It comes as no surprise that modern brides are increasingly doing their own
thing when it comes to planning their dream wedding. Individuality is the key to
expression of brides and their grooms today, says Jeff Moore, vice president of
David’s Bridal.
“Brides are looking to make a personal statement,” he says. “Now she’s
saying, ‘How do I make my wedding an expression of my life and my future
spouse?’”
And there are overwhelming choices available, from bridal gowns to tuxedos to
locations to flowers.
“While the formal gown is still as popular as ever,” says Moore, “many brides
are choosing less formal silhouettes for smaller weddings in a garden or a
chapel or a destination beach wedding. Tea-length gowns, or short, slim sheaths
in organza, satin and lace are favorites of these brides,” says Moore, who
describes the new fashion as “very Sarah Jessica Parker looking.”
But today, most brides are taking care of all the details themselves and,
according to Moore, “throwing convention out the window.” The choice of their
bridal gown reflects this new trend of personalization.
“We’re really seeing the trend of customization,” says Moore. Color is
increasingly becoming a way brides can individualize their wedding dresses.
While ivory and white still play an important role, more and more brides are
choosing gowns with accents of color — dresses with waists encircled with
colored ribbon belts; beads shot with metallic thread; pastel embroidered
vintage-inspired lace delicately dyed; and layers and layers of tulle in subtle
colors, piled on top of each other.
From pink to blue to green to lilac — and even black and white — color is
fast becoming the “theme” of weddings, not only in attire but in matching
invitations, flowers and reception decor.
“It’s a very Caribbean-inspired color palette,” says Moore. “The bolder
tropical blues are particularly popular for spring 2006.”
Simplicity is the central theme of today’s wedding gown style. But that
doesn’t necessarily mean conservative. The sexy strapless gown is also still a
big favorite of brides this spring.
Spring trends
Color,
color, color: Blue is awash in spring dresses by Alvina Valenta.
Embroidery: A garden of colorful vines climb up a white gown at St. Pucchi.
Soft
and sleek: At Elizabeth Filmore, goddess gowns hug the body in silk charmeuse.
Jim Hjelm’s silk satin skimmer dress is trimmed with crystals and detailed with
a full-pleated skirt.
All
layered up: Layers of tulle and satin at Vera Wang.
Tea
lengths: A new length to consider for more informal weddings. Tea lengths abound
in Lazaro’s collection.
Chic
and strapless: At Eugenia Couture, strapless is a satin sheath with a pleated
tiered organza skirt.
Halter
necklines: An alternative to the traditional gown. Halters show up in many
collections, including Stephen Yearick, Amsale and Watters Bridal.
Feathers: They’re flying into the bridal market in dresses and accessories. One
of the season’s best is Angel Sanchez’s feather-hemmed empire-waist dress.
