Must-Haves
When it comes to choosing bridal wear, the credit crunch has done little to dampen the enthusiasm of today’s brides-to-be. If anything, it’s had the opposite effect. Today’s brides are pulling out all the stops to make sure they don’t have to trim their budgets, at least where their all-important wedding gown is concerned.

On-Trend

Catwalks and wedding gown exhibitions, more than ever before, are awash with inspiration; the emphasis is on economic downturn-defying luxe and haute-couture, while also paying serious lip-service to a flattering silhouette.

Contemporary brides, it would seem, are breaking loose from convention; they’re abandoning the more demure, uniform, play-safe styles of bridal wear seen in previous seasons, in favour of individual expression.

On-trend choices include:

• ultra-short wedding dresses, minis;
• short, bubble skirt dresses;
• traditional ball-gown style dresses with a dramatic twist;
• Greek goddess column-style gowns reminiscent of the robes worn in ancient Greece;
• A-line wedding dresses in silk or satin;
• empire line, oversized shoulders, soft, flowing chiffon skirts;
• lace, crochet, embroidery, over-sized bows, ruches and embellishments;
• pure flounce in startling fabric combos;
• prom style layers, ruffles and petticoats;
• strapless gowns with fish-tail skirts or mermaid shape with organza boleros;
• slinky, silver screen glamour, figure-huggingly OTT and risqué;
• asymmetrical styles, e.g. one-shouldered in bold fabrics and colours;
• 40s comeback, with large sleeves and tight waists;
• eco understatement, simple lines in natural fabrics.

Finishing Touches

• Veil /Train: A veil or train remains a popular choice for many modern brides and blends surprisingly well with contemporary wedding dress designs; the length will depend on the style of dress, the bride’s height and stature, etc;

• Wedding Gloves: Bridal gloves add a touch of upper-class elegance; wear them short, just covering your wrists for more informal weddings; elbow length, just above or below, fabulous with short-sleeved or off the shoulder gowns; ‘opera’ length, to top or mid upper arm’, dramatic; stylish, suits formal sleeveless wedding gowns;


• Accessories: From Bolliwood bling, feather boas, funky headwear, teeteringly high heeled shoes in bold colours to classic jewellery, vintage bridal headwear and traditional satin court shoes, anything goes, at the moment. The key is to match your accessories to the style, design, colour and fabric of your wedding dress.

Bridal Wear and Bridal Underwear

No ‘ifs and buts about it’, to look and feel your best on your wedding day, perfectly fitting bridal underwear is a must. Once you’ve chosen your wedding gown, make an appointment with a bridal lingerie specialist who can advise you on the best under garments to flatter your shape and show off your wedding gown to maximum advantage.