Hot Tips for Cool Brides

The question has been popped, the champagne has been poured and now it’s time for the nitty-gritty: planning your wedding. One of the first steps is choosing the dress. Bridal fashion doesn’t change as quickly as the high street does—you won’t see everyone in long frocks one season and minis the next. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t evolve at all; you only need a quick glance at your mum’s wedding photos to see that. We talked to local industry experts to find out what summer 2017 brides will be wearing, plus top trends for hair, makeup and accessories. But best get a move on with picking the dress: they can take up to eight months to come in after ordering. —Aileen Lalor

i like to move it move it. No more stiff and restrictive dresses. Those in the know say that frocks that allow movement are de rigeur this year. “Brides seem to be straying away from the structured mermaid gowns and ordering more softly fitted gowns which will move freely throughout the day,” says Brittany Vickers, operations manager at Blush Bridal. (Photo, above: Theia Emma, available at Rituals of Love. Image by Whitney Krutzfeldt Photography.)

detail oriented. Clean and simple gowns are on their way out in favour of texture. Samantha Hallaran, owner of Rituals of Love says her brides are going for details like 3-D lace appliqué and silk petals, while Vickers’ are drawn to soft lace. (Photo, above: 16-15 Berta, available at Blush.)

call to arms. Sleeveless frocks were in style for decades. Maybe it’s the Kate Middleton effect, or maybe we all got tired of seeing brides who looked naked in their headshots, but their popularity finally seems to be waning. That said, if the dress you love is strapless, don’t let fashion diktats put you off. “You do you is in!” says Hallaran. “Brides are finally starting to go for something unique. Your gown can be timeless and ‘bridal’ without being typical. I love showing up at a wedding and seeing the bride wear something show-stopping and true to her personality. Weddings are a celebration, let us not forget.” (Photo, above: Rosa Clara Niher, available at Blush.)

head over heels. “In this day and age we only have a few chances to wear ceremonial pieces like headpieces and veils—it draws the whole look together,” says Hallaran. What’s in? For veils, Vickers says ultra-long and dramatic types, adorned with crystals or lace, are on trend. When it comes to headgear, it’s all about chains and circlets. “Like necklaces for the head, they draw the eyes up and help create an evenly balanced look,” says jewelry designer Elsa Corsi. And TV viewing is affecting bridal fashion, too. “We will start to see fewer flower crowns and a return to something more formal. Thanks to shows like The Crown on Netflix we’ll also see the tiara make a comeback,” says Corsi. (Photo, above: Elsa Corsi Tina headpiece, available at Jeweliette. Image: Ginny Silver.)

beautiful brides. By and large, brides have always gone for soft and neutral makeup looks and that’s not really changing, though some brides do look to the trends. “We feel it is our job to bring a modern quality to bridal makeup,” says AJ Woodworth, owner of The Glamoury. “Right now highlighted dewy skin is often requested over a heavier matte base. We do get the occasional bride that wants more of a dramatic look such as bold lip,” she says. For hairstyles, the traditional up-do is losing its popularity. “A lot of brides are going with a classic loose wave instead,” says Woodworth. “The dress usually sets the tone for how the hair should be styled. For example, if the lower back is exposed we often recommend our messy upstyle. But ultimately, it is about making the bride feel like the best version of herself. and there are no rules for that.”

after dark. Your daytime lingerie choices will probably be dictated by the dress, and may be more practical than pretty—a nude bra and panties. But when it’s time for the boudoir, it’s all about lace, silk and colour. “Although we typically offer our bridal collection in ivory, pale pink and blues, brides don’t necessarily abide by this palette,” says Kimberly Fairs, customer service manager at Christine Lingerie. “Some brides will choose to get co-ordinating robes for their bridal parties so everyone matches in the ‘getting ready’ photos.” Styles-wise, Fairs says most brides are going for short nighties (chemises), and the romper is coming back in a big way. (Photo, above: Co-ordinating printed gowns, such as this from Christine Lingerie, can be popular with bridal parties.)

how to get what you want. Keep an open mind. “Most brides think they want one thing and end up falling in love with another totally unexpected style,” says Hallaran. Leave the crowd at home. “Big groups [over five people] are distracting and remove you from yourself,” she adds. “If you feel beautiful and giddy, go with it. You also don’t need to go to more than three bridal shops.” Watch your timeline. “Designers charge a rush fee of up to 20 per cent the cost of your dress if you don’t give yourself enough time,” says Hallaran. Fairs says that it’s best to order lingerie two months before the big day, to ensure you get the colour and style you want. As for makeup, Woodworth recommends a trial a few months before the wedding—not so far in advance that the finished look isn’t fresh in your mind, but early enough that the team can ensure the stylist you want is available.