by Melissa Kaiser

So, he popped the question and you squealed in delight, maybe even cried a few tears of joy! Now, the planning begins! There are so many things to plan and decide on, everything from the caterer to the flowers, but perhaps the one decision that brides look forward to deciding the most is their wedding gown. Since little girls, we have been designing and imagining exactly what kind of gown we want to walk down the isle in.

Beads, sequins, strapless, long sleeve- brides can now choose every detail of what their dress will look like. There is no longer a style preference for what brides should wear. The bride-to-be can now wear styles that fit their silhouette, flatter their figure, and adhere to their specific taste. Gone are the days when brides walk down the aisle wearing something similar to someone who married two months before. Every bridal gown is completely unique and up to the bride to decide the details!

Introducing color in bridal gowns makes it possible for the bride-to-be to match everything up with any of the plethora of colors that are available in bridesmaid's dresses.
Photo copyright Daniel Knight Studio B.

Women with areas of concern such as a big bust line, big hips, or a straight up and down figure can all find dresses that flatter their figure and make them look absolutely stunning. A well-qualified bridal shop will have a great variety of wedding gowns to fit all body types and style preferences. At quality retailers such as Abbington’s Bridal Shop and Elizabeth’s Wedding & Formal Wear, both in Owensboro, that is just what you will find.

Lyle Scifres at Abbington’s gives some helpful insight. “With today’s bride comes the individual need for more or less, decoration and that can be found no matter what her body type may be,” he says. “Today’s bride can wear ruffles, beading, or that sleek and polished design that has been around lately. Interest in more skirt styles has become more prevalent. The stock austere look has given way to more décor in both lace and beading.”

Brides often express their personality with accessories such as tiaras and veils.  These headpieces vary greatly in style, and can add a lovely counterpoint to the bridal gown.

When it comes to trends, color is an important topic to consider. Not only ivory, but a multitude of colors can now be added to your gown to add that special touch of pizzazz. Introducing color in bridal gowns makes it possible for the bride-to-be to match everything up with any of the plethora of colors that are available in bridesmaid’s dresses. The amount of color in your bridal gown depends on your taste; some gowns have embroidered details making the color splash very soft, while other color choices include the entire train, which takes that pizzazz factor up a notch. The choice is really up to you. Depending on the style and manufacturer, they even make junior bride’s dresses that mimic the matching bridal gown in detail. It is now possible for the entire wedding party to coordinate and make a unique statement.

Just as with any particular item of couture, bridal fashions are ever evolving. But staying in the loop – no matter your level of trend consciousness – isn’t difficult with the right expert in your corner.