Fun Fact: December is the most popular month of the year to get engaged. The holiday season lends itself to merriment and sentiment, with the largest percentage of engagements happening during this time. After the holidays are over, brides get down to business and begin booking their venues and looking for their dresses.
Since December is all about the engagement, that would mean that January and February are all about finding the perfect wedding dress. We asked Tera and Lauren, owners of Couture Closet in La Grange, Kentucky, about the most popular trends they are seeing for wedding dresses lately. Couture Closet is celebrating 10 years in business, and they have seen a lot in those 10 years. As with any dress, there is no need to marry yourself to these trends; do what feels right for you. But if you like these options, all of the dresses shown are carried (or can be ordered) by Couture Closet.
5 Wedding Dress Trends for 2017
TREND: Simple Skirts
Couture Closet has noticed a distinct rise in the requests for a plain, simple skirt. There are two trends in this category that have surfaced. One is the notion of wedding dress separates, which means you buy a top and a skirt, making it a two-piece outfit that you customize. The other trend is no matter what the embellishment is on top of the dress, the skirt is plain and simple. This simple skirt actually accentuates the top, as it does not detract any attention away from it.
Simple skirt made of tulle with horse hair hem, shown with a lace cap-sleeve bridal top, all by Blush by Hayley Paige.
Sleeveless Ilodie dress in ivory by Lis Simon has a plain, simple skirt with flowy pleats.
This ivory A-line bridal gown by Ti Adora has a lace bodice with a plain chiffon skirt.
TREND: Straps and Sleeves
The trend towards strapless dresses, which overwhelmed the market for the last 10 years, is fading. Women are adding interest to their gowns with sleeves and straps.
Lillian West has many sleeved gowns in her recent collections. This chiffon and jersey gown is straight and flowy, with a tied neckline, open sleeves and a keyhole back. There is lace trim on the neckline, wrists and waist.
This wedding gown by Ti Adora features long lace sleeves. The top is made of ivory cashmere lace, and the A-line skirt is English net. Under the lace illusion is a sweetheart neckline with an open back.
This organza and tulle beaded dress has detachable straps, giving you the option for a strapless or cap-sleeved dress. This gown is by Jasmine Couture.
TREND: Unique Laces
New lace dresses are not made of your typical Alençon lace, which is known for being demure and understated. Brides are seeking more hardy laces for a few reasons. First, they want to be unique and not feel like a “cookie cutter” bride. Second, these laces photograph beautifully, whereas the older lace patterns seem to fade into the background. These are laces that make a statement.
This Ivory lace fit & flare bridal gown by Blush by Hayley Paige has an elongated bodice made with a dramatic lace with nude lining. The skirt is tulle and tiered.
This venise lace gown is made by Jasmine Collection and features a sweetheart neckline and lace throughout the dress.
Looking for two looks? Add a lace jacket to your dress. This look by Ti Adora is an English net and soft lace A-line bridal gown. The spaghetti strap bodice can be covered with a lace cap sleeve jacket.
TREND: Interesting Back
This trend continues to be a piece of the puzzle for many brides who want an interesting back in their perfect dress. The fronts of these dresses are beautiful, but the backs have a special “wow” factor.
This lace gown by Lis Simon features a draped plunge on the back of the dress.
This delicate chiffon bridal gown by Blush by Hayley Paige features a low open back with delicate straps.
This Lis Simon dress features a lace sweetheart bodice with a dramatic back.
TREND: Detachable Skirts
Across the board, designers have begun to develop several overlay skirts. We find that this trend allows brides who struggle with the decision of a fuller dress or a sleek one to have best of both worlds, as they can buy a skirt accessory rather than a second dress, which, of course, is a cost savings.
Lillian West marries a beautiful mini gown with a full ball gown skirt. The dress features a halter neckline, all-over lace, and criss-cross lace up the back. The floor-length skirt features tiers of chiffon and a cathedral-length train.
Lillian West sells a tulle detachable skirt with a horsehair hem separately.
Best wishes to all the new brides-to-be in 2017. Hopefully these tips and trends will help you say “yes to the dress.”
Thank you to Tera and Lauren of Couture Closet for the great advice. They carry all the brands mentioned above — Blush by Hayley Paige, Lillian West, Ti Adora, Lis Simon and Jasmine Collection. Couture Closet is located at 123 E. Main St. in La Grange, Kentucky. Learn more at (502) 225-0305 or online here.
Love weddings? Check out our weddings to get more inspiration here.
