Category Archives: Bridal Market

Hot Styles and Haute Gowns: Trend Update from Bridal Market 2025

We’ve returned from the 2025 Bridal Market with all the tea on the latest trends! 

TWD team on the road to Chicago for Bridal Market 2025

On the road to Chicago for Bridal Market 2025!

National Bridal Market is the leading bridal tradeshow that takes place twice a year in Chicago. This gathering of designers, planners, retailers, and special-occasion professionals is a great place for trend-spotting. We returned from the March show full of inspiration and ideas for connecting you, our amazing brides-to-be, with perfectly suited, trend-forward dresses to fit any vibe or venue. Here’s the latest info on all the hottest styles we spotted at Bridal Market.

the TWD team at the bridal tradeshow

Bridal Market is our chance to look at the newest gowns in person and bond as a team!

We’ll start by catching up on what’s still hot and going strong from recent years. Next, we’ll look at what trends are on fire, bursting on the scene right now. Then, we’ll take a look at some new trends that are heating up in the bridal scene. And, of course, we’ll highlight some fantastic dresses from our collection that showcase a few ways to mix and match these trends to match your ideal aesthetic.

runway at the bridal tradeshow

Seeing the latest collections on the runway is a highlight of our trip!

Still Hot: Tested trends that aren’t cooling any time soon

  • Pearls. Lustrous and luxurious, pearls are absolutely having their moment. From tiny accents to all-over beading, pearls are showing up everywhere.  
  • Bows. You can’t mistake the feminine energy of a well-placed bow. Bows are beautiful and still holding the spotlight.
  • Two-in-One Looks. Detachable trains, detachable sleeves, overskirts, layered dresses, standalone under-dresses, and so many more options! Dresses with two (or more!) looks are getting even more creative as this trend keeps sizzling. 
  • Clean Lines. Minimalistic gowns that feature smooth lines, sleek fabrics, and subtle structure are very popular. These gowns are tried, true, and still oh-so-hot.

Fire: Top trends that are blazing bright this season 

  • The Basque Waist. This trend has been picking up steam and is now absolutely on fire. Whether dramatically deep or demurely dipped, this V-shaped waistline is incredibly popular for its versatility and flattering shape.
  • Brocade/Jacquard. The textured, full-bodied, richness of fabrics with woven designs are so hot they’re downright molten. From true brocades with raised, embossed designs, to matte-to-gloss woven jacquard, to faux-jacquard printed satin, every and any variation on the theme is featured in gorgeous trend-setting gowns. 
  • Colored Florals.  No shrinking violets here! Colored florals are popping up as accents, as embroidered bodices, and as all-over patters. Tradition with the sweetest little edge of rebellion is just too hot to resist. 
  • Strapless/Off-Shoulder. Strapless gowns and gowns with off-shoulder sleeves/detailing are back! Spaghetti straps have stepped back just a little bit, letting the unadorned shoulders have the spotlight.
  • Ivory. Light and bright, this color is white-hot. This flattering shade is back out in front after being overshadowed by champagne and blush.

Heating Up: New trends on the rise 

  • Trumpet/Mermaid. The sheath or column dress has dominated the silhouette scene, but the curvy trumpet and mermaid gowns are surfacing with new takes on fitting and flaring.
  • Big Ball Gowns. Ball gowns are filling out and getting poufy! From layered tulle to oversized full brocade skirts, ball gowns are taking up more space and making bigger statements than ever.  
  • All-Over Chantilly Lace.  Grandma would be proud; these lace dresses embrace detailed vintage lace to the max. Millie Bobby Brown Bongiovi brought this trend into the spotlight with her incredible lace wedding gown.

Here are a few designs from The White Dress’s collection that combine the hottest trends in to haute gowns!

Clean Lines and a Big Bow: Betty is a trailblazer

Betty bridal gown

Sleek bodice, simple lines, check! Betty features a striking Mikado bodice with slightly scooped neckline. Subtle structure, check! We adore the way this structured bodice ends in a basque waist before blossoming into a full tulle skirt. Graceful silhouette, check! This dress is finished off by a sweeping chapel train adorned with a perfect row of fabric covered buttons. Need one final trend to top it off? Betty has a perfect statement bow at the end of the corset-laced bodice, adding a touch of whimsy to this clean, clear, minimalistic dream dress.

Basque Waist and Big Ballgown: Edwina is a showstopper

edwina

Perfectly poufy, this fantastically layered tulle and lace ballgown takes our breath away. This Allure Romance dress has a Basque waist of the demure dip variety, lengthening the lines of the bodice just enough to highlight the perfect sweetheart neckline. Lace applique adds texture, interest, and an extra dash of romance to the bodice. Edwina is no wallflower, this dress takes center stage, all pouf and poise.

Colored Florals and Off-shoulder: Phoebe Jane is a phenomenon

phoebe jane dress

Flowing organza with a delicate, colored floral print is perfectly idyllic on this Lis Simon gown. The off-shoulder sleeves add a romantic sensibility to this design taking it from sweet to singular. (Bonus: the sleeves are removable for a 2-in-1 look!) The simplicity of natural waistline and gently dipped neckline add to the subtle appeal and you-have-to-look-again appeal of this gown. Never underestimate Phobe Jane, this is a dress that will have the last word in trending gowns and classic bridal fashion.

Brocade and Strapless: Nikola is a trendsetter

nikola dress

If texture is the name of the game, Nikola is playing to win. This Allure Bridal dress boasts a raised floral pattern in champagne on ivory that is instantly eye-catching, and the draping of this rich fabric is lush and attention-holding. The pointed sweetheart neckline of the wrapped bodice is flattering and the folds of the skirt falling away from natural waistline draw attention to the daring thigh-high slit. (Don’t worry, this can be tacked to a lower level to suite each bride’s individual preferences!) This dress leads the dancing from the center of the floor, Nikola is a vision of confidence and charm.

Allover Lace and Trumpet: Bonnie is a new standard

Bonnie dress

This incredible Allure Bridals creation is a glorious trumpet with a subtle, scooped neckline, delicate straps, and covered all over in Alencon lace. The lace overlay gives a vintage nod to this red-carpet worthy design. From the structured bodice to the fitted hips to the sweeping skirt that pools behind the bride in a chapel train, Bonnie takes the trends and transforms them into an absolute classic. This dress all comes together in perfect harmony, elevating the standard for trend-forward gowns.

Shop the latest bridal trends at The White Dress in Brighton, MI!

Any of these trends can be tailored to your bridal aesthetic, so don’t wait to book your bridal appointment with us so our TWD-ettes can help you find your perfect dress in your unique style. We’re excited for you to see our dresses in person. Our selection is unmatched and most of our dresses can be customized to suite the vision you have of your ideal dress for your big day.

Kristy’s Pick: Trend Spotting at Bridal Market 2024

Our team has been to a few bridal markets in 2024, and here are the top four trends standing out so far.

If there’s anything I’ve noticed about bridal fashion from over a decade of owning a boutique, it’s that trends move quickly! Each year my team and I attend industry bridal shows to shop the latest collections, and we’re always keeping our eye out for what’s new. So far, we’ve been to events in Charleston and Chicago, and we’ve been taking notes on all the latest fashion trends in the world of wedding dresses.

If you’re dress shopping this year, you probably want to know what to expect from the newest collections—and we have the tea! Below, I’ve picked out a few dresses that my team and I think are perfect examples of some of this year’s bridal fashion trends—but they’re far from the only ones that are on their way to us from designers.

The full collections are already starting to arrive, and we have plenty of options for you to look through. So if 2024’s styles match your vibe, pay us a visit and we’ll find the dress that’s truly you. In the meantime, you can get your mood board started with some of our favorites.

1.    Clean and simple

Philippa, featuring an illusion plunge and clean lines.

Sometimes, it can be refreshing to go back to fundamentals. Lots of the dresses we’ve seen so far this year are simple and striking, accentuating silky-smooth fabric with clean lines and subtle detailing. Against such a pristine background, little touches like creative seaming or a tiny row of beads make a big impact.

One of our favorites in this style is Philippa. The dramatic illusion plunge and vertical seams add shape to the sweep of crepe, and are mirrored on the back of the dress in the corset-style boning and long train of decorative buttons. It’s an elegant, timeless look that, paired with an updo and maybe some long gloves, is giving Old Hollywood.

2.    Bishop sleeves

Phoebe, featuring off-the-shoulder bishop sleeves and floral lace.

Have you, like Anne Shirley of Green Gables, always dreamed of puffed sleeves? You’re in luck this year! We’ve spied bishop sleeves in several 2024 collections so far, and we love their flowy, romantic look. And if you’d like to channel some fashion-forward Bridgerton vibes on your special day, look no further—bishop sleeves started gaining popularity in the 19th century, so you’re right on time.

Floaty, flowy Phoebe is the perfect showcase for this kind of good old-fashioned romance. The floral print—flowers are another thing we’ve seen quite a bit of this year!—is cozy and sweet, and the layers of light organza give her an ethereal look that the translucent bishop sleeves take to the next level. And if you get too warm in the sleeves—like, say, dancing at the reception—they’re detachable.

3.    High necklines and modest styles

Provence, featuring a high lace neckline and sleeves.

Bishop sleeves aren’t the only sleeve trend we’ve noticed. In fact, we’ve noticed more sleeves on dresses across the board, as well as higher necklines, too. This year’s dresses offer plenty of options for brides who prefer to cover up a little more, whether that’s for a chilly fall or winter wedding, for cultural or comfort reasons, or even just because it’s a look that speaks to you.

One dress that definitely speaks to us is Provence. The sparkle tulle skirt is a frothy dream, balanced by the sleek and fitted bodice that’s neck-to-wrist lace. The bold floral lace appliqués that cover Provence fit with other bridal trends we’ve seen this year, too, adding texture and depth that contrast with the simplicity of the skirt.

4.    Do both—separate looks for the wedding and reception

Reese, a short number with off-the-shoulder straps.

Weddings are a lot of work. You should be able to have your cake and eat it, too. This year’s trends seem to agree: we’re seeing a lot more options for the dress after the dress, so you can cut loose at the reception while still feeling bridal. Two dresses? Why not. You make your own rules.

These reception dresses tend to be shorter and lighter, easier to move around in and—if you’re up for it—show a little more skin. They also reflect a lot of the same bridal trends we’ve been seeing in their full-length sisters. Take Reese, for example. The jacquard fabric gives it a clean, elegant look from a distance, but shows off its subtle floral details up close. Vertical seams stand out against the fabric, and paired with pleats and a basque waist give the impression of a corset—while still giving you plenty of room to move.

Trendy or timeless, your wedding dress is all about you.

Fashions come and go all the time. The latest trends can give us ideas and options, but at the end of the day, your dress is yours to choose. After all, you look your best when you’re happy—so at the end of the day, that’s the most important requirement for your dress!

That’s also why trying dresses on makes such a difference. Something that didn’t wow you in a picture online or even on the hanger might surprise you when you see it in the mirror—and you can’t fake that say-yes feeling. At The White Dress, we know that wedding dress shopping is almost as special as the day itself, and we’re here to help you find what you’re looking for. Come by our shop and see all the options—the very newest ones, and the classics. Book an appointment with us today!

6 Trends We Saw at the Fall 2022 Bridal Market

Bridal fashion is undergoing a big shift. Here are the top six design trends we noticed at Chicago’s Fall 2022 Bridal Market.

Fashion is always changing, but it’s fairly common to see certain trends take hold and settle in to become a defining feature of an era. Waistlines rise and fall, pant legs go from flared to skinny to relaxed, strapless gowns give way to long lace sleeves, and so on and so forth. But there are times when a major fashion shift seems to happen all at once, when the trends aren’t just riffing on current ideas, but introducing completely new elements, and when staying stylish isn’t just a matter of replacing your jeans when they wear out, but of updating your entire wardrobe.

Every Bridal Market is a sneak peek at where the industry is headed, and for the past few shows we’ve noticed small shifts that have indicated an upcoming change in direction. This fall, it was clear that the change had arrived.

While many of the most popular wedding styles are still running strong (boho gowns aren’t going anywhere anytime soon), the new trends dominated almost every designer we saw. If you’re interested in where bridal is headed, here’s what to keep an eye out for.

bride wearing a wedding dress with a corset top and pearls against a close up of pearls and sequins

1. Pearls.

For the past few years, the subtle sheen of pearls has sat back seat to the more dramatic bling of diamonds, crystals, and sequins. Pearls were present, but understated—cascading down the edge of a veil, for instance. This year, we saw pearls everywhere, often sewn onto the dresses as the stand out bead work, or to enhance three-dimensional lace.

two slim wedding dresses with small sequins that create a beautiful shimmering look

2. Solid sequin sparkle.

The emergence of pearls doesn’t mean dresses are becoming less sparkly. In fact, this year every designer seemed to have at least one dress that was head-to-toe sequin sparkle. What set these gowns apart was how integrated the sequins were with the actual fabric of the dress. Many brides have some hesitation when it comes to sequins, because even those who are looking for a show-stopping dress don’t want to look like they’re part of a beauty pageant (especially if they’re planning to wear a tiara!). However, we felt these gowns kept the bridal feel while also amping up the glamour.

We thought this trend was just too good so we have ordered our samples in two sizes so everyone can give them a try! We are excited to have them in our store in the coming months.

two beautiful wedding dresses with floral lace that creates a detailed, deep texture

3. Floral lace: Oversized or miniaturized.

Lace has been a ubiquitous part of bridal fashion for years, especially lace designs that incorporate unique patterns or botanical motifs. The lace we’re seeing now is trending in three different directions: larger, smaller, or dimensional.

First off, we’re seeing more large scale floral—patterns so large that from a distance they look almost like a print. We’re also seeing more dimensional lace, where the lacework is appliquéd with beaded elements to create a design with more depth. Finally, we’re seeing micro lace, where the pattern creates more of a texture than a design.

3 bridal gloves. 2 of them are sheer with small lace detail and another that is plain classy silk

4. Gloves.

If there’s one trend that gives us a thrill of excitement, it’s the way gloves have taken over the bridal scene. As an accessory, long gloves have often lingered on the border of being either charmingly vintage or awkwardly costume-like. One way to make an accessory seem more genuine and less like an article of dress-up is to bring it into the modern era with a new twist. This is what we’re currently seeing with gloves.

While the classic satin gloves can be seen in abundance, the new trend also includes sheer gloves and ones embellished with pearls, rhinestones, and beading. Tiaras also continue to be in vogue, so feel free to channel Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to your heart’s delight.

manequins wearing black gowns of different styles

5. Black wedding dresses.

If the trends so far have seemed a touch dramatic, wait till you see the new black dresses. Black dresses have been available—although rare—for a few years now. There have been signs of growing interest in black wedding gowns (their frequent presence on Pinterest boards, for instance), but in most cases, the black dresses we’ve seen have been custom gowns. Rather than full black, it’s been more common for dresses to have black details, such as a champagne-colored dress that we carry in our store which has a black lace overlay. It hasn’t been until this year that we’ve truly seen black dresses come into their own.

At Bridal Market, we were excited to see an entire display dedicated to black wedding dresses. We also saw black gowns in a range of styles, from flowing boho gowns with large organic lace, to voluminous tulle dresses with cinched-in waists that looked like they could have come straight from a 1950s Dior catalogue. All of which is to say that if you’ve ever dreamed of a black wedding dress, your time has come: you have options.

2 sleek wedding dresses with a little shine and beautiful geometric outline

6. Clean fabric.

Last but not least, sleek, unembellished styles are also settling in as one of the popular new looks. Many of the dresses we saw at this year’s show managed to embrace the minimalism of a smooth look, whether it be with satin, chiffon, organza, or crepe, in a way that still felt romantic enough for a wedding. Many designers are taking their clean gown designs up a level, through seam placements, cutout lace in the train, or a unique back strap, so that gowns that appear simple at first glance actually do have a standout feature on closer inspection.

In particular, Mikado satin—which is a thicker, more luxurious weave of fabric than traditional satin—has become especially trendy. We bought one of our gowns in black Mikado satin, and can’t wait for it to arrive in our store.

collage of different dresses from the 2022 Fall bridal market

New trends coming soon to The White Dress!

One of the main reasons we attend Bridal Market is to see gowns in person and put in orders for what we’d like to have in our boutique. We’re very selective with what we stock in our Michigan bridal store, because we know that not every trend is a good fit for our brides. We also know that keeping up on all the emerging styles is part of what sets us apart. Brides who come to our shop know that they can try on dresses that are hot off the runway, so to speak.

There’s typically a delay of 6-8 months between seeing a gown at Bridal Market and getting it in our stores, because designers need time to fill the sample orders. However, we frequently post about new arrivals in our store, so keep an eye on this space if you’re interested in trying on these dresses.

In the meantime, the gowns we carry in store currently include ones we discovered during our trip to Bridal Market this past spring, as well as wedding dresses from the most recent collections of all our designers. If your wedding date is less than a year away, we encourage you not to put off scheduling an appointment. Wedding dress timelines being what they are, it’s essential to get your dress order placed early so you aren’t limited in your selection. Book an appointment with us today!

We Went to Bridal Market!

National Bridal Market is one of our industry’s premier trade shows. Here’s why that matters for you.

Of the pre-Covid traditions we missed as a bridal boutique, one of the biggest was our regular trip to Chicago for National Bridal Market. For the past few years, industry disruptions and Covid precautions have made it difficult to attend. So this year, making the trip in person was a big moment for our whole team.

Bridal Market is a semi-annual event that brings designers from all around the world together to the trade floor where they showcase their wares for industry buyers. Of course, for many designers, packing up trunk-loads of dresses and traveling hundreds of miles is only worthwhile if they know that those attending are qualified resellers. For this reason, Bridal Market is not open to the general public. To attend, buyers not only need to register, they must also demonstrate that they are active resellers within the bridal industry.

Bridal Market isn’t just for wedding dresses. It’s also for bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, headpieces and veils, men’s formalwear, footwear, and even bridal lingerie. And it isn’t just a time to look at products on display. We also have a chance to attend industry seminars and even see the latest gowns modeled on the runway.

We love Bridal Market. It’s a time for our team to bond over a weekend trip to Chicago filled with gorgeous wedding dresses by day and cocktails by night. But as fun as Bridal Market is to attend, it’s also important for our brides. Not every bridal boutique makes the trip, but we truly believe that in order to provide a first-class experience for our customers, we need to be at the forefront of industry trends. Bridal Market lets us do that. Here’s why.

1. We get up close and personal with hundreds of dresses.

Over a hundred and fifty brands attend Bridal Market, so when we say it gives us a chance to experience the best the industry has to offer, that’s no exaggeration. It’s also an essential opportunity for us to see for ourselves what dresses look like. There’s only so much you can gather from a product description or a photograph. Only by seeing the dresses for ourselves can we get a good sense of  their production quality and how they move when worn.

For example, one of the bridal lines we’ve been most excited about in recent years has been the Abella collection from Allure Bridals. The fabrics used for these dresses shimmered in a way that we had never seen before, and their true beauty is hard to appreciate until you’ve seen them in motion.

Bridal Market is our first opportunity to preview new collections and select sample dresses to carry in our store. While we continue to carry many of our sample dresses for several years, Bridal Market also allows us to add new dresses to our boutique each year.

2. We keep an eye on emerging trends and what’s hot.

Bridal Market is the Fashion Week of the bridal industry. Many of the dresses we’re seeing are so new that they aren’t even offered in stores yet—some may never make it into production. As we walk the trade floor, we’re keeping our eyes out for the newest ideas so that by the time a bride spots a trend she would like to try, we already have a dress waiting in our store for her to try on.

That said, trend spotting isn’t just about finding what’s popular—it’s also about knowing what our brides in Michigan want to buy. We’re keenly aware of what styles will be popular among our brides, and are ready to take a deeper dive into those collections. As a result, we can present a wider array of gowns in the trend our brides care about (hello, boho!), so that no one feels like they’re limited to the same selection.

We’re also happy to order in a sample gown through our loaner program from any of our designers. So if you see a gown on one of our designers’ websites that you just love, we can still get it for you, even if it’s not one we usually carry in our store.

3. We meet designers and learn more about their collections.

If you’ve ever heard about trunk shows and been interested in attending one, than you should know that Bridal Market is where we make the networking connections that make these events possible. We’re very selective about which designers we work with at our boutique. We only carry a certain number of labels, and we want to be sure that each designer is one our brides will love.

At Bridal Market, we not only get to see the gowns up close, we’re also able to talk to the designers about their collections—where they find their inspiration, what their design ethos is, and how they choose their fabrics and embellishments. Sometimes, learning these extra details is just what we need to hear to decide carry a new line of dresses in our store or invite a designer for a trunk show.

For example, we just love the unique angle  the design team Lis Simon takes on their collections. Along with their more traditional collection, they also offer separate tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched and sewn together to create a complete look. Or there’s the Adore line by Justin Alexander, which offers simple, affordable dresses on a faster timeline. By meeting designers and talking with them about their collections, we gain a better understanding of why those gowns were designed a certain way and what makes them special.

Bridal Market lets us be certain we’re giving our brides the latest and greatest gown selection.

We may be based in small-town Michigan, but there’s nothing provincial about our boutique. You can be sure when you visit our store that our collection contains the latest styles. And, if you have any questions about possibilities for alteration, we can discuss those changes directly with the designer to see what can be done.

Finally, while this may be an unsung part of the experience, we also find that making the trip to Bridal Market is important for our team. Those of us who go are able to learn first-hand about the industry and gain the kind of insights that let us help our brides find their perfect gown. We’re also able to share our thoughts with each other about the latest trends and become closer-knit as a team.

So if you’re on the hunt for your perfect gown, there’s no better time to book an appointment. With the season’s latest trends fresh on their minds, our bridal team is bursting with inspiration.. Schedule your visit with us today.

Top 7 Bridal Trends for 2021

The next year is bringing new trends in bridal fashion. Here are new looks.

The pandemic has caused a lot of brides to change their plans this past year, with many putting their ceremonies off entirely, and others pulling together a short-notice mini wedding with plans for a bigger bash when conditions are safe again. Not surprisingly, wedding dress trends are following suit.

Many of these dresses follow a similar theme, from rompers and mini dresses with removable overskirts, to boleros, capes, and other mix-and-match outfits. Brides are choosing simple styles for their micro weddings, but hoping to wear the same dress—with a switched up style—for their party celebration later.

In other cases, we’re seeing brides who are using the delay in their plans to save up extra budget for their wedding. After a year of no parties, they’re ready to welcome the post-quarantine world with a bang, and they want a dramatic look to go with it.

The happy irony is that between these trends with seemingly no middle ground, there are plenty of options for everyone. More budget friendly gowns for micro ceremonies are also perfect for brides who want two dresses, to switch up their looks between the wedding and reception. And versatile dress trends make it easier than ever for a bride to wear an elegant gown with a trailing overskirt for the ceremony, then take it off when it’s time to start dancing.

There’s a lot to look forward to in the coming year. Here are the top emerging dress styles to engage your imagination.

wedding gowns with streamers

1. Capes and streamers.

Hello drama! A number of runway fashions this year have featured variations on capes, from long, trailing sleeves to sheer shoulder coverings, and we are here for it. Streamers are a statement choice for brides who are planning a winter or fall wedding and want something to keep them warm. They’re also a good choice for brides who want something long and flowing, but don’t want the traditional train.

Pictured: Lance, by Lis Simon and Bowie, by All Who Wander.

wedding gowns with romantic sleeves

2. Full sleeves.

It used to be difficult to find a dress with sleeves, but in 2021, they’re all the rage. While long, fitted sleeves have been the typical style, the latest trend is for bell sleeves, with their romantic princess vibes, or full bishop sleeves, which gather together at the cuff for an elegant finish. Whether in opaque chiffon or sheer lace, this is a stunning trend we hope sticks around for a while.

Pictured: Aspen, by Essence of Australia, and Lenox, by All Who Wander.

little white dresses

3. The Little White Dress.

It seems like only a few years ago, the idea of wearing a short wedding dress was nearly unheard of. Now LWDs are all over the runways, in everything from mini dresses to rompers (not technically dresses, we know). We think the tea-length dresses in particular are a cute style that would be perfect for a garden wedding, especially for brides who don’t want to get their trains dirty. LWDs are also a classic choice for rehearsals, receptions, and even bachelorette parties and bridal showers.

Pictured: Barletta, Minnie, and Rho, from our recent sample sale.

wedding gowns with high low hemlines and slits

4. Hemlines that show a bit of leg.

Many brides can’t seem to choose between a fun and flirty LWD and the drama of a gown with a train. And why should they, when they can have both? High-low hemlines continue to make a showing in many collections this year, as are gowns with a high slit, for brides who want a breezy, causal feel.

Pictured: 7328 by Stella York, SS110 by Lis Simon, and Marly by All Who Wander.

Backless wedding dress gowns

5. Backless.

We’ve seen a lot of low-cut and illusion backs over the years, but this year they seem to be particularly on-trend—especially when paired with higher necklines in the front and sleeves. It’s another way in which brides seem to be playing with demure and sexy looks in one dress.

Pictured: 7290 by Stella York.

wedding gowns with square necklines

6. Square necklines.

It seems that the sweetheart neckline finally has some competition! Square necklines are making a strong showing this year, aided by the popularity of sleeves. (After all, you can’t have a square neckline on a strapless dress!) This is a great choice for brides who have a special necklace they would like to frame.

Pictured: Lena, by Lis Simon, and 7130 by Stella York.

minimalist wedding gowns and slip dresses

7. Slip dresses and minimalism.

Some styles come in and out of fashion, as brides reach for throwback looks to retro styles that were popular during or just before their childhood. This year, we’re seeing the slip dresses and spaghetti straps of the 90s start to grow in popularity, in sleek, clean fabrics without a lot of adornments. This is in keeping with a minimalist trend that we’ve seen for a few years now, where lace and ruffles and set aside in favor of designs that put the emphasis on dramatic silhouettes or carefully constructed seam lines.

Pictured: 11159 and 11140 by Adore by Justin Alexander, and 7211 by Stella York.

2021 is going to see more versatility in bridal gowns that previous years.

Whatever trend attracts you most, we’re here to help you find a dress that meets your dreams. With a vaccine around the corner, brides are beginning to plan their weddings in earnest, and that means finding their wedding dress.

While our boutique is still booking bridal appointments, with some covid-19 restrictions in place, we also offer private bookings for brides who want to reserve the entire store for their bridal appointment. The reservation costs $150, but will count toward a wedding gown, should the bride find her dress during her appointment. For a private appointment, the bride can bring up to seven guests for a total party size of eight, although we do still require the bride and her guests to remain masked.

Contact us today to make a special appointment with one of our stylists.

Bridal Market Recap: Spring 2012

Written by: Kristy

So, we’ve been back from Bridal Market in Chicago for a few weeks now and I haven’t yet reported the latest and greatest in bridal world.  Never fear though, I am back with the recap!

Pictures are better than words (sometimes) so I thought it would be best to let the photos do the talking.  But first, a high level summary.  There were lots and lots and lots of dresses – textured dresses were still all the rage, lace is huge, back interest was showing up everywhere…and the very exciting news?  There were a lot more options for those of you looking for dresses with straps, sleeves, or just something different than a strapless dress!

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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!

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