Bridal design trends and ideas for 2024 brides

Sometimes I stop and realise how quick time flies and here we are nearly at the end of another year and looking forward to what's in store for 2024. When my head is down sewing I just don't see where the time flies. One thing about my work is I cannot ever miss a deadline so this time of year I feel I have to do my best to stop take stock of projects I want to do and how I want to best present them to you. 

I am quite a shy person and I much prefer to meet you in person to firstly put you at ease and then to get to know how I can help you. Trying to put into words or to present what I try to do for brides and customers seems really difficult for me. People often ask me outside of my shop what I do for a living and I never know how best to answer. This year one of my clients described me as a creative problem solver, which I thought was kind of apt. I am constantly creating but in that process you have to problem solve as fabric and people need you to adapt to their needs.

Sometimes I feel like I have my "back against the wall" as I have to work out what a bride wants and how I can give it to her for the price she wants, so I have to do my best to quickly come up with the perfect solution. Other times I feel a girl was meant to come to me and the whole experience just falls into the perfect scenario.

Keeping up with the latest fashion trends is easier now than ever. I actually find it nearly too much information. There are ideas and inspiration all around. One of the reasons I like working for a client is that it keeps me focused and stops me getting too many ideas and not knowing which one to start. However I also like to create “off the peg” dresses when I get ideas that I want to put into reality. 

So instead of being split I stay focused on what is desired and required. Hopefully from my 

inserted pictures you are being feed the trends for 2024. That is what our smart phones do today, they feed us with trends they want us to inspired by. However much they want to tell us what to wear, we have our own unique style and personality and we want to feel special.

The wedding dress is perhaps the most important aspect of any bride's big day. It's a symbol of love, beauty, and tradition. Recently, wedding dress trends have evolved to reflect the changing tastes and styles of modern brides. 2024 is all about personalisation and that extends to wedding fashion. Couples are opting for bespoke wedding attire, ensuring their outfits are as unique as their love story. Discover the world of custom wedding gowns, jumpsuits and accessories that reflect your individual style. 

One trend that has taken the bridal world by storm is the rise of the non-traditional wedding dress - and this trend is here to stay. Many brides are opting for dresses in colours other than white, such as blush, champagne, or even bold shades and details. These unconventional colours allow brides to express their unique personalities and stand out from the crowd.

Bridal seperates are a popular choice for brides in 2024. With the growing trend of having multiple looks throughout your wedding day, we're seeing a lot more brides opting for a two-piece or three-piece bridal ensemble for their wedding day. This look is seriously stylish and you can put it together however you like.

Oversized bows are making a real impact on bridal catwalks. In addition to adding drama and elegance to bridal attire, they create a striking focal point, drawing attention to the back of a gown or the neckline, which elevates the overall look. With bows available in different fabrics, colours, and styles, brides can experiment and find one that complements their dress and vision.

Bridal Fashion Week featured fresh, modern twists on traditional bridal styles. Designers aren't abandoning tradition, they're just updating it, from detachable trains to opera-length embellished gloves. A trend that we're loving is shorter veils - they aren't too formal, but still very elegant.

I find veils are a personal choice and I tend to find my personal choice is a long veil and because I know this when a bride is deciding what she wants I know to hold back and let her decide what she likes. So one trend so will promote is choose what makes you smile. 

The Latest from the Bridal industry on the newest trends for 2024

"Come fly with me"

I have always loved watching the birds in my garden. Every morning there is one there to say "Hello"

You will have seen some of my work with embroidered birds, from simple outline stitching to more intense elaborate embroidery.

Recently I noticed birds appearing on the couture catwalks, so I thought I would share the latest trends with you.

"Birds flying high you know how I feel" inspiration from a song maybe!

"Love is in the Air"

"Let your idea out of the bag"

"Dare to Dream"

"Icons in the Spotlight"

"Fresh Trends for 2023"

Short bridal dresses seem to be a thing for 2023.

What's on trend that the bridal shops are buying for 2024?

Bodices with a straight across line rather than the sweetheart line?

Sleeves still a Big thing in some form or another.

Bows?

Do you ever see a dress in a picture and think well I like a notion of this but not quite the same as that. Or maybe you have been to a wedding dress shop and liked a part of an idea but need someone like me to make it the way you want. Well then why not come and meet me to discuss your ideas to see if its possible. 

History is being made today in London as Zelensky visits the capital. He thanked us the Northern Irish for our support and help so far with the invasion of the Russians into their country, jeopardising freedom and democracy. He appealed for "Wings of Freedom" While recently Miss Ukrainian Universe sold her wings to raise funds for the crisis.

Who needs a needless war when we have a natural disaster to cope with since the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria?

Let us All sew the seeds of Love and "Give Peace a Chance!!"

"Spread Peace and Love"

"Love can Conquer All"

Are you a New Bride, here's 3 things to remember.

 Are you a New Bride, here's 3 things to remember when coming in for your appointment.

1. I know you may feel nervous about trying on dresses for the first time, but I'm here to help and make you feel as relaxed as possible. You'll have the whole boutique exclusively for you and your guests.

2. Don't worry too much about your underwear, it is best if you have skin tone as this colour is best under everything. With most dresses you're likely to try them on you will get the impression of how it looks on you and with the right underwear and fit nearer your big day the whole look will be even better.

3. Some girls prefer to come to their appointment on their own and that's absolutely fine. It will still be really special, it allows you time to think what you actually want. I'll act as your stylist and your biggest cheerleader all in one. If you are bringing guests I suggest you bring no more than 3 people. This way you don't have too many opinions, but hopefully your guests know you well enough to help you choose. 

Just remember to relax and enjoy the experience. You are buying your dream dress and your appointment should be fun and magical.

The Budget -Savvy Bride

It's usually this time of year that bride's run around all the bridal shops in Northern Ireland looking for a bargain. The Wedding Journal Northern Ireland tells newly engaged couples how to be savvy with their  wedding budget. They suggest that shops can sell their dresses at 80% less than the usual price. Stop and think about this bride's to be. Firstly how can you possibly drop a price so much unless it has been over hiked in the first place. If you buy this shop sample dress, can it be cleaned or at least pressed. What happens if you need more fabric or beads to replace what should be there. Who do you know that can best advise you on whether this is truly good value. This something sounds to good to be true, remember it usually is.

Some brides tell me how they were talked into a dress and that they regret buying it. A bargain is only a bargain if you can use it. Rushing to buy your wedding dress can cost you more in the long run, as some brides end up buying another one.

2021 is an odd year, things are definitely not the normal, if there is a normal when you are planning your wedding. This is a totally new experience for you. Please enjoy the experience and stop and allow yourself time to think before someone pressurises you. If I can be of help in some way, just arrange a virtual appointment for now on my facebook page

www.facebook.com/joannefergusonbridalshop