Alfred Angelo

Planning a wedding is work enough without having to worry about keeping up with all the new trends that seem to be constantly popping up. There are new “in” colours, and modern food trends, not to mention the latest and greatest in cocktail beverages!

Of course, wedding dresses are no different. Every year, we see new looks, new details, even new shades of white! With so much changing so constantly, how can you sift through all the noise and find the few important trends in 2010 wedding dresses? Maybe we can help:

• Trend #1 – Ruffles are hot this year. Very hot! So put everything else you've heard aside and make sure to check out some dresses that offer some sort of ruffling.

  You'll find dresses with horizontal tiers, with vertical ruffles, or a little ruffling on one of the edges, be it neckline, hemline, or sleeve. You'll also see ruffles on veils and jackets.

  Tip: if you are short and full figured, stay away from horizontal tiers; they'll make you look shorter and wider. If in doubt, choose a style with a little ruffle on the neckline but not the hemline. A ruffle on the hemline will, again, make you look shorter.

  

  Eden Bridals #2335

• Trend #2 – Crystal beading will be very popular this year too. Thanks to many years of plain styles, designers have opted to add a little pizzaz to the line up with some embellishments.

  Tip: petite brides beware to not overdo this trend. Too much beading will overpower your small frame.

  

  Eden Bridals #2329

• Trend #3 – Folded, gathered, or pleated skirts will be very big this year, literally and figuratively. Again, the last few season's of plain skirts have opened up a stream of more interesting looks. Full bodied fabrics like satin and taffeta will pave the way for the once plain skirt to be folded, gathered, tucked and pleated to create drama and interest in the gown.

  Tip: Bigger dresses with heavier fabrics equal weighty dresses. Try the dress on for quite a while before deciding. You have to make sure you can handle all the fabric and weight for the duration of the day.

  

  Alfred Angelo

Trends come and go but if you want to be a cutting edge bride with a gown that is totally in, keep in mind that you don't have to go all into the trend. Pick aspects of it and apply it to a style that suits you best. This way, you have a dress that's just right for you with a hint of what a 2010 wedding dress is all about!

Simple, streamlined elegance. Is there anything better?

Before 1840, most brides wore colored wedding dresses – practical garments that could be worn again after the wedding day. It was not until Queen Victoria married Price Albert, and she walked down the aisle in a snow white wedding gown, did fancy white wedding dresses become so en vogue. Once Queen Victoria wore white, it seemed like the whole world started wearing pure white wedding gowns; it was said to symbolize glamour and social status. Within just a few years, as mass production became more prevalent, average brides began to wear white wedding dresses and the tradition has stayed mainstream ever since.

White wedding dresses, long associated with virginal purity are overrated and outdated! In fact, many couples live together long before they ever get married, and there are a higher number of second marriages now than ever before. If you want to wear a wedding gown that is mint green, peachy orange, iced lilac, red velvet, or buttercup yellow, go for it! It is your special day, and you should feel comfortable wearing whatever wedding dress best suits your personality, and a gown you will look back on fondly.