One of South Africa’s most popular celebrations of all things matrimonial, the Oakfield Bridal Expo, in Gauteng, launched last month with 193 exhibitors showcasing wedding dresses, suits, venues, flowers, gifts, hair and make-up, videography and more over two days.
People showed up in numbers and many headed for the daily fashion show that saw designs from the likes of Diamond Love Bridal boutique and Diaan Daniels. Mr South Africa 2015 Armand du Plessis hosted the fashion show and he was almost like Father Christmas with the way he was dishing out prizes.
The audience screamed out to him each time he was about to give something spectacular away such as a diamond, wedding dress or grooming packages. But the real prize was being able to see some of the trends that will be big this year.
As Siann Upton, the marketing director and Bridal Expo manager at Oakfield Farm, had previously told us: “In 2016, the trend was definitely less is more. Your succulents and pale blues and pure white weddings are still in. Without a doubt, white and silver are still trending. But each wedding is so different and represents the couple, so a lot of couples are starting to go very DIY for their weddings with photo booths and some of the cakes. 2017 will be the same.”
If the fashion show was anything to go by, Upton was spot on.
Silver is still very in. From diamanté waist bands to bling bling and shiny silver gowns, silver featured throughout the show. New Romantics showcased a shimmering all-silver, body-hugging dress that is perfect for evening weddings.
Lace was also a big feature particularly for Bridal Wardrobe. Many of the wedding dresses were designed with summer in mind so sheer-lace backs were an attraction. For the Diaan Daniels label, the models walked to Beyoncé’s Halo and looked angelic but it was the male models who got the most applause and screams. The label showcased two extremes: an understated grey suit for the groom as well as a gold number that had a jacket sporting different textures.
As far as hair and make-up went, many of the models looked natural, with lip-gloss as a common thread. Most wore whimsical French braids combined with a weave and their own hair. The flower girls were put on centre stage by JS Collections. They looked adorable in tutu-inspired dresses but the omnipresent veil might have been a tad OTT.
A big trend that kept popping up in the respective designers’ showcases was the multi-purpose dress. From Zodwa Bridal to Bridal Room, a few of the dresses had removable aspects.
Zodwa Bridal had a particularly pretty number that transformed from a slim figure-hugging dress into a jumpsuit as soon as the outfit was unbuttoned from the waist down.
This multi-purpose trend is ideal for brides who want to change into a second outfit but might not be able to afford a new one altogether.
Or for those who know the wedding will go from day to night and it would be more comfortable to hit the dance floor in a shorter dress or pants.