This month, NYC is buzzing with bridal bliss as the city hosts New York International Bridal Week and Couture – THE biggest buying hotspots, where retailers and designers come together to celebrate and reflect on the successes of previous years, while building anxious anticipation for the must-have wedding trends-to-come in 2012! There are runway shows and intimate cocktail parties with strolling models overflowing with champagne and the ever-present “oohs” and “ahhs” that accompany a typical fashion-fueled event in NYC.
So, as we prepare to ourselves for the loads of eye candy we’re already guaranteed to be sweet on – layers of lace, tousles of tulle, aisles of organza, seas of satin and so much more – we fondly reflect on some impressionable trends of the past century…
Bridal in the 1940's
1940′s: A common trend of this decade was the sheath dress, thinner waists and cap sleeves.
Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face, kick-starting new Bridal Trends in the 1950's
1950′s: The emergence of ballgown-esque dresses with shorter hemlines, quite similar to the poodle skirts that were popular for everyday wear, along with defined necklines, cap sleeves, very intentional sharp angle cuts in the fabric, and a smaller waistline.
Carolina Herrera's 1968 Bride Style
1960's Bridal
1960′s: Enter the revived empire wedding dress, a high-waisted dress, gathered near or just under the bust with a long, loose skirt, which skims the body – especially flattering to pear-shaped women.
Bridal in the 1970's
Margaux Hemingway's 1975 Wedding
1970′s: Two major trends marked this decade: an off-the-shoulder shawl or high neckline (as pictured above, many times used to make spaghetti-strapped dresses more modest) or Grecian-inspired gowns.
Donna Karan herself captures Bridal Style of 1980's
1980′s: Three words: Big Hair, Big Shoulders, Big Day. 
Carolyn Bessette's Bride Style in the 1990's
1990′s: Big and bold are two words that come to mind. Elements of the late 80′s – noteably big shoulders, puffy sleeves and bows – stayed for a few years, embellished with excessive embroidery and beading, before brides started asking for more free-flowing, fluid materials, sexier and streamlined looks, plunging V-necks, strapless necklines and sleeveless gowns that showcased bare arms.
Color is IN in the 2000's
Portia de Rossi stunned the guests in a pink blush ballgown during her vows to Ellen DeGeneres
Gwen Stefani WOWed in a pink, hand-dyed gown
2000′s: Color! In many ways, adding color is reflective of the new millennium trend toward individuality. Also, silhouette becomes a focal point with the introduction of the ‘Fit & Flare’ gown.
2010 is a Bridal Style Decade Remix!
2010 Bridal Style - Destination Diva
2010′s: Don’t call it a comeback! This is when we see past styles from every decade emerge with sexier, slinkier silhouettes, belted waistlines, tea-length and asymmetrical necklines and waistlines.
What's To Come In 2012???
2012: What’s to come this year???
