We have a guest blogger this month, Fiona Keary from Style Liberation, whose mission is to increase your confidence, impact and presence. On your wedding day, you of course want to stand out in all the right ways. Fiona talks wedding fashion trends, and how to find the right dress to suit you not only your body shape, but your personality!
Wedding dress and bridesmaid dress trends for 2018
You can never go wrong with the classic white/ivory/cream dress with a fitted bodice and a flow to the skirt. However, in 2018 we’re seeing some distinct trends such as the move away from the traditional ‘white option’ with more brides opting for champagne or rose hues teamed with glittering embellishments.
Following on the colour theme, don’t be surprised to see black incorporated into many bridal looks this year. It may be a pair of gloves, the sash or beading. The look is elegant and sophisticated.
We’re also seeing more bohemian styles being embraced to showcase the free spirited. Think soft tulle and lace, dresses that are less structured, paired with floral crowns.
A huge trend for this year is the cape. Whether it’s a faux fur or satin for the cooler months or a sheer tulle (with gorgeous embellishment) or lace for warmer climates. This element adds another level of detail to a brides outfit.
Lastly, the pant suit. Yes, more and more brides are opting for the more practical but no less chic option of the pant or jumpsuit. Think classic tailoring in luxurious fabrics or softly structured and feminine.
What brides should take into consideration when wedding dress shopping
There are three things to take into consideration:
Points to be aware of when picking a dress and what body types work well with different styles
Choosing a dress is all about creating the right proportions. It doesn’t matter what size you are – if you look balanced and in proportion then you’ll look amazing. The 3 shapes you’re aiming to create with your body and the dress that you choose are:
The Hourglass – cinched waist and showing off the curve of the bust, waist and hip.
The Inverted Triangle – here it’s about emphasising the shoulders and wearing a streamlined skirt.
The Rectangle – think straighter cuts that have no definition through the waist.
When you try a dress on, look at what shape it creates and if it feels right to you. If it feels wrong it is.
A bride can't be outdone on her wedding day, so with this in mind, here are some tips for picking the bridesmaid dresses!
Keep it simple with perhaps a nod to your own dress or to the overall theme of the wedding. Also, think about different dress styles for each of your bridesmaids, especially if they all have different body shapes. They can still look cohesive by wearing the same or similar colour.
Want to add a little bit of difference to your wedding styling? Here's how...
It’s all in the accessories and adding the unexpected. Key accessory trends for 2018 include the cape, ornate head pieces, the addition of black details. I think adding a really personal touch such as heirloom piece or something handmade by a family member is a perfect. Something that injects your personality into the look.
A few wedding make up tips!
Keep it simple and opt for a level of make-up application that you would usually wear and amplify it by 1.5. That’s to ensure that you don’t look washed out in the photos. I’d work with a make-up artist a couple of times before the day so that they understand what you’d like and you can test it. A professional make-up artist knows all the tricks to making your look last all day and well into the evening.
Now about that "meringue" dress...
Having worn a meringue myself I would love to think it has never gone out of fashion but who am I kidding. It will be back. But you don’t need to embrace the trends, what you need to do is own your style (meringue fan or not) and you’ll feel great.
Fiona Keary - Style Liberation
Whether you are after refresher, to learn some new tricks and tools, or for help with the whole style process Fiona can be contacted on:
Tel: 0422 633 659
For some more wedding inspo check out some of the local Canberra Bridal stores: