Vera Wang corsage empire-line gown

If Vera Wang says it’s in then the corsage will stay a firm fixture in bridalwear and I for one am entirely happy about that. This silk chiffon gown has a ruched bodice that pays little attention to waistlines (handy if you want to skim over that area) and an A-line skirt that has what Wang calls a ‘tucked tulle’ which I can only presume to be the gather on the left. The corsage itself is big, blousy and off white, perched off centre at the bust so would probably suit someone smaller chested otherwise, large though it is, it could be obscured.

Vera Wang.

Caroline Parkes ‘Coco’ pleated wedding dress

There are certainly women who don’t want to wear a skintight number on their wedding day or be swathed in layers upon layers of satin. This dress is a happy compromise with a floor length pleated skirt that is neither stiff nor clingy (and you won’t have to worry about ironing pleats into the right place for ever after!) with a scoop necked tank top in textured lace and a thick sash for definition. Everything about the dress is delicately done so take note from the model and opt for a chignon, perhaps with a jewelled clip, and neat pearl stud earrings for a red carpet worthy look.

‘Coco’ At Caroline Parkes.

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Ritva Westenius Couture ‘Sharapova’ wedding dress

It’s been a while since I’ve taken a look at Ritva Westenius’ couture bridalwear but I can firmly say I’m certainly a fan now. There’s a great range to choose from including this ‘Sharapova’ dress, almost unquestionably named in favour of the tennis star. The slim column dress is great is you want to add extra curves, just look at those diagonal ruched panels that run its length and fan around the chapel length train. Add some sparkle to the look, to pick up on the shimmer of the dress, with silver jewelled high heeled sandals and chandelier earrings.

Ritva Westenius ‘Sharapova’.

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Jordan Fashions’ Mariano collection’s taupe wedding dress

I’ll hazard a guess most brides didn’t sit up one day and think ‘aha! I shall wear taupe!’ when considering their wedding dress. It certainly isn’t from the sugary-sweet fold of pinks, peach and creams that normally accentuate a bridal gown and that’s why this dress really stands out. There’s a certain elegance with the bold colour that forms the midriff and skirt detail. Otherwise, you have a simple and stylish gown with optional spaghetti straps and a chapel length train. If taupe really isn’t for you, other options include ice blue and petal pink.

Style M362 at Jordan Fashions.

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BHS ‘Lola’ lace short tea dress

Bargain hunters with an eye for a great deal should take a look at this ‘Lola’ dress from BHS. The strapless ivory lace number falls to the knee and is accentuated with a slim satin sash and bow detailing at the waist. Wear it for an informal or destination wedding or snap it up as a bridesmaids dress if you would rather wear a coloured gown. On sale at £40 (from £100) it would be rude not to.

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Saison Blanche French lace wedding dress

Embroidered with French lace appliques, this dress is a lovely style that lends itself well to informal and formal weddings. The strapless style has a ruched bodice and a layered skirt with an assymetrical ruffle. You can only get it in ivory but that’s often a slightly softer look than brilliant white.

Sasion Blanche style 3026.

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Pepe Botella print bridal gown

The trick with printed dresses is to either go with a very faint, delicate print or to arrange the dress in such a way that the print merely becomes another feature rather than the only thing the eye is drawn to. This dress by Sanish designer Pepe Botella pulls off both with aplomb. The scooped neckline and wide straps are kept from being yawn-induced with the print whilst the skirt is a semi-waterfall style with ruffle running its length and a drop waisted chiffon sash completed by a loose corsage and duster train.

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Alfred Angelo champagne halterneck plus sized wedding dress

Isn’t this dress a beautiful shade of champagne? It’s buttery and soft and certainly bubbles with lovely detailing in the embroidered lace, crystal and beading accents. brides with larger busts might appreciate the halter neck for extra support with a bodice cut high under the arms. The full skirt, seen left, is ruched and features a great bustle back with a chapel train. In sizes 16 to 28 and colours ivory, white or sweatpea in the mid-price bracket.

Alfred Angelo style 1649W.

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Caroline Holmes Couture bridalwear

A bias cut dress is almost always a very flattering look and this dress is sure to make some beautiful bride very happy. With slim straps and a vee neck, there is no embellishment and it relies entirely on the shape to make it special. The skirt is slim and fitted with a chapel length train. It best suits an up-do to show off graceful long necks and could be worn with a pearl choker as shown or something more dramatic if you prefer.

Caroline Holmes Couture bridalwear.

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Anita Massarella strapless wedding dress

If I had a pair of binoculars situated between my eyes and laptop screen I’d be able to tell you more about this dress. As it is the catwalk shot doesn’t give much hint as to the fabric or detailing.

What is great is the shape which would work well if you have a toned figure. The low neckline is supported by a jewelled waist detailing with a raised trumpet hem. Long gloves and a wide brimmed hat – great for sunny days – completes the look.

Anita Massarella

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Oli vintage style wedding dress

This dress isn’t a wedding dress, nor does it even try and masquerade as such, but wouldn’t it make a brilliant one? The vintage styling is uber pretty with a full skirt, button down front, lace detailing at the neck and cap sleeves with a gold sash belt. Swop those black shoes for gold or a matching buttermilk, same as the dress, and you’ve got a great vintage look. The clincher is the price – just £75 at Oli.

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Allie Renee halter neck wedding dress

It may not be a wildly adventurous dress, but this Allie Renee gown is certainly elegant. Made from silk chiffon and satin, it has a halter neck which is great for toned arms and for those who don’t want to flash cleavage though there is a teasing front split. The embroidered band gives definition to the waist before falling into a straight skirt that fans out with a chapel length train. Available in ivory or white, sizes UK6-22.

Allie Renee halter neck dress.

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‘Sorbet’ pink wedding dress by Allison Blake

There’s a fluidity about this dress that’s really appealing. The bodice is gentley sculpted into shape with a scoop neck and beaded straps and is the palest blush pink, a colour that is repeated in the flowing silk organza skirt. The pale, romantic colour and style certainly fit well with its name ‘Sorbet’. However, I can’t help but think the rose corsage is all wrong – it’s too big, the wrong colour and misplaced. Something less obnoxious and more in keeping such as a swoosh of silk ribbon or a floppy flower would be better or even nothing at all. Nevertheless, the dress is gorgeous.

‘Sorbet’ by Allison Blake.

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Art Couture corsage wedding dress

Art Couture have come up with a great dress with this lacy style. It would work well on skinny girls who want to infuse some curves into their dress with a lightly boned bodice, shapely skirt and chapel length train. The over size corsage is a nice touch and often seen in this year’s dresses. The embroidery is gold so you could easily work some vintage gold jewellery or gold shoes into the outfit.

Style no36 at Art Couture.

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Nicole Miller full lace destination dress

Should you be planning a destination wedding, then take a look at Nicole Miller’s collection. The bridal gowns are largely simply floaty numbers that won’t require their own seat on a plane and have great silhouettes that can be dressed up or down. One of the more full styles is this strapless, sweetheart dress with a sashed waist. On first glance the fabric resembles crushed velvet but really it’s a thick lace with a sweeping skirt. Super sweet or super sexy? It really depends on how you want to wear it…

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