fashion

Bridal Fashion Week has come and gone and, while we miss the glamor of the runway shows and the glitz of after-parties, there’s lots more luxury ahead, thanks to the amazing collections from top designers. If you’re getting married next year, you can expect to walk down the aisle in a gown that is classic, luxurious and oozing with Hollywood glam.

1. Color: Whether it was as subtle as oyster, or as punchy as fuchsia, designers were not afraid to experiment with color for Spring 2014. We were tickled pink with Vera Wang’s collection, which offers gowns in a range of pinks, from cotton candy to coral, and love that designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Jenny Packham offered more colors than plain old white.

2. Short Gowns: Long gowns will always be the most popular among brides, but we’re giddy over the refreshing crop of short gowns. Carolina Herrera and Monique Lhuillier created elegant short gowns that still have that wow-factor that brides are looking for. If it’s in your budget, a short gown would be perfect to wear to your reception if having a train is a must for your walk down the aisle.

3. Dramatic Backs: Speaking of trains, designers are making the backs of their gowns the focal point. Whether it’s a dramatic train, a sheer paneling, lace cutouts, covered buttons or completely backless, the back of a bride’s gown is the new sexy. Brides are covering up in the front to show off a little sexiness in the back. We especially love this look from Mark Zunino.

4. Ballgowns: It seems designers are returning to their classical roots by introducing dreamy ballgowns with voluminous skirts. We especially loved the gowns from Ines di Santo, Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang. You might think these gowns are heavy to wear, but they’re actually weightless, which is important for brides who want to dance the night away. We’ve always said, the fuller the skirt the more fabulous the frock!

5. Appliques: Whether it’s exquisite bead-work, layered fabrics, lace appliques or intricate brocading, designers are giving their gowns the 3-D treatment. This kind of detail adds an interesting visual element to a gown and also sets it apart from other one-dimensional gowns.