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Earlier this week I attended my first LA Bridal Market, hosted by The Knot. The event was not open to the general public, and was mainly for retailers (owners of bridal shops) to see what’s in store for the following year and order new inventory. However, they also allowed members of the media, and since myself and my two wedding planner pals Renee and Liz all publish blogs, we managed to get in! It was a lot of fun … even though our wedding was years ago now, who doesn’t want to spend the day looking at pretty wedding gowns? I sure picked a good career for myself.
Stunning gowns from Eddy K.
As I said, this was my first Bridal Market and I admit I could have been more organized. I snapped a ton of pictures (when allowed … some brands would not allow pictures, which is understandable), but I didn’t take great notes regarding brands and item numbers. Ack. So, I’m going to do my best to share some of the pretty with you, but I apologize in advance if I don’t know any information about how you can find or order these dresses! I also want to point out a few wedding gown trends I noticed during my afternoon at LA Bridal Market.
Subtle Sequins
Lela Rose Style LR223 in Oyster, from Dessy and Dessy Collection Style 2946, in Blush
Sequin bridesmaids gowns are still on point, but I noticed a new trend in gowns where there’s a layer of sequins UNDERNEATH a sheer fabric, such as tulle or chiffon. I really love the effect; it provides a bit of shimmer without being BAM in-your-face about it. The two bridesmaids dresses above are actually chiffon over a shimmery lace, but it gives the same effect. Isn’t it stunning? The whole look is even prettier in person. I wasn’t permitted to take pictures of the ones I saw at Bridal Market but when I can find some images online, I will update this post.
Separates
Watters Priya skirt and Kian corset
I LOVE LOVE LOVE bridal separates and mix-and-match options. And no, I’m not talking about the crop top trend, which I’ve said before is not my favorite. Watters had a bunch of their separates on display and I fell completely in love with everything. Part of my problem when shopping for my own wedding gown was that everything felt too cookie cutter. Ultimately I found a secondhand gown I could customize, but picking out your own separates is a great way to get a totally custom look. You can even change out just your skirt for the reception, if you want! Go big and fluffy ballgown for the ceremony and then change into something sleeker for dancing. Alfred Angelo is also going to have mix-and-match options for their Blossoms line of Flower Girl attire in 2016, so maybe separates bridesmaid and bridal wear is around the corner? I just can’t talk enough about how much I am loving this wedding trend.
Polka Dots
I didn’t catch the designer of the dress above, but I love that it combines polka dots AND the chiffon overlay trend I love so much. I saw a couple other polka dot bridal gowns but I was not permitted to take pictures. But I loved that I saw so much of it, since it reminds me of Minnie Mouse!
All That Glitters is …
I got a sneak peek at the 2016 Disney Fairy Tale Wedding gowns from Alfred Angelo, but I wasn’t allowed to take pictures and I can’t say too much about them. But let’s just say, they are very royal, with some very special glittering accents. I really think you are all going to love the 2016 line, which will be revealed in October 2015 at NY Bridal Market. After feeling meh towards the last few DFTW gown collections, I am SUPER excited about this one.
Those are my quick bridal gown predictions for next year. We’ll see if I’m correct! I had a great time at my first Bridal Market. Thank you to The Knot for hosting this event and bringing the designers to Los Angeles, finally. I also want to give a shout out to Watters, Casablanca Bridal, and Justin Alexander; they were the three most media-friendly designers, chatting with me and allowing me to take pictures to share with all of you.
A pretty collection of Justin Alexander gowns.
MAJOR props to Casablanca Bridal for having the only plus size mannequin on display, that I noticed. It’s always great to see what the gowns will look like on an average body type.
Bridesmaid gorgeousness from Watters
How do you feel about these trends? Do you have a bridal look that’s your favorite?
I love this trend so much! I actually tried on a Casablanca dress and had several Watters gowns on my long list back when I was shopping so I’m well aware of how cool they are about designs. One of my “the ones that got away” dresses was a swiss dot lace dress by Melissa Sweet. I loved that it was polka dotted!!! The price tag however did not love me back. I adore that this is a trend. I LOVE that gown you posted above. That’s so me!! Oh if only I had an occasion for a dress like this. 😉