And there are overwhelming choices available, from bridal gowns to tuxedos to locations to flowers.

"While the formal gown is still as popular as ever," says Moore, "many brides are choosing less formal silhouettes for smaller weddings in a garden or a chapel or a destination beach wedding. Tea-length gowns, or short, slim sheaths in organza, satin and lace are favorites of these brides," says Moore, who describes the new fashion as "very Sarah Jessica Parker looking."

But today, most brides are taking care of all the details themselves and, according to Moore, "throwing convention out the window." The choice of their bridal gown reflects this new trend of personalization.

"We're really seeing the trend of customization," says Moore. Color is increasingly becoming a way brides can individualize their wedding dresses. While ivory and white still play an important role, more and more brides are choosing gowns with accents of color - dresses with waists encircled with colored ribbon belts; beads shot with metallic thread; pastel embroidered vintage-inspired lace delicately dyed; and layers and layers of tulle in subtle colors, piled on top of each other.

From pink to blue to green to lilac - and even black and white - color is fast becoming the "theme" of weddings, not only in attire but in matching invitations, flowers and reception decor.

"It's a very Caribbean-inspired color palette," says Moore. "The bolder tropical blues are particularly popular for spring 2006."

The newest silhouette for bridal gowns is changing, too. The big, poufy ball gowns are fading into slimmer shapes reminiscent of sleek Hollywood glamour girls who slinked into the movies of the '40s and '50s in soft, body-conscious gowns that draped and swathed a goddess-like figure.

"Gowns are much less structured," says Moore. "The fabrics are lighter and airier and instead of a dress that wore the bride, you have beautiful brides in a vision of their own personal style."

Simplicity is the central theme of today's wedding gown style. But that doesn't necessarily mean conservative. The sexy strapless gown is also still a big favorite of brides this spring. Showing off the figure, no matter what size it is, is a bride's way of celebrating a special time in her life.

The lace-up corset dress is another preferred silhouette of today's brides. For warmer weather, halter wedding gowns are also popular. With so many options, there's a dress for every bride, no matter what her personal style. Romantic fantasies come alive when she finds that wedding dress of her dreams.

SPRING WEDDING DRESS TRENDS

- Color, color, color: Blue is awash in spring dresses by Alvina Valenta.

- Embroidery: A garden of colorful vines climb up a white gown at St. Pucchi.

- Soft and sleek: At Elizabeth Filmore, goddess gowns hug the body in silk charmeuse. Jim Hjelm's silk satin skimmer dress is trimmed with crystals and detailed with a full-pleated skirt.

- All layered up: Layers of tulle and satin at Vera Wang.

- Tea lengths: A new length to consider for more informal weddings. Tea lengths abound in Lazaro's collection.

- Chic and strapless: At Eugenia Couture, strapless is a satin sheath with a pleated tiered organza skirt.

- Halter necklines: An alternative to the traditional gown. Halters show up in many collections, including Stephen Yearick, Amsale and Watters Bridal.

- Feathers: They're flying into the bridal market in dresses and accessories. One of the season's best is Angel Sanchez's feather-hemmed empire-waist dress.

© Copley News Service

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