Wedding Dresses with Movement

The trends for 2016 wedding gowns are becoming clearer as we head towards the end of this year. Pastel coloured wedding dresses; illusion necklines with plunging fronts modestly covered with sheer or lace fabric; tulle as frothy as sea foam; added flowers, feathers and bead work (inspired by Downton Abbey, I'm sure); and skirts with 'movement'.

Whichever princess you want to be, whether it be the ballgowned, Cinderella à la Lily James in this year's eponymous film, or the more sassy, hip-swinging Elsa in her figure-hugging gown in Frozen, the general direction seems to be heading towards wedding dresses with movement that evoke energy, fluidity and fun. And you can understand why once you've tried one on - everyday clothes are often unstructured and just 'hang' on you; try on a gown that has been cut and tailored to swing and sway as you walk and you will feel a million dollars.

I love the Dessy Collection 1039 featured at the top of this page and in detail immediately below. Created using ivory gazar (a stiff, gauzy kind of silk fabric) the gown features delicate picot trim along the neckline, with a handworked bow detail at the base of the back zip.

The image above details the delicate picot trimming and shapely fitted corset of the Dessy Collection 1039.

Its slight train flows with beautiful bias ruffles giving that the all-important 2016 'movement'. You will hear the slight 'swish' as you walk down that aisle and, combined with the hourglass corset impact of its cut, you'll find yourself sashaying like a Supermodel before you know it!

The movement of the ruffles as you walk create an exquisite ripple effect

For a different style but with as much movement to it, this gorgeous bridal gown After Six 1047 in peau de soie Snow White (below) has an artful shape; the sweetheart neckline is demure, the draped bodice is softly figure-hugging and the dropped waist leading to a full flare skirt creates a beautiful shape which is immensely flattering.



The wide swing of the skirt and its sweeping train accentuate the gentle corset shape which is further enhanced by the asymmetric hand-made flower detail. I would accessorise it with a 'diamond' necklace and drop earrings, a pearl and silver sequin organza hairband and these brilliant peep-toe crystal court shoes - at over 7cm they are high enough to give you the lift you need without being so high that you have to worry about breaking an ankle!

Which one do you prefer?