From edgy minis and plunge-neck sheath gowns to dramatic feathered numbers and bold colour, here are some of the bridal trends for 2019 we spotted on the bridal runways of London and Barcelona
Images: London Bridal Week & Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week
Bridal trends in 2019 offer more choice than ever – whether you’re planning a chilled beach wedding or a grand ball. From elegant short gowns and sexy sheath dresses to the most romantic ballgown, there’s a look to suit your style and the occasion. Here are eight key bridal trends to watch.
Feather fantasy
Feather effects are big and bold in 2019, with many more designers opting for a bird of paradise trim. Sassi Holford even showed a full feathered skirt on a standout ballgown. We love this ebullient trend for its sense of fun, and also because it adds movement and froth to dress up even the simplest design and ensure all eyes are on the bride.
Images: Isabel Sanchis’ glamorous grey capelet; Sassi Holford’s gorgeous feathered skirt; Pronovias’ romantic feather-tripped cape with hood
Bodice line
The bustier or corset-style fitted bodice is certainly not new, but we spotted lots of lavish tailored examples on the runways of London and Barcelona. Often these are paired with simple slimline or frothy skirts, creating a flattering silhouette that also works wonderfully for day-to-evening wedding parties.
Images: Inmaculada Garcia strapless top with bow at the neck; Cymbieline’s bustier-style bodice with shimmering translucent skirt; Charlotte Balbier’s finely textured bodice with bootlace straps and slim and simple skirt
In the pink
We’ve been charting the rise of pink gowns for several seasons now, and they show no signs of fading away. In fact, this season is going bolder. There are vibrant rose, salmon and cerise shades alongside more muted blush and lilac pinks. It’s an undeniably feminine colour choice, but some of our favourite designs are taking things tropical – perfect for the destination bride.
Images: YolanCris’ bold colour clash with frothy pink skirt; Cymbeline’s white gown with hot pink details; Alejandro Resta’s gown with oversized blooms
Modern princess
You shall go to the ball in 2019, but designers are tapping into a more relaxed style for the modern party princess. Full skirts have a light and frothy quality, with casual details such as slouch pockets. Some designers are opting for slimmer skirts with glittering embellishment for a dramatic regal air.
Images: Sassi Holford’s strapless ballgown with slouch pockets; Eternity Bridal high-necked gown with relaxed full skirt; Morilee’s full gown with crossover-effect bodice and jewelled straps
Fade to grey
While blue was the colour of choice in 2018, for the season to come many designers are favouring shades of grey ranging from silver and steel to soft dove hues. While it’s not a colour we typically associate with weddings, it’s sophisticated and can flatter all skin tones. Our favourite gowns have an ethereal quality, thanks to the use of soft gradated hues and flashes of white or silver embellishment.
Images: Romantic cut and soft grey with white details from Marco & Maria; Demetrios’ elegant grey ballgown; Cymbeline blends rich tonal greys for a dramatic bridal look
Ruffle up
Ruffles remain big news in the season to come – with ruched and rippled necklines and sleeves, romantic tiered skirts and even frothy tiers at the neckline and waist. It’s a flamboyant bridal trend, with just a touch of fairytale. Some designers are taking things further, combining ruffles with masculine details to create an edgier look that puts us in mind of the early ‘Eighties club scene.
Images: Laura Riera’s gilet, trousers and frill overskirt; Marco & Maria’s frilled gown in café and gold; Simone Marulli’s ruff-necked cape
Short takes
We’ve been charting the return of alternative skirt lengths for a couple of seasons now and London and Barcelona offered endless takes on raised hemlines. From minis to hi-lo hemlines to Mar Rodriguez’ ravishingly demure coatdress with pearl buttons, there was a look to suit every style of celebration and make the most of a knockout pair of wedding shoes.
Images: Sophie et Voilà split-front gown with full sleeves; Mar Rodriguez’ refined coatdress; Cymbeline’s hi-lo hemline gown with ruffles
Take the plunge
Perfect for the destination bride, a new crop of elegant bridal gowns offer body-skimming shapes and flattering plunge necklines. Many designers are opting for sporty halternecks or bootlace straps to show off tanned and toned shoulders. The emphasis here is on lightweight and luxe fabrics, while gorgeous shimmering embellishment features on some of our favourite designs.
Images: Ronald Joyce’s body-hugging satin sheath; Mar Rodriguez’ glittering plunge gown; Savin London’s plunge neck dress with handkerchief-effect detail
BRIDAL CONTACTS
Alejandro Resta; alejandroresta.com
Charlotte Balbier; charlottebalbier.com
Cymbeline: key UK stockists include Mirror Mirror London; cymbeline.com
Eternity Bridal; eternitybridal.co.uk
Inmaculada Garcia; inmaculadagarcia.com
Isabel Sanchis; isabelsanchis.com
Laura Riera; notjustalabel.com/designer/laura-riera
Marco & Maria: key UK stockists include The Wedding Club; marcoymaria.com
Mar Rodgriguez; marrodriguez.com
Morilee; morilee.co.uk
Pronovias; pronovias.com
Ronald Joyce; ronaldjoyce.com
Sassi Holford; sassiholford.com
Savin London; savinlondon.com
Simone Marulli; simonemarulli.com
YolanCris; yolancris.com
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