Wedding season is officially upon us, and this year brings new trends and ‘must-haves.’ As venues continue to broaden beyond the formal church and ballroom pairing, bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses, too, are becoming more casual and comfortable. Traditional wedding etiquette is shifting toward an ‘anything goes’ attitude—as long as the bride is happy, of course!
Megan Rumsey, sales manager at The Ultimate Bride, says they still get brides-to-be looking for big, over-the-top gowns, but most want a more casual, sheath style. “Based on images they see online, almost every girl comes in asking for straps or sleeves—either cap or full—although some still end up with the timeless look of a strapless gown,” she says. Bold details on the back of the dress are also popular, Rumsey notes. “The illusion-style back and a deep, low-cut V are both huge.”
Dresses for the bridal party are mimicking the laidback attitude of the bride, and Rumsey says they offer numerous lengths and colors (even ombre) to meet specific requests. “More and more brides just want their bridesmaids to feel comfortable, so they let them choose their own style and sometimes even their own shade within a color family, like pink or champagne,” she notes.
The barrage of images online means many clients come in already knowing exactly what they want. Sequin dresses are one of the ‘it’ looks commonly found on Pinterest. To meet that need, in July, The Ultimate Bride will become the exclusive retailer in St. Louis to offer an all-sequin line by Sorella Vita in various lengths and classic colors, like gold, rose gold, silver, black and navy.
The store soon will feature another hot look of the summer: the two-piece dress, which shows off a small section of the midriff. Rumsey is interested to see how local clients respond. “It’s really popular for bridesmaids on the East and West coasts, so we’ll see how it does in the Midwest,” she says. “It’s a little more daring, but if the girls can pull it off, it can be a really classy look. It’s all about whatever makes them feel comfortable.”
Distinctions co-owner Nancy Lehtman thinks comfort should be a top priority for mothers of the bride and groom as well. “If the bride wants a more traditional wedding, they’ll need to respect that with their dress selection,” she says. “Otherwise, the options are endless for length and color.” She notes that it’s completely appropriate for moms to wear shorter dresses—as long as they aren’t too short. “If it’s a more casual venue, a shorter hem is a great option,” she says. The two women should coordinate on length, however. “You don’t want one mom walking down in a long gown and one in a shorter dress.”
There are noticeable trends regarding style and color. “Lace is very strong ,” Lehtman says. “There are different kinds, so the dresses don’t all look the same and you can still stand out.” And any woman can wear it; sheer fabric with a lace overlay is modest without looking matronly. Another trend is the high/low look: longer in the back, shorter in the front. “Now, any color goes, no matter the season,” she says. “And navy is the new black. It can be worn year-round.”
More and more brides want a say in what their moms wear, and Lehtman says it’s best to let them play however big a role they want. “A bride can have an opinion, but she needs to give the women multiple suggestions,” she says. “I think it’s smart for the mother of the bride to pick out her dress first, but the mother-in-law needs some time—and choices!” And while it might be all about what the bride wants, Lehtman notes that most just want their moms to feel beautiful.
[finding the right ring]
The diamonds of an engagement ring hold more significance than most: They are a symbol of love, one that can be passed down for generations. Local jewelers talk trends and offer advice on how to choose the perfect size and setting.
stacy kravanya, sales manager, genovese jewelers
- The halo style, which is diamonds set around a center stone, is still incredibly popular. We’re starting to see simple designs come back, with just a few diamonds down the side. The majority still want white gold, but rose gold is gaining popularity.
- There is always a way to fit what the girl will love into a guy’s budget, either by picking a smaller stone or spending less money on the mounting.
michael haddad, president, the diamond family
- Dealing with a small, family-owned jeweler rather than a big chain is everything. You’ll work with an actual dealer who is knowledgeable and can educate you rather than someone just trying to make a sale.
- Focus the majority of the investment on the stone, which is the part of the ring that will last forever. It can be passed down generation to generation, whereas the actual ring might change as styles change.
- It’s every man’s job to pay attention to the woman’s wants and needs before coming in. Some couples come in together on the initial visit, but if not, the guy should have some kind of direction when shopping around.
anne pokoski, certified gemologist and sales associate, elleard heffern fine jewelers
- Vintage looks are strong right now. We have a lot of couples who want antique, European cuts, like the rose cut, cushion or antique cushion cut, and the Asscher cut. There also is a strong interest in estate bridal rings as a complete piece.
- Platinum is still popular, but women are starting to look at 18kt. rose gold and even yellow gold again.
- Conduct your search in a way that’s comfortable to you, whether that’s shopping as a couple or the guy coming in by himself or with a trusted friend or family member.
- Research jewelers online before shopping. You want someone with a trained eye who knows what they’re looking for and can explain the significant differences in cut, weight and grade, which can affect the rarity and value of the stone.
Pictured: Essence of Australia gown, available at The Ultimate Bride