Redefining the classics

Bolder colors, different fabrics, more baubles and fur wraps - these unconventional variations of style are just some of the reasons winter weddings are becoming more and more popular for brides, and the 2012 winter trends offer something for everyone.

"Winter weddings can be glamorous, cinematic, magical and intimate, and they certainly stand out from the many summer weddings that are held each year," said Eva Keilwerth, wedding planner for Prague-based White Agency Ltd.

"There's no doubt winter weddings continue to rise in popularity because of this. We love winter weddings, and we especially love this season's bridal trends."

While silk and tulle dresses in both white and ivory are timeless and work for every season, the line of winter 2012 dresses plays with rich colors and romantic fabrics and styles inspired by both vintage and Art Deco. Colors like purple, latte, plum, gold, silver and deep red are becoming increasingly popular as accents to cream, champagne, ivory and white dresses, Keilwerth said.

"The last biggest trend that is carrying over into 2012 is the classic style of [Kate Middleton's] gown with long sleeves and lace details," she said. "Lace has always been a favorite, timeless material that adds sophistication and class to any dress, especially when paired with ivory and pearl accessories. This inspiration can be seen for 2012, but with a more vintage look."

Helena Mertlová, fashion designer, has been designing original wedding dresses and gowns since 2006, but says she doesn't necessarily follow trends. Instead, she mixes up her materials, cuts, tones and colors each year but primarily stays with silk and tulle and more neutral colors. Her upcoming collection has more of what she calls an Art Deco style, with romantic draping and accessories to match.

"Accessories represent the imaginary icing on the cake," she said. "Accessories certainly should not be underestimated, and brides should pay attention to them."

While veils, jewelry and flowers are all basic accessories, many winter-season dresses are adding special details that are all the accessories a bride needs.

Vladimíra Blažková, owner of Nuance Wedding house in Prague, said winter brides should have accessories like long-sleeve boleros, wraps or stoles if their dresses are sleeveless. In addition to "warming" accessories, Blažková said the salon has some novelty dresses for 2012 that make brides look like "winter queens."

"We're offering wonderful tulle dresses with crumpled stripes and feathers for 2012," Blažková said. "Our new line will make women look like winter queens. Our line called Manuela Moty is very much a novelty line of dresses that uses real swan feathers on the corset of the gown and the resulting effect is just amazing."

Other popular accessories brides can look for in 2012 are large flowers to be worn in the hair or fake flowers on a dress for detail, feathers and vintage-inspired brooches and rings, Keilwerth said.

Every year and each season has its trends, which are simply variations on classics, but what truly matters is how the bride feels when she's in the dress, she said.

"We are always telling our brides to keep in mind the most important thing when choosing your wedding dress and accessories is that the only opinion that matters is your own," Keilwerth said. "So while keeping these new trends in mind, go after what really fits your personality and you won't go wrong."

- Klára Jiřičná contributed to this report

Megan Battista can be reached at
features@praguepost.com