- Kate Middleton inspiration.  Yes, it was more than 8 months ago, but her style continues to influence wedding gowns.   Kate brought back the full-skirted silhouette and a timeless look.  “Kate made it cool to cover up,” says Heather Levine, senior fashion director for The Knot.  Today’s brides are doing this with lace shrugs and removable lace straps.

- Demurely sexy.  Mermaid gowns are a very popular choice and reflect the high-fashion, glamorous woman perfectly.

- Light and airy.  Brides no longer want to be carrying around a heavy gown that weighs them down; we’ll see more tulle, chiffon and organza – fabrics that create volume, illusion and drama without the weight.  This goes hand in hand with the romance of weddings today.

- Color.  More daring and individual women are creating the need for options beyond all white.   Color is often added in the form of sashes or as an underlay to the gown.    A colored sash is a novel way to change your dress from ceremony to reception.   

- Embellished belts.   There is nothing that says drama more than a diamond encrusted belt!   Embellished belts are ensuring a modern edge to the traditional gown.

- Vintage.   Whether it be the retro romantic look of lace as in the 20s and 30s or Marily Monroe style glamour ala the 50s.  Expect to see feathers!

- Corset.   There is no single better way to cinch a waist than with a corset. 

- Red carpet looks.   Bling, bling and more bling.    Embelished bodices, ornate trains, and sexy slits evoke the red carpet.

- Accessories.   Jewelery, belts, veils and handbags are all easy ways for a bride to create a look to showcase her personal style.

The best part of being a bride today is that there are so many ways to showcase your styles.   The options are endless.

As such, we’ve compiled some helpful veil “lingo” for you brides to be:

• Cathedral – it is mostly used at a formal wedding, normally goes from the head right down till it drags on the floor or can be a little shorter so it hangs just above the ground.
• Blusher – this is more traditional and usually about shoulder length. The bride will have the veil over her face until her and her partner are pronounced husband and wife, only then can the veil be removed.
• Chapel – also for formal weddings, this veil goes right down till the floor or slightly shorter.
• Elbow Length – slightly less formal and normally worn in combination with a wedding gown.
• Finger Tip Length – this type of veil is used for formal weddings as well as semi formal weddings.

Most important, when deciding on a veil make sure it is what YOU want, not what someone else tells you looks good.   There are so many veil choices out there – - lace edged, ribbon edged, plain edged, circular veils, birdcage veils, butterly edge veils…..   Each veil is as customizable as the bride herself!   So don’t forget to add your crowning glory on your wedding day!

Gown heirlooming is a way to preserve your precious wedding day memories after the day is over.    Come back and visit us after your honeymoon and let us take care of your dress again.    We will have your dress preserved in a beautiful keepsake box — your dress will have been thoroughly cleaned to make sure every last wine stain or dirty spot on the hem is pristine and clean like new.

You’ll be glad you had the foresight to take care of your dress when your future children are born and you can turn the skirt into part of your baby’s bassinet,or who knows, maybe your daughter will want to wear your dress one day.

The show is next Wednesday, April 6th at 7:00pm at Verdis of  Westbury.  Tickets are free but reservations are necessary – check out the website at www.bridalaffair.com.

We will be offering special discounts and promotions so be sure not to miss it!!

The Hottest Bridal Trends for 2010 Straight Off The Runway

Some of the hottest Bridal trends straight off the runway are:

• Extra full tulle ballgown skirts with fitted bodice tops
• Two gowns!! One for the ceremony and maybe a short dress for dancing the night away
• Jeweled encrusted accents such as pins and belts
• Three dimensional elements – such as petail details and feathers
• Rouching, rouching, and more rouching!
• Lace

We also looked at the newest accessories – large, chandelier earrings are still hot!   Short, cage, and bubble veils are all the rage along with stone encrusted cuff bracelets.

Don’t Forget About Your Bridesmaids and Have Them Wearing The Hottest Trends for Bridesmaid Dresses for 2010!

And don’t forget about your girls!!  Cocktail and tea length dresses are being shown everywhere.   Your bridesmaids will love you as these are styles they are sure to wear again and again!   And we loved all the jewel tone colors that are being shown – especially the sapphires and emerald.

Thank You to All Our Customers For Voting Us as One of The Best Bridal Salons For 2010

There’s nothing we like better than hearing that our customers had a great experience with us – - and this is the ultimate in customer recognition! Thank you to all of our customers that voted for us as the best bridal salons for 2010.

We’re committed to delivering the same level of service in the upcoming year. We look forward to meeting our new brides and maybe seeing a few familiar faces!