Break out the flower crowns and fringe, the boho-chic look is back in a big way this wedding season.
“We’re seeing that a lot of the simple silhouettes are definitely making a strong presence,” says Isabelle’s Bridal co-owner Basia Antos.
Brides twirling around in tulle and lace at the Esplanade boutique are leaning towards low-back gowns and plunging necklines in a laidback style.
“Also, we’re seeing that a lot of brides are not really doing the strapless dress anymore. They are doing more of a cap sleeve or an off-the-shoulder feel with a nice neckline,” says Antos, adding that strapless gowns can be altered to add detail up top.
While veils are a classic wedding accessory, many brides these days are opting for flower crowns or crystal hair accessories instead, explains Antos. She recommends Sam Solis Florist in Lower Lonsdale for flower crowns.
Garter belts have been tossed aside, says Antos, as more and more brides buck with tradition and personalize their nuptials.
You won’t see many brides these days sporting satin white pumps on their wedding day. Instead they are splurging on high-end designer shoes they can wear again.
Ivory, blushes and champagne colours are the toast of the season. Even blue hues are being incorporated into wedding gowns.
“White dresses are pretty much a passé thing at this point,” says Antos.
It will also rain purple this wedding season, as ultra violet has been picked as the Pantone colour of the year. The vibrant hue is popular for bridesmaid dresses, as is a chiffon fabric.
Another trend is to have each bridesmaid chose a different dress to reflect their individual personalities.
Intimate weddings with maybe 25 or so guests are on the rise, according to the brides Antos helps outfit. The high cost these days to host a large wedding is driving that trend, along with the cost of living in Vancouver.
“I think that brides really want to make that day very intimate and special – it’s not so much about the show and the production – it’s more about the unity of love and the combination of the two families coming together,” says Antos.
Isabelle’s will be taking part in The Original Bridal Swap event at the Croatian Cultural Centre in East Vancouver on March 11.
Past brides who want to sell their gowns (only worn once!) get together with retailers selling off-the-rack dresses.
If you’re a savvy bride this swap is for you, says Antos. You can snag a designer dress for around $400, with the caveat being it’s been tried on by other brides.
Alfred Angelo, one of the biggest designers in the industry, recently filed for bankruptcy, leaving behind bargains for brides this year.
“We had to put all of his samples we just received not too long ago on sample sale because we can no longer order the dresses,” explains Antos.
Normally brides should allow for six to eight months to order a dress from a retail store, but an off-the-rack number with some alterations can be ready to shine in a fraction of the time.
Pure Magnolia Gowns owner Patty Nayel is a fairy godmother of sorts, sewing swaths of fabric into whimsical wedding gowns.
From beautiful ball gowns to glamorous sheaths or simple frocks for a beach wedding, Nayel and her seamstresses can create a dream dress from sustainable fabrics in their 1,000-square-foot design studio and showroom across the street from Capilano Mall.
“Brides are going a little bit more casual, but at the same time they want to be girly and flirty and have all that fun. Sparkle and bling is not really a big thing anymore,” says Nayel, who has been designing wedding dresses for close to a decade, since graduating with a degree in fashion design from Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Pure Magnolia puts out 350 dresses a year. Brides come to shop clutching a sketch or photo of their dream gown and Nayel and her team work their magic.
The process starts with brides trying on Pure Magnolia’s sample dresses to see what elements they adore – as a foundation for the gown. The collection is made up of customizable dresses made from European laces, Indian silks, organic cottons, vintage and recycled fabrics.
Inspiration from photos can also be woven into the design of each bride’s dream dress as it’s put together.
Tulle is a trendy fabric for 2018, says Nayel.
“I think brides are liking tulle because it’s got a lot of statement to it, it’s really fun, but it doesn’t have to be heavy and cumbersome. So it’s giving them the look of this really fluffy, pretty dress but it’s not a huge, heavy, satin ball gown.”
But what about after the big day, what happens with the dress?
“There are some great places to sell them, now,” says Nayel.
The sentiment behind selling a wedding dress is that someone had a special day with the dress and they want to pass on those good vibes – and put some money in their pocket for the next chapter.
Nayel has seen some of her gowns passed between two or three different brides.
“When you get half of what you paid for your dress back, then that’s fantastic,” says Nayel. “I love that a wedding dress can get a second life.”
