Wedding Belles

Hot off the bridal runways, this season’s gowns are exploding with drama and diversity. From stunning silhouettes and luscious fabrics to sparkling jewels and fanciful frills, these gorgeous gowns combine timeless elements with fierce femininity. For die-hard romantics, the options this season are plentiful. Find flirty details such as bows, ruffles, lace and 3-D floral embellishments. Discover an abundance of tulle, chiffon, organza, taffeta and lace. Be mesmerized by layer-upon-layer of featherweight materials – so light, any bride will feel like she’s floating down the aisle. Among the season’s best, we’ve narrowed down a few of our favorite “haute” trends: Gowns with color, belts, texture and lace (lots and lots of lace!). Check out these enchanting feminine frocks on the following pages.

At right: Artistic intrigue makes a grand statement in this A-line Vicenza organza gown by Maggie Sottero (Style: Antonia). Raw-edged, structured folds peek out from an asymmetrically draped skirt, highlighted with a grand bouquet of handmade flowers strewn with Swarovski crystals. 

The Bride Wore Color!

Ultra feminine colors in pretty hues add a whimsical touch to bridal gowns this season. The runways are flush with the subtle shades of everything not-white, such as creamy palettes of blush, oatmeal, soft pink and barely-there blue. Also sighted: The daring colors of charcoal, smoky lavender and robin’s egg blue. These colors combined with feminine silhouettes add a graceful romantic feel to gowns.

Belt it Out!

Satin sashes, jewel-encrusted ribbons, ruffled flower broaches, bow belts – you name it! This season, belts and sashes cinched at the natural waist are all the rage. Brides have been wearing colorful sashes and belts with their dress for years, but lately the belts have taken a more elaborate spin around the waist. Find belts adorned with pearls, Swarovski crystals, flower petals and pretty bows. This is a great detail to have on a wedding gown as it helps create structure and a focal point on the body.

Let’s Talk Texture

Texture is a huge -- and oh so pretty – wedding dress trend. Designers’ collections are showcasing a plethora of textured skirts this season. And it’s a princess’ fantasy: 3-D flowers, ruffles, lace appliques, mesmerizing swirls and soft folds, and endless layers of tulle and organza. Lavish and lovely: It’s easy to get caught up in these bustles of grand proportion.

Lace is Back

For women who are still reveling in the majesty of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress, you’ll love the latest lace gowns. An iconic bridal fabric in wedding gowns, lace has never gone out of style, but now, designers have reintroduced it in fabulously fresh and modern ways – from subtle touches of lace used in appliques and accents to all-over lace that takes center stage. Classic, timeless and ultra-feminine – lace is simply lovely.