So what will brides be wearing in 2018? We’ve shortlisted some of the hottest runway trends spotted on the catwalks of London and Barcelona and, from edgy trousers and dramatic sleeves to high-glamour ballgowns, brides are spoiled for choice
Runway trends images courtesy of Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week & White Gallery London
1. Ballgown bonanza
It’s a vintage year for full skirts, which have pride of place across many 2018 collections. While the look has timeless romantic credentials, designers have updated it with colour, pockets and unusual textural combinations. With this trend, whether your preferred look is neat 1950s-style tailoring, debutante glamour or fantasy frills, you shall go to the ball.
Above: Cymbeline
Ballgown bonanza gallery: 1. Sassi Holford 2. Charlotte Balbier 3. St. Patrick Studio
2. It’s a wrap
From full-length layers to tiny caplets, the wrap is a hot way to keep the chill from bare bridal shoulders as well as adding instant drama to a simple wedding gown. Incorporated into numerous ensembles at both London and Barcelona runway shows, we just love this trend for its versatility, and ability to take you glamorously from ceremony to after-party.
It’s a wrap gallery: 1. Raishma 2. Alan Hannah 3. Cymbeline 4. Galia Lahav
3. Big dippers
Whether you call them hi-lo, dropped or dippy, there’s no shortage of hemlines that taper from front to back. While not new to designer collections, this look is proving its versatility in 2018, featuring on everything from formal designs to beach gowns. This style is your perfect excuse to splash out on the most decadent wedding heels, so what’s not to love?
Big dippers gallery: 1. Marylise 2. Cherry Williams London 3. Raishma 4. YolanCris
4. Something blue
Blue is the colour in 2018, cropping up in multiple shades from pale and marine hues to rich royal blue. It can be incredibly flattering, especially when it’s layered under white or used within a delicate or bold floral pattern. Traditionally this is a lucky wedding colour, which is one more reason to choose blue in the season ahead.
Something blue gallery: 1. Katya Katya Shehurina 2. Claire Pettibone 3. Alan Hannah 4. Savin London
5. The right trousers
We’ve always loved to see a bride wearing the trousers – vive la différence. And 2018 offers a multitude of ways to wear them, palazzo, tapered, skinny – even tailored shorts are in the mix. This is a look that’s perfect for chic city weddings, for brides who don’t do skirts and for anyone who just wants to create their own wedding traditions.
The right trousers gallery: 1. Rembo Styling 2. Sassi Holford 3. Savin London 4. Alan Hannah
6. Jewel bride
This is the season to shine, with a plethora of jewel-encrusted wedding gowns shimmering down the runways of both London and Barcelona. Crystals, beads and sequins are all in the mix, often used with luminous satins. We think these embellished gowns make a dazzling choice – also guaranteeing extra radiance at evening parties.
Jewel bride gallery: 1. Anny Lin Bridal 2. Eliza Jane Howell 3. Ivory & Co 4. Pronovias
7. Fringe effect
From fluttering feather trims to the full hippy-chic look, fringe effects are cropping up across collections. While designers (notably YolanCris) have favoured them in past collections, in 2018 they feature on shoulders, arms and skirts to add texture and movement to gowns. All the incentive you need to perfect your shimmy down the aisle.
Fringe effect gallery: 1. Jesus Peiro 2. Pronovias 3. Anny Lin 4. YolanCris
8. Drama sleeves
Sleeves are bigger and bolder and generally out there in 2018, adding an alluring flourish to the simplest gown. From Game of Thrones-style sweeps to Downton Abbey-inspired puffs, they get our vote for adding period drama to your silhouette. A long fluttering sleeve looks so romantic, also the perfect way to show off a diamond-clad hand.
Drama sleeves gallery: 1. Sophie et Voila 2. Morilee by Madeline Gardner 3. Sassi Holford 4. Galia Lahav
NEED MORE INSPIRATION?
Check out our pick of runway trends from White Gallery London
