Top 5 Trends in Wedding Dresses for 2012

1. Lace Sleeves

You can thank the Royal wedding for the 2012 trend that some people are calling the ‘Kate Middleton effect’.  There is no doubt that Kate M. looked stunning in her lace sleeved dress and many designers for 2012 are creating similar dresses.  These ball gowns are satin with lace bodices and sleeves with long satin trains (and the best part is many designers are making the train detachable for the reception).  If you are looking to have your own royal wedding this may be the perfect dress for you!

  If you like the idea of lace sleeves for the ceremony but not sure you want sleeves the whole night, designers are also making beautiful lace shrugs that can be worn for the ceremony and taken off for the reception!

2. Illusion necklines:

An Illusion neckline is sheer fabric over a bodice extending up to the neckline.  There are many different styles of illusion necklines and some are using the sheer fabric as straps or over the entire chest up to the neck line and are usually accentuated with embellishments.  If you want to feel classic and modest but sexy at the same time this is a great choice.
The sheer fabric makes you feel covered and modest while still giving a hint of skin….love it!

3. Decorative Belts

If you are a little on the non-traditional side and want some color in your dress but not sure if you want to plunge in to an all color dress, then a decorative belt might be the perfect
touch for you.  These decorative belts come in all different colors and have different embellishments depending on the dress shape and style.   An idea I love is to wear an ivory belt for the ceremony and switch it up by changing in to a different belt or sash with a pop of color for the reception.  It will look like a whole new dress!

4. Color

I know we talked about this in the previous post Color is In: Wedding Trends 2012 but color is everywhere in wedding gowns. If you want to suprise your guests with something they haven’t seen before then a colored ball gown may do the trick!

More and more brides are changing in to different party dresses for the reception and what better way to wow people than to change in to a short colored party dress!

5. Texture:

Designers are using creative fabrics and designs to create volume and texture in wedding gowns for 2012.  Tulle and lace are creating beautiful flowers, layers, and ruffles making a bold statement.

 

Trying on wedding gowns is one of the most fun and exciting times you will have in the wedding planning process.  Have fun with it and make sure to try on every style and trend…you never know what you may end up liking!!  If you want more information on the dresses pictured make sure to contact Etain Bridal Boutique!

Sources: www.etain-llc.com, www.justinalexanderbridal.com, www.allurebridals.com, www.essencedesigns.com, www.matthewchristopher.com, www.sinceritybridal.com, www.jasminebridal.com

Wearing Flats on Your Wedding Day

After planning hundreds of weddings I have come to the conclusion….

That every bride needs a good pair of flats to wear on her wedding day!

 So many brides on their wedding day end up complaning about how bad their feet hurt and are begging for pictures end so they can kick off their high heeled shoes!  Trust me, no matter how expensive the high heeled shoes are they will eventually hurt your feet.  If you invest in a pair of flats you won’t have to worry…after the ceremony you can throw on a fabulous pair of flats and dance the night away.

Brides are even wearing flats for their ceremony!  Depending on the dress, the location, or maybe even your height:) high heeled shoes may not be prcatical for you so flats are your best option!

Flats are becoming very popular for brides and there are finally tons ofstyles to choose from. Here are some popular styles brides are wearing!

You can even choose to have your “something blue” be your wedding flats…

 Or you can rock some colored chucks under your dress!

 

 And lastly, I love the idea of wearing something for a great cause..Toms!

 If you are wearing flats on your wedding day we would love to hear about it!

Sources: www.toms.com, www.verawang.com, www.projectwedding.com, www.nordstrom.com, www.wmine.com

Brooch Bouquets

 

A new twist on a traditional bridal bouquet is a brooch bouquet!

Many brides are deciding to forego the traditional floral bouquet and create something unique and memorable to carry on their wedding day.

There are so many reasons that brides are opting to carry a brooch bouquet instead of a floral bouquet.   One of the most popular reasons is that you dont have to worry if your flowers will last the entire wedding day!

Brooch bouquets are a great way to add sparkle to your wedding dress escpecially if your dress lacks beading, etc. and is a great way to incorporate a family heirloom. Also, they are a great way to keep and display your bridal bouquet long after your wedding day!

 If you are thinking of carrying a brooch bouquet you can decide if you want to make it yourself or leave it to the experts.  Keep in mind it does take a lot of time and patience to put a brooch bouquet together.  These bouquets are made with about 50-85 pins and brooches and each brooch must be hand wired in order to hold up on your wedding day.

If you want to help create the bouquet I would start collecting the brooches, pins and earrings that you want to incorporate in the bouquet and let a professional put it together for you!  If you are thinking about carrying a brooch bouquet we would love to hear about it!

Happy Planning!

Sources: www.greenweddingshoes.com, www.designmevintage.com, www.greenweddingshoes.com, www.fancypantsweddings.com