Suddenly sexy: why brides are ditching the frou-frou
December 5th 2009 11:25
Whether you want to blame it on Hollywood, the rise of raunch culture or the desire to bring modernity to an otherwise old-fashioned ritual, one thing is for certain: brides are becoming sexier! A decade ago, bridal gowns were meringue-shaped and teeming with lace, whereas in 2009 a slinky, strapless or backless dress is likely to be the main attraction of a girl's big day.
Australian makeup artist Fotini Hatzis, who has worked with several celebrities and countless brides-to-be, has noticed this new phenomenon herself. "Everyone wants to look like an A-lister," she says. "It's all about being raunchy and not looking like a bride."
With less fabric comes a greater focus on the bride's body, which is why so many go to great lengths to look absolutely perfect for their weddings. And we're not just talking about exercise: fake tans, acrylic nails, hair extensions, and even cosmetic surgery are par for the course in a bride's wedding preparations these days... about as far away from traditional as you can get!
Some couples even begin working with their wedding photographers up to a year in advance, to make sure that they're camera-ready and know how to pose when it comes to getting the best possible photographs on their big day.
"There is this whole massive influence from MTV," says bridal photographer Graham Monro. "It's a move from not only being the princess, but being the star of the day. There's more emphasis on how the wedding is styled, with an event planner. There's definitely a Hollywood-glam element."
Indeed, celebrity culture has played an enormous role in shaping what brides are now picturing for their dream weddings. Angela Wilson, director of Sydney-based event planning company Elite Events, has noticed that the embracing of Hollywood style is a trend that has really taken off. "It has certainly evolved to another level, particularly over the last two years," she says.
"In most facets of our lives we have this desire to be more like celebrities. And brides just seem to be verbalising it more, giving specific examples of different dresses that they've seen, or different hairstyles. Even venue locations. They are picking up on the vibes and the pictures they are seeing."
So is the sexy bridal gown here to stay? It's anyone's guess, but right now any fashionable bride-to-be would do well to note that when it comes to dresses, Puffy Princess is most definitely out, while Hollywood Hottie is reigning supreme.
So what about you - would you wear a sexy wedding dress on your big day, or would you prefer to declare your love in something more traditional?
You're going to be in the spotlight, so why not dress like a star?
Australian makeup artist Fotini Hatzis, who has worked with several celebrities and countless brides-to-be, has noticed this new phenomenon herself. "Everyone wants to look like an A-lister," she says. "It's all about being raunchy and not looking like a bride."
With less fabric comes a greater focus on the bride's body, which is why so many go to great lengths to look absolutely perfect for their weddings. And we're not just talking about exercise: fake tans, acrylic nails, hair extensions, and even cosmetic surgery are par for the course in a bride's wedding preparations these days... about as far away from traditional as you can get!
Some couples even begin working with their wedding photographers up to a year in advance, to make sure that they're camera-ready and know how to pose when it comes to getting the best possible photographs on their big day.
"There is this whole massive influence from MTV," says bridal photographer Graham Monro. "It's a move from not only being the princess, but being the star of the day. There's more emphasis on how the wedding is styled, with an event planner. There's definitely a Hollywood-glam element."
Indeed, celebrity culture has played an enormous role in shaping what brides are now picturing for their dream weddings. Angela Wilson, director of Sydney-based event planning company Elite Events, has noticed that the embracing of Hollywood style is a trend that has really taken off. "It has certainly evolved to another level, particularly over the last two years," she says.
"In most facets of our lives we have this desire to be more like celebrities. And brides just seem to be verbalising it more, giving specific examples of different dresses that they've seen, or different hairstyles. Even venue locations. They are picking up on the vibes and the pictures they are seeing."
So is the sexy bridal gown here to stay? It's anyone's guess, but right now any fashionable bride-to-be would do well to note that when it comes to dresses, Puffy Princess is most definitely out, while Hollywood Hottie is reigning supreme.
So what about you - would you wear a sexy wedding dress on your big day, or would you prefer to declare your love in something more traditional?
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