In 2014, brides-to-be can expect to choose from new fabrics, new colors and new silhouettes, says one bridal expert.
Madeline Boswell is owner and proprietor of , in downtown Huntsville, which caters to brides with an eclectic, ethereal aesthetic. Finery sells wedding dresses, accessories, and offers event styling.
Boswell keeps close tabs on the wedding industry but also likes to veer off the beaten path, so we asked her for the top five bridal fashion trends she sees for 2014:
1. New fabrics: In 2014 I think we will be seeing an exciting arrival of a wave of new fabrics: hand-painted silk, gold-flecked laces and detailing, sherbet ombre and sparkle tulle."
2. Monochrome bridal gowns
3. The Handkerchief Peplum silhouette: A romantic make-over to last season s waist line, Boswell explained. It has a less angular positioning and sits almost more as a bustle, but without the volume. In stead of feeling like a radical, it s soft, sweet and very sophisticated.
4. Blushing bridal gowns: Blush and bashful stay on trend, but with more serious rosy shades of pink.
5. Low backs: Backlines are lower and with more attention to detail, said Boswell. After all, that s what guests see when you re exchanging I Do s .
For grooms, Boswell said she likes to push brides to look beyond the traditional tuxedo.
Think more red carpet, she said, tailored dark suits with a vest, ivory dinner jackets, and the comeback of the silk bow-tie. All classic haberdashery that transitions across the board.
So if those are 2014 s freshest trends, what s been played out and due for retirement?
Can we be done with mustaches and chevron print? she asks.
For a bride who wants a shake-up of traditional wedding schedule, Boswell loves the idea of a morning wedding, followed by an intimate brunch reception.
I love receptions that get guests moving around, she said, perhaps incorporating food trucks for an outside reception, cigar stations or tasting areas for beer and wine. How fun!
When it comes to weddings, anything goes these days. Boswell offers event styling through her boutique, and said the most unusual request she s had for a wedding was a bride who requested no real flowers anywhere at the event.
She was allergic to most pollen, Boswell said, So we made paper flower bouquets.
When brides make an appointment to shop for dresses, more isn t always merrier. Boswell said her best advice for brides is to limit who they bring with them to a bridal appointment.
We suggest two to three close, supportive and honest friends or family that you can be yourself with, she said. Too many opinions can contribute to an already overwhelming and emotional experience. Have fun, and stay true to you.