2008 Bridal Fashion Flared Skirts

The gowns this season have a serious kick. It was all about the modified A-line (slim through the waist with a dramatic structured skirt); trumpets and mermaids; and dropped waists with fluted skirts.

	<<<<< Ribbons and ruffles go from high school to high fashion with this satin and taffeta gown by Platinum for Priscilla of Boston.
>>>>> Strapless, embossed silk organza gown with a fit-and-flare skirt and a pleated bustline and hem by Melissa Sweet.
	<<<<< Strapless gown with a flared skirt and a dark blue satin sash at the waist by Janell Berte Couture.
>>>>> Silk satin gown with a trumpet skirt and Alencon lace and crystal bead details by Chia Lieu.
	<<<<< Strapless, silk mikado, fit-and-flare gown with a dropped waist by Judd Waddell.
>>>>> Strapless, sheer organza silk gown with a hand-tucked bodice, a Petersham ribbon belt, and a circle skirt by Amy Kuschel Bride.
	<<<<< Strapless, faille gown with a dropped waist and a crisscross bodice by Amsale.
>>>>> Chantilly lace gown with a fit-and-flare skirt and beaded banding at the Empire waist by Melissa Sweet.
	<<<<< Strapless gown with a flared skirt, a black sash, and ruching on the bodice and dropped waist by Venus.
>>>>> Strapless, mermaid-style gown with an embroidered bodice by Ines Di Santo.

2008 Spring Bridal Cool Cover-ups

Jackets, boleros, cardigans, capelets -- the designers were paying as much attention to the cover-up as the gown itself. Check out the structured satin-sleeved jackets, fur shrugs, and flowy beaded sheer capelets.

 

	<<<<< Strapless, lace gown with a matching jacket by Elizabeth Fillmore.
>>>>> Antique Duchesse satin, modified A-line gown with a pleated net and beaded bodice and a Duchesse satin bolero by Tara Keely.
	<<<<< Strapless, crepe back satin gown with a beaded bodice and a lace-lined coat accented with ostrich roses by Platinum for Priscilla of Boston.
>>>>> Strapless, polished silk tulle gown with an asymmetrically draped bodice and paired with a gathered tulle bolero embellished with pearls by Monique Lhuillier.
	<<<<< Duchesse satin gown with a sheer silk cape by Carmela Sutera.
>>>>> Strapless, A-line gown with ribbon at the midriff and a sheer shrug by Sassi Holford.
	<<<<< Silk satin and chiffon gown with sheer sleeves and a jeweled embellishment at the waist by Jenny Packham.
>>>>> Strapless gown with a modified trumpet skirt and an embroidered jacket by Monique Lhuillier.
	<<<<< Jackets are indeed a trend, but this avant-garde design from St. Pucchi makes for a one-of-a-kind couture cover-up. Fabric circles are tightly strung together to create a floppy, fashion-forward look. St. Pucchi
>>>>> Sheath with an Empire waist and a sheer, embroidered bolero by Mori Lee.

2008 Spring Bridal Bold Straps

Strapless gowns are taking a back seat. Whether it's tank straps, keyhole halters, beaded double straps, or off-the-shoulder looks, unique necklines are hot this season.

	<<<<< Silk taffeta ball gown with a sweetheart neckline by Jane Wang.
>>>>> A-line gown with beaded embellishments by Atelier Aimée.
	<<<<< Lace, modified A-line gown with an illusion corset bodice accented with jeweled ribbon by Pnina Tornai Exclusively for Kleinfeld.
>>>>> Blush, silk satin gown with an open back and an Alencon lace halter neckline over a draped, sweetheart neckline by Jim Hjelm.
	<<<<< Ivory, silk organza gown with an Alencon lace bodice, a softly scooped neckline, and delicate lace ruffle sleeves by Jim Hjelm.
>>>>> French ribbon lace gown with a trumpet skirt and a sheer neckline by Elizabeth Fillmore.
	<<<<< Mermaid-style gown with an organza layered bust and a jeweled neckline by Rivini.
>>>>> Point d'esprit, A-line gown with an Empire waist and a Watteau train by Christos.
	<<<<< Organza, A-line gown with a shirred bodice, tip-of-shoulder shirred straps, and beading at the waist by Christos.
>>>>> Ivory, cotton gown with Poiret rose lace accents and a beaded inset lined in platinum silk by Claire Pettibone.

History of Bridal Veils

Bridal veils have a rich and rumored history. They are believed to date back as far as the Roman Empire, where brides were covered with bright red and yellow wedding bridal veils to protect them from evil spirits that might whisk them away before entering the safe union with their husband. The fabric was meant to completely hide the beauty from the malicious intent of bad spirits.
	Headpieces have been used greatly in outdoor and beach weddings due to their simple and elegant feel. In Eastern Orthodox weddings, a decorative crowning is placed on both the bride's and the groom's head. Then, the headpieces are blessed and exchanged three times. After this ceremonial exchange, the couple is pronounced married. Bridal headpieces and veils are also traditional in Finnish weddings. After the union ceremony, there is a dance where the bride places her headpiece or wedding veil on one of the bridesmaids. Like the Western tradition of throwing the bouquet, this Finnish practice means that the designated bridesmaid will be the next to marry.
Some say that the tradition of donning wedding bridal veils dates back to the Bible. In the story of Jacob in the Old Testament (found in the Book of Genesis), his father-in-law, Laban, tricks Jacob into marring the wrong women. Because of the heavily masked veil that was not raised until after the union was complete, Jacob married the older and homelier Leah instead of the young and beautiful Rachel. Rachel was his one true love, and the deceit resulted in Jacob eventually having both as his wives. The story also resulted in the Jewish practice where a groom lowers the veil before the ceremony and lifts the veil before the kiss. This practice is known as Bedeken.

2008 Spring Bridal Colors

Designers were hue happy, showing gowns in head-to-toe pink, blue, silver, and gold. While the allover colors stuck to more muted (and wearable) tones, the accents featured brighter shades of yellow, green, and magenta.

	<<<<< Black This couture ball gown by designer Pnina Tornai Exclusively for Kleinfeld, perfectly named "Noir and Blanc," has an incredible multipatterned skirt and corset.
>>>>> Purple No, this is not a bridesmaid dress. It's an amethyst-colored, mermaid-style gown from Vera Wang. Flip the script and put your bridal party in white.
	<<<<< Green Strapless, mermaid-style gown with balloon sleeves by Reem Acra.
>>>>> Gold Swagged ball gown with a crimson Duchesse satin cabbage rose accent at the hip by Vera Wang.
	<<<<< Soft blue, silk chiffon, one-shoulder gown with a draped sweetheart neckline and a draped slim skirt by Romona Keveza.
>>>>> It's the color (a blue silk satin) and the dramatic mermaid skirt with tulle hem that make this Reem Acra gown an ultramodern and bold contender.
	<<<<< Pink Strapless gown with an asymmetrical, ruched bodice and a tulle skirt by Paula Varsalona.
>>>>> Gold, satin, A-line gown with a gold-beaded lace overlay and double bows at the bust and train by Youlin.
	<<<<< Pink Blush, satin organza gown with an Italian organza eyelet overlay by Carmela Sutera.
>>>>> Soft green, silk taffeta, off-the-shoulder ball gown by Romona Keveza.

2008 Spring Bridal Collections Short Skirts

Hemlines are on the rise, and they're not just a novelty. Most designers featured a showpiece short skirt in their new collections, whether it was a dare-to-bare micro mini or a longer tea-length look.

 

	<<<<< Spaghetti-strap, knee-length gown with a ribbon sash and a sweetheart neckline by Alfred Sung Bridals
>>>>> Mom may blush, but this bejeweled micro-mini from British designer Jenny Packham definitely makes a style statement. Do you dare to bare this much leg? Jenny Packham
	<<<<< Short gown with horizontal beading and a long, sheer capelet by Jane Wang
>>>>> Knee-length gown with a two-tiered skirt and tulle flower accents by Eugenia
	<<<<< Strapless, short gown with a bubble hem and keyhole openings in the front and back by Junko Yoshioka for Bonaparte NY
>>>>> Strapless, scalloped lace, short gown with a sweetheart neckline, a full skirt, and a flower accent at the waist by Romona Keveza
	<<<<< Strapless, blush, silk satin, knee-length gown with a pleated bodice and a high waist with crystal-beaded trim by Jim Hjelm
>>>>> Tea-length, pique gown with a tank neckline by Carmela Sutera
	<<<<< Strapless, short gown with bias banding and a satin belt by Platinum for Priscilla of Boston
>>>>> Satin, short gown with a floral-embroidered bodice by Vineyard Collection. Vineyard Collection

The Black Wedding Dress

It’s wedding show season in Paris, and one of the more surprising trends for 2008 is the black wedding dress. From well-known couturiers like Max Chaoul to more moderately priced dress labels like Creations Bochet, when it comes to choosing a wedding dress in France, black seems to be the new white. Cymbeline Paris has gone so far as to have 4 different black dresses in their 2008 collection! As most U.S. metropolises seem to look to Paris for their fashion inspiration, I’d be interested to hear what American brides think about this “tendance“: Oui or Non, will the black wedding dress be the next trend to walk down American aisles?

Tea Length Wedding Dress

Choose a Tea Length Wedding Dress that captures the informal elegance of your wedding If you're planning your wedding and searching for the perfect dress, consider a tea length wedding dress. While this may not be the traditional silhouette, more and more brides are choosing to wear whatever strikes their fancy. This less formal dress may be just what you have been looking for.

What is a tea length wedding dress? Tea length dresses fall between the knee and ankle, usually about mid-calf. The dress often has a full skirt, which can be made even fuller by wearing a slip and a fitted bodice. For a modern take on the tea length dress, consider a stunning yet simple strapless dress in silk or satin. You can also look for the more traditional cap or three-quarter length sleeves.

A tea length wedding dress is a wonderful choice for a less formal wedding. While a formal evening ceremony and reception would warrant a floor-length gown complete with flowing train, you might desire a wedding that is a little more unique or out-of-the-ordinary. If you are planning to have a garden wedding, or a mid-morning ceremony followed by a brunch reception, a tea length wedding dress would be perfect.

While any bride who loves the look of tea length dresses should feel free to wear one on her special day, brides who are blessed with a tall stature look especially stunning in this length. The nipped in waist of a tea length gown also accentuates a tiny waist, so if you have an hour glass figure a tea length wedding dress will be quite flattering.

The tea length wedding dress is a throwback to the 1950s and early 1960s, when this length was very popular. Choosing a dress in white taffeta including a full, tulle slip that peaks out the bottom makes the dress look even more vintage. An elegant strand of pearls, a sleek pillbox hat with an attached veil, and a small white nosegay bouquet completes the look quite nicely.

When shopping for a wedding dress, you can look in bridal salons, catalogs, vintage shops, or search the Internet for new or previously worn dresses. Consider purchasing a tea length bridesmaid's dress to wear as your wedding gown. Because tea length is a very popular length for bridal attendants, you will probably have a large selection from which to choose. Many of the dresses can be purchased in white, but you can also choose another color. Buying a bridesmaid's dress will most likely be less expensive than buying a traditional wedding gown.

A tea length wedding dress may be the perfect dress to transform you into a blushing and beautiful bride. Whether your look is vintage or modern, your gown can be preserved and passed on for another generation to enjoy.

New Trends for Destination Brides – Tea Length Wedding Dresses

New wedding gowns for destination brides are coming up “short” compared to last season's long and luscious looks; they are Tea-Length! Yes, those sultry, tea-length styles have made their way into the wedding gown scene, and they are hot. Everything from ballerina inspired tulle to sassy and flirty silk organza pleated skirts. Whether you are getting married on a beach in flip flops or in a cathedral in Italy the new wedding dresses this season are sexy and varied enough to suit your unique personal style and taste.
This new tea-length style also paves the way for the eyes to glide down to the feet to show off your perfect pedicure in strappy heels or elegant d’orsay pumps. Shoes are sexy this season, and it is a sure fire way to catch the eye of your guests and husband to be all the way up to the alter. Show off those gorgeous calves; hop into a new style tea-length dress from Watters Brides or Eden Bridals Informal Collection.

Experts predict wedding trends for 2008

A lot of excitement is generated around planning a wedding, especially when it comes to the bride's gown, the bridesmaids' dresses and don't forget the adorable flower girls.

From asymmetrical to A-Line, you want to create a new look that is uniquely yours. To help you in your choices, we have invited three experts to give us their opinions: Melody Smith, National Sales Manager and Design Team Member with Essense of Australia, Jennifer Kncolowski, Marketing Representative of Jasmine Bridal and Lynn Rohrman, Head of Design for Emerald Bridal.

Bridal Dress Q: What do you see changing with the bride's dress for late spring into fall and the holidays?

Essense Of Australia D714

A:I think that strapless will still be the main selling feature for bridal gowns, but I believe we will see more of an introduction of sleeves into wedding gowns and smaller A-Line styles. Brides want the option of button in sleeves and removable jackets to create two versatile looks for the wedding and reception at a most cost-effective price than buying two gowns.~MS

Q:Do you see any style changes?
A:At Essense we have introduced more sheer illusion necklines (see styles D712 and D694). Both still give the illusion of skin showing but are extremely romantic using the illusion fabric and embroidering it with lace. We definitely have added more addition of pleating into gowns (see style D683) to add a modern touch to an otherwise traditional gown. Brides still love lace, but used in new and innovative ways. Our style D714 shows the lace being used in a scalloping effect in the front to created an apron skirt look. This style also looks great with a fun sash added to the waist.~MS

Essense Of Australia D694

A:Fortunately for today's brides, there is more variety in styles now than at any other time. From elegant ball gowns to hourglass silhouettes, from heavily beaded traditional dresses to flowing organza's, there is a style for every personality and body type. I believe that a bride-to-be should go with her heart when choosing her wedding gown! While every young woman wants to look her very best, it is more important that she feels the way she has always dreamed of, whether that is elegant, sexy or like a princess. This is why I encourage future brides to try on different styles of dresses. Then, when she puts on that one special dress that makes her eyes light up, that's the one - the magical, wondrous gown of her dreams. And it doesn't matter if it is what she thought she would wear, or even if it is what her best friend or mother thinks she should wear. The gown that makes her happy is the most important part of her wedding day other than marrying the man of her dreams. ~LR

Q: Is there anything unusual on the horizon?
A: I've seen some hi-low looks introduced that have a real 80s feel to them. I'm not sure that is for everyone though! I think we will really be taking a step back to a more romantic look in bridal. The introduction of the Souffle or pick-up skirts a few years ago really started preparing us for that look. ~MS

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Q: Want to make any predictions for 2008?
A: When I am at trunk shows, brides seem to be all about making a look unique and their own. Whether that's introducing color into the gowns or adding custom sashes to a gown, I really think brides want a personalized look. I think brides are making more of the wedding itself personal, with monogrammed items and showing the bride and groom's personalities by choosing favorite foods or accents for their wedding. I've even seen brides dying the crinoline/petticoat under their dress their favorite color.~ MS

Q: What colors seem to be the most popular?
A: Currently, the trend is for vivid citrus colors, showing in solid or two tones, such as bright greens, pale yellows, and dazzling pinks, as well as dramatic oceanic hues like azure or vibrant turquoise.~JK

A: Chocolate colored accents seem to be the color that I hear about most often, but I believe we will see more of the jewel tones in bridesmaids like aubergines, dark teals and royal blues-think peacock feathers. Black is always a safe bet with bridesmaids--that gives an elegant touch to any wedding.~MS

Q: Do you see any style changes?
A: Bridesmaid gowns no longer need to look like the characteristic styles that you've seen in the past. Fashion is moving forward by creating fresh looks based on the old Hollywood sparkle of yesteryear. Gowns that could walk the red carpet are all the rage, whether it's an alluring full length gown or a sophisticated T-length, glamour has made a huge comeback.~ JK

Essense Of Australia D684

Q: Is there anything unusual or surprising on the horizon?
A: Taffeta and lace along with illusion necklines and delicate shirred sleeves are coming back big for this season. Also, we no longer see Brides insisting their party wear the same gown, but instead letting them choose the look that best suits their own personal style and body type, all in the same colors or hues.~JK