Tag: trends

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Best bridesmaid style trends that your friends will love

bridal party

Your wedding is fortunately at a time when a stunning variety of bridesmaids dresses, accessories and styles are available. This widens your choices and allows you to pick the best and most stylish options for your bridal party.

Your bridesmaids are all unique. So, their dresses and accessories should also reflect this uniqueness. Although it used to be a common practice to dress bridesmaids to look the same, this is no longer a trend. One-of-a-kind bridesmaids dresses that come together beautifully are a delightful sight. Add the finishing touches with accessories that pop, and your bridal party will look stunning. Not only does this speak eons of your taste in fashion, it also shows that you want your bridal party to be happy. Let their personalities shine through the dresses you choose for each of them. This will make the day extra-special and very memorable.

In today’s round-up, we take a look at the most stylish options of all times in bridesmaids dresses. As fashion trends change every day, these are styles that never lose appeal. Enjoy the tour and don’t forget to tell us which of these trends you will choose for your bridal party.

Enigmatic florals

Spring or summer, floral prints are never out of style. In fact, the Fashion spot suggests floral prints are a classic favorite that never go out of style. Whether large or small, floral details on a dress are always feminine and romantic. Perfect for garden weddings, these prints can easily be tied to any theme. Floral bridesmaids dresses have taken on varied forms and in every imaginable color of the spectrum. We have of course, always been fans of soft and subtle watercolor florals. At the same time, pastel and neutral backgrounds and bright blooms on shimmering fabric have been equally appealing. The dresses are even more delightful when paired with features like fluttery sleeves and ruffles. Floral prints also look beautiful on both long and short gowns. Here is a sample.


This printed chiffon gown from the Mori Lee bridesmaid collection is stylish and feminine, with its sweetheart neckline, off-the-shoulder neckline detail and side slit. The floral details add a whimsical touch, making the dress perfect for an outdoor wedding.

Silky slip or sheath silhouette

Figure-hugging and sexy, slip and sheath dresses look amazing in silky fabrics like satin. Choose dark jewel tones and your girls will look their glamorous best. This style that was in the limelight in the ’90s is just ideal for formal weddings.  The dress exudes sophistication and the slinky look can take several years off the woman who wears it, especially when it is in satin. Pair sheath and slip dresses in solid colors with accessories to match your color theme and create a cohesive effect.

This shift dress from the Alfred Angelo bridesmaid collection has a halter neckline that adds to its fun and flirty look. Simple and youthful, the dress falls over the natural curves, with the drape along the hemline wrapping around the silhouette. Pair it with shoes and jewelry in the color of your choice, and you have a stylish choice that will make your girls love you a little more.

Tea-length gowns

Neither long nor short, this is the ideal dress length that all your girls can carry easily. Tea-length dresses look lovely without revealing too much skin. They also have the sophistication to suit semi-formal events. The dress style goes very well with most wedding themes. You have an amazing variety of options to choose from, to match it to the bridal look. Dresses in airy fabrics like chiffon, lace and tulle look best for this length.

This beauty from the Mori Lee Tulle Affairs collection is sure to impress your bridesmaids. The textured bodice contrasts well with the satin waistband and layered tulle skirt. The length is just right for your girls to carry comfortably and look elegant. The classic scoop neckline with spaghetti straps is refreshingly feminine, and the dress is available in various colors.

Tiers in the skirt

Tiered skirts have been popular in bridal fashion.. This feature is just as attractive in bridesmaids outfits. Not only is it a romantic detail in a dress, it is a refreshing change to very simple dress styles. Light fluttering tiers in airy fabrics like chiffon look very beautiful. Your girls are sure to welcome this dress style that is dramatic, but not overwhelming. Whether done in asymmetric fashion for a modern twist or simple, tiered dresses are amazing and bound to make your bridal party photos interesting.

Despite the simplicity of this gown, this Mori Lee bridesmaid dress packs a punch. The even tiers in the skirt evoke interest and make the dress one of a kind. The texture in the skirt balances out the monochromatic color and also diverts attention from the simple bodice.

Romantic rose gold sequins

Replace pretty pastels, unobtrusive neutrals and monochrome dresses with the bling of rose gold. Bridesmaids dresses embellished with rose gold sequins are very dressy and will make your girls shine like stars. The soft tint of rose gold looks good on most complexions. The other good thing about this choice is that you needn’t worry about accessories. In most cases, the dress will be a statement piece by itself. Additionally, the light color blends well with most themes, and almost acts as a neutral. Opt for dresses with rose gold sequins only in the bodice, if you don’t want too much bling.

Here is a ravishing sweetheart sheath with rose gold sequins all over, from the Alfred Angelo collection. The silhouette as well as the sparkling embellishments make this dress a winner. Choose it for a banquet venue or a country club, and it will shine at either location.

Also take a look at the dress below, that features rose sequins in the bodice alone. The embellished empire bodice contrasts beautifully with the smooth finish of the rest of the dress. This has a fun and flirty look and is ideal for semi-formal and casual weddings. This dress is also from the Alfred Angelo collection.

Interesting back details

We cannot think of a single bride who doesn’t love dresses with amazing details in the back. This design factor immediately draws focus to this angle of the dress, and adds to the glamour. While brides have intricate and very interesting details like illusion backs and keyhole cut-outs, bridal collection designers haven’t forgotten about their best friends either. Bridesmaids dresses that feature interesting back details will be loved by your girls. Most ready-made dresses feature details in sheer fabric and are combined with textured bodices for a beautiful effect. There are also designs with open backs, crystal and beaded embroidery and similar details that add style to the rear angle.

This Mori Lee bridesmaid dress has a diamond shape cut-out in the back. The detail is crafted in lace, and is the statement feature of this dress. Since the cut-out makes the dress interesting from the rear angle, consider highlighting it with a hairstyle like a high bun that keeps the hair off their shoulders. With a bateau neckline in the front, this feature adds an interesting element to the otherwise simple dress.

Jewel tones for warmth and drama

Jewel tone colors are always more attractive than plain hues. The deep richness of these colors will add an air of sophistication to the overall outfit. Hence they are perfect for adding more color to your wedding palette. The refined shimmer of jewel tones also makes it easier to match the dress to any complexion. Like this article on the Oprah website suggests, jewel colors make everyone look more radiant.  This will make it easier for you to find colors that work for most of your bridesmaids. It is also easier than working with pastels and plain shades.

This mulberry colored dress from the Mori Lee collection is exquisite for its jewel tone. Imagine the same dress sans the shimmer and you will understand how simple it would be in comparison. The rich and bold color is what makes this dress stand out and look vibrant.

Flutter sleeves

Flutter sleeves are ultra-feminine and flatters women of all sizes and shapes. The length and texture can be customized according to individual body types. This is a feature that will add a romantic vibe to your wedding scenery. It is suitable for both full-length and short dresses. While adding a modest touch to the outfit, flutter sleeves are also youthful. Soft, fluttering sleeves in airy fabric like chiffon look beautiful on dresses with ruffled details in the bodice and skirt.

The fluttering sleeve on this off-the-shoulder gown from the Mori Lee collection adds a vintage feel to this bridesmaid dress. The fluttering sleeve extends into a ruffled neckline, which is the signature element of this beautiful dress. Soft and romantic, this is a dress your bridesmaids will look lovely in. Don’t be surprised if they choose to wear it more than just once.

All-white setting

All white palettes are a safe option for your wedding. Instead of searching far and near for the perfect color for your bridesmaids,dress them in white. Then choose accessories for accent colors that tie to the palette. White bridesmaid dresses look classic, and are relatively easy to match to the bridal look. Also, white is a universal favorite that flatters every complexion. Why would wedding dresses otherwise be in white? Whether you pick your bridesmaids dresses in soft chiffon, beautiful lace or crisp organza, the color or lack-of it is bound to work seamlessly with the rest of your wedding theme.

How adorable is this cute white bridesmaid dress from the Alfred Angelo collection! The ruffled bodice and illusion neckline work in harmony with the gathered A-line skirt. The waistband adds a pleasant pop of color to the all-white dress. It is very girly and this dress would look beautiful at a semi-formal wedding.

Sleek silhouettes

As fashion edges towards minimalist and crisp, clean lines and sleek silhouettes are the rage. After all, bridesmaids do not need frumpy, frilly dresses to look great. Instead, smart and sleek silhouettes are stylish and attractive. Slim-cut skirts, fitted tops and clean necklines with minimum embellishments look great in simple colors. These are especially smart in grays, browns and black. They can be paired with colorful accessories and bouquets for a perfect Pinterest album.

Simple and elegant, this no-fuss dress from the Alfred Angelo is classic and perfect for any wedding theme at all. While the dress features a dipped halter neckline, it also has a gathered waistline and fitted silhouette. The skirt is softly fluted to create asymmetric draping over the body. The back features a racer-back detail. It is the statement element of this dress.

We hope you enjoyed this collection of dresses for bridesmaids. All these designs are from our bridesmaids dress collection at Best for Bride. So, which of these design styles do you love the most? Tell us in the comment section below.

Whether you have a traditional and classic wedding on the cards or intend to have an edgier, modern theme for your special day, find all that you need at Best for Bride. Check out our wide array of bridal dresses to interesting bridesmaid dresses, accessories, dresses for the mother of the bride and more. For more details on our inventory and services, visit the Best for Bride website.

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Our favorite trends in evening dresses this year

If you are going shopping to pick an evening dress or two for your social engagements this holiday season, let us prepare you for your shopping experience with what looked to be the most happening and interesting trends this year. We have also lined up some dress suggestions that you can look at, and these are all from our bridesmaid and evening dress collections at Best for Bride. Don’t forget to let us know what you like from these, and whether you do indeed choose any of them.

Colors

Spring and summer 2016 introduced us to the neutral color palette of pink and brown. Subtle versions of pink including dusty pink and peach, that aren’t too loud are perfect colors for evening wear if you don’t want to look too bright or bold. Plus, these neutral colors can be the perfect backdrop for some fun and dressy accessories. So, if you have that perfect bold clutch to show off or a stunning necklace, you know what would look good with it.

Now, if you want to make a stunning appearance, you could always consider bubblegum pink which was hot on the scenes last summer. This can certainly color up the scenery, but it may not really be right if you want a serious and refined look. Here is a bubblegum pink dress from the Alfred Sung evening dress collection. The added details like the up and down hemline add more spunk to the bright and vivid color that it features.

The other cool color (literally cool!) palette this year was deep blue color, and the colors seemed to pop with the iridescent highlights. What a stunning fashion statement! Bright pops of effervescent embellishments against deep dark water colors are undoubtedly a winner, don’t you agree? So, make sure your wardrobe has a perfect blue or green, that will allow you to step in and steal everybody’s attention.

Now, let us tell you exactly what we meant by deep sea colors with iridescent highlights with you this showstopper from the Jadore evening dress collection. What do you think of the scintillating effect of the top?

Our next picks are sunset hues like sunny vermillion and zesty orange which were featured on the catwalks and are always great reminders of spring and the wonderful tropics. Wondering whether it is a good idea for winter? We say go for it, as it will be different. Pair it with some colorful accessories, and you can nail that festive look that is perfect for any celebration. Also remember that deep oranges like clementine and browns are still pretty much in style and you can always turn to these as a safe bet. Since these colors look great on almost any skin tone, you couldn’t possibly go wrong. How refreshing is this sunset orange dress featured in the Social Bridesmaids collection. You can find this and many more attractive sunset hues in this collection at Best for Bride. 

Prints

Oversize prints and florals in either retro-inspired style or small and delicate Garden of Eden designs were all the rage last spring and summer. Equally attractive were color block prints, but remember that this year, color blocking has taken a new dimension with monochrome bold stripes and rainbow colors. Here is a captivating black and white striped gown from the Alfred Sung evening dress collection that is unique and distinct with the style and placement of the stripes on the sateen fabric.

Isn’t it just a fact that bold color combinations can make a huge impact, and why limit yourself to one when you can wreak havoc with many colors at the same time. So, go with color blocking in this years style, and you will be glad you did it.

Graphic prints and oversize motifs in bold statement colors are still hot. So, if you want something that is loud and daring, don’t hesitate to pick out a dress with a loud motif that screams for attention.

Graphic floral prints have been fashioned out of wide lace to make this Jadore evening dress a sensational beauty. You can find this in our evening dress collection, and remember that it is also available in red with the same design, if that is the color you favor.

A tip for your casual wear choices as well. Denim with needlepoint embroidery seems to be back, with both menswear and womenswear collections featuring it a lot. So, take a cue and update your jeans collection with at least one that features it, for a trendy look.

Patterns and Styles

Many interesting and unusual changes have popped up in the style section. Fluidity in structure was the focus this year, with many designers celebrating the natural womanly shape with loose flowing garments. Maxi dresses with loose fits and peasant dresses were an interesting trend. These are perfect for both indoor and outdoor functions. We loved how the dresses were made suitable for both formal and informal occasions through the appropriate use of fabric. While silk was the choice for formal functions, cotton and gauze made similar designs comfortable and good for outdoor and casual events.

Now, here is a fluid full-length dress from the Jadore evening collection in a sheath silhouette that courses along the natural curves of the wearer. We love the delicate and feminine effect from the soft flow of the fabric and how it is further enhanced by the spectacular addition of lace in the right places.

So, if you have a beach wedding to attend this year, it may be a good idea to revisit last year’s maxi trend and choose a dress that will look dressy even while being casual and comfortable.

The other popular dress styles were A-line skirts and asymmetrical hemline dresses that ended between mid-length and calf. Perfect for cocktail parties, these designs are cool and chic, and look good whether they are in prints or plain.

This Mori Lee evening dress features an unusual up and down hemline that makes it both casual and chic, flirty and fun. Perfect for that fun evening out with your girls, don’t you think?

We have also noticed that the neatly pleated style is back on the scene. The refined and clean look that is part of this design seems to appeal greatly to women who want a polished look. Perfect to go with a neat updo or when you want to attend a formal function at work, this is perhaps the dress style that will help you nail the look. Don’t you think this pleated dress from the Jasmine dress collection is worth your attention?

The off-the-shoulder style is still a big hit, and you would definitely look sultry and romantic in a dress that features this style. When the off-the-shoulder style is combined with a long gown it has a sophisticated charm, while it looks stylish and glamorous in a shorter version. Either way, we think that this is a definite style that will continue to be favored for a long time. So don’t hesitate to grab a dress in one of the colors we mentioned previously and look both trendy and beautiful for the occasion you will be attending.

Splendid and sexy, this Mori Lee beauty is a masterpiece for more than just the off-the-shoulder feature on it. The asymmetrically ruched bodice and the scintillating waistband are the other interesting elements that make this dress a total hit.

The other style that is really trending is the Goddess style dress. Don’t you love the one-shoulder dress that has always looked romantic and mysterious? With a dress that focuses on enhancing your natural beauty, while still adding an ethereal charm with delicate and unique features such as a draped bodice or one-shoulder strap, this is a definite winner. Choose a longer version if you want to look formal, or go with a shorter skirt or one with ruffles all along if you would prefer to be playful and effortless in what you wear. Take a look at this dress from the Jasmine evening dress collection.

Accessories

The same colors that we discussed above are the top choices in dress accessories. Brown and muted pinks are subtle colors that look great with almost any dress. They allow you to tone down your overall impact, when your dress is really vibrant. Apart from this, the deep sea hues are also seen dressing up large clutches and also adding extra glamour to earrings, necklaces and shoes with the iridescent effects that we talked about earlier. These effects are exquisite and match an outdoor beach setting, as well as look great at winter holiday parties. Now, if you know your friend has a nautical theme party, you know what you need in the accessories department to get your look just right for the theme.

Metallic Moody Blues Demi Parure Set
Image Credits: Melissa Ingram, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Warm yourself up when you step outside in oversize fluid coats, which were all the rage on the runways last year. Not only are they cozy, they go well with most dresses making it a versatile outer wear choice. Wrap cardigans and sporty culottes were also a fashion statement, however they are appropriate only when the occasion you will be attending has a casual vibe. The other style icons are trucker jackets updated with fringing and embellishments.

Details we loved

When choosing a dress, you needn’t go with the latest trends all the way, just a few statement features are all that is required to help you stand out of the crowd. These are what the details of a dress can achieve with ease. Let us now look at the various details that we loved from the dresses we have been seeing last year.

Ruffles are one of the most attractive features that adds extra personality to any dress. We have seen ruffles come and go, but its been in the main scene most of last year. So, it may be a good idea to stick to ruffles as a fashion element in your dresses. The fun thing about ruffles is how they can be used to change the overall impact of a dress. By adding it in the right locations and adequately, we have seen ruffles dramatically alter the look of a dress from formal and sophisticated to casual and elegant. Ruffles may appear either in the neckline, sleeves, bodice or skirt of the dress. Then again, it can be added in moderation or luxuriously. You can choose this based on whether you want to look fun or serious. Either way it is undoubtedly a very feminine and romantic element, so it is one that you should definitely try.

Have a look at this ruffled dress from the Jadore collection, and you will soon realize how dramatic ruffles can be.

Black and white continue to be eternal favorites, but white this time seems to have taken an entirely distinct effect from what was ever seen before. Antique white, or parchment white is the new color on the scene, and you may like to consider it in moderate doses as part of your attire or in your accessories for a clean and crisp look that also exudes a vintage vibe.

The other notable fashion styles were the presence of eyelet holes on shoulders alongside the cold shoulder or off-the-shoulder style. This use of designs that show off skin in the shoulder area is both chic and youthful. If you want a fun flirty look with lots of spunk, you should definitely consider getting yourself a brightly colored evening dress with exposed shoulders and perhaps sleeves that skim the shoulders or with a number of straps that brace your arms for the perfect look this season.

We think that a dress like the Jadore gown shown here would do the job very well.

Hope you’ve found yourself enough inspiration to go shopping for your evening dresses soon enough. Check out our evening dress collection on Best for Bride for hundreds of more attractive designs and find dresses that will be just perfect for every occasion you have in mind.

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A Quick recap: 10 favorite trends from Fall/Winter 2016

Wedding fashion is continuously evolving. What is in today may be entirely out of the scene tomorrow. It is a pity that some trends that rocked the stage on their first appearance tend to die out without a trace soon after. Well, fashion depends on the taste of the onlooker. So, what we may love today may not find favor with the next set of brides who will get married in the coming year.

Nevertheless, it is fun to recap and look back at those trends that had us smitten when they were initially introduced. This is what we will do today. Fall 2016 may have passed by too soon, and winter may already be here. So, all our winter and fall brides would most likely have picked their wedding dresses by now. Even so, we thought it would be nice to take a look at our favorite trends in wedding fashion for fall and winter 2016 and see the best that the year had in store. Why don’t you join us!

Off-the-shoulder neckline

One trend that has been considered high-fashion, and still seems to be going strong is the off-the-shoulder neckline. Sleeves that barely skim the shoulder, leaving the neck and decolletage exposed, have a magical appeal. The unbeatable charm of this design is what makes the off-the-shoulder neckline a dress style that has captured the hearts of brides everywhere. It is seductive and sassy, and is suitable for almost every wedding style. This design is recommended by fashion experts as a universally flattering neckline that almost any type of bride can attempt and get right. Whether the neckline is clubbed with a ball gown or a sheath style dress, it is always has a distinct quality of its own.

Featured here is a Jasmine couture wedding gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline design. The embellished bordering of the neckline is stunning, along the ruffled pleats of the fabric. Don’t you love how it gently grows into a ruched bodice that snugly courses along the model’s figure all the way to the hips? The flare skirt adds the picture-perfect finish to this design, and it is a dress that I think would fit any modern bride’s vision.

Light-as-air wedding dresses

Airy wedding dresses were a welcome change to the rigidly structured ball gown and fit and flare silhouettes that have been trending for a while now. Many brides embraced this loose and breathable look, through dresses that looked breezy and refreshingly new. Layers of fabric that looked as soft as snow were seen everywhere on the runways, and in plenty of weddings. We are sure that this is a trend that we would love to see more in the wedding scenes in the coming seasons as well. Fabrics like chiffon and organza are most suitable for delivering this dreamy effect.

Delicate and dreamy, we love how this Mori Lee wedding gown has a soft and billowy feel. The sheer outer layer stands out against the thicker fabric of the inner layers, making it unusually breezy. A design similar to this couldn’t possibly weigh down a bride, and it is a great choice for the outdoors if you have to maneuver your way through the natural terrain. Finally, we also love the waistline belt detail that accentuates a slender waist and helps you show off a well-toned structure in the best way possible.

Whimsical short butterfly sleeves

If you should have sleeves for your dress, it should be these soft fluttery sleeves. It is so feminine and dainty, you can only look your best wearing them. A welcome change from the cap sleeve style that was all the rage the past year, these fluttery sleeve dresses are a vintage bride’s dream come true. A dress with this single feature will immediately push up the vintage factor and add a charm that is so vintage! Fluttery sleeves can be fashioned out of lace or breathable airy fabric like tulle or organza. It looks best when it is sheer and the skin peeps through. A gown with a simple silhouette will immediately gain a personality with this single style element.

How unusually splendid is this wedding gown from our Alfred Angelo wedding collection? Notice how the fluttery whimsical sleeves add a dash of style to the beautiful sweetheart neckline. It is also sheer genius to have combined it with the asymmetrical high-low layered hemline to add more light weight layers that are float. The layered skirt contrasts elegantly with the fitted bodice in a silky finish, to create a fantastic overall look. A bride in this dress would be perfect for a vintage-inspired or classic wedding. The modesty of the dress also makes it a great choice for a traditional ceremony.

3-D flowers

One of the trends that we saw in 2015 and simply took to immediately, was the 3-D style embellishments of wedding gowns. Lace as the central element contrasted effectively with the layers beneath it to create a 3-D effect that made the floral motifs on these gowns simply stunning. Additional embellishments like rhinestones and metallic beading further enhanced the ethereal beauty of these designs. The 3-D effect has since then been a favorite with brides, and this year was no different.

Mori Lee has crafted this magical element into many of its wedding gowns, but we particularly love this wedding dress with Venice lace appliques creating an obvious 3-dimensional effect against the soft net layer underneath. The sheer lace three-fourth sleeves and fitted bodice strewn with floral motifs look spell-binding. Isn’t this dress simply a masterpiece that is perfect for a vintage-style wedding? Just like the previous gown we saw, the modest neckline and sleeves of this gown make it a good choice for traditional weddings too. Despite this, it is still a glamorous dress which will allow a bride to show-off her beautiful curves with the fit and flare silhouette it sports.

Vintage Boho

The Boho trend has been hot and happening on the casual wedding scene for quite some time now. This 2016, we saw a notable shift towards boutique vintage style in Boho wedding dresses, and this was distinctly more feminine and appealing to a wider audience. The casual, relaxed vibe of Boho chic dresses weren’t lost, even while it focused more on fluidity than form this year. We like the idea of adding more elegance to the Boho style, as this increases the glamour quotient associated with this style of dressing.

Another dazzler from the Alfred Angelo collection, this gown brings together the essence of Bohemian style and combines it with classic features to create a masterpiece. The slender straps and the effortless look of the criss-cross bodice make it casually appealing, while the delicately flowing skirt and the pretty waistband detail add an element of sophistication to this elegant wedding dress. It is a head-turner that is simply perfect for a beach wedding or any wedding held in the outdoors. It is also a great choice for a fun-filled and exciting reception, where the bride would love to shake a leg and not be restricted by a heavy wedding gown. Don’t discount the fact that the light weight and airy fabric make it practical and easy to carry. We’re smitten by its simplicity and functionality. How about you?

Up and down hemline layers

After asymmetrical hemlines, the current trendsetter is up and down hemlines, preferably in more than one layer. They have a distinct personality and are not even remotely boring. The simple addition of the distinct layers to an otherwise unsophisticated silhouette can instantly improve the style and add more glamour to any bride. The fun part about distinct layers in wedding skirts is that it is dramatic and exudes an air of excitement and joy.

Take this dreamy Mori Lee gown for example. The sprightly skirt with evident layers looks distinct from any other design you may have ever seen before. While being lightweight and breezy, it is still powerful and attractive. The ruchings on the criss-cross bodice culminate in a scintillating waistband that marks the beginning of a layered skirt, and the up and down hemlines flutter in the wind to make it a dazzling beauty. If you have ever worried about what dress to choose for your outdoor wedding, so that it is not just practical but strikingly bridal, a dress like this is what you should seek.

Overlay skirts

The truth is that more and more brides today, choose to stay away from ball gown skirts. This is perhaps because they do not favor the structured and rigid form that is associated with ball gowns. Nonetheless, they still want that little layer of pouf to add some drama of their wedding day look. So, it’s basically a case of finding that balance, and this is what overlay skirts in wedding dresses have managed to achieve. It allows brides to look beautiful with just the right amount of layering to highlight their natural curves.

In this Mori Lee gown, you can see a dainty sheer lace layer that beautifully adds an extra dimension to the original fit and flare design. This overlay skirt is the most prominent feature of the remarkable gown, and the pretty floral lace appliques have an almost 3-dimensional quality. What we particularly love about the dress is how the skirt looks very distinct from the bodice, even in the absence of an obvious waistline. This could have been achieved easily with a waistband with some added sparkle, but the designers chose to keep it simple and yet managed to create the effect beautifully with the sheer overlay skirt. The soft overlay may just be an additional layer of fabric, but it still fashions an hourglass effect and can emphasize a slender waistline.

Antique white or parchment white

Unless you are a novice in wedding fashion, you will already know that wedding dresses come in different types of whites! There is a white for every bride, and most wedding dresses are available in more than just one type. This makes it easy for brides to find the white that accentuates their skin tone in the best way and looks great on them. The year 2016 saw a new color rise to fame—antique white. This was not confined to wedding fashion, but antique white dresses were the rage all over the catwalk, even in other fashion circles. The difference in this color is that it looks distressed, but some features look best on this shade of white. Perfect for vintage weddings, wedding gowns created in antique white finish have a distinct quality to their overall look that sets them apart from the regular stark white. Whether this color is used for the entire gown, or it is weaved into the design in certain places only, it definitely adds a noticeable quality to the look.

This stylish Mori Lee gown has antique white coloring in the skirt. This contrasts beautifully with the creamy white bodice, making both halves equally prominent. Everything about this gown is captivating. The smooth strapless neckline and embellished bodice are highlighted by the breezy bouncy skirt. Although there aren’t too many details, the dress is one that impresses. Ball gowns which do not look too crowded are a rarity these days, and this one is perfect for the bride who is very particular about not going overboard with details.

This brings us to the end of our recap on the best wedding dress trends we saw this year. We hope that at least some of them are to stay. Some of the designs, like the 3-D lace effects and overlay skirts are a hot favorite, that we wouldn’t be surprised if they move over into the realm of classics in no time. If you were married this year, or are planning your wedding in the coming year, tell us if your wedding dress featured any of these design features.

And, to continue looking at more lavish wedding dress choices that will have you looking forward to your wedding day, don’t forget to visit our online bridal gallery at Best for Bride. We are sure you will love the experience.

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Wedding Trends that went out in 2016

When you plan your wedding details, one aspect to consider is whether it will always seem appealing, or will quickly look dated. There are many trends that often feel outdated in just a few years. Then, there are also others that endure the test of time and end up being classics. These trends are those that have such a strong impact, that they are not easily forgotten nor replaced by new entrees into the scene.

While some of the trends we’ve seen in 2015 and 16 are still going strong, we can see some others fading out gradually. Over the course of this article, we will look at the trends that are no longer as popular as they were when they were first introduced. So, here they are.

Mason Jars

mason jar

Although mason jars continue to be the choice of many brides for serving party favors ranging from preserves to bath scrub, there is a general feeling that it is overused. As a result, guests no longer view this accessory as interesting, and it has definitely lost the appeal it once had. So, if you are considering mason jars for your wedding, it may be a good idea to rethink this option. You can always keep the drama alive by using different containers in various sizes, thus moving away from the monotony of using the same old mason jar everywhere. If you must have glass, you can also consider different finishes such as frosted glass containers, crystal ware or ones with decorative work to add an interesting twist.

Seated dinners

dinner

Although traditional style five-course dinners continue to be seen at traditional weddings, more and more couples are opting for the casual, laid-back and easier buffet meals instead. With the growing popularity of casual and fun wedding themes, this gives couples a better alternative to provide wholesome and interesting dishes with minimum wastage. It also allows them to stick to a smaller budget and still serve interesting fare. Strolling food stations are considered more interesting and allow people the opportunity to walk around and indulge in conversation, thus reducing the formality of the occasion and making it more friendly. This also allows the couple to order less food, as the food isn’t placed at every table and they can safely assume that not everyone will want to try all the dishes. It thus gives them more flexibility in determining the appropriate serving sizes for each item on the menu.

Candy Buffets

candy buffet

First it was the chocolate fountain that came with a bang, and then went out without a trace. Candy buffets are next on this list. What began as a huge trend in 2012, continued to find favor with couples tying the knot in 2013 and 14. Since it’s popularity has dwindled considerably, as it is making fewer appearances nowadays. If you are very fond of this idea, you may like to consider a miniature version of it for your younger guests. Forego it for the older guests, as it needn’t be such a great hit. The more interesting choice would be to opt for a dessert buffet in place of the extensively sweetened candy treats arranged in clear glass bottles. Rather than set one up and spend a huge amount on it, you can pack away a select few candy choices for your party guests in mint tins or personalized favor boxes.

Photo booths

photo-booth-748515_1280

While a classic wedding backdrop is a timeless favorite, the photo booths set up with a range of thrift store finds and props are definitely moving out of the wedding scene. It has been overdone and whatever the theme, dressing up with fake props like glittering sun glasses and feathery stoles, and posing for silly pictures is no longer enjoyed by wedding guests. So, if you have a photo booth on your list of wedding décor accessories, it may be a good idea to cross it out. Or else, at least choose a theme-appropriate design that will do double duty as a beautiful background for your wedding setting.

Chalkboards

chalkboard

Once upon a time, chalkboards were here, there and everywhere you looked. It was almost as though chalkboard was synonymous with anything even remotely rustic. Everything from the wedding menu, to seating arrangements, place cards and even direction signs were all done in chalkboard. What initially entered the wedding scene as an interesting and versatile display element ended up overpowering the rustic scene and becoming too common and no longer interesting. Luckily, that trend has ended as chalkboards are sparingly used today. So, don’t include it in your wedding, unless absolutely necessary. It is better off forming the base for your kitchen pantry list or as the menu sign a cafe. Instead, turn to the classic favorites like printed signs and banners and these will never go out of fashion.

Long veils

veil

A veil may be traditional fare and an easy shortcut to making most dresses fit into classic wedding themes. Nevertheless, the length of the veil has consistently reduced to no longer than arm-length over the years. Bird cage veils are occasionally spotted by brides still going with the vintage wedding themes. Short and sheer veils are also common-place enough. But the royal-length veil and veils that end at the knee or beyond are hardly chosen at all. Many brides even forego the veil entirely, and decorate their hair with pretty headpieces and accessories instead. This allows them to show off the stunning back details of their carefully chosen wedding dress, and may also be more practical and comfortable in an outdoor wedding.

Burlap

burlap table runner

Another close contender of the chalkboard, the burlap was once a must-have at any rustic wedding. It adorned everything from tables, buntings and aisles to bouquets and wedding favor bags. It was so popular, that everyone started associating vintage wedding themes with burlap. And this is probably one of the reasons why it became boring. You should also remember that it is not an element that can just be added anywhere. Distinct in color and with powerful texture, burlap is easily noticeable and cannot be overlooked when added to your wedding scene. Couples always want to incorporate an element of surprise into their weddings, and burlap is anything but unexpected. So, it is no wonder that it is slowly being replaced by newer and more interesting versions in fabric. Now, if you have a shabby chic wedding in mind, you can still execute it to perfection sans the burlap. Turn to distressed wood and lace instead, as these are elements that have stood the test of time.

Bridesmaids in matching dresses

Bold and brave brides set the scene as they deviated from the matching-matching bridesmaid trend, early this decade. This has now taken the bridal fashion world by storm as fewer brides choose the same dress for all their bridesmaids. Accepting the individuality and personal style of each of the girls who stand beside them when they say “I do,” brides now prefer the mix and match style to entirely matching bridesmaid dresses. Expect to see them continue and brides come up with more innovative ideas to choose dress combinations that work together in tandem. The current trend is to choose colors from the same palette or dresses with different features but in the same color. Color block variations of a certain pattern are also a trending favorite.

Pastels   Bridesmaids 6

Image Credits: outreachr.com, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

There was a time when soft, pretty pastels were the go-to choice for wedding color palettes. It continues to be pleasant, refreshing and definitely spring-time, but it is less favored now. Brides today prefer to choose bolder and more obvious colors for their wedding color palette. With the focus on deeper colors that have a stronger personality, pastels are less popular compared to the time every wedding had a pastel touch to it. If you have your mind set on colors that belong to this spectrum, it is a better idea to limit yourself to one or two colors, and mix it up with bolder hues or neutrals that will not look dated when you go through your wedding album ten years from now.

Long-sleeves

Long-sleeve bridal dresses were in demand in the years following Kate Middleton’s wedding. The interest in this fashion feature continued for a few consecutive years, but now brides are stepping away from it. After the off-the-shoulder style and single strap style that were popular in 2014 and 15, brides are again embracing strapless and sleeveless styles like before. The illusion sleeve however still finds favor with many brides as it is one that camouflages many flaws and enhances the best features of many a bride. Whimsical fluttery sleeves and cap sleeve gowns also are popular choices with brides who wish to cover their neck and shoulders but don’t want to entirely cover up their arms in full-length sleeves.

Towering wedding cakes

There was a time when having a tall and towering wedding cake was compulsory. Intricately designed and taking the theme to the extreme, these cakes were elaborate and huge, and not to mention expensive. Couples these days however opt for style in place of size and like to make a statement with their distinct wedding cake choice. Couples who choose to have towering wedding cakes, do so with a difference. They turn to faux cake layers for the effect and keep the actual cake tiers minimum to save money. The more preferred choice however, is to have a small but beautiful couture cake for the actual cake cutting ceremony. Guests are then served from sheet cakes in the kitchen. This way, there is no compromise on style, but the cost is minimized while the guests still get to eat excellent cake.

Glitter

Glitter RoseImage Credits: Pernilla Rydmark, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Bling is no longer stylish. The spotlight instead is on monotone and deep metallic. Glittering details may crop up once in a while, but more and more brides choose to stay away from glittering invitations, backdrops, wedding table décor and anything that is overly glitzy. While casual theme weddings go with fun eclectic combinations in tropical and bright colors, the formal styles choose gold, silver and other metallic colors in accents that are tastefully and proportionally added to the décor. So, stay away from far too much glitter and shine in anything wedding related, as this will soon be a dated look.

Ombre

ombre frill cake

Mostly confined to wedding cakes, ombre was a fashion statement in the last few years. Different colors were played out in varying shades all over cakes, with pinks and reds ruling the scene of ombre cakes. However, it has become a tad boring, and now brides are on the lookout for something different to mark their weddings with. Like we said earlier, the choice is more for artistically designed and detailed cakes that pack a punch, despite their simplicity. If you have your heart set on ombre, you can still confine it to the inside layers of the cake, but leave it off the fondant. The other happening trend that is still largely favored are nude cakes. The refreshing simplicity of their decoration and the natural look seems to have captivated many hearts. This is in stark contrast with elaborate fondant ombre cakes, so you can take a cue from this fact itself.

Can you think of any other trends that will soon be out of weddings entirely, though they were huge favorites initially? If so, do let us know in the comments below.

If you are a bride planning a wedding soon, don’t forget to visit our Best for Bride website to find anything and everything wedding related. With all that you need to realize the perfect wedding under a single roof, you needn’t go searching for it anywhere else. So, come in and take a look today!