So, that fact established, you’ll no doubt be wondering what wedding dress trends you need to keep in mind. Because being accused of being ‘so yesterday’ on your wedding day would be no fun at all.  Although if you have friends like that, dear reader, please don’t invite them.

I valiantly shoulder the task of eyeballing wedding dresses on a regular basis (see, those years of research are unwasted.  I’m not a frivolous time waster after all).  So here’s my take on the top 10 wedding dress trends for 2018 from the latest bridal gown collections to hit the catwalks.

1. The Sheer Look

The sheer wedding dress look is officially on trend.  Yep, you read that right – sheer, as in see-through.

Now depending on how brave you are, you can go for actual nipple exposure, or just pretend nipple exposure with a nude coloured material underneath.  It’s like a really great joke on your grandma to give her a slight heart attack until she manages a closer look.  Unless of course you go for full nipple exposure.  In which case I hope your grandma is made of stern stuff.

Clockwise from top left: Vera Wang, Rime Arodaky, Cortana, Rosa Clara

2.  Outerwear

Capes, jackets, boleros, knitwear, and other outerwear are turning up in most collections.  And they can turn a simple, plain wedding gown into something special.

If you live somewhere cooler (or where the weather is a lottery… like, I dunno, the UK), any kind of outerwear is useful.  Blue, goose-pimpled flesh is uncomfortable and downright unattractive, colour me rude.

Hip hip hooray, for warmth on The Day!

Clockwise from top left: Alan Hannah, Charlie Brear, Jesus Peiro, Monique Lhuillier

3. Unstructured Gowns

If you are blessed in the breastage department (back to boobs again), you’re probably best avoiding truly unstructured wedding gowns, as they have no corseting or pully-uppy structure to hold your bits and pieces in place.

That said, unstructured gowns are a brilliant friend to our less well-endowed sisterhood.  So pretty, yet so cool.  French wedding dress designers tend to be pros at these style of gowns, but they’re creeping into other collections too.

Clockwise from top left: Dana Bolton, Laure De Sagazan, Charlie Brear,  Jesus Peiro

4. Sleeves

It’s remarkably difficult to find wedding dresses without sleeves in many collections, and they come in all shapes and sizes.  Though I haven’t yet spotted leg-of-mutton jobs.  For which I am grateful, having been traumatised by them in the ’80s.  Although, to be fair to leg-of-mutton sleeves, the wedding dresses I remember were afflicted with particularly enormous versions, and that massive shouldery look was just. not. flattering.

I can imagine a more modest version that could look nice.  (To avoid egg on my face when they become wildly fashionable and appear in every collection in 2019.)  OTHER sleeves of great aesthetic appeal are everywhere.

Clockwise from top left: Peter Langner, Theia Couture, Temperley London, Tadashi Shoji

5. Boho

Boho (short for bohemian) is a wedding dress style still going strong, and I suspect here to stay.  This, despite the declarations of many fashionista types that it would fade as fast as it arrived.  There’s nothing I like more than trend forecasting anomalies.  Giving the middle finger to those who know better.

I suspect this is because boho satisfies the aesthetics of a particular type of bride – cool, edgy, a bit rock’n’roll.  The type of girl who likes sand, sun, and nature, who has loose braids and natural wavy hair.  And somebody who generally buys into a hipster, even hippie ethos.  Which is why I suspect boho wedding dresses are here to stay – in our  hi-tech world, boho is about a whole lifestyle that brings nature closer.

Clockwise from top left: Rue De Seine, Anya Fleet, Rembo Styling, Catherine Deane

6. The Jumpsuit

Apparently jumpsuits were invented in the early 1900s for leaping out of airplanes (parachuting and skydiving, as opposed to suicide bids).  Is that some sort of metaphor for marriage?  The leap into the unknown, the thrilling ride, the loud screams as you plummet.  Could be, could be.

It would seem that the jumpsuit has made it from fashion statement to fashion staple, and many a wedding gown designer are including one or two in their collections.  If you’re looking for something non-traditional, or are having a ceremony that’s more low key, a jumpsuit might be perfect for your occasion.

Clockwise from top left:  Sanyukta Shrestha, Viktor Rolf, Kaviar Gauche, Elie Saab

7. Cut-outs

Cut-outs are sexy.  Fact.  Depending on how bold you’re feeling, there are options, from baring a little to a LOT.  It can be kept subtle with overlays of lace or tulle. Just in case you’re concerned about Grandma’s heart, and all that.

Clockwise from top left: Suzanne Neville, Amanda Wakeley, Inmaculada Garcia, Divine Atelier

8. Hints of Colour

Colour, colour, everywhere.  For those of us with complexions rendered sallow or ill-looking by white, you’ll be pleased to know that colour continues to put in an appearance, and isn’t it wonderful?!

Clockwise from top left: Reem Acra, Emily Riggs Bridal, Alan Hannah, Mira Zwillinger

9. Heavy Detailing

Want sparkles?  Beads?  Or LOADS of lace?  Feathers perhaps?  Tassles and fringes?  Laser cut out leaves and flowers?  Yep, you guessed it, there are many dresses to satisfy any of the above.  What’s more (when done well), they can look sensational.

Clockwise from top left: Mira Zwillinger, Ersa Atelier, Suzanne Neville, Inbal Dror

10.  Super clean lines

If you’re concerned that lots of detailing is fashionable and you’re a super clean lines kinda gal, you need not worry.  Designers are juxtaposing heavy detailed dresses with gowns completely free of any extra sparkles in their collections.  Importantly,  these type of gowns have to be designed exquisitely.  Otherwise, they’re just reeeeallly dull.

Clockwise from top left: Romona Keveza, Suzanne Harward, Peter Langner, Alan Hannah

So that’s my summary of wedding dress trends for 2018!

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The same cool, clean elegance in a French woman’s every day wardrobe can be found in their top wedding dress designers. Often boho, always modern, usually understated.

Structure seems to be thrown out of the window, leaving me wondering if their dresses would look any good on anybody larger than slim. After all, that’s what structure and corsets are for – pulling all your bits and pieces into the right places.

I’ve been sifting through French designers and picking out my top 10 favourites. So in no particular order, here they are:

1. Delphine Manivet

Delphine Manivet encapsulates everything about great French wedding gown designers. Endlessly tasteful, beautifully made, with an element of rock chick that screams coolness (in a good way).

2. Laure de Sagazan

It must be tough competing with other French designers when one is as edgy as the next, but Laure de Sagazan does battle with panache. Beautiful, flowy gowns with not a bit of structure in sight.

3. Constance Fournier

Constance Fournier is fairly new to me, but I was bowled over by the incredible flamenco and bullfighting design echos. And the dresses are. so. good. Enough intricate detail to keep them interesting, but with excellent clean lines to make them beautiful.

4. Rime Arodaky

If you’re looking for a killer combination of sexy yet cool, Rime Arodaky may well be the designer you’re after. Lots of laser cut lace, separates, and loose flowing garments that ooze rock chick charm.

5. Elise Hameau

Back to french boho at its best, Elise Hameau includes lots of separates, lace, drop waists and general relaxed prettiness.

6. Manon Gontero

The 2018 collection from Manon Gontero is very, very good. Cool and edgy, but classy and feminine, there is eye-candy at every turn. Delicious.

7. Stephanie Wolff

Ah, Stephanie Wolff. Soft, pretty, feminine gowns that manage to be understated yet glorious in one fell swoop.

8. Margaux Tardits

A newcomer as a label (though not in experience, having worked for design giants like Oscar de la Renta and Lanvin), Margaux Tardits combines on-trend styles with beautiful clean lines and delicious details (gold leaf belt, anyone?). One to watch.

9. Suzanne Ermann

I met Suzanne Ermann once. I know, obviously I move in top fashion circles (*modest cough*). Anyway, I was struck by her utterly unique wedding dresses – she’s incorporated a timeless design element of wired satin into many of her gowns, and the instant you lay eyes on her gowns, you know they’re hers.

10. Lora Folk

Want a dress without a hint of meringue in sight?  Lora Folk may be your perfect designer.  Casual, unstructured and comfortable, Lora Folk’s gowns are downright cool.

So that’s my top ten favourites. Who are yours?

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Max Choul Couture.

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So here, in no particular order, are my top ten picks for wedding dress trends in 2015.

1. Covering up

It’s official – modesty is currently fashionable. Brides who were always going to go for a modest gown can feel downright smug, because you’ll be spoilt for choice. High necks, long sleeves, and lashings of material are where it’s at right now. Be warned though, if you’ve been blessed in the breast department, high necked gowns will make you look melon-esque.

From top left: MiaMia Bridal, Jesus Peiro, Rosa Clara, Elizabeth Stuart, Pronovias, Temperley London (photo by Thomas Iannaccone).

2. The Keyhole

Whilst modesty is fashionable, another trend is flashes of skin in slightly unexpected places. NO, showing your butt crack is neither fashionable nor classy. But if you’re wanting to share a little stomach, a slash of back, or even a flash of knee, you’ll be officially on trend. I can see this working beautifully at a less formal, beachy type wedding.

From top left: Vera Wang, Rembo Styling, Anne Barge, Rita Vinieris

3. Splashes of Colour

Wedding gown designers have an ongoing flirtation with colour, and who can blame them? From a small smattering of bright flowers or a coloured lace overlay through to a fully blown coloured wedding gown, those brave enough to veer away from white and ivory have Options. A coloured bridal gown does create another layer of complexity when it comes to choosing your overall wedding colour scheme and more specifically your bridesmaids. So moodboarding may be a good idea to get your colours synced up.

From top left: David Fielden, Alan Hannah, Claire Pettibone, Jean-Ralph Thurin, Elizabeth Fillmore

4. The Unconstructed Gown

Unconstructed wedding gowns are soft, flowing dresses that suit slim, whimsical looking brides. They’re unconstructed because they have very little in the way of boning, padding or structure. Completely fashion forward often with a slightly 70s vibe, they’re very hot right now. Unconstructed gowns suit a more relaxed wedding, but would probably look a little out of place in a large country house.

From top left: Delphine Manivet, Katya Katya Shehurina, Dana Bolton, Cymbeline

5. Texture

Lace paired with wool, tulle paired with feathers, laser cutouts and jacquards – you name it, designers have used it. And it creates interesting gowns and fun contrasts. Whether you’re flirting with frills, feathers or other fripperies, textures create a finished product that looks and feels sumptuous.

From top left: Amanda Wakeley, Houghton Bride, Amsale, Monique Lhuillier, Christos Costarellos.

6. The see-through look

Yep, I told you it would be confusing. Not only is highly modest fashionable, so is baring all, or at least the illusion thereof. Nipples put in their appearance on mainstream fashion catwalks, and bridal fashion has been hot on its heels. Of course, if you’re not of nipple sharing inclinations (and I number among you), you’ll be more likely to wear a flesh coloured undergarment of some sort or other.

From top left: Reem Acra, BHLDN, Vera Wang, Angel Sanchez.

7. Vintage, again

2015 is full of lots of echos back to the 30s, 70s, and 80s with dabbles as far back as Edwardian times, so while you may feel that vintage has done its dash, it really hasn’t. Absolutely feel free to throw away your bunting, should you be so inclined.

From top left: Vicky Rowe, Charlie Brear, Charlotte Casadejus, The Flower Bride, Stone Fox Bride.

8. Sleeves and coverups

There are surprisingly few strapless gowns in the latest collections out there, and plenty of sleeves and coverups . From spaghetti straps through to full blown sleeves, sleeves add character and style to a gown. And designers have also been having a lot of fun with coverups – capes, jackets and cardigans. They let you change up your look in seconds without splashing on a second gown.

From left: Halfpenny London, Catherine Deane, Muscat London, Kisui Bride, Jenny Packham, Collette Dinnigan.

9. Take the plunge

Not only is the high neckline hot stuff, but its racier twin, Plunging Neckline is taking up catwalk real estate. If you’re brave and armed with body tape to ensure no accidental oversharing of your boobage, plunging necklines can look sensational. That said, VERY plunging (ie below your boobs) is mainly only a good look for our smaller breasted friends.

From left: Dalphine Manivet, Karen Willis Holmes, Orsalia Parthenis, Rue de Seine.

10. The illusion neckline

The illusion neckline, whether it be a gossamer job or a chunkier lacy affair, is a faithfully persistent friend – it’s been around for the last few years. Whilst not much help on an icy day, it will add style and coverage.

From left: Marchesa, Sarah Janks, Lela Rose, Le Spose de Gio, Victorio & Lucchino.

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Also, I’ve always fancied the idea of buying a fairly plain (cheap) wedding gown and zuzhing it up with bits and bobs, thus transforming it into giddy couture-esque heights whilst back-patting myself on my thrifty creativity.

SO.  I was beyond delighted to discover that Charlie Brear from The Vintage Wedding Dress Company has (cleverly) released a series of accessories that will add sizzle to any wedding dress, and allow a bride to change up her look without having to splurge on a second wedding dress.

Here are some dazzling beauties – see the VWDC website for more »

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Left to right: Alan Hannah Accessories / Image from Style me Pretty / Alan Hannah Gown (yum).

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