers, Ines Di Santo, drew her inspiration from a bride standing in front of a sunlit morning window, producing many incredibly light and feminine dresses. Some others took a step further from femininity, challenging the boundaries of sexuality. Soft and bold forms of transparent and sheer details along with plunging necklines and cutouts rained on the dresses and appealed much to daring brides. As Carolina Herrera said, "Brides have to be beautiful, confident, and seductive. You have to leave a little to the imagination."
On the other side of the sphere are dresses for the playful brides. Some designers took a playful notch and played with more dramatic details on their designs. As Karen Craig of Marchesa said, "We were quite playful this time". Reem Acra also took the turn on being playful with the jewel crusted headphones worn by her models on the runway sporting her one-of-a-kind dresses. Another rising trend is convertible dresses, convertible meaning you can use it as an elegant ceremonial dress and a sexy party attire just by removing the layer skirt. A very interesting line up for next year that you sure can't miss.
Slide through the slider below and check out some interesting styles recurring on the shows that will most sought after on this following year.
The Dos and Don'ts of Wedding Dress Shopping
It's a sure thing that after looking at those gorgeous dresses, you would want to go dress-shopping yourself. Before you do, take a look at these dos and don'ts to avoid unnecessary hassles when doing your wedding dress shopping.
Don't: forget to schedule an appointment
Most dress designers are always on a busy schedule, thus it is very important to schedule an appointment before you drop by their boutique. Not booking an appointment before you go leaves a high risk of not meeting your designer on time or clashing with another client, meaning that your effort of going will not be effective. So before you go, make sure you're scheduled. Also, if you're available, always try to get an early appointment. By doing this, it's guaranteed that you will get the staff most ready and willing to help.
Do: bring people you trust
For wedding dress shopping, it's always good to have a second, third, or fourth pair of eyes giving opinions on the dress you have on. Due to the stress of wedding planning or perhaps after looking at too many wedding dress inspirations, your eyes may get weary and your judgments may be clouded, making it impossible to see objectively. Bring some of your most trusted people with you, who will tell you the truth and not only what you want to hear. Note that you should not take too many people; too many heads, too many opinions, too much confusion for you. Keep the group small and intimate; we suggest to bring your maid of honor, fiancé (if he's allowed to see the dress before the wedding), mother, or wedding planner.
Don't: come clueless
Being knowledgeable is always a good start. When shopping for a dress, don't be clueless about the kind of wedding dress you want, especially if you're meeting a designer to have it custom-made. Do your own research first to find out what you like and be clear about it when meeting with the designer. Don't be afraid to ask questions though as this will help you gain more needed information about your dress.
Do: Consider your body type and size
Always consider your body type and size when choosing a wedding dress style. A few tips: one, pick a style that flatters your figure. For instance, sleeveless wedding dress for brides with toned arms or a high slit for brides wishing to show off their long legs. Two, don't buy a dress a size smaller than the actual size you measure on the day of fitting, with the hopes that by the time you have to wear the dress you've shed some weight. Dress comfortably and don't be stressed with the sizes. If you happen to lose weight, you can always make some more dress alterations. Number three, don't purchase a dress that shows the parts of body you desire to conceal. A wedding dress should make you look prettier, otherwise the dress is just not worth it.
Don't: forget to consider theme and venue
Still related to the previous point, also consider your theme and venue. Some dresses would be more suitable for some weddings than the other, meaning you would have to carefully consider the style of the dress you choose on your wedding day. Here are a few examples. A ball gown would not suit a beach wedding since it will overpower the setting and look dirty because of the sand. Instead, use a simple sheath dress or something knee- or tea-length to really fit the theme and venue. Don't forget that accessories matter too. Choosing what type of veil or headpiece you wear should also be done bearing the theme and venue in mind. Take that beach wedding; it would be nicer to have a simple flower crown or braid rather than a lengthy cathedral veil.
Do: Calculate accessories and alterations
It's most probable that we're all tied down to a certain budget when wedding dress shopping. With that in mind, remember that you also have to spend for accessories and any dress alterations later so that you don't spare a limited amount of money on the wedding dress budget.