Ball gown: Last year's royal wedding made ball gowns, normally not a hugely popular choice, a common yet trendy look in 2012. Ball gowns are considered to have full skirts. The size of the skirt is up to the bride. Some brides like the actual "Princess for a Day" feel. If this is the case, the bigger the skirt the better. Ball gowns with attached long trains are also gaining in popularity. Some brides think that this look is just for a church or cathedral wedding, but dress designers have made trains that can be appropriate for any wedding venue or formality... even outdoor weddings. The actual skirts of the ball gowns have been put in the spotlight by adding lots more texture than we are used to seeing. Detailing is key and the possibilities are endless.
Sheath: Sheath wedding gowns have always been around. This year they are so prevalent because they can be altered to specific fabric cuts. For example, high slit gowns are one of the biggest trends in 2012. Many brides want to be sexy, yet still sleek and feminine. A sheath gown, due to its straight and semi-form fitting design, is the perfect vehicle in which designers can incorporate a very high leg slit. The fabrics used for sheath dresses are plentiful, but this year, we are see lots of silk and silk satin.
A-line: A-line wedding dresses are nothing new. They are, in fact, the most popular silhouette in the bridal industry. However, designers have taken note of this and made them with a bit more pizzazz. For example, A-lines are perfect for the new trend that is all the rage... high-low hemlines. Some ball gowns can be used for this, but the A-line dress is definitely the most workable. High-low hemlines are just as they sound; the hemline is higher in the front, supported by pick-ups and exposing the leg, while the back remains low to the ground or floor length. If you are a bride who wants to show off those bridal shoes, this is the look for you!
