Strike a pose!

Let's set the scene. You’ve been flicking through bridal magazines until your vision has turned 50 shades of white sifting through hundreds of dress styles and shapes.

Or maybe finding the perfect suit and tie combo is proving a more difficult task than needs be.

Either way, our list of top trends from wedding experts are sure to send you down the right path.

As the saying goes, ladies first, sorry guys.

The dress!

If you have always dreamed of being a princess on your big day, then 2023 might be your big chance because ball gowns are back with a bang.

“A lot of girls are going for ball gowns, probably since covid really, I don’t know what Covid did to us but we’re going all out,” confirms Michelle Cullivan of Amsha Bridal.

“A lot of ball gowns and a-line gowns, more so than fitted.”

It’s all about the veil

Veils have had their moment in recent years and 2023 will be no different.

“Long veils are huge for brides,” continues Michelle. “Especially with scattered diamonds throughout them, some with a plain edge, some with a satin edge, that kind of thing."

A veil can add an extra dimension to your wedding day look. A long veil draping down the aisle as you approach the altar is a statement look.

“Most people are going for the long veils now. They’re beautiful for photographs.”

Keep with tradition

Traditional dresses are always a safe bet to ensure your wedding dress stays timeless.

“I try to stick with traditional dresses,” says the Amsha Bridal owner. I go with pretty modern styles but that have a traditional twist to them, they don’t date."

Keep it comfy

Comfort is key, according to Michelle. “I want you to be able to eat your dinner and not to be worrying about your tummy or your bum or anything else.

“I’m big into comfort because you have to wear something all day so you need to be comfortable. If you’re comfortable, you’re confident.”

The suit

Gone are the days that the bride steals all the limelight on the wedding day as the grooms make a statement of their own.

“It’s still very much what we’d call a mix and match suit,” says Cyril McKenna of Boylan For Men’s Monaghan branch.

“The groom would wear a different style of jacket or waistcoat compared to the rest of the bridal party. When going for this look, the groom would typically wear a brighter coloured, or checked jacket, allowing him to stand out amongst the groomsmen. This would be complimented by a navy waistcoat and trousers.”

Something blue

Shades of browns and blues are on trend for 2023, according to the manager. “It’s gone towards a biscuit colour, especially coming up to the Spring and Summer time. So the Beige tones, light blues as well."

Latest styles for footwear seem to be moving away from the brogue to a cleaner type of shoe. "We’re also seeing less tanned shoes and more darker browns and oxblood type burgundy shoes. They seem to be always a winner, even in the summer time, they’re not just a winter colour," says Cyril.

Tie it all together

Neckwear is one of the most important aspects of a man's suit. Regardless of how well he looks, a bad tie or dickie bow could make or break the outfit. The colour in the tie can also link into the overall bridal party colour scheme.

“Last year we saw a massive increase in people looking for greens and I see green is still very popular. But pinks and purples also seem to be making a comeback.”

It's all in the detail

Accessories are what will take your suit to the next level this year, says the manager of the popular shop.

"If a guy wears a suit to work every day. For him to stand out that wee bit different , the likes of the tie bars and the neckwear with the pocket square are very important to finish it off.

“Even the braces are very popular as well I find. The braces are only starting to get bigger now. The tie and pocket square have always been essential," Cyril finds.

So, gals and guys, next time you’re scrolling through Pinterest looking for some inspiration, take this expert advice on board to take your wedding look to the next level.