A key bridal trend for 2019, the new crop of ballgown-inspired shapes offer flowing lines, lavish fabrics and rich textural combinations to create a romantic silhouette with timeless style
The bridal trend for ballgown shapes is always current, but for the new season we have much softer styles in the mix. Classic A-line and fluid and floaty skirts are balanced with structured bodices – many featuring complex embellishment. While strapless shapes remain popular in new-season collections, so too are plunge bodices and wide bateau necklines. Whichever you choose, there is a strong focus on shoulders and a romantic nipped in waist. Perhaps the best thing about this bridal trend is its lightness of touch. This means there is a look to suit all styles of wedding – from a classic ballroom affair to a destination celebration.
Flower maiden – Alma Novia
Exclusive to Boa Boutique in the UK, the Alma Novia collection created by Rosa Clará features fine fabrics and exquisite tailoring. Taya has a split-front bodice with flattering wide straps and floral embellishment. It’s available in ice white and natural tulle. boa-boutique.co.uk
Dream dressing – Sassi Holford
The new Enchanted collection from Sassi Holford is full of glamorous gowns for the ballroom, and we love Polly for its soft silhouette. Featuring a fitted panelled v-neck bodice, it has a pearl-dusted tulle skirt – perfect for the destination or high-summer bride. sassiholford.com
Fine cut – Amanda Wakeley
Lillian is a full silk gown with train from Amanda Wakeley. It features a fine textured scroll illusion panel, cut away at the front of the bodice to flatter the waist and continuing to the back of the gown and sleeves for a glittering effect. amandawakeley.com
Lace heaven – Enzoani Blue
This Loxley gown from the Enzoani Blue collection is an A-line strapless design with sweetheart neckline and slouch pockets. Fine Alençon lace is used along the length of the gown and train, softening and updating a classic formal silhouette. enzoani.com
Silk elegance – Stephanie Allin
With a structured off-the-shoulder neckline, fitted bodice and lavish train, Montreal is from the new Love Stories collection by British designer Stephanie Allin. The refined silhouette and lavish silk fabric make this a timeless and flattering choice. stephanieallin.net
Crystal edge – Ellis Bridals
This pure white gown has a flattering crossover pleated bodice and fluid A-line shape with train. We love the illusion-panel back dressed with crystals and beads, matched to a slimline crystal-trimmed belt. ellisbridals.co.uk
Colour story – Temperley Bride
Colour continues as a key 2019 trend and this Lucille gown from Temperley London offers the best of both worlds. In floaty white tulle with ribbon-tied open back, it has dainty floral motifs on bodice and skirt in sequins, mother of pearl and silver crystals. temperleylondon.com
Petal dressed – Suzanne Neville
With on-trend wide neckline to reveal the shoulders, Floriana has a flattering fitted bodice defined by a slim silk belt and embellished with intricate flowerheads that continue onto the flowing silk skirt. suzanneneville.com
MORE BRIDAL GOWN INSPIRATION?
New season 2019 looks we love from Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week
