COUTURE CUTS

3D FLORAL EMBELLISHMENTS

Cathy Kelley says she she saw a lot of cut fabric, embroidery and other florals in a 3D format while at market in New York City in October. Trends she sees at market typically take a couple of years to trickle down to Birmingham, but she’s ordered some dresses in this style for 2018. She also sees light applique beading coming back on trend but that it’s distinct of the other 3D florals.

Cathy Kelley
The White Room, Mountain Brook Village
Pictured: Anne Barge Camelot

Off-the-Shoulder Silhouettes

This feminine neckline creates a minimally sexy look without being too revealing and gives a more open style than the V-neck or strapless. Dresses with clean lines are becoming more popular, and having something interesting at the neckline helps make a dress feel distinctly bridal as opposed to feeling like another formal gown.

Sloane Jones
Ivory & White, Crestline Village
Pictured: Rivini Classy

BOHO BEAUTIFUL

Brides are often drawn to the carefree and simplistic feel of the style with their signature sleeves. Often they boast interesting back details and soft, lightweight fabrics perfect for brides wanting a casual yet elegant outdoor wedding.

Colleen Hopwood
Bella Couture, Mt. Laurel
Pictured here: Ti Adora Spring 2017

NO LACE, PLEASE

More brides these days choosing designs with minimal to no lace. Instead, they are favoring bead work or plain crepe chiffon and satins. Danielle Spiller sees more sleeker clean lines and materials hug a bride’s body nicely. But these gowns still often have many of the elements in more traditional lace dresses. Many still want long trains and pretty buttons, opt for sheath or the fit and flair cuts, and either go simple and plain or want a ton of embellishments.

Danielle Spiller
Bridal Bliss, Homewood
Pictured: Pronovias Palencia
Calla Blanche Alexis

HORSEHAIR

Okay, it’s not really horsehair—it’s a braid of synthetic fibers woven together that gives more body and shape to the hem. At Heidi Elnora’s shop, they say it gives the skirt a “whoosh whoosh” effect. Trumpet-style Meghan Augusta boasts a sweetheart bodice and princess seams that lead to the dramatic godets with 4-inch horsehair hem, and the horsehair hem on the ball gown bridal skirt Keeley pairs with layers of handkerchief cut organza to create a ruffling effect.

Elizabeth Singleton
Heidi Elnora, Downtown
Pictured: Meghan Augusta, Keeley

NUDE UNDERLINING

Lining a dress with a nude color adds interest to a traditional white or ivory dress, with the extra layer of dimension making the details of the lace/beading overlay pop. In Birmingham designer Heidi Elnora’s collection, off-the-shoulder Mary Jane Darling’s nude base underlay showcases the intricate details of its corded lace, and Shelby Rae similarly shows off its Swiss dot overlay and lace applique details symmetrically placed throughout the dress.

Elizabeth Singleton
Heidi Elnora, Downtown
Pictured: Mary Jane Darling, Shelby Rae