Wedding Guys' Wednesday: 2015 Dress Trends

It all begins with four simple words, “Will you marry me?” And with that question, your life is forever changed. You are no longer a “me,” but a “we.” It is no longer “my dreams, my family, my future,” but “our dreams, our family, our future.” A wedding is the beginning of a new chapter in your life.

But before you walk (or dance) down the aisle, you need to figure out a lot of details.

Enter The Wedding Guys™, Matthew Trettel and Bruce Vassar, recognized internationally as leading authorities on wedding celebrations. Their fun, energetic personalities, keen eye for detail, and passionate love for all things wedding gives couples a fresh new approach to wedding planning.

The Wedding Guys bring years of industry knowledge and trend-forward expertise to Twin Cities couples through their Signature Weddings, Twin Cities Bridal Show, and Unveiled – The Ultimate Wedding Planning Event. They associate and collaborate with leading international couture bridal gown designers—keeping a pulse on fashion trends—while actively working with trendsetting artisans, designers, couturiers, and producers who are leaders in their respective fields.

They will take you from “to-do” to “I do!” in a new eight-part series, “Wedding Guys Wednesdays.” They’ll share fashion advice, answer common questions about ceremony and reception etiquette, and provide the ‘inside track’ to planning your own signature wedding. Along the way, there will be contests and ticket giveaways to the Twin Cities Bridal Show Sept. 21 at the St. Paul RiverCentre.   

Showstoppers: Five Head-Turning Dress Trends 

Calling all fashionistas! Your moment to shine has truly arrived. Every bride has her own style and a vision in mind for the perfect wedding day look, but it’s still fun to know what’s inspiring brides in the world of weddings, and what trends are hot right now. Here are five popular styles for 2015:

The sleeve

For a number of seasons, designers have been working to create a version of the sleeve. From the onset of the strapless gown, it has been difficult to turn the tide (so to speak), even with the popularity of Kate Middleton’s gown. In 2014, illusion fabrics created beautiful sleeves that brides are finally embracing. Taking many different forms, sleeves have been gracing the red carpet; now they transition to the wedding aisle. Sleeves descend from the neckline, but it’s the extension of the sleeves that complement the overall silhouette.

The illusion of necklines

Illusion necklines took center stage on the runways this season. We encourage all brides to embrace the elegant option with lace and beaded appliqués, providing a stunning alternative to the standard strapless gown. Designers are using illusion as a tool in their fabric selection to create the effect of a strapless silhouette while providing a sheer covering to the neckline and sleeves. The illusion neckline plays with crystals, beads, pearls and—on some gowns—is so sheer it creates an effect that looks as if these are tattoos of embellishment. What we love about the use of illusion is how it elongates the gown, drawing attention to the bride’s face.

Plunging necklines (and backs)

Deep V necklines are cut to accent the line and stature of the body. The fabric plays a crucial look in the overall fit—each fabric tells a story. Deep plunging necklines are not the only design that’s hot off the runway. For 2014, you can also count on deep plunging backs, creating a sophisticated yet sensual silhouette for the more daring bride.

Enhance the appearance of the back of your gown with crisscrossing lines of strings or jewelry strands, or utilize embellished illusion fabric that will enhance, but not take away, from the overall look.

Vintage-inspired gowns

Gowns filled with sparkle and sophisticated silhouettes are popular thanks to the hit PBS TV series Downton Abbey and the glamorous portrayal of 1920s fashion in the movie Gatsby. These pop culture phenomenons have designers once again inspired by finely textured and hand-beaded fabric.

The mermaid

The tight-fitting-on-top, flare-at-the-bottom mermaid style focuses on simplicity, tasteful cuts, exquisite embellishments (think crystals and beads), and beautiful fabric. The mermaid style is just a little bit sexy, while also looking classy, sophisticated, and vintage-inspired.

Here are the Wedding Guys’ local go-to spots for fabulous bridal fashions:

Angelique’s Bridal Boutique*

Bride to Be Consignment

Che Bella

David’s Bridal*   

Diamond Bride & Tux

Luxe Bridal Couture*

Macy’s Bridal Salon by Demetrios

Mestads Bridal and Formal Wear*

Raffine Bridal & Formal Wear

The Wedding Shoppe Inc.*

See them all at the Twin Cities Bridal Show on September 21 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.

* Appearing in the Aisle of Style Fashion Show

Watch for the Twin Cities Wedding Guide in the September issue of MNMO!