It's that time of year. When we start to look ahead, and see what we're in for, over the next 12 months. And when it comes to wedding dresses, we're in for nothing but treats!
As you might remember, we visited New York in October for Bridal Fashion Week, taking in runway shows and meeting designers to check out their brand new collections.
Over the next few weeks and months, we'll be taking a closer look at the most gorgeous collections, and zoning in on some of the most exciting trends we discovered while we were there.
But we figured, we should probably kick off 2016 with an overview of the looks that brides this year (and probably next year too!) will be swooning over, big time.
Dress by Marchesa, Photo by FirstVIEW via Bridal Musings
And who better to guide us through the biggest wedding dress trends in 2016, than a fabulous bridal style expert, who we just happened to meet while we were in NYC?
Annie Cavallo is a wedding day enthusiast, stylist, and fashion writer. And she knows a thing or two about what trends are just for the catwalk, and which ones will take off with real brides in a big way.
Over the last few years we've had crop tops, long sleeves and backless gowns, but 2016 is set to be even more daring, dreamy, and all-round cool.
So, treating us to the most stylish (but still totally accessible!) wedding dress styles of the year, take it away Annie….
1. All About Florals
Dress by Naeem Khan, Photo by Maria Valentino via The Knot
Wedding gowns are blooming with accented color and motifs of our favorite buds.
From embroidered appliqués to hand painted arrangements, florals are no longer just for carrying down the aisle.
As seen at: Heidi Elnora, Marchesa, Inbal Dror, Claire Pettibone, Ivy & Aster.
2. Veils Reinvented
Dress by Berta, Photo by Kurt Wilberding via The Knot
The next veil, 2.0. Designers are reinventing tradition with wearable veils or ‘body veils' that attach as part of your gown and are worn more as an accented cape, than a head piece.
The added layer brings instant romance to the look, with the sheer illusions floating around the gown.
As seen at: Pronovias, Berta, Claire Pettibone, Alon Livné.
3. The New Pant Suits
Jumpsuit Dress by Ines Di Santo
Pant suits will still be the best way to strut into your reception in 2016.
Lacy skinnies, and skirt overlays are my predictions for Spring this year, designers are becoming more inventive with how to achieve two looks in one.
As seen at: Ines Di Santo, Mark Zunino, Riki Dalal.
4. Homage To Princess Icons
Dress by Zuhair Murad
Who wouldn't want to be a princess on their wedding day? Even celebrities look to them for inspiration.
Allison Williams and Nicky Hilton were both inspired by royalty for their wedding day look. Allison wanted Kate Middleton's conservative sheer neckline, while Nicky Hilton was channeling her inner Princess Grace Kelly.
As seen at: Zuhair Murad, Marchesa, Reem Acra, Suzanne Neville.
5. Sheers & Lace
Dress by Inbal Dror via Bridal Musings
Lace necklines and sheer gauzy layers will continue to soften dresses for 2016.
If bridal fashion takes any influence from ready-to-wear this year, Spring collections will have a subtle lingerie vibe, mixing satin with lace trims and thin, strappy shoulders.
As seen at: Galia Lahav, Inbal Dror, Katie May, Rime Arodaky.
6. Strong Shoulders
Dress, Theia, Photo by Maria Valentino via The Knot
Shoulders are going to be one of Spring's biggest features, no matter the style; cut-outs, asymmetrical straps, off-the-shoulder, or halter.
Playing up your shoulders is so flattering, and can make any woman's body look super sexy.
As seen at: Theia, Rue De Seine, Grace Loves Lace, Milamira, Galia Lahav
7. Modern Minis
Dress by Monique Lhuillier, Photo by Don Ashby via Style Me Pretty
Whitney Port showed us how a short dress can still make a full length impact on your wedding day.
Short minis and high-low gowns are trending and aisle worthy because designers are giving you shorter versions of these dramatic ballgowns we know and love.
As seen at: Marchesa, Monique Lhuillier, Lihi Hod, Eugenia Couture, Elizabeth Stuart.
8. Seventies Bride
Dress, Houghton NYC, Photo by Maria Valentino via The Knot
Ready-to-wear trends showed us a not to all things 70s, from flared sleeves to bellbottom trousers to flowing caftan gowns.
For 2016, I think we will see these iconic silhouettes translated into bridal, with inspiration from the ultimate 70s trendsetter, Bianca Jagger.
As seen at: Houghton, Bo & Luca, Rue De Seine, Daughters of Simone, Elizabeth Stuart.
Dress by Daughters of Simone
So many cool new ideas, though I love how some older trends like full ballgowns and spaghetti straps are coming back into style too.
Some ‘trendy' gowns can seem a little daunting, but it's really easy to incorporate the key trends into something a little more timeless.
Thanks so much to Annie Cavallo for her chic wisdom, be sure to follow her on Instagram for lots of bridal style inspiration.
Find your dream wedding dress with the most gorgeous designer collections.
