If you’re lucky enough to be flying to an exotic location for a ‘sun, sea and sand’ wedding day/week but haven’t yet found ‘the one’ – this run down of the top trends in destination wedding dresses is sure to inspire you! Think floaty, elegant, grecian style gowns, delicate details that shimmer in the light and soft lace off-the-shoulder gowns to show off your sun-kissed glow to the max… Here’s our take on the styles you should be looking out for when it comes to a glamorously laid-back look for your big day.
Grecian Goddess
Top left: Marchesa | Top Right: Elizabeth Fillmore ‘Athena’ | Bottom: Christos ‘Kira’
Grecian style gowns are synonymous with timeless elegance and their soft floaty feminine silhouettes are guaranteed to be a hit for a destination wedding. These light and airy gowns are ideal for a warmer location, so that you can enjoy the day in comfort and style. Both Marchesa and Elizabeth Fillmore (top) have a hit on their hands with these sumptuously detailed A-line dresses – Marchesa’s gathered gown with its shimmering sheer neckline is right on trend for 2014 and shows the perfect amount of skin while still being quite modest. Elizabeth Fillmore’s ‘Athena’ gown is fit for a Goddess with soft elegant draping in the front, a silver lace appliqué neckline and belt and low back, while Christos’ light-as-air chiffon Kira gown is simply a dream destination dress.
Short in the City
A stunning short wedding dress works for many different destinations, but we love this style for a cool European city wedding. As you are probably well aware, shorter wedding dresses are still mighty popular for 2014 weddings, particularly for more intimate, low key weddings. We can imagine this gown by Monique Lhuillier and its beautiful lace cover up adorning a bride as she sits among her friends and family in the centre of Florence, while a warm breeze floats through the sound of wine glasses clinking and conversation flowing…
Fabulously Floaty
Top: BHLDN Onyx | Bottom left: Marchesa | Bottom right: Monique Lhuillier
Beach wedding style is all about the soft and floaty A-line dress. A light A-line skirt mimics the movement of the waves as it ebbs and flows in a warm beach breeze. These beautiful gowns by BHLDN, Marchesa and Monique Lhuillier epitomise bridal beach chic – BHLDN’s ‘Onyx’ with its romantic sheer floral lace straps and soft satin belt, Marchesa’s simple chic strapless gathered gown with its delicate diamante sash and Monique Lhuillier’s glorious lace covered A-line with sheer appliqué neckline.
Latin Lace
All dresses by Grace Loves Lace
Oh lord do we love our lace. Lace continues to dominate wedding dress trends in 2014 and of course it has its own primary place in destination dress style. These three fabulous creations by Grace Loves Lace are destined for a laid-back ceremony on the beach no matter what coastline takes your fancy. We love each of these effortlessly chic gowns, which need no dressing up. Forget the accessories altogether – pop on the gown, wear your wavy beach hair down and go shoeless for romantic day in the summer sun and a BBQ and bonfire on the beach in the evening. Heavenly.
Modern Millie
Spaghetti straps are perfect for a contemporary casual look for a beach wedding. This modern Francesca Miranda gown is great for younger brides who are looking for something soft and simple to show off their feminine figure. This modern take on a Grecian style is a dreamy destination dress for a no-fuss bride wanting a low-key intimate wedding. If you’re thinking of eloping and need something that travels well and looks sensational, this understated but dramatic dress ticks all the boxes.
Rose-mantic
Left: Rosa Clara Soft, ‘Ursina’ | Right: THEIA White Couture
Off-white and colourful gowns are a big trend again this year, and destination brides can take full advantage of the array of shades on offer. Rose, neutral or even print gowns can be worn for alternative weddings abroad by brides looking for a unique and memorable style that mirrors their personality. This short sweet and playful number from THEIA White Couture (right) makes a serious statement for brides wanting to embrace a modern, personal wedding celebration. This fun party style is ideal for a continental celebration of chic cocktails in the city. Rosa Clara’s neutral-coloured silk crinkle chiffon and lace dress is a little less bold but is still a definite head-turner. We imagine this stunning style for a wedding in the stunning Chianti, Italy, with the bride angelically weaving her way through the outdoor wedding reception with the surrounding mountains and sunset as her backdrop.
Sophistication by the Sea
Phase Eight ‘Pandora’ at Debenhams
The dramatic silhouette of this Phase Eight gown is enhanced with intricate tapework detailing and beading. An exquisite puddle train adds real impact to this gown, while the scallop style tapework seems fitting for a beach wedding.
Shimmer & Sparkle
Top: Rosa Clara Soft | Bottom left: Jenny Packham | Right: Pallas
Main image via OneWed.com
The 20s ‘Gatsby’ style embellished dress is perfect in any setting, and glistening in the Mediterranean sun is certainly one of them. We love the addition of the hand-beaded cap sleeves on the Rosa Clara and Jenny Packham gowns above, which will look perfect after the sun goes down in the evening. The Old Hollywood draped silhouette on Pallas’ stunning sheath gown with high front slit is a fabulous style for a destination city wedding, such as Florence, Italy.
