Wedding Gowns: What's Hot in 2012

Lately I've been curious about the new bridal collections coming out for Spring & Fall 2012.  I like to stay current on bridal fashion and see how it evolves from season to season. This year, I've noticed that a lot of the "big name" bridal fashion designers have some very similar trends to their collections. Based on the work that they do, you can bet that these trends will be the next hot thing in bridal stores everywhere. So, what are they? What are these bridal designers coming up with for 2012? Glad you asked! Here they are, straight off the runway.

What's your favorite bridal trend?




1. Illusion necklines – These are everywhere this year! And, I have to say that I like it. I think it's a great alternative for a modest bride who doesn't want to show the world her goods, but still wants to be sexy. Super trendy and cute.

(Top left: Carolina Herrera, Top right: Angel Sanchez, Bottom left: Alfred Angelo,  Bottom right: Monique Lhuillier)

 

2. Blush/nude – It's no surprise that so many designers are coming out with these non-white dresses. Blush and nude were such hot colors for weddings and bridesmaid dresses in 2010 that it was just a matter of time before it became fairly common to see in wedding dresses too. Definitely not for everyone, though, these dresses are for the bold and fashion-forward bride.

(Top left: Jenny Packham, Top right: Rivini, Bottom left: Vera Wang, Bottom right: Monique Lhuillier )

3. Lace sleeves – Ahh, yes. This is what I like to call the "Kate Middleton" trend. As soon as I spotted her walking down the isle in her long-sleeved lace dress, I knew that we were going to see look-alikes everywhere. In the past, these dresses were kind of seen as matronly and old-fashioned, but these designers have definitely found a way to make them pretty and fashionable again.

(Top left: Monique Lhuillier, Top right: Oscar de la Renta, Bottom left: Maggie Sottero, Bottom right: Monique Lhuillier)

 

 4. Subtle boning – In case you don't know, boning is used in bustier type wedding gowns to give the bodice a defined shape. Most times, the boning is hidden inside the fabric. This year, however, designers are letting the boning show for a beautiful, structured look. It's certainly visually interesting and adds some sexy personality to the dresses.

(Top left: Maggie Sottero, Top right: Ines di Santo, Bottom left: Tara Keely, Bottom right: St. Pucchi )

 


























5. Two-Tiered skirts – This is a great way to add a little bit of drama to a dress. The tiers definitely have a unique look and help add some volume for brides who don't want the whole "princess" look.

(Top left: Jennifer Salzman, Top right: Badgley Mischka, Bottom left: Ulla Maija, Bottom right: Christos)

 

 


























6. Prints – Talk about bold! These designers have gone outside of the traditional box to bring women a fun and funky alternative to a plain white dress. The pattern can be big and in-your-face, or more girly and feminine. Love it or hate it, it's definitely a big trend this year.

(Top left: Badgley Mischka, Top right: Claire Pettibone, Bottom left: Angel Sanchez, Bottom right: Oscar de la Renta)

7. Black – Whether it's a black detail here and there, or an all-black dress, this a great idea for the outgoing, offbeat bride. Who says you have to wear white? Black is the new white!

(Top left: Alvina Valenta, Top Right: Anne Bowen,  Bottom left: Carolina Herrera, Bottom right: Vera Wang)