The Southern Bride: Top 20 Trends from New York Bridal Market

Bridal Market started this past weekend in New York City, and the 2012 collections are unbelievable! From sexy lace sleeves to a jaw dropping backs the fashion for 2012 is anything but blah. The future Queen, Ms. Kate Middleton, definitely served as inspiration for a number of designers and trends. So if you've every dreamed of being a princess on your wedding day, now's the time to get married! The sophistication of a high neckline and elegance of illusion and lace sleeves were all the rage on the runway. And, many collections offered their perspective on a royal wedding dress.

Like the 2011 collections, texture and color are still big trends going into 2012. Internationally renowned designers like Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, and Vera Wang are using these bold trends in their own signature aesthetic. Unfortunately, I am not important enough to attend this glorious Bridal Market, so here is a report from WeddingChannel.com about the Top 20 Trends of 2012.

1. Royal Inspired Wedding Dresses

No one could do a Royal Inspired dress better than Romona Keveza. This dress is completely royal!

Designer: Romona Keveza

2. Plunging Necklines
For the daring, sexy bride this is a show stopping style.

Designer: Sarah Jessir

3. Feathers GaloreIt seems as though texture is here to stay, and the designers are all about the feathers for 2012.

Designer: Lazaro

4. Tip of the Shoulder Looks

This elegant, vintage style is back for 2012 and I couldn't be more excited.

Designer: Watters

5. Blush Colored Gowns

Many brides dare to be different and stray from the traditional white gown on their wedding day, like Reese Witherspoon.

Designer: Monique Lhuillier

6. Geometric Detail

This dress is totally va va voom! The extravagant detail and ornate beading are in for 2012. Ines di Santo is known for sexy and dramatic gowns- and this dress does not disappoint!

Designer: Ines di Santo

7. Textured Fabrics

Designers like Amsale played with textured fabrics in 2011, but there were even more in the 2012 collections. Textured fabric is an excellent way to modernize a simple, classic gown.

Designer: Francesca Miranda

8. The Tiara

Like trend #1, the royal influence was ever present at the 2011 Spring Bridal Market for 2012 collections.

Designer: Reem Acra

9. Bold Cuffs

In terms of accessories, the cuff was all the rage on the runway for 2012.

Designer: Ines di Santo

10. Subtle Prints

The feminine touch of subtle prints arrive on the scene for 2012. Perfect for an old style New England or garden wedding.

Designer: Theia

11. The Dramatic Back

I am in love with this next trend. As a future bride, something I am looking for when selecting a dress is the back. After all, your guests will spend a lot of time looking at your back.

Designer: Heidi Elnora

12. High necklines

Higher necklines, including those with lace or illusion panels at the bust line are back-- big time! Perfect for the bride who wants to minimize their bust or wear something other than strapless.

Designer: Pronovias

13. Two Tiered Skirts

The two tiered skirt is a great way to add drama and volume to an otherwise classic A-line design.

Designer: Oscar de la Renta

14. Illusion and Lace Sleeves

Another royal inspired trend for 2012 are illusion and lace sleeves. The sleeves on this Marchesa gown are made of sheer netting with beautiful embroidery. This dress is simply stunning!

Designer: Marchesa

15. Embroidered Edges

For an earthy, vintage bride this trend is timeless and perfect for any outdoor wedding.

Designer: E. Lebron

16. Straps with a Twist

Many designers featured a twist, whether with one strap or two, for the traditional strappy gown.

Designer: Anais Collection

17. Ribbons and Bows

Bows continue into 2012 collections, with more modern placement and size to update the trend. This St. Pucchi gown is an excellent example.

Designer: St. Pucchi

18. Peak-a-boo Skirts

Many skirts with pick ups or two tiers revealed a peak-a-boo fabric hiding underneath. On the runway this trend looks stunning, offering plenty of movement and drama.

Designer: Oscar de la Renta

19. Splashes of Taupe

Leave it to Vera Wang to try a trend like color in a new collection-- and make it look so amazing! Last season we saw touches of black and blue in sashes, but this year the earth tones dominated. Bonus, this hue is perfect for a wide variety of skin tones.