Unless you want to have a wedding that resembles one from the Victorian era, forget about the white wedding dress.

The latest trend in bridal fashion shows is anything but white, and any credible bridal house in the city will help you steer clear from the age-old wedding dress.

One of the latest trends in wedding dress is gowns with soft colors, in off-white and ivory, which is currently big among bridal houses.

Mei Mei of May May Bridal said that this year the hottest trend is the mermaid dress available in either a wide or slim flare.

“This kind of gown used to be worn only by women with hourglass bodies. Now, those who have fuller figure can also wear the mermaid style dresses,” she said.

In a recent fashion show, May May Bridal showcased its latest collections made of different fabrics from lace, tulle, taffeta, satin to chiffon. Most of the necklines were strapless, while some were halter.

Among a bunch of mermaid dresses, the atelier also showcased other styles such as the classic A-line shape, which fits to the bodice and flares out at the waist, and the sheath style, with a silhouette closely following the line of the body.

Layers, ruffles and balloon accents with crystals were also included in the collection. Gowns with long tail is no longer in vogue for modern brides nowadays. “Today, many brides like to hold outdoor parties so they opt for simpler dress with short tails,” said Mei.

But how long should a bride prepare her wedding gown?

“Finding the right wedding gown is as important and it’s important to prepare well in advance,” Mei said.

If you want to have your dress made, she warns of getting the right tailor. “Sometimes the dress based on your sketch does not look as you had imagined.”

 Mei also said it was important to prepare the right make-up and hairstyle for special occasions.

The currently preferred style is all about glitz and glamor, combining colors such as gold-green, brown, gray and burgundy.

Meanwhile, hairstyles are mostly modern buns adorned with accessories such as a tiara or bandeau.   

Other bridal houses look for inspiration from the local culture.

At a wedding exhibition organized by Multi Kreasi Enterprise (MKE), the predominant theme was a combination of a modern look and traditional style. Some designers taking part in the exhibition had the chance to design wedding dresses on order from the event organizer.

 Designer Marga Alam, who has been known for her kebaya, for instance, creates Balinese style wedding dresses that combines a bustier with a ball gown skirt.

“I create Balinese wedding dresses but add an international look. I use roses on the headdress, instead of frangipanis, a flower the Balinese commonly use for the occasion,” Marga said.

For the design, Marga accentuates the dress’s silhouette, but the colors are what catch our attention: emerald green with sequins and gold threaded weaving. For Marga, green represent freshness and luxury.

Marga is another designer who is keen on changing the white dress trend. She said that she was inspired by clients’ non-traditional choices. She said Muslim clients usually prefer non-white wedding dresses and opt for bright green, maroon and gray.

Designer Eddy Betty also works in similar vein. He features Muslim wedding dresses in peach gold-colored lace embellished with crystals and embroidery. Purists however would cry foul at this design for its body-hugging and transparent fabric in spite of the long sleeves and headscarf.

“I combine European, Muslim and Indonesian culture in this headdress. I have designed a Muslim wedding dress for my client and am excited about showcasing this,” he said.

Eddy is not the type of designer who follows trend on a whim. He said the client’s comfort was his primary concern.

“I meet them in person and ask for their opinion. Then I design a dress that will enhance their assets and cover their flaws. If the bride is not comfortable with a bustier dress, then I will design a dress that suits her,” Eddy said.

Some designers make an effort to tweak the traditional wedding dress.

Designer Ferry Sunarto, for instance, imbued the Victorian look with balloon sleeves in his Javanese wedding dress design.

The exhibition also featured what was billed as the Majapahit style wedding dress, the straight silhouette bustier dress with fabric worn over one shoulder.

Another modern interpretation is influenced by the Bugis wedding tradition by designer Hengky Kawilarang.

Instead of creating the South Sulawesi’s brightly colored and flowing baju bodo, Hengky’s take on the top is a semi-tight white shirt made of lace. For the bottom, Hengky creates a layered look combining the traditional patterned sarong with a white skirt.

While an Indian wedding dress usually uses sari, designer Sebastian Gunawan created a practical one-shoulder dress with a flowing sleeve and gold hem. If it were not for the turban the groom wore, it could have easily been mistaken as a Greek dress.

Some designers have stuck to the time-tested design such as Didi Budiarjo who designs a universal white wedding dress but decorates it with feather applications and a heart-shaped pattern on the back, a high collar and sleeveless mermaid-silhouette dress.

Fashion may only be about what is in or out, but when it comes to wedding dresses, it is the bride’s preferences that matters.

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