Now that our new 2019 collections have now all safely arrived here at LOVE, it’s time for my annual round of up of THE hottest wedding dress trends for the year ahead. One of my favourite things about the wedding dress industry is that it is so creative, no two seasons are the same and styles are constantly evolving.
This year’s trends are so exciting, as we see dresses embrace a more modern silhouette inspired by how 21st century women want to look and feel on the most special day of their lives. I’m also loving that accessories are back with a bang, allowing women to customise their looks to show off their personality and individuality.
Major Sleeves
I LOVE, LOVE this trend. It’s so high-end fashion, it’s like it jumped off the catwalk straight into bridal. Think volume, think detailing, think avant-garde design. Harriet, the beautiful and unique design from Sassi Holford, encapsulates the trend perfectly. The bell sleeves make a dramatic statement but are perfectly enhanced by the clean lines of the crepe fabric and minimalist cut of the dress.
Capes
A modern and dramatic alternative to a veil that creates an instant style statement. This layered look can transform a bride from day to night in a moment. Made with Love’s Carla cape is a fun and quirky choice that exudes youthfulness with its gorgeous, choker style collar. While Savannah Miller’s Marlow cape is a full length, embellished, sheer option with an ethereal and magical quality, perfect for a bride who wants to stand out from the crowd.
Tulle Wings
Another fabulous alternative to a veil or a cape are detachable tulle wings, which are attached to the straps at the back of the dress. Made with Love’s lace ‘Riley’ gown is a stunning example of this (available in two types of lace) and comes with fabulous tulle wings as standard! These could be added to any other gowns with straps too, to add your own personal touch.
Off the shoulder
Shoulders are in! Perfect for showing off those hours spent honing them in the gym in preparation for the big day. But, it’s the beautiful and romantic detailing of off the shoulder looks that are making their mark in 2019. Savannah Miller’s Cecily dress shows off the look perfectly, her choice of dainty, sheer, off-the-shoulder sleeves keep this look feminine and modest, while showing off an utterly feminine collar bone and décolletage.
The Meghan Markle effect
It’s not the more traditional, although completely stunning, Givenchy dress that has inspired this 2019 trend. More so the chic, sleek and completely modern Stella McCartney halter neck dress Meghan wore to her reception. This sophisticated look is a grown-up alternative to the strapless dresses we’ve seen in previous years. It’s a gorgeous option for anyone wanting to wear their hair up or show off a stunning pair of earrings. Savannah Miller’s interpretation goes one step further with the twisted, silk satin, knot style halter of her ‘Ruby’ gown.
Veils
Speaking of veils… they get seriously dramatic for 2019. Cascading in metres of sheer and whimsical tulle to create a stunning train, these must-have accessories are there to command our attention. As usual, Made with Love have nailed this trend in spectacular fashion with their ‘Stevie’ veil, combining simplicity with drama to create a new and modern take on the traditional veil.
Clean, minimalist gowns
After years of big volume, large embroidery and plenty of bling, suddenly the simplest of dresses feel the most modern and chic. Every single one of the designers we stock has offered up a fuss-free, timeless look for 2019 and it’s hard to pick a favourite. Made with Love’s ‘Georgie’ is so sexy, Enzoani’s ‘Norianna’ is so effortless, and Sassi Holford’s ‘Naomi’ is so elegant.
Back details
So, while many of 2019 dresses look so simple from the front, at the back there’s sometimes a whole other party going on. Backless, embellished, corseted, trains, it turns out, that in 2019, a lot of our bridal fantasies are taking place on the back of a dress. And why not? For most guests, the back of the dress is what they see most…walking down the aisle, during a romantic first dance, throwing the bouquet! I absolutely adore the back detail on Enzoani’s ‘Nico’ dress, the deep V back shows off a gorgeous amount of skin, and the lace train of the skirt fans out dramatically to create a true style statement. And the train of the Enzoani ‘Nanette’ just has to be seen to be believed and truly appreciated.
Sparkle
We have it on good authority (from one of our amazing designers!) that sparkle, in its many different guises, is coming through strongly this year and into 2020. Whether that be an ever so subtle layer of sparkle underneath tulle or more dramatic sparkle detail… watch this space as we will soon be embarking on our buying season for 2020 and can’t wait to see what’s in store for us!
In the meantime, I think you’ll agree that 2019 is shaping up to be a stellar year for fabulous wedding dress designs. And if you’re in the market for the dress of your dreams our help doesn’t stop here, sign up to our newsletter and follow us over on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook for bucket loads of inspiration and designer shares. And when you’re ready, we’d love to see you here at LOVE – click here to book an appointment.