The days of traditional, predictable weddings are over. Every year, new trends emerge as old ones fade, and the ideas are getting funkier and more unique. Now more than ever, couples can personalize their wedding day and let their style shine through every detail.
Regardless of the endless number of bridal trends – for the dress, veil or makeup – designers and artists agree that your wedding day is not a day to go with the flow. Every bride should find the style that best suits her before starting to plan the details of the big day.
Shopping for the wedding dress is an experience every girl looks forward to, but it can be quite stressful. With hundreds of styles to choose from, the pressure to choose the perfect dress can be overwhelming. Knowing the cuts that suit your body shape will definitely narrow down your options and save you a lot of time in the fitting room.
If you have an hour glass figure, go with anything that accentuates your waist such as a two-piece dress with a corset bodice. If you are pear shaped, an A-line princess dress is your best choice. Petite brides should lean towards sheath silhouettes and empire-waist gowns, and stay away from any excess fabric or overwhelming necklines.
While mermaid dresses are elegantly sexy, not every bride can carry it off. This cut is best for taller brides with a well-toned figure. Dropped-waist silhouettes and flat-front ball gowns are suitable for plus-sized brides.
In the past few years, more and more brides have been leaving the traditional white dress for more colorful gowns, and while they stand out, colored bridal gowns are tricky.
On the one hand, they show that the bride is stylish and unique. On the other, too much color can ruin the classic bridal look. Subtlety is key. Lilac, pink, blue and yellow are the complementary colors to the basic white. Some brides choose the half-color theme, meaning that the colored item is either the bodice or the skirt, not both.
This wedding season, it’s all about showing off your femininity: flirty, whimsical styles are accentuated with simple bows, ribbons and lacey fabrics. Trendy fabrics for this year’s bridal gowns are chiffon, satin and silk.
Detachable skirts and trains are gaining popularity because they allow brides to cut loose after the ceremony and enjoy the rest of the night comfortably.
Hair is another issue. In the past seasons, brides were letting their hair down, but this trend is fading and being replaced by sleek up-dos or a loose modern style, according to hairdresser Zakaria Ghoneim.
For headpieces, tiaras are still in but they are getting smaller and simpler. Hair rings are also popular and are flattering for up-dos. Veils are timeless in their traditional form or in the modern sheer style with a simple lace trim.
The Spanish style is best for brides who wear the hijab, and this year’s popular colors are white and grey. Flowers and tiaras are the newest complements to the Spanish veil.
Makeup has taken a remarkable shift in recent years, from dramatic, vibrant colors to simple, natural tones, according to makeup artist Radwa El-Kholy. The trendy colors this year are still golden, silver and pink. Glittery eye shadows and shimmer are back complemented by a sheer manicure with a hint of color, replacing the popular French manicure as a favorite for brides.
Now that you’re set for the reception, it’s time to choose the perfect banquet hall. Hotels are no longer the only option, and there is a growing trend in Egypt towards outdoors weddings, either in villas, hotel gardens or, less commonly, on the beach.
Coupled with the chic setting, the décor is getting trendier and fresher. The preferred centerpieces this year are tall vases filled with colored water and the most popular color scheme is white and green, according to wedding planner Dina Shawky.
Younger couples are opting to cancel the more traditional ceremonies for a more hip, fun wedding. The traditional “zaffa is the first victim, now being replaced by a group of violinists or even a Scottish bagpipe band. Also, the traditional first slow dance is now being forgone for ballroom classics like the tango and cha-cha.
This year’s wedding trends are a mixture of the traditional and the modern, which gives the couple room for creativity and spontaneity. Regardless of the choices you make, your wedding should reflect your personality – only then, will it always be remembered.
