2012 Bridal Gown Trends

Many things can be trended, but in our business we are, of course, following bridal gown trends.  Each time we go to market, it appears that little has changed; however, after a closer look we can see definite differences. Bridal trends come from many things, but it is primarily influenced by famous people and history. The bridal industry mainly has two seasons a year.  Additionally, it takes approximately 4-6 months to manufacture a gown; therefore, with design time, manufacturing time, and the time to order and receive our merchandise, we are looking about a year before the famous trends hit the mass market.


    

Last Year- Kate Middleton

Last year at this time, we were anxiously awaiting to find out what Kate Middleton's dress would look like.  As a result of her gown manufacturers re-introduced the use of illusion neck lines. These were popular in the 70's and 80's.  Sometimes this is achieved by the use of a separate removable piece, called the inner dress.


Or Diana by Watters

This Year England
 by Blue by Enzoani

However, Kate was just one of the inspirations for 2012.  Reese Witherspoon’s gown has inspired the use of soft blush color gowns and other subtle colors as well. The majority of brides now a days wear one of many shades of off white and ivory and other soft colors.

Designers are much more creative on the materials they use now.  Horsehair braid is added to layers of tulle to add full romantic flowing gowns.  Don’t worry…it isn’t actually made of horse hair.  It is a synthetic material woven together in a special way to give a shapely, unique trim.  Horsehair has been used inside bridal skirt hems for years to maintain the hem shape.  2012 means lots of tulle and very little beading if any. The subtle use of lace accents makes this years gowns soft, and romantic.

2012 is influenced by“old Hollywood”.  A modern twist on an old silhouette.  Gowns have a very vintage feel to them.  You will notice they are a less conservative version of what many actresses wore many years ago.

    

Belts are huge again this year.  They were introduced last year and have taken off big time.  Many of the gowns are made with no beading so as to allow the bride to express her individuality by adding an accent belt. 

Many of the belts use browns and blacks as their back ground.  What is great about adding a belt, is that it allows the bride to really use part of her dress on a regular basis after the wedding is over.  Imagine one of these fabulous belts on a simple outfit for a night out on the town.

Reality shows influence brides all the time such as Snooki’s wedding on Jersey shores or other reality shows for gowns, planning, etc. It is important to make your wedding your own reality, not something exaggerated on tv.

What will influence 2013?

The Enzoani Trunk Shows are Here!

Hello Brides...We have a few reminders for you today about what's happening at Bella Bridal and Formal Wear:


The “Enzoani” Trunk Show is here only until January 6-8th.  Weekend and evening appointments fill up quickly, so hurry up and book your appointment now while you still can!

We have the “Love by Enzoani” Trunk Show for special occasion and maids dresses January 20–22nd.

And last but not least, we have the “Modeca” Bridal Trunk Show Jan 27-29th.  Book your appointment quickly to secure your spot.


 


Love by Enzoani



You may be thinking, “What is a trunk show?” Well, a bridal trunk show is an event that showcases the dresses of a featured designer (Enzoani). The designer's collection of new or bestselling dresses travels across the country to be featured in local bridal shops (Bella Bridal and Formal Wear). These shows allow women to find dresses by designers they are not able to find just anywhere. Because of the limited time of the shows we suggest that brides come to the show prepared to buy a dress that they may otherwise not find.



Modeca by Enzoani



Love by Enzoani



Mark your calendars, girls!  We will be at the Northern Illinois Bridal Expo at NIU on Sunday, January 15th.  Bella Bridal and Formal Wear will be hosting the entire fashion show for brides, bridesmaids, mothers and flower girls, and we will be updating you on this year's 'trends in bridal wear'.  For more information on attending, please see flyer .

Here Comes the Groom!

Brides come to us to help them find the perfect dress and make them feel special. A wedding is about two people, so we do not want to overlook the grooms and their needs. That is why we also do tuxedos. You don't want to walk down the aisle with a man that looks like he is wearing a penguin suit. You want him to look as good as you do.

Whether you are getting married on the beach or in a church, we can find a tux that will make the man of your dreams look even dreamier. Our shop has a warm and friendly environment that will make your visit enjoyable. Men are all about comfort.  Let us help him find the perfect fit, so his focus is on you, not the fit of his tux.

Greetings for the Holiday Season!

From all of us at "Bella Bridal and Formal Wear" 

Hurry in to see the 'Enzoani Trunk Show' currently on
display in our salon, and hear all the latest exciting
news of upcoming events and displays!  We're having
lots of fun!  Come and enjoy the excitement!  The store
will be closed Dec. 24th and 25th.  Hope to see you
soon.  "Happy Holidays!" :-)

Toys for Tots Special!!

'Bella Bridal and Formal Wear' is offering 10%* off customer purchases if a donation to Toys for Tots is brought in to the salon between now and Dec. 23rd.  So bring your donation and browse the shop, as we carry a grand array of dresses with such labels as: 'Watters', Wtoo Brides, 'Sherry Hill' and 'After Six', just to name a few.

 Those of you brides who are contemplating weddings any time from June on, should be starting the dress selection proccess right now.  Mothers and bridesmaids should start as early as 5 months prior and flower girls should prepare within a 3 month range.  Don't forget, our shop carries all of the finest in accessories to decorate with and a grand assortment of attractive tuxedos for the groom and his men.  Alterations are done here at the store, so communication is essential when relating your desires of turning a simple dress into the wedding gown of your dreams.  With willingness and flexibility,  we'll go out of our way to guide you through every step of the selection process.  Hurry!  Appointments are filling up!  http://www.bellabridalandformal.com/
*some restrictions apply

We've got the inside scoop!! The Enzoani Trunk Show has arrived!!

'Bella Bridal and Formal Wear' is pleased to announce "The Enzoani Trunk Show" is currently on display at our store here in St. Charles, Il.  We are the first shop in the nation to receive this 2012 bridal collection. Our show will run until January 8th and is a definite 'must see'!  While you're planning your wedding, consider viewing these gowns as they are truly works of art!  The styles present a traditional European influence combined with classic beauty while allowing the bride to incorporate her personality into the design  Some of their more popular collections are, but not limited to, 'Love', 'Blue' and 'Modeca'.   We will have many other designer collections available in addition to the 'Enzoani' collection.

Picture yourself in ruffles and lace, satin and chiffon, silk and ribbons, mingled with brocades of pearls and gems.  These gowns will take your breath away!  Your objective is to be the most beautiful woman of the day and to dazzle your groom.  Indeed you will when he catches sight of the vision of beauty approaching him at the alter!  A favorite of ours is 'Grace', as shown here...

During our trunk show, special offers include 10% off select gowns and a free Hollow to Hem ($250 value).  At 'Bella Bridal and Formal Wear', you'll have a very satisfying range of styles to choose from.  As an independent salon, you can expect top quality materials and accessories along with our undivided attention and the ability to cater to your budget.  You will be able to communicate openly about your hopes, inspirations, desires and concerns... never be afraid to ask questions!  The more information you relay to us, the better we will be able to assist you in finding your perfect dress. 

Appointments are filling up quickly, so now is the opportune time to beat the after Christmas crowds and make your selection.  Be sure to give yourself ample time to browse through our exquisite dresses.

What's the Big Deal?

Many were asking what the big deal was about Kate & William's big day on April 29, 2011. If you are a bride planning your wedding now, or have recently been married, I am sure you can understand what the big deal is. You can appreciate all that goes into planning such a special event. Now imagine doing it with millions of onlookers, watching, commenting, and criticizing.

Bella appreciates all that our brides and their families go through. That is why we made it a BIG DEAL.
A royal wedding is the one event where there truly are fashion police. The royal guards were busy helping protect all of the details of Kate's gown, right down to the identity of the designer. Daily speculators thought they knew who the designers were.  All speculations that Bella saw, were inaccurate.  It wasn't until April 29th, when Kate emerged that the world learned that Sarah Burton of the Alexander McQueen fashion house, was the designer of Kate's beautiful gown.  




This was a huge deal for wedding designers world wide. Within minutes of Kate's gown being revealed, designers began their version of Kate's gown. Knock-offs will be available world-wide over the next year. Various versions will also be available for years to come.

In 1980, William's parents were wed in the wedding of the 20th century. This event began a dream of a young girl who later fulfilled her dream years later with the opening of Bella Bridal & Formal Wear in 2004. In celebration of this, we hosted live coverage of the event. We were joined by a bride and her maid of honor, who drove out all of the way from Chicago for the event.  At 9:10 we drew the winner of our ROYAL RAFFLE.  Ashley Bennet was thrilled to be the winner of 50% off her wedding gown.  Congratulations Ashley!!!