Model on a beach

Summer Wedding Fashion 2016-2017

There is no doubting summer’s popularity for weddings. The sunshine, the range of locations made possible by the change in climate, the increase of serotonin levels putting everyone in the mood for a great wedding.  
We’ve put together a list of tips and fashion ideas to help all you brides make some fun but functional wedding decisions for your upcoming nuptials. 

For Your Dress 

New York Bridal Week hosted stunning wedding dresses from over 25 countries. Styles were predominantly elegant, long and figure hugging with no puff balls in sight. Some dresses had a high-low or fish-tale hem. Beautiful lace featured throughout, due to its femininity and functionality. It can give some brides the confidence to hide body parts that they may not be completely happy about, while still showing off some skin. 

For Your Bridesmaids 

Bridesmaids - they put up with your "reasonable" pre-wedding meltdowns and look after you on your hen’s night. So it's important to thank them for all of their hard work and dedication with an extra special bridesmaid gift THEY will enjoy and cherish. A fine necklace, a massage or facial voucher, a beauty gift box, some high fashion earrings or stacking rings are just some of the ways you can say “Hey, thanks my friend, I appreciate what you’ve done.” 

Summer weddings tend to offer a more relaxed feel than at other times of the year. Your bridal girls will be grateful if you dress them in an outfit which is also fitting for future cocktail parties and special dates. Beautiful summer colours such as blues and greens, delicate soft pinks and fabrics with striking beading details in a simple elegant style increase the chances of the dress being worn again. Many New Zealand designers have dresses in gorgeous fabrics which can easily be bought off the rack. 

 
Teamed with a comfortable, steady pair of nude heels and they will be dancing all night instead of sitting with a contorted look on their face. 

For your Guests 

Guests will be wondering what to wear so make sure your invitation makes it clear what the style is. The venue can dictate footwear (stiletto on a beach won’t work but wedged heels will), the level of dress-code formality and whether it is a huge grand affair or an intimate gathering of close friends and family. 

For Your Hand 

If you are still deciding on your wedding band, refer to our blog What's the best gold match for your skin tone? which will help you make a solid decision about what suits you and will look good on your finger forever. Perhaps team up your rings with an exquisite diamond bracelet or necklace? If you and your fiancé have been together for a long time and have all the necessary household items, a piece of jewellery is personal, even more so from a collective group of friends and family. 

For Hair and Buttonholes 

Fresh flowers add softness and sophistication to any bridal party and who wouldn’t want to make the most of all the stunning flowers available from December through until March. Hydrangea, peonies, gardenia, lisianthus, rose, sweetpea, snapdragon, and tuberose are just some of the beautiful blooms available at this certain time of the year. For information about what is available during other seasons visit Bride and Groom.