New Trends For Spring Brides - Wedding Article

New Trends For Spring Brides ~ By Julie Sabatino, founder and president of The Stylish Bride

A look at bridal fashion reveals that spring brides will be more romantic than ever. Get ready for a season of dresses that are light, airy, feminine and truly a breath of fresh spring air! Here are the major bridal trends we spotted on the runways for spring 2006.

Lace: Lace has been popular on the runways for the last few seasons, but this year, the trend shifted from alençon to Chantilly lace - which has a very light and airy feel compared to its heavier cousin. When paired with lighter fabrics like organza and chiffon, Chantilly lace is especially beautiful. It will feel light as air walking down the aisle - great for spring and summer weddings.

Flower Appliqués: Flower details were everywhere this season. Monique Lhuillier used large flowers as finishing details at the waist and a sash around the neck instead of jewelry and attached to the gown at the shoulder. Embellished bodices and hemlines were also truly stunning. Alvina Valenta and Jenny Lee used flowers made in the same fabric as the dress to add a little romance.

V-necklines: Good news for brides who loathe strapless gowns! This season, designers veered away from the traditional strapless dresses by offering many different necklines, including portrait, halter, and the V. More options exist than ever before, so you are all but guaranteed to find one that you love. V-necklines look particularly flattering on women with larger busts, as long as they aren't cut too low. (You don't want to give Grandpa a heart attack on your wedding day!)

Balloon hems: It looks like the balloon hem is back and here to stay. Expanding on a trend that we began to see in past collections, designers made use of a bubble, or balloon, hem. Such a hemline creates a dress that is not only sophisticated, but playful and fresh as well. This look is particularly suited for tall brides who can handle a little volume in their skirts.

Draped, Wrapped and Ruched Bodices: Many designers used excess fabric on bodices, which gave their dresses texture and elegant details. The result is a clean and simple look that is incredibly stunning and also very flattering to the figure. This style of bodice hides a heavier middle, a lack of curves or a smaller chest.

Tulle: Although considered one of the most "bridal" fabrics around, tulle has been suspiciously absent on the bridal gown scene for quite some time. Well, now it's back with a vengeance! But don't worry; designers aren't using it at all like the poufs of meringue from the 1980's. We saw tulle beautifully embroidered at Reem Acra; we saw it ruched, pleated and adorned with sparkles at Amsale. It was crafted into something utterly unique at Vera Wang, and spectacularly used with pearls and pleating at Angel Sanchez.

Submited by: ubmitted by Bethany Lewis, Beautiful Cakes & Bridals, Wedding Planner