Every so often we like to dip our inspirational toes into the creative waters that make up bridal trends and this week folks is one such example.

Having passed the half way point of 2104 we thought it would be as good as time as any to take a retrospective look at some of our favourite bridesmaids trends that have dominated the bridal world this year and which we're as sure as sure will certainly see us out until the bright lights of 2015.

Be it metallic maidens, bridesmaids in blue, the little black dress or the ever popular neutral colour scheme we're pretty sure that there's something for everyone.

Come and take a look...

Why hello there girls in blue!

To think that I first wrote about the blue hue bridesmaid trend back in 2012...fast forward to 2014 and it still reigns supreme. There has been a slight change however in that the modern bride tends to veer towards softer shades of forget me not blue and sea foam greens rather than the midnight shades of 2012.

There's also a tendency to pair blue and green hues with the ombre trend that was so popular in previous years along with a greater experimentation with different materials such as chiffon and lace which always looks feminine and beautiful.

If you're opting for such a colourway then may I suggest that you continue such experimentation in your florals to boot. Handpicked and organic floral bouquets always look sublime against a backdrop of such tones; accessorise with a stream of flowing antique ribbons and you're away.

Who said you can't wear black to a wedding? Well it certainly wasn't us and it seems that more and more brides are refusing to conform to such rules as well. The little black dress is the preferred option of those who want the sophistication that a darker colour palette brings.

Strong, elegant and classic, darker hues are aristocratic and flatter all skin tones and hair colours. It's not surprising therefore that the black bridesmaid dress is one of the most popular colour trends of 2014.

Flowers also 'pop' against darker hues and I particularly adore nude shoes paired with a more sedate dress for the height of sophistication. On a more practical note, darker tones look fantastic regardless of the time of year offering you maximum versatility whatever the season.

Glitzy, ritzy bridesmaids make me smile.

Why you ask? Well it's something to do with the fact that there's nothing that says 'PARTY" more than a metallic maiden. In fact I'm lucky enough to count myself amongst this number myself having sported a beaded metallic number for a New Year's wedding for one of my besties recently. And you know what? I felt like a million dollars and it showed...in every single photo.

Enough about me though and back to the topic in hand. Of late we've seen the meteoric rise of metallic bridal parties, be they bronzed beauties or golden gowns it seems like the brides of 2014 cannot get enough of this particular palette.

If you're thinking about dressing your girls in silvers and/or golds then I applaud you heartily. There are several nuggets of advice that I think is also worth sharing here. Firstly this trend works particularly well in collaboration with the mismatched trend - you'll notice nearly all the photos include maids in metallic hues but sporting different frocks for that extra added interest.

Remember to work with the skin tones of your maids - if one of your girls glows in gold but another shimmers in silver then consider using both tones in your big day. Lastly if the gown is glitzy then keep accessories paired back and simple; you don't want to be flanked by the equivalent of a million mirror balls.

Those two 'Kates' have a lot to answer for don't they. Yep we're talking to you Moss and Middleton...don't think we haven't noticed. It seems that their original decision to opt for an all-white/neutral sartorial colour palette for their respective big days has had quite the ripple effect on maid trends well into 2014. In fact I'm inclined to label this collection of images 'The Little White Dress'.

Simple and chic, maids in white dresses are the epitome of versatility and style. Perfect for winter soirees in the city or midsummer revels in back gardens I confess my heart does jump excitedly when I spot a wedding on these pages where the maids are dressed in neutral tones. There's something unbelievably stylish about a coherent bridal party you see.

Granted this particular 'look' is not for everyone and that's ok, after all the world would be a much duller place if we all liked the same thing, but given the popularity of this trend, I don't see it going away any time soon...

So there you have it, a short and sweet inspirational glance into the bridesmaid trends of 2014. Which of these do you predict lasting until 2015 and beyond?

Have any of you lovelies chosen to dress your maids in one of the colour schemes above? We're awfully curious to find out what motivated you towards one shade or another...would you mind sharing?

Perhaps you've been a bridesmaid yourself and loved your big day dress. Why not tell us what it was like?

We're waiting to hear all about it...

All my love Lolly xxx