TOP SCOTTISH BRIDAL DESIGNERS offer their views on how bridal trends have changed over the years, and where the latest fashions are taking us

How have bridal fashions changed over the years?
"My first bridal order was taken back in 1984, when the styles were still very Princess Diana-ish, with big gathered frills around the neckline and puffed sleeves. I'm pleased that bridalwear has changed to include more structured shapes. There's now a lot more choice, whatever your shape and size."
SALLIE JAYNE AVIS

"The royal weddings of Diana and Fergie in the 80s kick-started the trend for huge fairytale gowns, with 'leg of mutton' sleeves, shoulder pads and very full gathered skirts. This style would later become affectionately referred to as 'the meringue'. In contrast, the 90s saw a desire for very relaxed minimalist wedding dresses; think of a Calvin Klein bias cut slip dress with fine spaghetti straps. Over the last decade brides have been more fashion led than ever in their choices, inspired by glamour rather than tradition."
MARINA MCLEAN

What about non-white wedding dresses?
"More than half of the dresses I'm making involve a hue other than white, from pale golds and pastels, through to rich greens and rustic reds – I'm even making one that teams charcoal with cream. So maybe black is the new white! Even some of the more traditional white dresses are being paired with bright colourful shoes and accessories."
DRAGONFLY DRESS DESIGN

"Red was the traditional bridal colour until the Victorian era, when the colour changed to white. Singlehandedly Queen Victoria changed the look of weddings by marrying in white satin and lace. So white weddings are a fairly new tradition. Solid black wedding dresses don't say 'celebration', but a white dress with an overlay of black organza or chiffon, or black embroidery, has a very modern edgy feel."
GLITTERATI

"After the 80s there was a move away from stark white towards ivory, which suits more skin tones. Now there's a growing trend to embrace colour and in the last year brides have been asking for pale ice blue, red and even black!"
MARINA MCLEAN

"Dark colours, such as purple or red, are popular with our Celtic and medieval styled dresses, but ivory is still our post popular colour."
LINDSAY FLEMING