Different as all these beautiful wedding dresses are, one thing’s for sure: none of my bride opted for “minimalist” – all to the contrary! Figure-hugging silhouettes, plunging necklines, looong trains and even longer (cathedral!) veils – it was OPULENCE! Add to that expensive lace and hand-applique, and you get a veritable dream lineup of bridal couture.

And what’s REALLY new: color effects instead of pure white. Enough said; here they are!

A (nearly…) transparent lace bodice, a bare back and a form-fitting, flowing silhouette with train for an elegant summer wedding at Nestldown Estate.

A mermaid dress with a lace bodice, empire waist and a dramatic train of hand-appliqued lace.

A similar style with a lace bodice, but here with a plunging neckline and over-the-shoulder lace straps, plus an even longer train of hand-appliqued lace AND a cathedral veil. Below another look, from behind:

The next gown is in a different style, but just as feminine…

A classic ballgown style with layers and layers of tulle for the skirt; the lace from the bodice continues below the waist in elegant floral scrolls and wisps.

This very unusual wedding dress combined a bare back with a demure, covered-up (albeit transparent!) front and transparent billowing long sleeves as well as an overskirt that was then removed for dancing.

Next comes the hands-down most dramatic of all wedding dresses of the last year! Just look and be amazed… and be aware that this dress was HEAVY. Very heavy!

A train fit for royalty…

… with a billowing cathedral-length veil…

… and the most delicate pearl and sequin embroidery over a lace applique.

Last but not least, the NEW trend of adding a little pastel color to the traditionally all-white dress:

Delicate powder pink and baby blue flower motifs sprinkled all over the tulle overlay of this dress…

… and hand-appliqued lilac rose motifs in this elegant (Savin of London) couture gown.

Breathtaking, isn’t it? So what’s YOUR favorite style? Let me know!