The London Bridal Trade Fair last weekend was fab, and I spent far more money than planned on new wedding dresses for the shop, so hopefully my lovely brides-to-be will love them!
But as well as buying new dresses, I was also spotting some of the trends that you’ll see in the shops over the coming weeks and months…
SUPER SPARKLE
All things sparkly and glittery have been popular for a while now, and I don’t see that changing yet – great news for those of you who, like me, are closet magpies! Lots of glittery tulle still in evidence, lots of sparkly sequins (usually clear ones that catch the light but aren’t too in your face or ‘80s style!) A couple of the dresses I’ve ordered are sparkly, and really looking forward to seeing them in the shop!
I’ve also re-ordered my lovely sparkly veil that’s always a big hit with customers, and spotted a supplier of a similar one that’s even more sparkly – very tempted to put an order in!
SIMPLE SATINS AND SILHOUETTES
For those of you that don’t like anything too fussy, the good news is that more clean and simple shapes and fabrics like satin and chiffon continue to rise in popularity again. My bestselling dress has always been a fabulously cut chiffon A-line bridal gown, but I couldn’t resist investing in another stunning and elegant satin gown too, as well as a satin A-line dress which is simple at the front but has a stunning lace and bead back – for those of you who like to merge the simple and sparkly trends!
DETACHABLE STRAPS AND SLEEVES
At With Love Bridal we’ve been adding permanent or removable straps and sleeves for years, but this year I noticed how many of the bridal companies have introduced matching straps and sleeve options into their ranges - especially balloon and flutter sleeves - so I don’t expect this trend to go away anytime soon. Watch this space for more off-the-peg strap and sleeve options I hope to add to my in-store range in the coming weeks.
SHEER BODICES AND PLUNGING NECKLINES
Another trend that keeps going, sheer bodices were everywhere again at the London show – perfect for a destination wedding, braver brides and those wanting a more boho-look. But fear not if showing a bit of flesh is not your thing (it certainly isn’t mine!), we’ve made a point to order dresses from suppliers who will do a lined version for you, plus our seamstresses can easily line any off-the-peg gown that’s a bit too sheer for you.
The same goes for plunging necklines – there were still many dresses ‘taking the plunge’, and I’ve ordered at least one for the coming season. But again, no fear as my clever seamstresses can fill them in entirely, or go with the more popular choice of using additional tulle or organza inserts and lace or bead embellishments to make them less sheer and ‘barely there’.
3D AND TEXTURED ELEMENTS
We picked up on this one at the September ‘21 Harrogate Bridal Fair and I’m still seeing lots of new season dresses with 3D flowers, raised beading and other elements such as feathers and fringing to give dresses more texture. I haven’t gone down the feather or fringing route with any of the dresses I’ve ordered (sorry!) but one of the gowns coming in has the most amazing flowers and beading on it, it’s one I’m particularly excited about getting into the shop!
AND OTHERS…
There were many other trends on display in London that I don’t expect many of you to be asking for – micro wedding dresses, trouser suits and floral dresses come to mind – but some of our suppliers do have some of these in their collections, so if it's something you do want don’t forget to ask as you never know, we may be able to help. And if we can’t, our talented seamstresses can often make something bespoke for you.