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The Rise Of The Low-Key Wedding Dress

Following a year of yo-yo lockdowns, multiple postponements of the lavish wedding ceremonies, and the rise of micro-weddings, are brides ready to kiss effervescent meringue dresses goodbye in favour of sleeker, more fashion-forward designs?

UK weddings are back on the agenda for summer, and you may already be looking at a flurry of invites following loved-up lockdown proposals, or weddings that have been moved umpteen times. With 30 guests allowed from May 17, and all restrictions lifted from June 21, we’re curious to know: has the traditional wedding dress lost its allure?

Prior to lockdown, the traditional rite of passage involved multiple trips to bridal emporiums, trying on hundreds of dresses to find THE ONE. This process was followed by a series of fittings to ensure your dress fit like a glove come The Big Day. However, over the past year, our shopping habits have shifted massively, and bridal wear is no exception.

According to fashion research platform Lyst, online searches for wedding dresses have quadrupled year-on-year. And what are people looking for? Interestingly, searches for ‘mini bridal dresses’ have increased 170% since January, showing a growing non-conformist approach to wedding-day dressing.

In truth, the move towards fashion-led bridal fashion was gaining momentum long before COVID hit. MATCHESFASHION launched its bridal offering, with the likes of Molly Goddard, Simone Rocha, and Galvan, in January 2020 to great praise. The latest edit is just as covetable for brides wanted something unconventional, with exclusive collections from contemporary labels like The Vampire’s Wife and BERNADETTE. Global Fashion Officer, Natalie Kingham, offers her advice for wedding day dressing: “I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have two options and you can always have fun changing just for the hell of it. Two memorable looks mean two memorable entrances, and the second one doesn’t have to be white either.” As for taking a considered approach to the after life of your look she adds, “You should be looking at two pieces if you want to be glamorous and smart on the day, and then integrate them (into your wardrobe), because even a simple or casual white dress is still quite statement.”

Inspired by the low-key bridal trend? Here is the CF edit of 10 dresses to fall in love with…


RIXO

Best known for pretty floral dresses inspired by a bygone era, British label RIXO launched a bridal collection in April which stays true to their figure-skimming silhouettes. There's something for every taste in the 22-piece dress collection split into two themes: City Bride – boasting party dresses replete with feathers – and Classic Bride – which comprises more traditional styles. We love the Clementine dress in pure silk with a dainty rosebud design – the devil is very much in the detail with an elegant train, voluminous sleeves, and buttons running from nape to below the waist for an ethereal yet vintage feel.

GHOST LONDON

Ghost London is the jewel in the crown of the highstreet bridal market, with sleek minimalist designs that look far more expensive than their price tag would suggest. For brides-to-be who would describe themselves as 'almost allergic to dresses', the task of finding a wedding-day look can be a headache. A two piece is a very cool solution, channeling Bianca Jagger's iconic wedding day look. A suit is nonchalant and powerful in equal measure – this Ghost London Viola jacket has slightly structured shoulders and a nipped-waist making it the perfect tuxedo jacket. The matching Senna wide-leg trousers make for a very chic silhouette; however, a bias-cut, silk slip skirt would be an excellent choice too for a more feminine look.

For brides-to-be who would describe themselves as ‘almost allergic to dresses’, the task of finding a wedding day look can be a headache.

WHISTLES

Whistles launched their bridal capsule in 2017 and the collection has gone from strength to strength ever since. Minimalist yet stylish, the dresses are elevated with points of interest, such as this cut-away, razor back detail – a modern take on traditional lace.

BERNADETTE

The mother-daughter duo behind Antwerp-based label BERNADETTE have a serious knack for creating dresses women would quite happily sell their husband-to-be for, and the bridal collection, launched exclusively with MATCHESFASHION, is no exception. All pieces are constructed in ivory taffeta, offering high drama inspired by 60s couture. The Winnie dress is perfect for brides after a playful look: an oversized bow adorns the shoulder, and the voluminous mini-dress silhouette is both feminine and fun in equal measure.

The mother-daughter duo behind Antwerp-based label BERNADETTE have a serious knack for creating dresses women would quite happily sell their husband-to-be for.

ZIMMERMANN

Zimmermann is always an excellent choice for occasionwear, and The Lovestruck dress would be as perfect for a day at Royal Ascot for brides wishing to rewear their nuptials look again and again. The polka-dot silk is a refreshing alternative to lace, and the frilled details add an elegant, romantic quality.

HARMUR

HARMUR is an upcoming brand for cool brides who are ready to dance the night away in something truly fabulous. The brand started with a small edit of sultry backless tops, which has grown to encompass silk separates and dresses. The bridal collection stays true to the HARMUR brand codes with signature open-back dresses and sleek jumpsuits. The Party Bride dress couldn’t live up to its name more: a mini dress adorned with sequins and pearls, the handmade bow gives serious swish for your first dance moment. Appreciating not all brides-to-be want to be attending fittings in person, HARMUR offers a truly made-to-measure service online, taking into consideration the height of your wedding shoes too. Genius!

HARMUR is an upcoming brand for cool brides who are ready to dance the night away in something truly fabulous.

SEREN LONDON

Seren London launched in 2016 to offer a more relaxed take on event dressing. Soon the brand's beautifully relaxed jumpsuits became the unofficial wedding guest outfit of choice for fashion insiders, and now brides can adopt the same nonchalant glamour on their wedding day. The Mimi jumpsuit is perfect for destination weddings, with a cinched waist, halter-neck, and alluring cut-out details. It would also be a perfect evening look with serious Studio 54 credentials.

SLEEPER

Day-to-night loungewear label Sleeper, famed for its feather-trimmed pyjamas, has created the most post-lockdown bridal look imaginable. Its classic nap dress – a popular silhouette from SS20 – has been reimagined in a decadent silk fabrication. This diaphanous gown with exposed neckline, elegant lace sleeves, and flounced hem is not only a comfortable choice for hitting the dancefloor, but can easily be repurposed for years to come. Pair with an oversized blazer and mules for an easy daytime look.

 

Day-to-night loungewear label Sleeper, famed for its feather-trimmed pyjamas, has created the most post-lockdown bridal look imaginable.

GALVAN

Galvan is the A-listers choice for award-season worthy, understated glamour. Aside from its signature slip dresses and the most flattering corseted jumpsuits, Galvan’s bridal offering is impossibly chic, making it a go-to for fashion-conscious brides. This glossy column gown, with floss-thin straps and a side-hem slit, positively shimmers with sequins and is sure to incite a few gasps as you drift down the aisle.

THE OWN STUDIO

We all know wedding wear is one of the biggest culprits of 'wear once' fashion, which is what inspired the duo behind The OWN Studio to create a collection of bridal and bridesmaid dresses with an evening wear feel. The result is sleek modern pieces with a vintage nod, such as this 1930s-inspired dress. The bias-cut silhouette means the fluid shape is undeniably flattering, whilst the warm ivory colour is a beautiful alternative to brighter whites. The organza panels and open back are refreshingly contemporary too. This is understated glamour at its best.

 

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