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#TheLIST: The Top Bridal Trends of 2016

12 ways to score effortless aisle style.

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We've dubbed 2016 the year of the fashion wedding, and this chic year of nuptials is serving up fashion, beauty and décor trends fit for the style ground-breaker. From black accessories to Spanish-inspired gowns, here are the 12 up-and-coming bridal trends to inspire you all year long.

1

Sheer Genius

<p>Peekaboo panels, sheer slits and allover illusion dominated the Fall 2016 bridal runways, and most of the standouts  showed off long legs and toned arms without feeling too bare for bridal. Strategically placed tulle, lace and gossamer mesh made all-covered up styles feel weightless, and see-through skirts are the best way to show off killer heels.</p><p><em><a href="http://www.costarellos.gr/">Christos Costarellos</a> 2016 Collection; <a href="http://www.reemacra.com/Collections/Bridal#2">Reem Acra</a> Fall 2016; <a href="http://www.inbaldror.co.il/en">Inbal Dror</a> 2016 Collection; <a href="http://www.verawang.com/EN/wedding/bridal-collection/fall-2016/3016-patrizia-1">Vera Wang Bride</a> Fall 2016.</em></p>
Christos Costarellos, Reem Acra, Inbal Dror, Vera Wang

Peekaboo panels, sheer slits and allover illusion dominated the Fall 2016 bridal runways, and most of the standouts showed off long legs and toned arms without feeling too bare for bridal. Strategically placed tulle, lace and gossamer mesh made all-covered up styles feel weightless, and see-through skirts are the best way to show off killer heels.

Christos Costarellos 2016 Collection; Reem Acra Fall 2016; Inbal Dror 2016 Collection; Vera Wang Bride Fall 2016.

2

Black Magic

<p>There should be no shock here, but yes–you can wear black with your white gown. Opting for an eternally chic black evening shoe, clutch, a black diamond necklace or modern pair of drops ensures you'll be sporting your bridal accessories long after your wedding day.</p><p><em>N° 21</em><em> black sandal, $525, <a href="https://shop.harpersbazaar.com/designers/n/n-21/black-suede-sandal-7789.html">shopbazaar.com</a>; Salvatore Ferragamo earrings, $220, <a href="https://shop.harpersbazaar.com/designers/s/salvatore-ferragamo/medium-length-brass-and-glass-drop-earrings-7946.html">shopbazaar.com</a>; Givenchy clutch, $4,590, <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/us/en/product/608289?cm_mmc=ProductSearchUS_PLA_c-_-Givenchy-_-Bags-Clutch%20Bags-Clutch%20Bags-_-119405800595_608289-005&gclid=Cj0KEQiA5oy1BRDQh6Wd572hsfkBEiQAfdTPCkFnSMVZvW_BwzIkS11WTToah72UG40Dx2PuE98dnnEaAmuC8P8HAQ">net-a-porter.com</a>.</em><br></p>
ShopBazaar, Net-a-Porter

There should be no shock here, but yes–you can wear black with your white gown. Opting for an eternally chic black evening shoe, clutch, a black diamond necklace or modern pair of drops ensures you'll be sporting your bridal accessories long after your wedding day.

N° 21 black sandal, $525, shopbazaar.com; Salvatore Ferragamo earrings, $220, shopbazaar.com; Givenchy clutch, $4,590, net-a-porter.com.

3

Flower Girls

<p>While your friends always appreciate the honor of being a bridesmaid, they'll appreciate being able to wear what they'd like even more. Forgo a traditional American bridal party and take inspiration from the chicest of bridal Brits; Kate Moss and Kate Middleton both opted for a maid of honor and an entourage of perfectly styled girls and page boys.</p>
Getty

While your friends always appreciate the honor of being a bridesmaid, they'll appreciate being able to wear what they'd like even more. Forgo a traditional American bridal party and take inspiration from the chicest of bridal Brits; Kate Moss and Kate Middleton both opted for a maid of honor and an entourage of perfectly styled girls and page boys.

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4

Go Dutch

<p>Florals reminiscent of Dutch masters' still-life paintings continue to reign supreme over tight, modern bouquets and over the top arrangements. Rich and wild without feeling too bohemian, these painterly centerpieces and bouquets typically incorporate vibrantly colored fruit and fluttery blooms like peonies, ranunculus, anemones and dahlias. The best part? Dutch-inspired blooms can be translated into any palette, from pastels to deep jewel tones. Florists that have mastered this style include <a href="http://putnamflowers.com/">Putnam & Putnam</a> (who designed this rose-colored beauty), <a href="http://saipua.com/">Saipua</a> and <a href="http://studiochoo.com/">Studio Choo</a>.</p>
Putnam & Putnam

Florals reminiscent of Dutch masters' still-life paintings continue to reign supreme over tight, modern bouquets and over the top arrangements. Rich and wild without feeling too bohemian, these painterly centerpieces and bouquets typically incorporate vibrantly colored fruit and fluttery blooms like peonies, ranunculus, anemones and dahlias. The best part? Dutch-inspired blooms can be translated into any palette, from pastels to deep jewel tones. Florists that have mastered this style include Putnam & Putnam (who designed this rose-colored beauty), Saipua and Studio Choo.

5

Edwardian Edge

<p>The styles of decades-past, from the jazz age to the '70s, have long been a source of wedding day inspiration. But, for the 2016 collections, designers went even further back in time, taking inspiration from the the Edwardian (and occasionally, the Georgian and Victorian) age. Mock necklines,  ruffle details, bell sleeves, empire waistlines, and slim sheaths that spill into chapel-length trains were some of the key indicators that this era was on the rise. Intricate metalwork, medieval motifs and colored stones popping up in the season's engagement rings rounded out these modern takes on vintage.</p><p><em></em></p><p><em><a href="http://alonlivnewhite.com/portfolio_page/bridal-2016/">Alon Livne White</a> Fall 2016; Trumpet & Horn vintage ring, approximately $3,250, <a href="http://www.trumpetandhorn.com/">trumpetandhorn.com</a>.</em></p>
Alon Livne White, Trumpet & Horn

The styles of decades-past, from the jazz age to the '70s, have long been a source of wedding day inspiration. But, for the 2016 collections, designers went even further back in time, taking inspiration from the the Edwardian (and occasionally, the Georgian and Victorian) age. Mock necklines, ruffle details, bell sleeves, empire waistlines, and slim sheaths that spill into chapel-length trains were some of the key indicators that this era was on the rise. Intricate metalwork, medieval motifs and colored stones popping up in the season's engagement rings rounded out these modern takes on vintage.

Alon Livne White Fall 2016; Trumpet & Horn vintage ring, approximately $3,250, trumpetandhorn.com.

6

The Nosegay

<p>Oversized, trailing bouquets had their moment, but a small clutch of blooms won't overpower your gown in photos or as you walk down the aisle. The Duchess of Cambridge carried a small spray of Lily of the Valley down the aisle at Westminster Abbey, and nosegays of wildflowers, herbs, single blooms or the bride's favorite buds are sure to making an appearance more and more in 2016. Fun fact: nosegays are also a great way to distribute your floral budget wisely, leaving the bulk of your spend for your décor and centerpieces.</p>
Getty

Oversized, trailing bouquets had their moment, but a small clutch of blooms won't overpower your gown in photos or as you walk down the aisle. The Duchess of Cambridge carried a small spray of Lily of the Valley down the aisle at Westminster Abbey, and nosegays of wildflowers, herbs, single blooms or the bride's favorite buds are sure to making an appearance more and more in 2016. Fun fact: nosegays are also a great way to distribute your floral budget wisely, leaving the bulk of your spend for your décor and centerpieces.

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7

The Proposalmoon

<p>Don't feel like your friends are holding out on you if they don't pick up the phone the moment their fiancé pops the question. Odds are your friend is just on her Proposalmoon, where couples opt to keep their engagement to themselves for a few days, a week or longer prior to announcing it to family, friends and their social feeds. On this mini-moon, your newly-engaged world is your oyster: enjoy the vacation you got engaged on with little to no interruption, spend a staycation weekend at home savoring the moment, or simply go on a romantic date before the engagement announcing phone-a-thon ensues. </p><p><em><a href="http://nsrjewelry.com">Nina Runsdorf</a> flower ring; <a href="http://www.fredleighton.com/">Fred Leighton</a> art-deco columbian emerald and diamond ring; <a href="http://www.cartier.us">Cartier</a> Destinée Solitaire ring;  Stephen Russell diamond ring, <a href="http://www.tiffany.com/">Tiffany & Co.</a> oval green-blue diamond ring.</em></p>
NSR Jewelry, Fred Leighton, Cartier, Stephen Russell, Tiffany & Co.

Don't feel like your friends are holding out on you if they don't pick up the phone the moment their fiancé pops the question. Odds are your friend is just on her Proposalmoon, where couples opt to keep their engagement to themselves for a few days, a week or longer prior to announcing it to family, friends and their social feeds. On this mini-moon, your newly-engaged world is your oyster: enjoy the vacation you got engaged on with little to no interruption, spend a staycation weekend at home savoring the moment, or simply go on a romantic date before the engagement announcing phone-a-thon ensues.

Nina Runsdorf flower ring; Fred Leighton art-deco columbian emerald and diamond ring; Cartier Destinée Solitaire ring; Stephen Russell diamond ring, Tiffany & Co. oval green-blue diamond ring.

8

Skip the Cake

<p>Sweets may not be your thing, or you might just prefer to have your guests spend the night dancing with champagne in hand rather than stopping the party for a final course. Either way, the ceremony of cutting the cake is not a requirement, and couples looking for something a bit different can now feel free to choose a cheese course (we recommend an elaborate cheese table packed with assorted candied nuts, jams, pate de fruit and honeys) or  passed bite-size desserts on the dance floor. Looking for something a bit more playful? Give your guests the opportunity to make their own s'mores at an outdoor affair, or opt for an ice-cream cart or artisanal popsicles in the summertime.</p>

Sweets may not be your thing, or you might just prefer to have your guests spend the night dancing with champagne in hand rather than stopping the party for a final course. Either way, the ceremony of cutting the cake is not a requirement, and couples looking for something a bit different can now feel free to choose a cheese course (we recommend an elaborate cheese table packed with assorted candied nuts, jams, pate de fruit and honeys) or passed bite-size desserts on the dance floor. Looking for something a bit more playful? Give your guests the opportunity to make their own s'mores at an outdoor affair, or opt for an ice-cream cart or artisanal popsicles in the summertime.

9

Something Blue

<p>Take a note from the beauty looks that walked the Spring 2016 runways and embrace the fourth of your bridal somethings in eyeshadow. Go for a thin indigo liner for a modern take, or pay homage to Studio 54 with a blended shadow. Check out the go-to products for 'something blue' eyes <a href="http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/g6678/best-blue-eyeshadows/">here</a>.</p><p><em>Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2016; Missoni Spring 2016; Monique Lhuillier Spring 2016.</em></p>

Take a note from the beauty looks that walked the Spring 2016 runways and embrace the fourth of your bridal somethings in eyeshadow. Go for a thin indigo liner for a modern take, or pay homage to Studio 54 with a blended shadow. Check out the go-to products for 'something blue' eyes here.

Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2016; Missoni Spring 2016; Monique Lhuillier Spring 2016.

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10

Spanish-Inspired Style

<p>Tiered skirts, dramatic flamenco-esque skirts, vibrantly-colored hair flowers and macramé lacework were only some of the Spanish influences on the Fall 2016 bridal collections. Long lace sleeves and mantilla veils were among some of our favorite ways this inspiration appeared, and a bride's ability to embrace the look  in small or large doses–from a single bold bloom in her hair to an all-over corded lace look–put this trend on our short list.</p><p><em>Oscar de la Renta Fall 2016; Marchesa Fall 2016; Naeem Khan Fall 2016; Carolina Herrera Fall 2016.</em></p>

Tiered skirts, dramatic flamenco-esque skirts, vibrantly-colored hair flowers and macramé lacework were only some of the Spanish influences on the Fall 2016 bridal collections. Long lace sleeves and mantilla veils were among some of our favorite ways this inspiration appeared, and a bride's ability to embrace the look in small or large doses–from a single bold bloom in her hair to an all-over corded lace look–put this trend on our short list.

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2016; Marchesa Fall 2016; Naeem Khan Fall 2016; Carolina Herrera Fall 2016.

11

Tech-Savvy Planning

<p>In-the-know brides are turning to innovative planning sites like <a href="https://www.zola.com/about/index">Zola</a>, an online registry designed to combine appliances, furniture and even a honeymoon fund all in one place and convenient apps like <a href="https://www.etsy.com/apps/">Etsy</a>'s that allow you to purchase anything from handmade favors to escort cards with one click. Tech-savvy planning is the new normal–from planners sharing their inspiration via Google docs and Pinterest to bridesmaids renting their dresses from rental site  <a href="http://www.vowtobechic.com/">Vow to be Chic</a>. Honeymoon and party planning just got easier as well, thanks to a long list of <a href="http://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/travel-dining/advice/a4661/best-travel-apps-to-plan-vacation/">travel planning apps</a>, experience e-tailer <a href="http://www.tinggly.com/">Tinggly</a> and bachelorette party planning site <a href="http://thebach.com/">The Bach</a>.</p>

In-the-know brides are turning to innovative planning sites like Zola, an online registry designed to combine appliances, furniture and even a honeymoon fund all in one place and convenient apps like Etsy's that allow you to purchase anything from handmade favors to escort cards with one click. Tech-savvy planning is the new normal–from planners sharing their inspiration via Google docs and Pinterest to bridesmaids renting their dresses from rental site Vow to be Chic. Honeymoon and party planning just got easier as well, thanks to a long list of travel planning apps, experience e-tailer Tinggly and bachelorette party planning site The Bach.

12

Tiaras

<p>Quirky, playful accessories like petite crystal tiaras and gilded crowns are a contemporary upgrade on the dated tiaras of the '80s.  While these headpieces are a sweet alternative or accompaniment to a veil, they also make for a super-luxe add-on when styling your second look for the reception or after party.</p><p><em>Miu Miu Spring 2016; Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2016; Saint Laurent Spring 2016.</em><br></p>

Quirky, playful accessories like petite crystal tiaras and gilded crowns are a contemporary upgrade on the dated tiaras of the '80s. While these headpieces are a sweet alternative or accompaniment to a veil, they also make for a super-luxe add-on when styling your second look for the reception or after party.

Miu Miu Spring 2016; Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2016; Saint Laurent Spring 2016.

Headshot of Carrie Goldberg
Carrie Goldberg
Weddings & Travel Director

Carrie Goldberg is HarpersBAZAAR.com’s Weddings & Travel Director. She oversees the site’s BAZAAR Bride channel, travel & dining content, and styles fashion and bridal editorials for BAZAAR.com. When she’s not traveling, she spends her free time in her hometown–New York City–where there is no shortage of new places to shop, eat, drink, see and explore.

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