These chillier days have had us lusting after destination weddings and dreaming of Summer 2016 here at Love My Dress HQ. Whilst I can quietly ‘hope’ for an Indian Summer in the UK, chances are some of you will be planning your nuptials in sunnier climes. For those of you planning a wedding by the sea, then an easy, breezy, beach-ready bridal look needn’t be a casual affair. Read on as we take you through 2016’s trend for a super-chic play on bohemian.
By the way, have you visited our most beautiful new wedding supplier resource yet? We launched Little Book For Brides this week and it’s packed full of all the best suppliers we know. Bookmark this page now.
From this beach wedding inspiration feature
Photography by Sarah Falugo
From this wedding photographed by Fer Juaristi
See Bride & Photographer Jess Petrie in Little Book For Brides®
Like most of you, I trawl Pinterest, Instagram and blogs in search of effortlessly beautiful bridal style. Most recently, I stumbled across The Lane’s Immemorial editorial, which set the trend researcher in me off on a journey to explore the perfect accompaniments to a beach wedding – less barefoot bride in a maxi-dress, more a chic, coastal-inspired cool.
From this wedding on Love My Dress
See Nordica Photography in Little Book For Brides®
The Dress
For weddings by the sea and in (fingers crossed) warmer temperatures, many brides opt for simplicity. Figure-skimming bias-cuts, fluid layers and separates are all wearable options that give a relaxed yet polished look.
Via The Lane (Ali Mitton Photography)
Top two – Holcene gown by Odylyne The Ceremony + Chloe
Middle – Houghton NYC via The Lane
Bottom – Zahavit Tshuba
We love the romantic, soft draped sleeves of the Holcene gown by Odylyne The Ceremony in The Lane’s editorial, whilst our very own Little Book For Brides members, Belle and Bunty, offer a retro take on bohemian style that feels light, airy and perfect for a glamorous day mingling with guests.
From the Belle & Bunty ‘A Piece of My Heart’ collection
See Belle & Bunty in Little Book For Brides
It’s all in the detail for 2016, with oversized floral embroideries, crochet and delicately twisted panels and straps adding interest to slip dresses. The perfect two-piece, a growing bridal trend, incorporates detail on the top, with a fuller, free-flowing skirt.
Top – Bo & Luca via Loho Bride
Bottom – BHLDN
Left + Bottom Right: Mirror Mirror Couture
Bottom right – Lorie X
Accessories
Jewellery and hair accessories embody ethnic themes, but should be light-weight and delicate. Floral crowns are seen in simple designs and pale block-colour while you could consider using coastal elements such as tiny shells or freshwater pearls.
Foot jewellery is a burgeoning trend for next summer too, and the perfect way to glam up a simple gown, should a sandy aisle be on the cards for your celebration.
Closewise from top left: SibelDesign on Etsy
Bo & Luca via Loho Bride + Eclectic Mix
Gypsy Loving Light + Eclectic Mix
Beauty
Less is most definitely more when it comes to beauty, skin should look dewy and bronzed – not over-done but with a soft, subtle shimmer to emphasise cheek and brow bones. Nude tones are perfect for nails, eyes and lips – clean taupe and flesh pink gives nails a sophisticated manicured look – keep them short and super-shiny.
Phillip Lim + Dior + Giambattista Valli
Catwalks trends have hinted at the traditional smoky eye getting paler – try shimmering champagne tones or add a hint of colour with a soft mauve or olive green like this beautiful look from Dior. For lips, barely-there glosses are as popular as ever or go for a smooth beige tone, as seen at Vera Wang.
Softly plaited braids must be the perfect accompaniment to beachy hair? Add interest to loose waves with a duo of braids, starting down low to allow for tumbling locks around the face, or select thin tendrils to twist and secure from the front of the hairline to the nape of the neck. A fine crown with floral or subtly tribal detailing will complete the look.
Next time, I’ll be reporting on spring/summer 2016 trends, straight from the catwalks of New York, London, Milan and Paris. Stay tuned for the latest style advice to inspire your look come the big day, be it beach wedding, country shindig or urban celebration!
Love Sarah-Leigh x
As well as being our regular fashion contributor, Sarah-Leigh Wade is the International Contributing Editor for Olivia Palermo. She also co-runs events and communication agency What Peggy Did Next and is the lady behind Bridal Boot Sales. You can see Sarah-Leigh’s own wedding here.
Sarah-Leigh Bunting View all Sarah-Leigh's articles
Our resident fashion expert, Sarah is a seasoned editor, stylist and creative director. Sarah cut her teeth in the fashion industry, working with the likes of style icon Olivia Palermo, and now with some of the biggest retail brands across Europe. Sarah is also co-founder of events and communications agency What Peggy Did Next, who specialise in creating unique weddings and experiences.
