Wedding Trends: The Gown

Last week The Ballroom announced that it will be hosting a short series on Wedding Trends in the industry. This week we’re kicking it off with one of our favorite subjects: the wedding gown!!

Though every young girl dreams of her prince charming and perfect wedding celebration, one also fantasizes of all embellishments and designs her dress will encompass. Upon all other aspects of a wedding, the dress is an essential element primarily to the bride. Gowns have an influential effect on the wedding décor, and overall themes of weddings today. From lace and beading designs, to mermaid and ball gown styles, the wedding dress is significantly ever changing. As new trends originate and styles recycle, brides to be are focusing in on what’s most important for them to portray about their personalities and traditions on their special day.

We interviewed Margaret Torongo from Renee Austin Wedding, to inquire about what she believes to be the main trends of this upcoming season. We also probed about her work as owner and her inspirations for the industry.  Enjoy our little interview with Margaret below!

1.What would you say are the bridal gown trends for this upcoming season? High necks, open backs and embellished lace. We are seeing an even higher demand for the champagne colored gowns.

2. Do you have a favorite bridal gown style? Yes! Personally I love the ‘bigger the better’ gowns. This style isn’t for everyone but I love that you have the chance to wear this over the top ball gown for one day. Bridal style has certainly moved away from that but I still love the Cinderella inspired gowns.

3. For bridesmaids, what would you say are trending dresses and styles for 2014? Everything lace and every shade of blush. Finally more designers added lace to their bridesmaid’s styles so think lace straps, lace tops or an allover lace. This trend started last year but it was hard to find and now every one of our designers offers a lace option so we are able to offer these dresses in all price point.

4. What inspires you most about your work?  This is a loaded question I think.. haha. This answer has certainly changed over the years. J My honest answer today is the bigger part of the business. Meaning after a long Saturday I love reflecting on all the brides from the day and the happy moments we help create. Any market that I go to is so inspiring because of the obvious, the new fashions! But these days it’s the big picture for me. That I’ve created a space that brides enjoy coming to and I really enjoy reflecting on it all. I hope that all makes sense.

5. What colors/palettes are popular for this coming spring in terms of bridesmaid’s dresses and groomsmen attire? I think Blush is huge and pink are coming back in all shades. But who doesn’t love pink- it’s forever going to be a hot color! For the groomsmen we are seeing a more laid back approach with suits, tie, no jacket. Or a lighter colored suit versus the traditional black.

6. What do you find to be most challenging when helping a bride to find her perfect dress? Again a totally honest answer- the people she brings. I wish the bridal industry would push this topic more because I can’t tell you what a different experience it is with a bride along with 1 or 2 people than it is when they bring 7 +. And this isn’t to say I’ve never had a good experience with a large group. I’m just saying the majority of the time the bride ends up people pleasing and it doesn’t work out for anyone. I feel it’s my job to be here for the bride and the bride only- so it puts me in a difficult situation when I in turn feel like I have to please everyone, or worse interject because the bride is having a meltdown in the fitting room.

7. What has been the most interesting bridal gown or bridesmaids dress trend that you have ever seen? This is probably a boring answer, but color. Last year a couple designers showed some of their pieces in Black. I thought that was nuts.  They looked like gowns you would wear on the red carpet. It was something that some designers tried, and it failed.

8. Will we be seeing more from the new trend; the bridal jumpsuit debuted by J. Crew? This is funny to me because I ordered a white jumpsuit for my bachelorette party. My fiancé made fun of me and I sent it back. J So no, I don’t think this will be taking off. I do think jumpsuits are super cute- they are certainly a trend but I can’t see a bride wearing that in place of a gown.

9. What colors, if any, are brides wearing other than white this season? 95% of dresses we sell are ivory or champagne. White is certainly a thing of the past. Especially because every designer now has a Diamond White or off white. The true white just isn’t shown that much anymore. Champagne is really hot and we’ve just starting selling some blush colored gowns- like a very soft pink. Which is really fun!

We are so very thankful for Maggie’s expert thoughts and advice. If you have a moment, her shop is truly stunning and full of every wedding gown you could imagine.