Say Yes to These Three Wedding Dress Trends

Classic, yet modern. Detailed, yet demure. Trendy, yet timeless. In essence, today’s brides want a dress that does it all. “You can now wear something glamorous, fashionable and classy at the same time, with a little bit of extra,” says Jacqueline Stuyvesant, sales manager and owner of Liliana Bridal in Lakewood.

By “extra,” Stuyvesant is talking about decorative beading, ethereal lace, charming scooped necklines and personalized accessories such as pronounced earrings and romantic veils. Oh, and as for color — ivory is the new white.“White is a brighter, purer shade while ivory is a softer shade,” Stuveysant says, adding that the hue is sometimes referred to as eggshell and is a creamier, warmer look, with hints of nude tones.

While the bridal gown rulebook is essentially thrown aside with the array of styles available, Stuveysant shares some trendy styles, designs and silhouettes you’ll see at the altar.

Sophisticated Silhouettes 
The gown bodice gets a touch of oh-la-la with Bridal Fashion Week features: form-fitting, sheer illusion, open backs and skin-baring designs including thigh-high slits. “Deep V-necklines were a huge trend this season,” Stuveysant says. For instance, the Delancey gown by Elysee is a fresh take on a ball-gown style with a high slit, while the Evelyn by Justin Alexander Signature delivers a plunging yet square neckline, flare dress, beading and a low, scoop back.

Boho Chic
Whimsical, free-flowing and draped in lace are all characteristics of bohemian-style gowns. “Ethereal lace is inspired by ivy-colored brick,” Stuveysant says. “A Chantilly lace underlay in the bodice blends with sequined embroidered appliques that gracefully cascade throughout the skirt and train.”A Lillian West dress by Justin Alexander, for example, includes a plunging sheer illusion neckline, which provides ample support, while still accentuating the neckline.

Modern Mermaid
Form-fitting at the top with a majestic pouf at the bottom, the mermaid silhouette is a classic, romantic design — and it gets a detailed, updated touch with hand beading, all-over lace and some sparkle. In this Alessia style by Elysee, slim straps, a delicate frame, plunging V-neckline and a signature double-sculpted train make a statement down the aisle. “The illusion train is big,” Stuveysant says. “Normally, the trend used to be layers of fabric and chiffon, but now you see just the lace.”