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 .