Press

The Editorials. Bride-o-meter Spring/Summer 2014

Julia Smith

Brides Up North for Belle Bridal Magazine SS 14

The start of every season always begins with a flurry of freelance commissions here at Brides Up North, and days spent with my head buried in my laptop feeling like “a proper writer”.  Of course, the end product is rarely very different from producing features for my own blog, but when it’s for someone else’s publication (and they’ve entrusted you with one, two or even four of their precious editorial pages) and it’s actually going to be “in print”, the stakes somehow seem higher. 

Brides Up North for Belle Bridal Magazine SS 14

Respected North East bridal title Belle Bridal Magazine celebrated their fifth birthday this season, and so, when they bestowed upon me the honour of selecting the hots and the nots of the wedding world for spring 2014, I was thrilled. But oh, the pressure!

So, with a lot of industry knowledge behind me, and a little bit of crystal ball gazing, these were my predictions for the trends that’ll be topping the charts (and sliding off the scale) at a wedding near you soon.  Tell me, are you incorporating any of these trends into your big day? 

I wrote…

Brides Up North for Belle Bridal Magazine SS 14

Going Up…

Overstatement

Blame Jay Gatsby, but flamboyance is back in a big way. A little party never killed nobody, but why do things by halves? After these mean recession years, we’re ready for some fun. Expect heavy embellishments, cascading blooms and excess all areas.

Katy Melling Photography

Image: Katy Melling Photography 

Lucabella Wedding Photography

Image: Lucabella Wedding Photography

Alternative Settings

It started with the tipi, and now there’s an outdoor option for almost every theme. Whether it’s a Scandinavian hat, Mongolian yurt or Bedouin tent, it’s still chic to say I do under canvas. Just remember to budget for a generator too!

Gerrard Photography

Image: Gerrard Photography

Jo Bradbury

Image: Jo Bradbury 

Structured Silhouettes

Amongst all the usual layers of lace and tulle a new breed of wedding gown is emerging: clean lines, sharp edges and super cool. Closer to catwalk trends than a Royal Wedding, these frocks are for the slick chicks who don’t want to leave their personalities by the church door. Choose bold shapes and structured satin (not a sequin in sight) for strut-your-stuff wedding day style.

Astral Sundholm Circa Brides

Image: Astral Sundholm Circa Brides 

KMR Bridal

Image: KMR Bridal 

Brides Up North for Belle Bridal Magazine SS 14

Gold Rush

Platinum will always be precious, but all the best dressed ring fingers are going for gold this season. Romantics should try rose gold and pave diamonds for an on trend look that’s forever timeless.

Helen Russell Photography

Image:  Helen Russell Photography 

Colour Me Pretty

Adding a touch of complimentary colour to your wedding day wardrobe is nothing new, but this is a trend that refuses to fade. Pastels are huge on the catwalks and in the bridal boutiques for 2014 and designers are upping the ante with all over washes of warmth or layered ombre lace effects. Go on, live life in colour! If a dip dye wedding dress isn’t for you, you can still give a nod to this pretty trend with colourful stationery or blushing blooms.

Cuvee Rose by IAN STUART BRIDE

Image: Ian Stuart 

Going Down…

Traditional Tinsel

Forget the humble tiara, 2014 is the year that bridal headwear gets big and bold. From glittering bunny ears and feather head-dresses to vibrant flower garlands, the fashion forward bride will dare to decorate herself in colour and originality. Still not sure? Stick to simple for the ceremony and style things up for the after party!

Katy Melling Photography

Image: Katy Melling Photography

Brides Up North for Belle Bridal Magazine SS 14

James Melia Photography

Image: James Melia 

Cat Hepple Photography

Image: Cat Hepple Photography 

Words:  Julia Braime for Belle Bridal Magazine, S/S 2014

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2014 Brides Up North/ Belle Bridal Magazine/ as credited where relevant

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