4 Top Bridal Trends for 2016

Saying “yes” to the dress is one of the most exciting moments during wedding planning. If your dream is to wear a white, traditional wedding gown as you walk down the aisle, you have plenty of options. For brides who are considering choosing a style that’s more, shall we say, outside the box, there are plenty of options for them, too. Sharlyn Rivera, manager of Claires Fashions in Delaware, shares the top bridal trends she’s seeing for 2016.

1. A number of brides are opting for a plunging “deep V” in their dress. To keep the dress looking more aisle-appropriate rather than red carpet worthy, the deep V is being topped with a sheer layer of lace, tulle or light beading. “The dress has more of an illusion of the deep V,” says Rivera. “It makes it sexy, but still appropriate since it’s a wedding gown.” The backs of wedding gowns are also being showed attention. “Low backs are huge right now,” says Rivera. One of the most popular looks is a cutout back with an overlay and buttons up the back. The overlay appears barely there with the use of nude, stretch tulle. “It looks like there are just buttons floating up the back,” she says. There’s also the tattoo look, which is ivory lace over nude tulle. The ivory lace looks like it’s tattooed on the bride’s back.

2. Satin is currently the “it” fabric for bridal gowns. These satin dresses are very simple, but look very elegant, according to Rivera. There are minimal accents to the dress like a bow at the waist or delicate beading at the neckline. The dress makes its impact by having an unexpected hemline like an ankle length or a high-low style.

3. Yes, white has always been the traditional color for wedding dresses, but Rivera says she is seeing more colors than ever before for the bride’s big day. She credits the trend to celebrity brides like Jessica Biel who wore a pink gown when she tied the knot with Justin Timberlake. “Brides want to be unique,” says Rivera. “And to be honest, not everyone can wear a white dress. It doesn’t look the best on everyone.” Subtle shades like ivory, blush, rose gold, champagne, café, light gold, pink champagne are huge right now. “These colors really complement a variety of skin tones,” says Rivera. In David Tutera’s wedding dress collection for Mon Cheri he added a “Sea Mist” color, which is a light blue hue. For brides who want to be only slightly contemporary in their look, Rivera recommends doing a traditional ivory lace overlay with a color underneath.

4. Who says you have to wear a dress on your wedding day? Pantsuits and jumpsuits are becoming a sought-after option for those brides who don’t want a traditional, formal look. Most of these options are done in ivory with very minimal embellishment. “Many brides will dress up the look with accessories,” says Rivera. Mon Cheri has a line called “Enchanting” dedicated specifically to “today’s modern bride.” The collection includes LWDs (little white dresses), cocktail dresses, a strapless jumpsuit and a swing dress.

Although the bridal dress companies are making them, Rivera isn’t seeing any of her clients requesting crop-top dresses or dresses with feathered skirts. Dresses in metallic colors is another trend that hasn’t hit her clientele.

For endless wedding inspiration attend the ultimate bridal showcase, Your Wedding Experience Presented by David Tutera, on Sept. 13 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Tutera is a celebrity wedding and party planner, bridal fashion designer, author, and has his own television show on WEtv, David Tutera’s CELEBrations. More than 100 wedding professionals, approved by Tutera, will be in attendance who are set to help you plan the wedding of your dreams. A fashion show will feature stunning looks for everyone in the bridal party including bridesmaids, flower girls and the mothers of the bride and groom. Buddy Valastro “The Cake Boss” is set to award one bakery “Best of Show” at the Sweet Showcase, which will feature wedding cakes and desserts. For ticket information visit www.yourweddingexperience.com.