Monica's 2010-11 Bridal Gown Trends & Picks

Yay yay yay, how I looove this time of year when the designers spread their fashion love to those of us gaga about wedding dresses! I always like to post my faves and also let you know what trends I'm seeing so you can be up to speed on the hottest styles for your wedding!

First up - my absolute favorite dress (so far) by Jane Wang... which perfectly displays a big trend right now, which is dimensional floral embellishments that 'pop' off the dresses in a 3D fashion. The huge flowers are a big fashion trend in jewelry and accessories as well. Take a looksee...




More from Kelima K...Not necessarily my faves, but these demonstrate the floral trend... Designer Reem Acra...



Badgley Mischka combining the single shoulder strap trend from last year and the large floral...


Another trend is using feathers on the gowns. I love this. We've seen feathers surge in the wedding industry in last few years. Peacock feathers has been the biggest trend - could a designer please show me some gowns with the colorful peacock feathers on it? And even the gold-tinged ivory ones? Ugh that would be so gorgeous. But I digress...

Feathers have been a fabulous addition to the traditional wedding bouquet, invitations and even centerpieces. Now they're back in the fashion arena and they add such a rich textural look, although I will say it seems more appropriate in fall or winter seasons, but that's just my opinion.

Romona Keveza...
Isa Makino...
Justin Alexander

Also seen a lot on the runway right now is the use of black as accessories like sashes or headbands. Here's one from the fabulous Vera...


A few from Justin Alexander
LOVE this one.

This demonstrates the black and also the large floral accent. Sweetheart necklines are huge right now.


I always like to check out what J Crew has to offer in their wedding line, because with gowns starting at just over $300, they provide a much needed less expensive dress option for the more casual bride or for a beach wedding, etc. There's just something about the way they create neck lines that is so flattering and feminine. They're actually opening their first bridal store on Madison Avenue soon!

Here are a few faves from them:




And now, I'll leave you with a look at a few other gowns that I fell in love with...

Victoria Noelle


I'm in love with Justin Alexander's line this year! This makes me think of Sex and The City...

I don't love the actual dress as much, but do love the lace bolero jacket - would be gorgeous for a sophisticated older bride and a bolero is a great way to change up the look of your dress for the reception.


The brown super long sash and lace is interesting - very royal looking.


Continuing with the dramatic single shoulder strap look from last year's trends...


I know she looks a little pregnant, but the lace is so vintage looking and pretty!


This gown from Kenneth Pool reminds me of the most beautiful prima ballerina princess...




Love this Jane Wang - it's so simple and elegant...

Very cool take on a sheath dress from Something Blue

Now get out there and go shopping girls!

Simple Chic Wedding: Robyn and Eddie

Robyn & Eddie were such a fun couple to work with (if you don't believe me, check out the bride & groom cake topper they featured next to the cake & cupcakes. SASSY!) They wanted, above all, a simple, elegant, and very intimate wedding with only their closest friends and family. They chose the beautiful Intercontinental Montelucia as the resort to host their destination wedding weekend. The property lies at the base of the gorgeous Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, and they rented the beautiful private Villa there which is large enough to host both a small wedding and a reception in the back yard, while the bride & groom and family get to stay in the luxurious - and I do mean luxurious - Villa residence.

One of the best things about this wedding was that the ceremony and reception were on different days - a Friday morning private ceremony with incredible champagne brunch, followed by the cocktail & hors d'oeuvres reception on Saturday night for a larger crowd.

Here's the kicker - the bride was looking for more of a party-style short wedding dress for the reception, but couldn't find one she loved. So, my recommendation? We chop the wedding gown. That's right. Immediately after the ceremony festivities were over, the Maid of Honor jetted off to get the big chop. Picked it up the next day. Voila. Party dress. AND she got to wear it twice! And if that wasn't enough, get a load of her hot heels. They embody perfection. Love them.

Enjoy!





















Moving on to the evening reception...












Vendors:
Floral: Events By Andrea, Cakes & Cupcakes: Let Them Eat Cake, Makeup: Deanna Rene, Hair: Solo Mio