What’s going to be in fashion for bridal this year? We’ve got the scoop on the sleeves, trains and skirts that will be making the hot list
15 bridal industry experts have shared the trends they predict will be huge in the next 12 months
Eleganza Sposa
“Incorporating floral appliqué adds another dimension of luxury which can elevate a simple design,” points out the Glasgow boutique’s Anna Cirignaco. “It lends a more contemporary texture, while still maintaining the classic structure of a traditional gown. The position of the appliqué can create a sophisticated silhouette that moves gracefully.”
Sassi Holford
“With two royal weddings in the space of a year, we have seen long-sleeved dresses make a huge return,” observes designer Sassi. “There are a number of styles to explore, from straight and flared, to full and three-quarter lengths. Moreover, I predict we’ll see three-dimensional textures trending in 2019. Ophelia (left) is made of gold-shot brocade, which gives a regal impression, but has pockets for a modern twist.”
Kudos Bridal Boutiques
“We’re already noticing a lot of plunge necklines coming through,” considers Millie Polson. “But the new craze is the side V, which tends to be made of illusion tulle to make the waist appear even smaller by drawing the eye to the narrowest part. If that’s too racy, then stick to sleeves. Coverage is key in 2019.”
Joyce Young Design Studios
![[Above left] Valentina gown with off-the-shoulder neckline, £POA [Above right] Dina silk satin fit-and-flare gown, £POA, both Joyce Young Design Studios](https://tietheknot.scot/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/4joyceyoung.jpg)
“2019 will focus on a pared-back, minimalist aesthetic, with pure shapes in beautiful materials,” says designer Joyce. “The fabric has to be top quality and impeccably cut: there is nowhere to hide. And I imagine relaxed, bohemian styles will reign, as these are more suitable for blank canvas, barn venues.”
www.joyceyoungcollections.co.uk
Bridal Atelier – Loch Lomond
![[Far left] Adara gown in ivory/latte by Beautiful by Enzoani, £1,250 [Left] Alcina gown in Ivory by Beautiful by Enzoani, £1,250, both Bridal Atelier – Loch Lomond](https://tietheknot.scot/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/5bridalatelier.jpg)
“We’re extending a very warm welcome back to the fuller A-line skirt,” says Christine Fyfe. “The new gowns from Beautiful by Enzoani have some killer examples, such as Adara (right) and Alcina (left), which is a touch more bohemian in style. Their high necklines are also a sign of things to come.”
Georgina Sheward Bridal
![[Above left] Amelia gown by Elbeth Gillis, from £1,800 [Above right] Style 66055 by Lillian West, £POA, both Georgina Sheward Bridal](https://tietheknot.scot/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/6georginasheward.jpg)
“Considering that 2018 featured not one, but two, highly anticipated weddings, designers will have plenty to work with,” Georgina muses. “The understated glamour of Meghan Markle, and the street style-to-wedding aisle aesthetic of the empress of influencers, Chiara Ferragni, gave us ample inspiration. Dresses that offer more ease and comfort, with little or no decoration, in satins and crepes, will trend, as will halternecks.”
Ivory Grace
![[Left] Susannah dress, £1,920, and Toronto cape, £580, both by Stephanie Allin [Far left] Verity gown by Sassi Holford, £2,690, both Ivory Grace](https://tietheknot.scot/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/7ivorygrace.jpg)
“At the moment, we’re edging away from tradition,” reflects Kayleigh Brown. “A cape is a great alternative for those who don’t want to wear a veil and, as minimal styles are becoming more popular, it electrifies an otherwise uncomplicated silhouette. And be prepared for exquisitely textured and appliquéd fabrics.”
Katy’s Company
![[Below left] Satin A-line dress with all-over beaded tulle (style 69362) by Ronald Joyce, £POA [Below right] Classic ballgown with lace details (style D2639) by Essense of Australia, £POA, both Katy’s Company](https://tietheknot.scot/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/8katyscompany.jpg)
“I’m all for 2019’s plunging necklines with wider straps,” highlights Katy Berwick. “I think they give gowns a younger and fresher feel. Also watch out for pearl beading, which will feature on many dresses in the coming months. Ronald Joyce’s style 69362 (left) is a perfect example.”
Pan Pan Bridal
“Feathers reveal a flirtatious side of the bride,” says Huda Abdulgader at the Edinburgh store. “We adore the Kalani gown from Rosa Clará (right), which has the right amount of plumes to look classy. Expect fully embellished gowns to crop up too – Jenny Packham’s Millie dress is divine (left).”
The Bridal Suite
![[Right] Gatsby-inspired gown with open back draped with strings of pearls (style W320) by True Bride, £POA, The Bridal Suite](https://tietheknot.scot/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/10thebridalsuite.jpg)
“Capes and removable trains are going to be massive this year,” reckons Karen Wright. “They utterly transform understated gowns. Plus, it’s still all about the back detail. More and more brides are looking for something that isn’t just incredible from the front. Look out for elaborate embellishment here and ‘back jewellery’.”
AJR Designs
![[Inset] Felicity dress with floral mikado lining and dipped hem, £900 [Left] Fifi ballgown with feather details and floral appliquéd waist, £1,250, both AJR Designs](https://tietheknot.scot/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/11AJR.jpg)
“I envision there will be some evolution of the ivory gown,” figures designer Ailsa Joy Rendell. “It has been a staple for so long that I think some new textures will be in play this year, be that 3D appliqué, heavily beaded fabrics or gentle and feminine feathers. I am also loving bold colours right now, and finding ways to make a classic gown more interesting.”
The Bridal Courtyard
![[Above] Romantic tulle ballgown with lace bodice and sparkly underlay (style PH6028) by Phoenix Gowns, £POA, The Bridal Courtyard](https://tietheknot.scot/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/12bridalcourtyard.jpg)
“Sparkle will be making an appearance,” Jennifer Gilbert believes. “It’s always been around in some form, but we are increasingly seeing girls asking for a more subtle shimmer, so we’ve gowns in store with a layer of glittery tulle underneath. The effect is very princess-like, especially when the light reflects on it.”
Glitterati
![[Above left] Blossom gown with 3D embroidery, £POA [Above right] Zelda gown with plunging back detail, £POA, both Glitterati](https://tietheknot.scot/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/13glitterati.jpg)
“At Glitterati, we foresee the naked dress, comprised of sleek lace and nude lining, being influential,” Moira Withers forecasts. “Mix-and-match separates with metallic details will be in the spotlight and so too will princess ballgowns, either in plain satin or with 3D embroidered laces and detachable overskirts in satin, tulle or organza.”
www.glitteratidesignergowns.co.uk
Isobel Florence Bridal
![[Above left] Dorchester gown by Ian Stuart Bride, £POA [Above right] Style 6782F by Stella York, £POA, both Isobel Florence Bridal](https://tietheknot.scot/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/14isobelflorence.jpg)
“Meghan Markle’s gown will be an important source of inspiration for the year ahead,” predicts Julie Wong. “Aim for simple yet elegant lines in pearl and matte mikado, offering solid structure. On the opposite end of the scale, there’s Ian Stuart Bride’s Dorchester gown (left), which we think will be a hit. Its slipper satin rouched bodice gives brides dramatic shape.”
Bridal Boutique at Frox of Falkirk
![[Above left] Style D5625 by Eternity Bridal, £POA [Above right] Eleanora gown by Modeca, £POA, both Bridal Boutique at Frox of Falkirk](https://tietheknot.scot/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/15Frox.jpg)
“With Meghan Markle and Princess Eugenie keeping it understated this year, we think this will continue into 2019 with sleek and timeless styles,” says Natalie Godfrey. “The Bardot neckline will be very prominent and floral appliqué, as seen on ethereal Eleanora by Modeca (right), will be strong this year.”