By SAMANTHA CRITCHELL

Associated Press

NEW YORK -- A bride may technically be a woman, but on her wedding day, she is living out a childhood fantasy.

And for every bride-to-be, there is a gown out there that looks just like the one she dreamed of.

"Be the belle of the ball," says Pamela Fiori, the editor in chief of Town & Country magazine, which just released the fashion-to-flowers book "Town & Country Elegant Weddings" by Stacey Okun (Hearst Books, $60).

Romantic looks that follow the bride's own personality and style are the way to go, says Fiori.

"Your wedding day is not the day to experiment. It should be a heightened version of who you are and what you are," she advises.

The recently previewed spring-summer 2001 gowns truly celebrate the bride. But instead of the gowns drowning in lots of embellishment, many feature a single special detail, like an embroidered bustier, organza petals on the skirt or a bustle. Beading is done subtly as a white-on-white overlay or as trim around the neckline, waistline or hemline.

Strapless gowns with a straight-edge top, scoop-neck gowns with cap sleeves, halter-top gowns, and sleeved gowns with plunging Vs in both the front and back are popular styles.

There are few plain slip dresses around.

Fabrics like chiffon and tulle add to the femininity of the dresses, and using a sheer fabric for sleeves, backs and necks provide ample cover for the more conservative bride while still looking a little sexy.

Detachable trains and ball-gown skirts, which often meet tight bodices at seamed waists, make it easy for the bride to dance.

Fiori suggests a bride wear delicate high heels during the ceremony and bring a second, more comfortable pair of shoes for dancing at the reception. Or, she could just take off her shoes altogether.

"It's a very happy moment when people see a bride and groom having such a good time," she says. Stiff, formal and restrained weddings that would frown on a shoeless bride are not as fun as a relaxed wedding, Fiori adds.

The bridal headpiece probably won't stay on long after the ceremony, says Fiori, who suggests a lace mantilla or barrette with flowers as user-friendly options.

As for the bride's other accessories, Fiori again says stay true to character. "If you don't wear a lots of jewelry, stick with pearl or diamond studs."

There should be a reciprocal relationship between the gown and the jewelry: if the dress is very simple, more jewelry is okay, and an ornate dress means jewelry should be kept simple.

If the bride chooses not to wear gloves -- and most don't -- she should make sure she gets a manicure, Fiori says.

Carrying a handbag is optional. If a bride falls in love with a small, pretty handbag, by all means she can have it, says Fiori, although one of her attendants likely will end up carrying it at the reception. The bride also can ask one of her bridesmaids to be in charge of carrying touch-up makeup, a change purse, or whatever else the bride wants to have handy.

Return to featured articles