2021 Bridal Styling Trend Report: Accessories, Gowns, and Hair & Make-Up
Weddings have undeniably — and perhaps permanently — changed over the last year. What does 2021 hold for weddings? From live-streaming to micro-weddings to elopements, I asked a couple of my favorite experts to talk about the shifting landscape of matrimony over the last year and what the upcoming year holds.
“Because of shutdowns and stay at home orders out of everyone’s control, I’ve seen a lot of brides roll with the punches and adapt, rather than get stuck on mourning over their dream wedding plans being crushed,” says Lara Sims Prawat of Folklore Dress Design. “I think seeing many brides proceed with getting married and doing what they can to have a wedding under limiting circumstances, the focus is truly more on celebrating the life commitment with a select group of friends and family. Small weddings and elopements have been super popular, more so than waiting a year or more to keep a big wedding. Most of my brides had weddings or elopements with anywhere from 3-50 people. Brides are still going for their dream dress, and hiring a photographer, but doing without many of the party elements, and don’t need much of a venue at all for their smaller celebration.”
“The focus is truly more on celebrating the life commitment.”
Smaller celebrations calls for some style calibration. Delicate statement pieces that compliment the dress are on the rise, says Emerald Monzon of Makeup by Emerald M, while ball gown style dresses, wrist jewelry, and large jewelry statement pieces are falling out of style.
A fan of hair clips and minimalist style crowns, Emerald projects a minimal overall look for brides in 2021. “I think a low-key classic look will be in style with a few statement pieces displayed, either in the shoes, accessories, or jewelry. This is usually a California trend and I hope it's here to stay!”
With smaller weddings and bridal parties, Lara notices brides are being nostalgic with their gowns. “Brides are bringing in their mother’s wedding dress for me to re-design as their own wedding dress. I always love a good vintage dress, and while some are very much a relic of the past, its very fun to be able to re-design and modernize such a special gown for the bride.”
Want to make sure you pop in your live stream? Lara notes: “Sparkle is really making its way to the front of the stage! I see so many brides that have super sparkly elements to their dress in the fabric and the beading details. I also add sparkle tulle to many wedding dresses underneath the top lace layer as brides are wanting the sparkling effect.”
For couples planning a 2021 wedding, Lara recommends planning ahead. “Plans change, and are more likely to be postponed than pushed sooner. But it can be hard to find a seamstress or have enough time for a custom dress to be made if you have to do it within a month! When working on custom gowns, I always like to have about 6 months minimum, and 2 months minimum for alterations.”
Emerald adds, “Keep in mind is the timeline and limiting guest visits in their hotel rooms during hair and makeup. With our new normal and health protocols in place for a while, the less people in a room would be best.”
Emerald Monzon
Makeup by Emerald M
Emerald is a Los Angeles based hair and makeup artist offering natural to soft glam looks for all occasions.
Lara Sims Prawat
Folklore Dress Design
Lara is a custom bridal designer and alterations specialist in downtown Los Angeles. She has her BFA in Fashion Design and has been doing what she loves for 6 years.