As June, the peak month for weddings, has come to an end, the focus shifts to the beginning of a new season for another round of meticulous wedding preparations. To welcome and ease into this period, Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark hosted The Brides at Triton Wedding Exposition 2024 last July 6-7 where they showcased everything brides-to-be could ever need.
From cake samples and flower arrangement inspirations to venue ideas and technical crew contacts—this, of course, naturally includes the pièce de résistance of any wedding, the one thing all the guests look forward to the most; the wedding gown.
With the best saved for last, the Timeless Ties fashion show was held to conclude the two-day expo with a bang. Presenting the collections of Cebu’s top designers, the show unveiled the top bridal gown trends for the upcoming season, ensuring every bride the inspiration for her perfect dress.
1. Floral Finesse
Now you’re probably thinking, “Florals? For wedding gowns? Groundbreaking”, but Cebuano designer Rei Escario begs to differ, finding that the influences of florals for this season transcend the usual beadwork and lace detailing. “Big 3D flowers are back, which is why you can see it in the collections of other designers,” he says.
These intricate, raised flowers add depth and texture that move beautifully with the bride. Most evident with the sculptural embellishments in the works of designers Philipp Tampus, Jun Escario, and Dexter Alazas, this season shows great promise for dresses to bloom and come to life.
2. Headdresses Reimagined
While headdresses may have already established their place in bridal styling with traditional wedding veils, Timeless Ties presented a fresher, more ornate take on the accessory.
Seen with designer Philip Rodriguez and his flower crown arrangement that features lifelike blossoms as opposed to the simpler and more traditional garland; designer Marichu Tan and her reimagined, propped-up French net veils that add height and drama to the bridal ensemble; and designer Protacio Empaces’s unconventional diamond-shaped tiara—extravagant, elaborate headdresses just might be the next bridal statement pieces.
3. Soft and Loose Fits
In stark contrast to the more common form-fitting wedding gowns, soft and loose fits also made a notable appearance throughout the whole show. Cebu-based designer Dexter Alazas explains that this follows the theme of a destination wedding. “It’s all about that easy, breezy, feeling,” he adds.
Embracing comfort without compromising on elegance, this trend takes on multiple forms according to a blend of the designers’ signature style and the brides’ personal preferences.
Particularly featured with BEZZA’s collection by designer Claudia Yeung that leans toward a more flowy, coastal style; and designers Oj Hofer and Dexter Alazas with their straighter, 1920’s-reminiscent silhouettes—this versatile form and shape then shows its potential to prevail as a major influence in bridal fashion.
Photo courtesy Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark
