The editors of WeddingChannel.com scoured the shows at this spring's New York Bridal Fashion Week looking for the latest bridal trends. Here are the 20 new styles for the fashion-forward bride.
1. Royal-inspired wedding dresses
Taking a cue from this year's two royal weddings - Prince William's and Prince Albert's - veteran designer Romona Keveza built an entire collection inspired by princess brides (like the "Grace" dress). With lacy details, modest necklines and full skirts, this new gown style would be perfect for a black-tie wedding.
2. Plunging necklines
At Sarah Jassir's runway show, it was all about sexy, figure-hugging styles. And one theme that stood out to us from multiple designers was the "how-low-can-you-go" plunging V-neckline.
3. Feathers galore
From peacocks to ostriches, feathery skirts and boleros were big at bridal fashion week. We saw feathered frocks from designers like Carolina Herrera, Reem Acra and Project Runway darling Carol Hannah.
4. Tip-of-the-shoulder straps
We love this universally flattering non-strapless dress option. Tip-of-the-shoulder gowns - with straps that rest just at the edge of the shoulders - from designers like Romona Keveza and Lela Rose got an updated twist this season, thanks to fit-and-flare silhouettes.
5. Blush gowns
From celebrity bride Reese Witherspoon to soon-to-be-bride Crystal Harris, blush and pink gowns are huge this season. Pale-pink dresses from Monique Lhuillier with delicate crystal and flower detailing graced the runway, as did similar designs from Theia, Oscar de la Renta and newcomer Victoria Nicole.
6. Geometric details
Like last season, crystals and beaded accents were big again. But this time, the beads and crystals took on distinctive new shapes, from small squares to rectangles and even triangles, which fit together on the gown to create an Art Deco-worthy geometric design.
7. Textured fabrics
For brides looking to add a little something extra without going overboard, there's this subtle trend to try. Raw silks and unfinished edges on airy fabrics like chiffon add volume and texture - a great alternative for the bride who doesn't want a pattern to overwhelm her dress.
8. Sparkly tiaras
Another nod to the royal wedding, sparkly tiaras in all shapes made a big comeback at this spring's bridal fashion week - especially at the Reem Acra show. From delicately beaded styles to those studded with crystals, diamonds or even small wire flowers, brides will want to wear these headpieces all night long.
9. Bold cuffs
Not all of your wedding jewelry has to be dainty. Bold satin cuffs, studded in crystals and pearls, came in lavender and ivory at the Ines Di Santo show this season, as did similarly bold necklaces on some of the models at the Alvina Valenta show.
10. Subtle prints
Intricate brocades can add the perfect touch of old New England style to a wedding day look. For a springtime garden wedding, these types of dresses - from designers like Carolina Herrera and Theia - added a perfect feminine touch to complete the look.
11. Dramatic backs
We saw lots of low V's, wide cutout keyholes and dramatic bare backs from designers like Heidi Elnora and Anne Bowen. A backless dress can be a great way to keep a relatively modest neckline, while still offering that wow factor brides want for the dance floor.
12. High necklines
Brides looking to minimize their bust or simply to wear something other than a strapless dress need look no further than this trend. Higher necklines with illusion fabric or intricate beading - including those from Isaac Mizrahi and Marchesa - are back, big time.
13. Two-tiered skirts
Two is better than one, right? That's the idea behind the two-tiered skirt trend. The extra layer adds volume and a whole lot of movement to an otherwise classic A-line gown.
14. Illusion and lace sleeves
With delicate embroidery and small crystal details, this trend is definitely for the romantic bride. The sleeves on some gowns from Marchesa, for instance, were held together by sheer netting. Wear a dress like that on the dance floor, and all guests will see is shimmer.
15. Embroidered edges
Vintage brides take note: Scalloped edges on dresses by Anais and Augusta Jones were embroidered with a myriad of tiny flowers and vines. The overall look was timeless and just a little earthy, perfect for an outdoor fete.
16. Straps with a twist
Punch up the traditional strappy gown with this added touch: a twist in the fabric at each shoulder. Lots of dresses this time around - whether with one strap or two - featured some type of twist or fold in the fabric.
17. Bold bows and ribbons
Bold bows and ribbons continued to dominate some of the gowns we saw from St. Pucchi and even Oscar de la Renta. It's an old-school trend with a new modern take, thanks to the placement and size of the bow.
18. Peekaboo skirts
The skirts we saw with multiple tiers often featured pickups that revealed another layer of fabric hiding underneath, like designs from Vera Wang and Alfred Angelo. The overall effect, as the models took to the runway, was plenty of movement (and we're pretty sure it'll also look stunning on the dance floor).
19. Splashes of taupe
While last season we saw touches of blue and black in the sashes, this time it was all about that earthy hue: taupe. The soft-brown shade is great for a wide variety of skin tones and can easily be accented with a crystal brooch.
20. Raw-edged fabric
For the bride who wants a truly nontraditional look, there's this trend, which features an unfinished hem on light, airy fabrics, like chiffon or tulle. The result is effortlessly chic, and because the edges aren't weighed down with stitching or any additional beading, it can be a great way to add lots of volume with a small amount of fabric.