By Brianna Bowman, Associate Planner + Coordinator

If you’re reading this you have probably already settled on the who, as in your fiance. I can take a pretty good guess that the what is your wedding and that you've settled on the when and where of your big day. Now that we’ve crossed those elements of your list it’s time to move on to the WEAR. As in what are you going to wear on your big day? As a soon-to-be bride myself, my Pinterest and Google searches are flooded with wedding dresses. I save designers, styles, trends and everything in between that I like about a wedding day look. As a wedding coordinator and indecisive bride, my mind is overcrowded with wedding dress options. I am yet to settle on my final selection so I made a comprehensive list of all of the trends that I am currently loving for any bride in the same predicament.

Lace

A classic bridal fabric like lace is always on trend in my mind. This is a great way to take a dress to the next level and can tie in well with almost any wedding style. I am not alway a huge fan of a full lace dress, but a peak of lace on a veil is a great way to tie in this classic element.

French Crepe

This is one trend that I'm truly loving right now. A dress with a pretty lace bodice and soft french crepe skirt is a fashion-forward, but classic look.

Simple and Fitted

A clean, white, and fitted dress is one that I always liked. This is a look that will never go out of style. This clean look allows you to add a pop to your wedding day look with fun accessories.

Floral Appliques

A newer trend that has really caught my eye over the last few months. These give a nice touch of elegance to a gown and help to take any dress to the next level. If you aren't a girl that is into beading (I’m not either, no shame!) this is the perfect way to give your dress a little touch of something without all the bling.

One Shoulder

Beautiful and sleek. Those are two words I would use to describe this trend. For the brides out there that were blessed with (or worked for) amazing shoulders and arms this is the dress for you! You can easily bring this stylish look full circle with an amazing drop statement earring.

Jumpsuits

I LOVE THIS TREND. For the untraditional, fashion forward bride. I love a good jumpsuit and the look of these in wedding photos. If you just aren’t a dress girl don’t be afraid to go the jumpsuit route for your wedding day. You can even make it an outfit change for when the party gets started and you want to be more comfortable.

Extras and Accessories

Veils, jackets, shawls and more. This is what I think of when I think of bridal attire extras. Don’t feel bad if you're a bride that chooses to skip the veil. It’s not for everyone but is a great way to keep some traditionalism to your wedding if you’re not a super traditional bride (me!). Shawls are great for winter brides and look amazing in photos with that touch of texture. Now jackets, that is definitely my style and the route I plan to go. I stole this idea from aC, a bride we had last season, and plan to dawn a denim jacket custom painted with Mrs. Jenkins on the back (ssssh, that’s a surprise for my future hubby!) Extras and Accessories are the perfect way to add an extra touch to your wedding look to make it especially you!

No bride wants to have that “what was I thinking” moment in 40 years. When wedding dress shopping, one word that I plan to keep top of mind is timeless. I want a dress that will be pretty for years to come because no one wants to have wedding dress FOMO. While we’re on the top of dress shopping, let’s talk about a few dress shopping do’s and don’ts.

Do your research. The internet is truly your best friend. With no stores being open for the time being, use this time to take a look at Pinterest and search google to get an idea of what you're looking for before you step into the bridal shop.
Don’t let people peer pressure you. Once at the bridal shop don’t let family and friends, or the bridal shop consultant, peer pressure you into trying on dresses. No need to get frustrated and disappointed over a dress you know you aren’t going to like in the first place
Don’t take too many people. Speaking of family and friends, we all have lots of them and lots of them with various opinions. Don’t overwhelm yourself by taking too many people to your appointment. Don’t feel bad by having to choose who to and not to invite. Take the ones whose opinions matter most to you and send the rest a picture after you made your final selection.
STOP watching Say Yes to the Dress . One piece of evidence that I have heeded strongly (especially during quarantine) is binge watch Say Yes to the Dress before you go dress shopping. Once you make a decision on your gown, never watch it again. Seeing all of the dresses on the show can cause you to have post-purchase regret and may have you going shopping all over again.
Make a choice and stick with it. As an indecisive person myself one thing I am known for is buying something and instantly feeling like I could have found something better or the same thing for a better price. When you find that dress that gives you the feeling you always imagined you would have when you found your dress stick with it. There’s a reason you felt that way when you saw yourself and your soon-to-be husband will see it too!

Dress shopping is one of the most fun parts of planning your wedding. Remember to not get overwhelmed and enjoy the process. I would love to keep this conversation going with you ladies! Send me the trends you’re currently loving to our IG @aandlevents!

Next up: Bridesmaids!

Xo,