Wedding trends, May 2011

Dramatic – and utterly gorgeous. They’re the words that best sum up Vera Wang’s Spring 2012 bridal collection, a celebration of tulle, lace and the Paris Opera, all of which provided inspiration and will surely set a trend for upcoming nuptials.

Unveiled during New York Bridal Week last month (April 2011), Wang describes the collection as “an ode to the Paris Opera”, and the theatrical designs are simply stunning. From mermaid and trumpet shapes boasting layers of tulle and organza to pleated trains, oversized vertical-bows and couture headpieces, convention went, well, straight out the window!

And white was hardly the only option on offer with Wang displaying gorgeous gowns in pale green, honeycomb, pale violet, and a surprisingly elegant stone-colour.

Wang’s models featured bridal hair that took inspiration from the ‘40s and, this season, expect sleek hair at the crown and full-structured curls from the cheekbones downwards to be on show.

These styles work well with long hair, either by keeping the curls loose and swept to one side, or by pulling the curls back tightly into a high bouncy ponytail.

Shorter hair can be worn elegantly in a side parting with a single wave at the crown for volume and tighter curls at the back of the head.

With more couples co-habiting before their big day, wedding gift lists are becoming more diverse since so many couples already have all the domestic gear they can handle!

An alternative is to provide guests with honeymoon and wine gift lists or, perhaps, ask them to contribute to a fund allowing the couple to commission a piece of art made especially for their wedding!

Some couples even ask guests to contribute to the renovation of one room in their home, a kitchen or bathroom, perhaps, while others are asking guests to contribute to a lifetime membership to a particular organisation related to a hobby or interest.