We all know the scene in the movies – the groom standing at the altar, nervously checking his watch, murmurs from the congregation as the guests become restless, a reassuring smile from the vicar and then….the doors open. The bride walks in, everyone turns to stare. But there’s one thing above all else the bride wants to wow them with….. the dress. In a time of financial uncertainty and political shifts, brides are moving away from ethereal boho and Princess ‘meringue’ dresses and opting for far more daring, Hollywood-inspired, silhouette-hugging dresses that celebrate the female form in all its glory. Featuring plunging necklines, daringly low backs, and sheer paneling, these dresses from wedding dress designer Riki Dalal will ensure all heads turn and you’ll definitely stand out from the crowd.
Whether you’re planning on a beach setting, a castle in the Highlands of Scotland or a hotel on the Amalfi Coast, there’s an ultra-glamorous, sexy dress out there for you.
The crop top wedding dress
In 2017, crop top wedding dresses are set to be a key trend for daring brides. Ideal for brides who want to show a hint of midriff as well as leg, these dresses are ideally suited to bohemian and beach weddings. This bridal style is also fantastic for brides who want to mix and match – why not pair a long-sleeve wrap top with a full, tulle skirt? Whimsical yet practical, the possibilities for two-piece dresses are in fact endless – why not mix colors as well as fabrics? – and will suit all shapes and sizes as well as all themes. For the less daring among us, overlays can be worn for the ceremony for a more demure look and then removed for the reception, giving way to a sexy, night-time feel.
Thigh-high slits and deep plunging necklines
We’ve seen celebrities get more and more daring with thigh-high slits creeping up to the hip, and designers are increasingly incorporating this trend into their dresses. These can be single or even double, and make an amazing statement but are definitely for the brave of heart! Plunging V-shaped necklines are another daring and incredibly sexy look that works well with form-fitting mermaid-tail dresses. The Hollywood look can be completed with embellishments such as beads, tassels, pearls, and crystals.
Figure-hugging, sexy lace
Pippa Middleton embraced a full lace theme and glamorous brides are also keen on this trend, with figure-hugging silhouettes designed to flatter and elongate the frame. A train completes the mermaid look, with daringly low backs contributing to the seductive feel of these dresses. These dresses work equally well within a bohemian woodland setting as well as churches and formal venues, establishing a sexy-chic look for the daring bride.
Barely-there panelling
Another popular trend for brides this year is illusion paneling, where the nude fabric is inserted into the bodice to give brides a daring ‘nearly naked’ look. Sheer paneling is also popular, with strategically-placed sequins and floral embellishments used to protect modesty. This style featured heavily in the New York Bridal Fashion Week, with models storming the runway in transparent, racy dresses that enhanced and accentuated every curve, setting the tone for bridal fashion around the World. These gowns work particularly well for destination and beach weddings.
If the idea of sashaying down the aisle in an ultra-sexy, barely there gown is a step too far in front of your grandparents, why not choose multiple dresses for your big day? This way you can wear a more modest, traditional dress for the ceremony, changing into a more daring alternative for the reception? Or try adding a long veil for the ceremony, to add a feeling of formality and chastity?
Whatever your style, don’t be afraid of the glamorous gown. There are so many ways you can incorporate a touch of the A-list celebrity, just make sure you’re comfortable with all eyes being on you….