Xpose Top Bridal Trends 2018

Make Up by Pamela Matthews and Hair by KellyAnne Matthews

If you were watching Xpose you will have spotted my little piece on top bridal trends sweeping all of the bridal weeks across the world.

The key trends that I spoke about include;

1. Floral
2. Feathers
3. Capes
4. Gold
5. Sparkles

You can read more on all of the trends right here!

Before I bring you through the dresses, I want to say a big thank you to Mandy Maher and her beautiful models from Catwalk Models – Katie & Christina, Pamela & Kelly Anne Matthews (Hair and Make Up), Castleknock Hotel for hosting us and Patricia at Padanee Bridal, Dara at Frilly Frocks and Amanda & Nikki at Bridal by Nikki Kavanagh.

Let me bring you through the looks:

1. Floral

Floral is probably one of the biggest styles coming through this year. It is very present is bridal wear but even more so in wedding decor.

Lazaro – Padanee Bridal

As you can see, there are many ways you can rock the floral look. Our first dress is an amazing Lazaro gown style 3613 from Padanee Bridal. It’s a sherbert silk, organza gown with horsehair tulle. How amazing is all of that tulle! It has a dropped waist meaning you get this beautiful flattering elongated silhouette. You also get a chapel train to finish off this wow-factor dress.

Randy Fenoli – Frilly Frocks

The second dress ‘Rochelle’ is a less obvious way to bring in floral, this has a nude underlay with 3D flowers running throughout the bodice and skirt. It is a very simple A-line dress which allows the 3d flowers to take centre stage. It has subtle crystal beading running throughout the dress too. My favourite part….it has pockets! This dress is by Randy Fenoli and available from Frilly Frocks.

2. Feathers:

I adore the feather look. There are so many ways to bring it through your look. You can do so through your dress or through your accessories.

Anny Lin – Bridal by Nikki Kavanagh

This dress ‘Rocksana’ is a feather effect dress. There is not one single feather but from a distance you would think that it is draped in feathers. It has a champagne underlay  and pearled back. It is a fit and flare style which in the case of this dress, gives curves! Designed by the unreal Anny Lin and stocked in Bridal by Nikki Kavanagh.

House of Mooshki – Frilly Frocks

‘Eliza’ is our second feather look and uses actual ostrich feathers along the hem line. We’ve dressed it up with a leather jacket to give it a real edgy look. It is a satin tea-length, full circle gown. The bateau neckline defines the shoulders. This is such a fun dress! It is by House of Mooshki and available from Frilly Frocks.

3. Capes:

Capes are all the rage right now. I loooove this look. I’ve picked 2 contrasting looks, one more traditional and the other very contemporary and alternative.

St Patrick – Frilly Frocks

Our first cape look is from the iconic St Patrick called Mirta. This is one of the more traditional ways to wear a cape but doesn’t it pack a punch! Imagine this walking up the aisle! Swooon. The dress is an understated mermaid style with lace overlay. The sweeping train reinforces the drama of the cape. The cape is in inspired from a mantilla. This is available from Frilly Frocks.

Modeca and Eliza Jane Howell – Frilly Frocks

How cool and alternative is this look!!! This is a more contemporary way to rock the cape. Underneath the cape, there are separates from a new label, Jazz from Modeca. There are wide leg, pleated culottes matched with a slim fit lace top. I always find that when I look for separates, it is generally a crop top and skirt. Not everyone is comfortable getting their tummy out.

On top, we have layered on a beaded short cape called ‘Mitzi’ from the amazing Eliza Jane Howell. All available from Frilly Frocks.

4. Gold:

This is the look that will really make you feel a million dollars. Where we see gold being used more is where there is a second dress being changed in to later during the wedding day. Our two looks below are real show stoppers!

Chic and Holland – Frilly Frocks

Our first look is divine on! ‘Goddess’ is a hand beaded sheath gown which retails for less than €2000 and has so much sparkle. I was expecting it to cost thousands based on the intricacies of the beading. It has a cape extending from the collar and draping over the arms to give nice coverage. Its by Chic and Holland and stocked in Frilly Frocks.

Dawn Fitzgerald – Padanee

This dress is stunning! Its by an Irish designer called Dawn Fitzgerald and stocked in Padanee. This was worn by Vogue Williams at the NTA’s and it really is an iconic piece. It is handcrafted with tiny gold sequins. The back is out of this world. It is backless with V straps but the key feature is the bow which sits just at the lower back. I need this dress in my life!

5. Sparkles

Our final look is Sparkles! This is where you can channel your inner princess. We have 2 alternate styles which allows you to find your sparkle.

Jasmine – Padanee

This is beyond gorgeous in real life! It’s by Jasmine and has the real wow factor. As you walk, it captures and bounces the light. It would be phenomenal in a church or well lit venue. It is available from Padanee.

Eliza Jane Howell – Frilly Frocks

Our final look is by Eliza Jane Howell and this is a highly sought after dress. ‘Lucille’  hand beaded sparkles running throughout the full gown. The beads are structured in a way to add curve to the figure allowing it to be extra flattering. This is available from Frilly Frocks.

Want to see some behind the scenes shots?