bridal market recap

Bridal Market Recap: Fall 2011

Written by: Kristy

After attending Bridal Market last week, I think I can safely summarize it all in two words – ruffles and flowers!  And though there were still many lovely simple frocks, dresses with drama are all the rage this season!

Ok, before I get too engrossed in discussing dress deets (is it possible to be too engrossed?  I didn’t think so.), I should probably go into a little bit of background as to what Bridal Market is.  I wouldn’t want to leave you in the dark!

5 dresses at the Bridal Market

{One of the lovely displays at Market.}

Bridal Market is where buyers from around the country gather to make their inventory purchases for the next season.  Basically, all the major companies that design wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, special events gowns, flower girl dresses, prom dresses, veils, jewelry, tuxedos, accessories, etc, etc, etc. get together in one location and showcase their latest collections.  Sound like fun?  Well, you are right – it sure is!  Talk about pretty things to see as far as the eye can see!  (Personally, I like nothing more than seeing a room full of tulle, satin, lace, and sequins!)  And though our focus at market was of course, wedding and bridesmaid dresses, we couldn’t help but ooooh and aaahhh over all the lovely frocks!

{Another gorgeous display which features Special Occasion dresses.}

Anyway, the market we attend is in Chicago, and my mother made the trek from Michigan for the occasion.  (Incidentally, this past market was the very last one I would attend while still being a resident of Illinois – I moved back to Michigan a week after the Bridal Market!)  We both had a great time visiting our designers and viewing the latest and greatest dresses!  While there were SO many lovely options to choose from, we somehow managed to pick out only the best for The White Dress.  We can’t wait for our brides to see them!

{Mom and Kristy at Market.}

There are several highlights to attending Bridal Market, one of which is always the fashion show!  The show is a great opportunity to get a small recap of what all the designers are creating for the season.  So what did we see?

Ruffles, ruffles, and more ruffles!

{Ruffles are still showing up layered on skirts.}

{Two more dresses with the ruffle fever!}

{Ruffles, ruffles, everywhere!}

Did I mention flowers?  Oh, I did?  Well, here is proof that flowers are huge right now.  Whether they are accented on the waistband, shoulder, or in a head piece, or whether rosettes are covering the skirt, flowers are in!  And really, what says romance more than a wedding dress with flowers?

{Giant flower rosettes cover this fab skirt.}

{Flowers in the hair.}

{Flowers accent the straps of this frock – I love a good shoulder flower!}

We also saw touches of color besides white on wedding dresses!  Though I have always thought a colored sash is a great way to change up your look for the reception, I am coming around to the trend of pink wedding dresses!  Blush pink dresses were debuting from several designers this season.  (And I do love me some pink dresses!)

{Black accents the waistline of this dress.
I am loving the contrasting black and white.}


{Blush pink dress!}


{Another lovely pink frock!}

Bows!  Since I am a child of the 80s, I love this trend.  (I am pretty sure I have never stopped loving bows since I was a little girl – I would literally wear a bow on my being every day if I could.  Oh and polka dots.  I love polka dots too!  And I digress….)  So, wedding dress designers are on the bow trend, I think they do add that sweet, girly flair to a wedding gown.

{Shoulder strap bow.}

{Another bow at the top of the tiered skirt.}

Dramatic veils are back!  I think it has something to do with a certain royal wedding last April.  (Thoughts, anyone?!).  But whatever the reason, long and gorgeous veils were spotted on the runway.  And really, I think every bride needs that dramatic photo of her veil blowing in the wind…or one where her veil is swirling around her and her groom.  (These are both great photographs, so add them to your lists, brides!)

{Look how long the veil is here!}

{A double trend – flowers on a dramatic veil!}

And a few more tidbits for you all – when visiting with some of our favorite designers, we thought we’d snap a few photos for you!

{Here we are with Liz Fields and some of her models}

{And here we are with Anna, from Lis Simon, the queen of simple and beautiful gowns that make it oh-so-easy to accessorize and add your own flair!}

Well, lovelies – that about recaps Bridal Market!  Tell me – what is your favorite trend this season?