By Michele Jurek, Toledo Free Press Staff Writer
With so many websites dedicated to planning weddings and creating unforgettable events, and so many bridal shows featuring all the latest styles, it would be easy for a bride to become overwhelmed when planning the big day.
Local experts in the wedding business provided some insight as to what trends brides may most want to keep in mind as they plan their 2015 event.
According to Lia Colapietro, a custom floral designer in the Toledo area, flower crowns have become a big trend recently.
“Big, over-the-top flower crowns started showing up last season. They are a romantic or fun touch for the right bride,” Colapietro said. “I recently outfitted a future bride with a floral crown for her engagement photos.”
The top accessory she creates is the bouquet, and another trend she loves is the statement ribbon. Bouquets accented with long, flowing trails of specialty ribbons in silks, velvets and more are gaining popularity, Colapietro said.
Asymmetrical and flowing bouquets are also becoming popular, and lately she has been designing floral cuffs for the mothers of the bride and groom.
“They are a nice twist on a traditional corsage,” she said.
Another trend, which Colapietro hopes will stick around for a long time, is sustainability. She grows some of her own flowers and loves adding an accent of locally grown foliage to make an arrangement really stand out.
“Brides are very savvy about checking out trends on various websites,” Colapietro said. “There are many sites out there devoted to inspiration. Because we live in a smaller city, you see a lot of the same trends rolling out for a season or two. I would love to see more focus on color trends and then see how a couple can pull together flowers and decor to reflect their own personality.”
Brides are also starting to bring color into their wedding gowns, said Jeanne Fairchild, owner of Atlas Bridal Shop in Toledo. Ivory and champagne are popular colors and some brides are now asking for blush pink.
Fairchild said lace is popular and it is the shop’s most requested fabric. Backs are getting lower and lower on the gowns, she said. All silhouettes are popular, from slim fit and flares to large tulle ball gowns. Many of the ball gowns Atlas is selling have interesting skirts, such as sparkle tulle and ruffles. Beaded belts are very popular and can be worn with every silhouette. Designers are showing long fitted lace sleeves for spring 2015.
Manufacturers are starting to show headbands, but Fairchild is not sure that Atlas will regularly sell the look quite yet. The shop has purchased a few that can be worn either across the forehead or on the top of the head.
“Brides looking for a formal gown with a train can expect gowns to start at $900 and go up from there,” Fairchild said. “Informal gowns without trains can be found in the $200 to $500 range.”
As for bridesmaids’ dresses, Atlas is selling a lot of floor-length chiffon and cocktail length with all-over lace. More and more brides are choosing a color, but letting each maid choose her own gown, which is beneficial to the bridesmaid because each girl can choose a style that flatters her figure and suits her personal style.
Bridesmaids can expect to pay between $150 and $220 at Atlas for their gowns, Fairchild said.
“Participating in a wedding can be very expensive,” she said. “There’s the gown, shoes, personal prep the day of the wedding (hair, makeup, nails), shower gift, wedding gift, and possible travel expenses. When asked to be in a wedding, you aren’t just saying ‘Yes to the dress.’”
Jenny Dever of Toledo, who is planning her wedding for June 6, said trends didn’t even enter her mind when she was picking out her dress and accessories. Some of her friends that were getting married were going with vintage styles, but she felt they did not look right on her. She had her mind set on a white, mermaid-style dress, but inadvertently ended up choosing something that is trending — she fell in love with an ivory lace ball gown with a tulle skirt.
“I didn’t even realize the dress wasn’t white until someone told me, and I had to compare it to the white one before I could even believe it,” she said. “The color and style aren’t what I had planned at all, but you never know what you like for sure until you try it on.”
