Brides Returning to Traditional Dresses

By Sandy Cohen
Copley News Service

For many women, it's a dream they've had since they were little girls.

With flowers in her hair and a sparkling diamond on her left hand, she glides down the aisle in a perfect gown, about to say "I do" to her own Prince Charming.

Springtime is the most popular season for making that dream come true, which means brides-to-be are busy with last-minute details to make their wedding day as close to perfect as possible.

Once the proposal is accepted and the engagement ring is on, priority No. 1 is the wedding dress. For many years, sleek sheaths were the style of choice, but the new millennium seems to have inspired a return to tradition, with full-skirted, feminine gowns.

"The simple, pared-down look is gone," said Rani Totman of Los Angeles, designer of the St. Pucchi bridal wear collection. "Romance is back with very full skirts, chapel trains and detailed fabrics, because brides love the fairy-tale look."

St. Pucchi's collection features A-line dresses made from imported silks, embellished with beads, pearls and Swarovski crystals. Other feminine details include scoop necklines and off-the-shoulder styles, fitted bodices, scalloped hemlines and sheer overlays in organza and chiffon. Nearly all of St. Pucchi's designs feature flowing, full skirts.

"It's universally flattering," Totman said. "And it revives the old-world glamour of weddings."

Still, some brides will buck tradition with plunging necklines or strapless gowns.

Couture designers Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang each show shoulder-baring styles in their wedding collections, with beading and delicate embroidery to lend the dresses a demure feel.

Lace and ruffles are other ladylike touches for the bride.

Once the dress is selected, there's the veil to consider. Creative brides might like to make their own veil with the help of Claudia Lynch, author of I Do' Veils — So Can You! (Harpagon, $19.95).

Lynch's book shows brides how to choose the most flattering headpiece and to make themselves with supplies found at the local craft or fabric store.

Brides have a lot of options in hair jewelry, too. Check out jeweled combs and clips, flowers made from feathers or crystals, sparkling ponytail holders and tiaras made from pearls and rhinestones. Or get creative and add fresh flowers or tiny seashells to a classic updo.

When it comes to makeup for the big day, experts advise experimenting in advance to select the most flattering look. Brides handling their own makeup application should opt for long-wearing products and apply them with a light, slow hand. Professionally applied airbrushed makeup is another long-lasting, smudge-resistant option. Either way, waterproof mascara is a must.

Another task for the bride selecting gowns for her attendants, which experts suggest should be done three to six months before the wedding. As with the season's wedding dresses, bridesmaids' looks are more traditional than in previous years.

"It looks like the bride is keeping more to the classic bridesmaids' dress, something simple and elegant," said Linda Rodriguez, program director of bridesmaids' dresses for Macy's West. "Something touched with organza, or classic with a little bit of embellishment like beading or embroidery."

The most popular dresses are A-line styles with delicate spaghetti straps.

"It's the most common and easiest to fit," Rodriguez said.

Look for gowns in bold, bright colors this spring, as well as classic bridesmaid shades such as periwinkle, sage, lilac and lavender. But surprisingly, color isn't always the first consideration for brides when choosing their attendants' gowns, Rodriguez said.

"Brides wait to choose the color until they find the dress they really like," she said. "It's really the style and the fit as opposed to the color."

Macy's offers free bridal consultants to help with everything from outfitting the mother of the bride to putting together a wedding registry.

"It's tailored to her lifestyle," said Shonaree Michael, marketing and promotions manager for Macy's special services. "It's a personal touch and a complimentary service."

Web sites, too, can make things easier for brides as they plan the perfect nuptials. Sites such as www.weddingchannel.com, www.sisterlola.com and www.weddinglinksgalore.com offer tips on everything from gowns to hairdos to honeymoons. Many large department stores also make bridal registries available online.

One of the best tips comes from weddingchannel.com: "Relax. Remember, every bride is beautiful."