2012 Wedding Dress Trends

Lace

Kate Middleton's stunning lace wedding dress has started a trend that isn't going away – lace is going to be bigger than ever in 2012. Wear it from top to toe or just give a nod to the trend with some lace appliqué, a lace trimmed veil or lace covered shoes.

Caps:

1. Catherine from Monique L'Hullier is a stunning full-length lace wedding gown that we love!
2. Oscar de la Renta uses scallop shaped lace trimming on this pretty wedding gown
3. Strapless lace wedding dress with belt detail by Watters Bride

Back detailing

Wedding dress designers have turned their focus on the back and it's no wonder as all eyes are on your derrière when you stand at the front of the aisle and say 'I do'. Detailing includes sheer back panels embellished with sequin or pearls; pretty back straps and bows, ruffles and ruching.

Caps:

1. This Lusan Mandongus gown combines a sheer back panel with embossed lace detail
2. The stunning Puma gown from Pronovias features a drop cowl back, sequin detailing and ruffles

Beading & bling

It's not so much about dazzling diamante in 2012, more pretty pearls, shimmering sequin and detailed beading for wedding gowns this year. This styling is quite vintage in its effect – think elegant glamour gowns and sumptuous party frocks from Hollywood's golden era.

Caps:

1. Glamour Pearls from Reem Acra combines pearls with delicate beading
2. This fish tale design from Alexia features a heart neckline and pretty floral sequin detail
3. Beaded belt detailing from Pronovias

Bows

A bridal favourite, bows continue to adorn wedding dresses of all shapes and sizes. Wear them large on your shoulder, tied around your waist or in your hair.

Caps:

1. The large bow detail on this simply cut wedding dress by Sanyuka Shrestha gives it a stylish edge
2. Wedding gown with pleated heart shaped design finished off with a bow by Allure

Feathers

Not just a flight of fancy, feathers are here to stay. We spotted them on skirts, bodices and headpieces and we love how they add a touch of feminine glamour to your wedding day. Soft, small maribou feathers and larger than life, dramatic ostrich feathers are back in style.

Caps:

1. Short style feathered bridal gown by Matthew Williamson
2. Ercilla from Pronovias uses feather fringing to dramatic effect

Flowers

Big and bold or pretty and delicate, flowers continue to adorn wedding gowns in 2012. We spotted lots of designs that used swirls of material to form large flowers, adding volume and texture to otherwise simple wedding gowns. Pretty floral detailing on lace or gowns embellished with floral embroidery gave other wedding dresses a distinct vintage look.

Caps:

1. Guipure lace fitted trumpet wedding gown from Angel Sanchez
2. Katherina from Badgley Mischka features appliqué roses
3. Floral adorned wedding gown by Martina Liana

Pleats and folds

Asymmetrical pleats, sharps folds or billowing ruching...the choice will be yours in 2012. Sun-burst pleats and side pleats are used frequently on the bodice and to add detailing to the waist, especially in the hottest wedding dress shape of the season – the mermaid gown.

Caps:

1. Strapless heart line gown with pleated bodice and fish tale skirt by Allure Couture
2. Pleated mermaid gown with waist detailing by Trudy Lee
3. Softly pleated gown with billowing skirt detail from Watters Brides
4. This one shouldered gown from Essense combines pleats with ruching