Wedding Dresses – The Latest Trends

Wedding dresses are such an opportunity for any bride to show their unique sense of style and to really make a fashion statement. Gone are the days of the plain ‘meringue’ style wedding dresses with a little cute well-placed bow; now we are daring to be different!

In fact, one of the latest trends is to offer wedding dresses that can be used again. Not only is this a great idea from a budget point of view, but it is also reflective of the simple lines that are part of the modern trend in wedding dresses. Arguably, this fashion is due to the ever increasing age of first time brides as well as the large number of second weddings.

Wedding Dresses for the Winter Wedding

Whenever we think about wedding dresses, we automatically think of a warm, summer’s day, with a crisp, wafting white dress to match. However, there is a growing trend towards winter weddings. Winter wedding dresses may not be pure white and are often the preferred choice for second time brides.

Trends in winter wedding dresses include deep red colored dresses or dresses that include a large amount of black. Another great idea is to include a fur collar, or long fake fur coat. If you love a touch of luxury and you want something a little different, then winter wedding dresses may just be the thing for you!

Wedding Dresses for the Summer Wedding

The key to summer wedding dresses, this year, is color. Many wedding dresses are now using substantial amounts of colored fabric to add a classic touch to an otherwise traditional white or cream dress.

Weddings are becoming much more sophisticated; generally, brides will select a theme that they will maintain throughout all aspects of their wedding. Wedding dresses must, of course, fit into this theme and as such colors and accessories are vital. Popular, seasonal colors for wedding dresses include lilac, pink, blue and yellow. Often, brides will choose a half-color theme where the bodice is colored or the skirt is colored, but the other half of the dress is kept in a plain cream or white.

Subtle is the name of the game with modern wedding dresses.

Wedding Dresses – Standing Out From the Crowd

Today, wedding dresses are all different; no-one wants to look the same as the next bride and, naturally, brides go to extreme lengths to make sure that they stand out from the crowd. Of course everyone wants to do so in a classy and not trashy way! It seems that individually designed wedding dresses are the way of the future. By commissioning a made to measure dress you can make sure that it fits perfectly, is exactly what you want and above all, is unique.

Designer Wedding Dresses for a Spring Wedding

While many brides long for the quintessential June wedding, a Spring wedding is just as beautiful and is gaining in popularity over any other season. Perhaps it is because spring arrives with a sense of new beginning and renewal, or perhaps it is just the beautiful weather and flowers that are common during that time of year. Either way, a Spring wedding requires attention to detail in every aspect, especially the wedding gown.

Brides should remember that spring is the perfect season to unveil new styles for the hair, the wardrobe, and yes, even the wedding. It is also the perfect time, because of the warmer weather, to wear fewer layers, and this also applies to designer wedding gowns. The spring is a great time to experiment with new hemlines, fabrics, and patterns. Check out the latest trends for designer wedding gowns for a Spring wedding.

A Little Prep

Of course when one thinks about the springtime, one may immediately think about flowers. But if you are a little less “girly” and want to get away from the floral accents why not think about some preppy details for your designer wedding gown? A simple gingham ribbon trim on your wedding gown can do the trick simply and elegantly. The same goes for a hint of polka dots. If you want a bolder look with a preppy touch, go for a pleated bodice or a patterned sash for the waist.

Fun with Flowers

If preppy is not your cup of tea, and spring means flowers, then the sky is certainly the limit. A Spring wedding is the perfect time for a true garden party, so why not incorporate that theme into your dress? More and more wedding dress designers are embellishing their spring wedding dress designs with flowers. Flowers can be 3-dimensional floral buds embroidered onto the gown, sewn on accents, or even a print on the fabric. Nature-inspired dresses often bring about an air of whimsy to any style dress.

Cool Cover-Ups

Yes, spring brings warmer weather than its predecessor, but don’t be fooled by all that bright happy sunshine. Remember the age-old saying, “April showers bring May flowers?” These rain showers in spring cause temperatures to drop at night. Many brides go for the traditional silk wrap to keep warm in the cooler temperatures, but this spring, think about a cool cashmere cover-up or cardigan. Something with three-quarter length sleeves would be a modern look with a classic feel.

Sheer Fabrics

The Spring season is light and airy. You can also achieve a light and airy feeling with your choice in wedding gown. Chiffon, organza, and charmeuse are great alternative fabrics to the heavy satin and silks used for fall and winter weddings. Imagine the romantic setting as a cool spring breeze gently wisps your chiffon train as you make your way down the aisle. A sweet spaghetti-strap organza dress is also a great way to celebrate your nuptials during your outdoor wedding and reception. Really dress to the season!

High Hemlines

Although you can stick to the traditional long wedding gown for your spring wedding, higher hemlines are in for this season. And why not, the weather is warmer and your legs will definitely enjoy the freedom while you live it up on the dance floor! A higher hemline on a spring wedding gown does a great job showcasing your tanned legs. If you are more daring bride, skip the tea-length gown (which is still fun and flirty) and go for a true mini dress that flatters your figure.

Finding the Perfect Spring Designer Wedding Gown

No matter which trend you choose to go with for your spring wedding, just be sure that you try on a plethora of gowns in that style. Buying a wedding gown is a not a quick decision, as this will be the most important dress of your life. Before you make it to the bridal salon, it is a very good idea to flip through some of the latest bridal magazines to narrow down your choices and to show the store’s associate when you arrive. That way, he or she will have an idea of what you like and then take it from there.

When shopping for a designer wedding gown, it is also important to remember that the more you try on, the better idea you will have about which dress style, neckline, and trend work for you. Even if the sales associate suggests a dress style you did not prefer in pictures, you may find that when you try it on, it really does flatter your figure and look great.

Summer Wedding Dress

Summer weddings can be some of the most beautiful, especially if they are held outdoors But they can also be the chance for feeling uncomfortable if you have not selected the right choice of a summer wedding dress

Summer weddings can be some of the most beautiful, especially if they are held outdoors. But they can also be the chance for feeling uncomfortable if you have not selected the right choice of a summer wedding dress. Hot, humid weather should definitely be part of your decision making process when shopping for summer wedding dress. There are many beautiful and stylish options for summer wedding dresses to make your special day perfect.

Styles of Summer Wedding Dresses

The design of summer wedding dresses typically offer strapless designs, spaghetti strap choices, halter styles and short sleeve options. However, you should be careful to ensure the overall weight of the dress won?t overheat you. The type of fabric, skirt and decorative details all combine to suddenly add much more weight- and much more heat at a time when you least need it.

You should not let the weather of your day force you in to a short dress that you really did not want. There are certainly many in-store options for trendy gowns with lightweight, long skirts. Another option is to have a full length gown tailored to be knee length.

A ball gown style dress is also a possibility depending on the fabric you select. Summer wedding dresses made from silks and satins will feel very heavy and clingy to your skin after a short time and would be uncomfortable for an entire evening. A skirt made of synthetic fabrics that is light weight and made to simulate satin can be a great selection.

Decorative Accents

You should be careful to select fabrics that are typically much cooler to wear when choosing from a collection of summer wedding dresses. Beading or other ornate details on your gown may feel great in an air conditioned salon, but you might not feel the same standing at the altar of your outdoor wedding or even while posing for outdoor photos. A skirt being made of light, flowing material such as organza or tulle paired with a bodice of beading could be a way to combine ornate styling with comfort.

If your wedding venue is in a location with hot days that lead to cool evenings, a bride should be prepared with a few options. Many summer wedding dresses have accessories such as a matching wrap or a fitted jacket.

The Things to Remember

When selecting from any of the many summer wedding dresses available, you should consider what may add to any potential discomfort. For example, selecting a gown that requires additional under skirting or even hoop skirts could be extra weight you were not planning on. Many styles are constructed well and do not require any additional under skirting so you may want to reconsider your dress choice to avoid unexpected issues.

As you are shopping for summer wedding dresses, it is important to think about your venue and your photography plans. The potential of a hot day could make your discomfort level visible enough for your guests to see and for you to remember when you look at your wedding photos. Two summer wedding dresses might be the perfect solution which will allow you to wear the ornate ball gown you have always dreamed of as you say your vows and a comfortable, cool dress for your reception.

Perfect Wedding Dresses with Simple Style

A lot of brides start dreaming concerning perfect wedding dress long before they are even occupied. Choosing of perfect wedding dress is critical because it is the one day that all eyes on you will be. A perfect wedding dress which nicely without flamboyant and also to your figure flatters will ensure that you look at your bests on your wedding day. with this way many are possible the style, color and substances available options, choosing perfect wedding dress is a difficult task but knows the most of brides fortunately simple when they have found perfect wedding dress . Of the moment that they have put on wedding dress, to get their instinct tells them that this is the perfect wedding dress for them.

Strapless Wedding Dresses for Your Wedding Day

Choosing a Strapless Wedding Dress for your wedding day can be a very simple and painless experience, even an inexpensive choice in some cases. A Strapless Wedding Dress always wants to look like a princess on her special day, in an absolutely perfect Strapless Wedding Dress . Well, you can do that without having to spend a fortune. It used to be tradition for the bride to wear her mother’s Strapless Wedding Dress . It was seen an as honor and a privilege. In my eyes, it still is an honor and a privilege, and in fact, I did wear my mother’s Strapless Wedding Dress on my special day. But, I am a stickler for tradition and some people today are not as concerned about tradition as they are appearance.

So, for those of you want to forget tradition and want to instead focus on appearance, there are an abundance of options for you to choose from. When choosing a Strapless Wedding Dress , you want to consider the weather. You might not want to wear a Strapless Wedding Dress in the dead of winter with a foot of snow on the ground. The opposite is true; you might not want to wear long sleeves and ten layers of material in the middle of summer when the temperature reaches 100 degrees.

Wedding Dresses Trends 2009

Upcoming vibrant colors used in dresses and as accents, include green in all hues, bright pink, red and orange.
Short wedding dresses are hot for 2009. The modern, short wedding dress is styled with a chic fitted bodice over a full skirt that stops just at, or above the knee.

2009 wedding dresses feature an array of sleeve styles from fitted, full length sleeves to strapless designs, off shoulder styles, as well as daring one-shoulder looks.

This year’s dresses abound with sweetheart, straight, bateau, and high necklines, often worn without the elaborate jewelry of previous seasons.

Headpieces are a strong component of the overall bridal look again this season. Veils, hats and hair accessories are graced with feathers, silk leaves and petals. Feathers are one of the hottest trends to emerge this season as an accent on dress hems, tops and headpieces.

Full and three-quarter length over-jackets and intricate baroque designs round out the trends for 2009 bridal fashions.

The Wedding Dresses

The white wedding dress hasn't always been the first choice for a bride. In ancient times, brides dressed in brilliant colors, especially red or yellow. In biblical times, the color of choice was blue because it symbolized purity.

Until the 1900's most brides did not have a special dress for their wedding day. They simply wore their best dress. The following traditional rhyme offered advice on what dress color to choose:

Married in white, you have chosen right
Married in blue, your love will always be true
Married in pearl, you will live in a whirl
Married in brown, you will live in town
Married in red, you will wish yourself dead
Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow
Married in green, ashamed to be seen
Married in pink, your spirit will sink
Married in gray, you will go far away
Married in black, you will wish yourself back

A green dress is thought unlucky, unless the bride is Irish. It was said that if the woman had a green gown it implied that she had loose morals, because the green symbolized grass stains from rolling in grassy fields.

White, or a variation of white, was a sign of purity and innocence. Ann of Brittany wore the first known white wedding dress to her marriage to Louis XII of France in 1499. However, it was not a practical color. Cloth was very expensive to bleach and if one wanted a white dress, it would require more than one bleaching. It was believed that the whiter the cloth, the more affluent the person. So when the rich wed, they chose a white dress to show off their wealth.

White did not become a practical choice for a wedding gown until the 1800's when machine made fabrics and cheap muslins imported from India became affordable to common society. The Victorian era placed a heavy emphasis on feminine purity and chastity, and since white represented these attributes, it was considered a most suitable color for a bride. Queen Victoria made the white wedding dress fashionable in 1840, when she broke with tradition and wore white on her wedding day instead of the traditional silver worn by royal brides.

White hasn't always signified purity and innocence. In Roman times, white was the symbol of joyous celebration. In China and Japan, white is the symbol of mourning and thought to be appropriate as the bride is leaving her family of birth to Join her husband's, thereby undergoing a symbolic death. Today, the white wedding dress is worn as a symbol of joy and not as a sign of purity and innocence.

There are many superstitions surrounding the wedding dress. It is thought unlucky for the bride to make her own wedding gown. The bride should not loan her wedding dress to another, for is thought unlucky for the lender, but good luck for the borrower. It is said that the bride should not wear her entire outfit before the wedding day. Some brides leave a final stitch on the dress undone until it is time to leave for the ceremony. Once a bride has looked at herself in the mirror wearing her complete outfit, it is said she must not look at herself again, or have bad luck. If the bride rips her dress on her wedding day, it is said the marriage will end in death. And finally, it is unlucky for the groom to see his bride in her wedding dress before she arrives at the ceremony.

Tips when Shopping for your Wedding Dresses

Your wedding dress will be one of the most important purchases for your wedding. You will want to choose a dress that you will remember fondly the rest of your life. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you go shopping for your wedding dress.

Make An Appointment
Don't just show up at a bridal salon and expect them to give you 100% of their attention. By making an appointment, you are reserving their time so they can serve and help you efficiently.

Remember Your Budget
Don't spend your entire wedding budget on the gown. If you are on a strict budget, make sure to tell the salon consultant up front. They can help you find a dress in your price range. There is no sense trying on dresses you can't afford.

Don't Forget The Shoes
Bring a pair of shoes with a heel that is similar to the ones you plan to wear on your wedding day. Doing so makes it much easier to determine how well the dress will fit and how the length will flow as you walk down the aisle.

Order The Right Size
Avoid ordering your dress in a size smaller because you plan to lose weight before your wedding. Order the gown in your current size. If you do lose the weight you plan to, it will cost considerably less to have the dress taken in than it would to let it out. Also remember that most wedding dresses run small, so if you normally wear a size 8, don't be surprised if you will need to purchase a size 10 wedding dress.

Read The Small Print
Once you have chosen your wedding dress and are ready to buy, make sure you know the specific terms of the sale. The terms are usually spelled out on your receipt and include the amount of your nonrefundable deposit (usually 50% of the total price), when the balance is due, and the salon's policies regarding alterations, exchanges, and special orders. If this information is not on your receipt, make sure you get something in writing from your salon consultant.

Wedding Dresses Styles

The A-line dress features a shape that is fitted around the bodice and flows out to the ground, resembling the outline of an uppercase A. The dress flows fluidly from the bust to the hem with an unbroken line. Due to its classic and simple style, the A-line dress is appropriate for any occasion, from a quiet backyard gathering, to a traditional church ceremony.

Options: The A-line is a versatile shape since it can accommodate many different structural elements, including horizontal seems that help define your waistline, or a separate bodice and skirt that feature contrasting fabrics. The look of the A-line dress is also dependant upon length, which can range from above the knee for a fun and flirty bride, to a full-length dress that flows into a chapel-length train for the more traditional bride.

The princess cut is the most dramatic variation of the A-line dress. This style emphasizes the clean lines of the A-line by utilizing vertical panels that run from the neckline to the hem. The princess style provides elongating lines that create a slimming effect since your eye focuses on the length created by these long, smooth seems.

The A-line style can support many different fabric choices, depending on the look you want. If you desire a simple look, free flowing silks like charmeuse are the best option because they allow the dress to hang naturally and create a soft feminine silhouette. If you want a more structured appearance that emphasizes the continuity of the A-line style, you will want a heavier fabric that can maintain shape, such as peau de soie silk or satin. This same effect can also be achieved with the use of organza, or other supporting fabrics, that can be layered to create a full skirt.

You can also affect the look of the A-line dress depending upon the added embellishments you choose. Lace overlays or bead work can make a simple A-line dress appear more formal, while a touch of color provided by a ribbon or bow can make a stylish statement.

Things to Consider: The A-line dress is flattering on almost all body types. The long lines of the princess cut dress can create the illusion of height on a shorter body, as well as slim down a rounded figure. The full skirt of the A-line can also hide a larger lower body, or create the illusion of curves on a narrow frame. Since the A-line dress is so versatile, simple modifications to the neckline, waistline, or fabric can accentuate your best features and hide those your not so fond of.

The Most Popular Styles of Summer Wedding Dresses

Summer is a delightful time of year for a wedding and many brides take advantage of the gorgeous weather to hold their weddings and receptions in the great outdoors. Beach and island weddings, backyard weddings and wedding in exotic locales are all the rage. The most popular summer wedding dress styles reflect a more casual style than heavier, more ornate winter and autumn styles. Take a look at some of the top fashion accents and styles for summer wedding gowns to help you choose the perfect dress for your summer wedding.

Dare to Bare

Summer weather invites you to bare some skin and show off that stunning tan. Many of the most popular summer wedding dress styles are designed to bare your shoulders. The bridal show runways for the summer season often feature dresses that are strapless or backless, but if that is too bare for your tastes, there are plenty of beautiful wedding gowns with skinny spaghetti straps, criss-crossed back treatments and halter-tops.

Even full-figured brides can look spectacular in styles that allow for good foundation support. If you choose a backless or strapless style, or one with very thing spaghetti straps, choose a bra that offers the convenience of convertible straps. You can even find bra styles with transparent straps so the inevitable slipped strap won't peek where it should not. Make sure that you bring your undergarments with you to the final fitting so that your seamstress can make adjustments to the dress if needed. Some may even be willing to tailor the bra so that it is guaranteed not to show.

Light and Breezy Please!

Yards and yards of lace, heavy beading and mile-long trains are definitely out for summer. Instead, the summer's most popular wedding gown styles feature a more casual chic, with even the most formal wedding gowns relying on cut and fabric to evoke regal beauty.

Avoid heavy satins and crepes for summer wear, and if possible choose natural fabrics that breathe. Bridal dresses for summer should be lightweight and comfortable so that you can stand up to the heat and feel as beautiful as you look all day long. Among the most popular fabrics this summer are polished cotton and cotton eyelet, organdy and voile. Sheath, slip and sundress styles are all popular for summer weddings. If you really must have an elegant train and formal gown for your wedding, look for a dress that has a removable train so that you can slip out of it after the ceremony and photos.

A Touch of Color

Summer weddings are a great time to add a touch of color to the traditional white wedding gown. Brides who are planning casual beach and island style weddings often opt for Hawaiian wedding dresses, with spectacular embroidered flowers down one side, or embroidered eyelet dresses with satin ribbon sashes to bring in some bright summer color.

Short and Sweet

Summer wedding dress styles this year also tend toward the short and sweet. From chic sheathes to sweet ruffles, the most popular summer styles include shorter hemlines and scalloped or tulip styles hems to show off your legs. If you are planning a beach or outdoor wedding, a shorter length is necessary, and no wedding dress looks its best if it is dragging in the sand or over the grass. Some of the loveliest summer wedding gowns have unusual hem treatments and asymmetrical hems that are shorter at the front of the knee and scoop to hit the ankle in back.

For garden weddings, flirty sundress styles are very popular. Add style with a shirred or sweetheart bodice that allows you to bare your tan without showing too much.

Preserving Your Wedding Dress

Since your wedding dress will be one of the most important purchases for your wedding, you will want to protect that investment by having it professionally cleaned and prepared for storage. Whether your dress was informal, designer, off the rack or worn on the beach, there is more to storing it than placing it in a garment bag and hanging it in your closet.

Here are some tips on preserving your wedding dress:

• You should have your dress properly cleaned and stored within 6 months after the wedding to preserve its beauty. You may not see them, but white wine and champagne stains will turn the fabric yellow in a few months.
  
• Where do you find gown preservationists? You should first ask the shop where you purchased the gown. In most cases, they offer cleaning and preservation services. Unless you agreed to it prior to the purchase of the dress, the cost is additional. If the shop does not offer this service, check the Yellow Pages for dry cleaners that advertise expert cleaning of wedding dresses. Be sure to ask the cleaner if they use different solvents on gowns than they do regular clothing. Standard solvents are often too harsh for wedding dresses, which must be cleaned with the gentlest cleaners in an acid free environment.
  
• Do your research to make sure you are working with a reputable professional. Don't be afraid to check them out at the Better Business Bureau.
  
• Spills, stains and body oils are lethal to a dress. Once you have chosen a preservation specialist, be sure to advise them of any details they may need to know about your dress. For example, if you spilled something on your dress, make sure they know about it. If you were married outdoors or at the beach, let them know this as well. Certain elements may cause a reaction with the dry cleaning solvent.
  
• Ask if you can see your dress before it is packed. That way, you can see for yourself if all visible stains have been removed prior to storage.
  
• Wedding dresses should be stuffed with clean, acid-free tissue. Acid-free tissue placed between the folds of the dress and stuffed in the bodice will prevent permanent wrinkles and folds as well as help stabilize the environment of the box.
  
• Make sure all should pads, perspiration shields and anything else made of foam is removed from the dress before storing. These materials do not typically have a good shelf life, and as they deteriorate, they can ruin the fabric next to them.
  
• Don't pack your dress with plastic or metal buttons, pins or buckles.
  
• Never use moth balls when storing your dress. The chemical in this product can ruin the fabric over time.
  
• Never hang your gown for long-term storage.
  
• Don't be afraid to take the gown out of the box and look at it from time to time. That way, you'll be sure the most important dress of your life is successfully standing the test of time. White cotton gloves should be worn while handling the gown to prevent oily fingers from making contact with the fabric and the gown should be refolded carefully to prevent permanent creases.
  
• Once your dress is cleaned and pressed, it is stored in a box and sealed. When you pick up your gown, make sure the box is air tight and no moisture is trapped inside.
  
• Don't store your dress where it can be exposed to dampness, mold, mildew or extreme temperatures (like in an attic, basement or garage).

No other garment will ever mean more to you than your wedding dress. As long as you take the proper steps to protect your dress against insects, mold and fading, it should stay as beautiful as the day you wore it. With luck, your dress can be passed to your daughter or you can simply keep it as a permanent and treasured memento of your wedding day.