From full flowing lace to floral appliqués and convertible skirts to cascading hemlines, wedding dress trends for 2016 are timeless, romantic and impossibly fun all at once. While we don’t want to panic those dressless few who plan to tie the knot this summer, it’s time to get your proverbial skates on and commit to The (other) One very soon! So with those ladies in mind, we’ve scoured the catwalks and indeed our own guides to the best bridal collections of 2016 and found not only the most beautiful, but the most wearable wedding dress trends of 2016. We hope you find something that truly inspires you here guys, and if you don’t manage to (surely not!), make sure to come back for part two tomorrow!
3D Floral Applique
Decorative floral applique is simply everywhere this year, and there’s not a designer that comes to mind who hasn’t featured the romantic, delicate design somewhere in their collection. Prominent at Angel Sanchez, Claire Pettibone, Berta (left) and a signature style in Alexandra Grecco’s 2016 collection (right), this pretty embellishment is perfect for boho ladies who also consider themselves quite girly!
Delicate Lace
It seems like a strange thing to consider a ‘trend’ perhaps, but as fashion tends towards chiffon and tulle for Spring/Summer, lace still retains a hold as the fine fabric of choice for many couture and indie designers alike. Soft scalloped lace necklines, full long lace sleeves and head-to-toe fit and flares are timeless and elegant, and provide the couture feel every bride craves for their wedding dress. YolanCris (top left), Halfpenny London, Temperley, Ines di Santo (top right), Sareh Nouri (middle left), Monique Lhuillier (middle right), Oscar de la Renta (bottom left) and Cabotine (bottom right) are just some of the designers to heavily feature lace in their collections for 2016.
Overlay Skirts
For those brides hoping to sport two amazing looks on their Big Day but lacking the budget to do so, we bring you the convertible skirt. A detachable skirt allows brides to wow in a seemingly traditional style ballgown dress during the day time, only to whip it off after the meal – and props if you manage to do so in an homage to Bucks Fizz’ 1981 Eurovision winning number – to reveal something a lot slinkier, and way more fun to dance in. As seen at Monique Lhuillier (left), Naeem Khan (centre), and Inbal Dror (right).
High Low Hem
The high-low hemline was big in 2013, took a back seat for the LWD in ’14 and ’15 and has burst onto to bridal catwalk again to challenge traditions and give brides an option to add some rock and roll to their look. We loved this look on Whitney Port last year, who wore a floral appliqué Ashi Studio graduated hem with all the grace and glamour we expect from the cool fashionista. As seen at Inbal Dror (top left), Ines di Santo (top right), Monique Lhuillier (bottom left) and Sarah Seven (bottom right).
Statement Back
Oh statement back wedding dresses, is there any dress you can’t make look a million times better?! Statement backs have been gracing the aisle since the mid 2000s and are getting more elaborate and unusual as the years go by. They will be the focal point of many gowns again this year, with designers such as Naeem Khan (top left), Reem Acra (top right, bottom left) and Monique Lhuillier (bottom right) embracing the trend fully and giving brides something to swoon over.
Photos (and main photo) via The Lane
Shoulder Jewellery
Shoulder jewellery is one of our favourite overall trends of the year. This trend combines everything from beaded capes, statement necklaces and dresses with that extra bit of Grecian-esque bling, which add something really special to just about any dress they adorn. This trend is ideal for brides who like the idea of an unfussy gown but want the option to add something sparkly for photos. This is one trend certainly worth the investment – not only would you not believe how different these can make your dress look (two looks for one) but you’ll most definitely be adding them to all your regular gunas after!
Images {clockwise from top left}: Dress by Hayley Paige | Strapless dress with copper chain necklace via | Full crystal bolero necklace by Powder Blue Bijoux | Dress by Pronovias, bolero by Hayley Paige
Illusion Bodice
Admittedly a tough trend to carry off and perhaps not one for those planning to spend too much time in front of their Parish Priest, the illusion bodice has none the less become one of this year’s biggest trends in bridal. With designers such as Mira Zwillinger (pictured), Lihi Hod, Monique Lhuillier (who pretty much covered every trend of the year in her collection) and Hayley Paige completely embracing the trend and pairing it with other biggies like convertible skirts and floral appliqués, this is one trend we can’t wait to see on some real brides in 2016!
