Hello again ladies. I always love giving us girls an excuse to shop, especially wedding dress shopping! If the “green gown” isn’t really your thing, then this blog is for you. I know I already blogged about the eco-chic wedding dress, so now let me step down from the environmental soap box and address the majority of our dress buying population.

Let’s face it, as women, the larger half of us love fashion…and designer labels (I know I do!). I have done some research and found some great looks for the 2010 wedding season. So it’s come time to blog about the wedding gown trends for 2010. Sorry it has taken me a little longer than expected, but here are the trends I really think will be a hit this season.

Designers materials of choice

For the most part designers are sticking to traditional materials; lace, organza, chiffon, and tulle. What I was not seeing a lot of was silk. Silk seems to falling into the background only being used for trim work and detailing, which is fine because of it’s temperamental nature. Also not so hot this year is the corset look. Now mind you we are still seeing the tight fitting bodices, but the stays have been covered with material for a more sleek “faux-bodice” appearance. We are still seeing the full “ball gown” like dresses, but a more subdued almost romantic look is making a comeback…think Jane Austin meets Urban Chic!

Styles: layers, short, or both?

The biggest trends for gown construction has to be the comeback of multiple tiers and ruffled layers. I am seeing layers upon layers of soft chiffon in tiers, which gives a beautiful cascading waterfall effect. Also the direct opposite, larger organza and tulle stuffed ruffles layered up the skirt stopping at the bodice of the dress. It looks beautiful when done correctly, but it makes almost a static presentation on the runway. What I was hoping to not see return was the mermaid dress, but they squeezed their way back into the designers hearts this season. The drop waist look is back as well. I love the image it creates, but it might not be the best look for the curvier population. Also another big look that is coming back, tons of beading. A lot of beading in trim work and on bodices. Designers are having a hay-day marrying the combo of lace and beadwork, making for some seriously irresistible gowns!

Vintage inspired gowns

It has been nice to see some designers stick with the traditional A-line shape. I found this great dress by a Japanese designer, Junko Yoshiako. He did a plain organza frame, then used a silk trim around the base of the dress and waistline of the bodice, and a large bow effect over the top of corset. Very elegant and simple. I am also seeing the return of Vintage inspired gowns this season…a trend I just absolutely adore! A lot of lace and chiffon is being used to craft these remarkable dresses. We are even seeing a comeback of the capped sleeves and lace bolero jackets over the strapless looks. Really these designs are just breathtaking! Anne Barge and Melissa Sweet have put together amazing collections this year, and did a really good job sticking to “tradition”. Kudos to your fashion houses, there is a reason we call some styles “classic”!

Modern tea length dresses

I couldn’t talk about wedding dress trends without including the two newest relatives, the short/tea length dresses and our Grecian, asymmetric gowns. I love the asymmetric off-the-shoulder look. I think it is clean and classy. The perfect look for a more casual theme or outdoor wedding. It is suitable for any outdoor setting, from destination beach wedding to garden party. If you have read my recent blogs, you know where I stand on the shorter length dresses. I am not too fond of them, but they can serve a place in wedding fashion as well. I think it is a perfect look if you are going for a Retro themed wedding or even if you are choosing to throw an outdoor event. My only concern brides, is it that if you are not planning to add the traditional wedding pieces in your collection (i.e. a veil of some length), you may look like more of a guest than the focus of attention. The last thing you want to do is “blend in” in your wedding photos.

For the most part this year has some great trends for wedding fashion. I would seriously check into the vintage market. I guarantee this look is not going anywhere anytime soon. The pieces being created, in time, will make their way into our “timeless” and “classic” categories. Don’t be afraid to check out our foreign markets. The Japanese designers are really beginning to make names for themselves in wedding-wear. For years Japan has been a fashion mecca, now it seems they are coming into their time in the wedding industry as well. Shop online for styles. Try google, or pick up the newest trend for web searching… Stumble. I guarantee your search for the perfect wedding gown this season will not go unfulfilled!

Images from recycledbride.com, furthers.com, erineverafter, inspiredbythis.com, occasionsniagara.com, augustajones.com, jlmcouture.com, weddinginspirasi.com, oncewed.com, and instyleweddings.com

This entry was posted on Friday, March 26th, 2010 at 9:40 am and is filed under Trends. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.