From Star Wars to Superman and The Muppets to A Midsummer Night's Dream - weddings are becoming increasingly unconventional. Whether you fancy dressing up and uttering your vows as a Klingon or simply borrowing your bridal look from your favourite film, the zeitgeist is preoccupied with a very particular trend: themed weddings.


Annalise Harvey (photo Ashley Hampson)

A brief online search reveals a world where weddings are not just idiosyncratic representations of the couple's loves, but an entire subculture of thematic parties where people faithfully look, talk and act the part.

Picture exact replications of characters, historical moments and storybook settings with every element from flowers to food and fashion all collaborating to create a complete wedding cosmos.


Diane Harbridge, County Cream

From a Roaring Twenties' speakeasy to Princess Leia flanked by stormtroopers, R2-D2 and Wookie - the rulebook has been well and truly thrown out the window as couples clash, mash and imagine new ideas for an eclectic, inspired and totally unforgettable affair.

As this new wave of personalisation gains popularity across the globe, we've canvassed some ideas - with the perfect dress to match - to inspire the themed do of your dreams...

COUNTRY
With anything from Alice in Wonderland to festivals, country fetes, barn dances and garden tea parties in the mix, the country wedding has never been so cool.


Jenny Packham, Sam Cox Bridal

Lending itself to fashion's forerunning trends of lace, floral and bud-like silhouettes, take your pick from tulip skirts, supersized corsages, appliques and floral flourishes.


Maggie Sottero,

Whether whimsical and boho via sheer overlays, delicate satins, ethereal lace and flowery headwear, or circus style statement-making with tiered skirts, elaborate feathers and plenty of frills - everything from eco chic to country fair is au courant.


Mia Solano, Little Anne-Maids

Remember it's all in the details. With catwalks crammed with dresses dripping in embellishment, think intricate embroidery, eye-catching jewels and sparkly sequins for added glamour and an alluringly feminine look.


D'Zage, Little Anne-Maids

For subtler style, consider slightly flared or fluted hems and peplum pretty with short overskirts - or make ultra modern with a puffball peplum. Accessorise with a lace trimmed floor-length veil, floral fascinator or elaborate headdress and patterned shoes for complete country chic.


Mori Lee,


Private Label by G


Alfred Angelo


Alfred Angelo

Alfred Angelo

BEACH
Since we're surrounded by a heavenly host of coastal venues, it is little wonder that beach themed bashes reign supreme. From sand-between-your-toes locations to clifftops and riverbanks stretching into the open ocean, fashion continues to find form amongst it all.


Maggie Sottero

Today's top theme-matching dresses include hot halternecks, while fishtails and mermaid shapes are also à la mode. There's a range of shapes and cuts on the catwalks, from cowl neck to deep plunging V-necks and backless to button details.


Riva Westenius

The hi-low hem - skirts that are short at the front and long at the back - provide practicality and a sexy show of leg without being overly daring. Maxi dresses cover your pins for a more modest aesthetic, or flaunt a little cleavage with a fitted Grecian gown bustline.


Maggie Sottero

Miniskirts and micro minis - including shorts - allow for a fun and carefree look as the LWD (little white dress) becomes one of the most lusted after frocks. For minimalism, consider simple shifts, body-con strapless dresses and shoestring straps, which make for fancy-free fashion that speaks coolly for itself.


Maggie Sottero


Ellis Bridals


Ella Rosa


Ella Rosa


Alfred Angelo

MODERN
The modern wedding might draw inspiration from anything from a rock concert to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Plan a two or three-day extravaganza and switch between themes, or simply pick something you both love and style your day - and dress - to suit.


Essense

Bridal fashions veer from futuristic to wild flights of fancy and strikingly simple to traditional with a twist.


Mia Solano, Little Anne-Maids

The latest statement gowns feature voluminous materials and layers of mixed textures, including ruffles, tulle and pleats. From tiered to frothy princess numbers and featuring floor-sweeping veils and trains, there's a definite 'more is more' philosophy present. In contrast, masculine tux tailoring is still de rigueur, as are one-shoulder or asymmetrical styles.


Annais Bridal, Little Anne-Maids

Whether you wow with your entire dress or choose features to floor the crowds, pick from puff or long statement sleeves in sheer fabrics or lace, and add eye-catching details with zips, giant bows and sky-scraping heels and headwear.


Enzoani

Nothing says modern more than colour - especially red, black, blue, yellow, pink and gold; or sport a range of graduating shades from the same show-stopping hue by enlisting the top trend of ombre.


Maggie Sottero

Still can't pick a favourite? Depart for a quick dress change or, better yet, double your look with a nifty two-in-one convertible dress and remove longer outer layers to reveal a lace cocktail dress, body-hugging shift or micro mini - transforming your look instantly from haute couture to dancing queen.


Diane Harbridge


Ella Rosa


Alfred Angelo

VINTAGE
With the New Romance movement still harking back to bygone eras and past fashions, the vintage trend - from '50s rockabilly to Great Gatsby fever - is as en vogue as it gets.


Enzoani

From Victoriana style couture corsetry and Austen era-inspired empire lines, cap sleeves and delicate details to art deco geometric curves and '60s psychedelic patterns, simply take your time and style to suit.


Jenny Packham

It's not about playing dress up, but borrowing your favourite features; whether you mix a '50s prom skirt with delicate lace bodice and modern mini veil or rehash your mother's dress into a contemporary silhouette - vintage is about picking and personalising to unique effect.


Opulence

Hit the Victoriana mark with a bevy of buttons, high necks and portrait backs - either keyhole, draping swag backs of the sheer 'illusion' variety or with lashings of lace.


Annalise Harvey  (image Ashley Hampson)

Alternatively, go all Gatsby with dropped waists, flapper skirts and flirty headbands adorning dainty up dos or beautiful bobs accessorised with grandmother's pearls.


Annalise Harvey  (image Simon Burt)


Justin Alexander


Diane Harbridge


Alfred Angelo


words Hannah May


Copyright Wed magazine 2013