Fashion Finders

Your beau – probably one of a dozen who were smitten with you — has finally popped the question and the big day is set for next year, which is actually not that far off. But what are the hot wedding dress trends for 2010 and beyond? There’s no big secret, and you can find out what they are by continuing to read on.

Generally-speaking, there are several nice-looking styles on the horizon for 2010 and beyond. Some are sleek, with low hemlines, and others are more non-traditional and very modern-appearing. There are yet other dresses that are pretty much unchanged in appearance since their general look developed several decades ago. Here are a few things to know about these dresses in 2010:

- The traditional look is always in. This means a somewhat billowy look that resembles a ball gown, somewhat. The difference is in the neckline, and that the dress is always in white, which isn’t the case, on certain occasions, with other types of wedding dresses.

- Wedding dress trends these days are highly flexible and diverse. If you choose, you can go for the most currently popular style, which is a sleek silhouette, and perfect for a person of slim build and dimensions. These dresses are what are called “figure hugging,” so make sure the body matches the dress. Top designers in this style are Justin Alexander and Maggie Sottero.

- If Classic Hollywood is your thing, and you like a bit of glamour in your dresses, then one that harkens back to the 50s silver screen era would be perfect for you. These types of dresses feature belted waistlines and hems that go all the way to the floor and sometimes beyond. A few, though, go only down to knees, but have a sheer layer of fabric overlaid to accentuate the legs and the hemline. Suzanne Ermann and Stephanie Allin have been solid designers of these dresses for a few years.

- Many women are going for something that’s a bit more modern and less traditional in a wedding dress these days. If that’s the case for you, then a tea-length dress can be ideal. This sort of couture isn’t as tradition-minded, generally. With hems that fall just below the knees, they’re great for accentuating the lower legs and a fine-looking pair of shoes. Their bodices are at once demure and alluring, which is quite a feat. Allan Hanna and Leigh Hetherington are two of several great designers working in this line.

- Another noticeable trend in wedding dress design for 2010 has been the use of asymmetrical-looking dresses, which have a single shoulder in place of the strapless gown. Top designers and fashion mavens say these sorts of dresses are great for what are called “destination weddings.” It tends to show off the neck and shoulders, so take some time to tone those areas up.

Wedding dress styles today have never been more diverse or exciting, and the trend appears to be just as exciting in the coming years, especially in 2010. You can choose from very traditional (with a veil and tiara) to something less-traditional, like a tea-length dress or a 50s-style gown. Take a bit of time to look over what you think would be ideal for you and then wear it proudly.

Want to ensure a fashion-forward look for your upcoming 2009 or 2010 wedding? From sleek silhouettes to mini-dresses and tiered gowns, these latest looks for wedding gowns will help you put your best fashion foot forward to get you down the aisle in style.

Sleek Silhouettes
Slim is the silhouette of choice for the modern wedding dress – as sheaths, trumpets, and column wedding dresses ruled the runways. Don´t fret if you´ve always dreamed of donning a billowy ball gown, however, as this traditional style never goes out of style.

Colorful Details
Modern brides are experimenting with color to tie their ensembles into the color scheme. Adding a splash of color to the basic white gown remains popular through colorful sashes and appliqué details, or more dramatically through two-toned wedding gowns with a colored bodice against a white or off-white skirt.

High Hemlines
Not afraid to show a little leg, today´s brides are embracing the tea-length and mini shift dresses that have become de rigueur in nearly every wedding dress designer´s latest collections. The trend makes sense for destination weddings calling for laid back attire and brides opting to don a second dress for dancing the night away at the reception.

Tiered Skirts
Whether chiffon, tulle, organza, or even feathers – layers of fabric are the newest major detail designers are playing with to create soft, yet dramatic gowns. This flowing style is perfect for the bride who is a romantic at heart.

Floaty Fabrics
Dresses weighted down by heavy crepes, matte satins and silks are lightening up to fabrics like taffeta and organza. These airy fabrics are easy to layer and more comfortable for a gown worn for up to 10 hours. And for brides having a summer wedding, donning a lighter fabric will ensure they´re glowing – not sweaty and red-faced – on their wedding day.

One Shoulder
This asymmetrical look is a hot fashion trend that has crossed over into the bridal world to update the basic strapless gown. Carrying a simple, no fuss vibe, the one shoulder gown is a great option for a destination wedding. Bonus points for those blessed with toned limbs, as this neckline shows off the upper arms and shoulders.

Practical Pockets
Having graced gowns for a few seasons, pockets remain hot in 2009. The style lends a casual vibe for relaxed events, and – perhaps best of all – it´s practical too, allowing brides to keep essentials like lip gloss or tissues on hand throughout the day.

Get even more 2009 and 2010 wedding dress trends in this complete wedding dresses guide and photo gallery of designer dresses.

You’ve now taken the plunge and said you to his marriage proposal. You’re excited but have some trepidation about the next step. Embarking on wedding preparations can be a daunting experience. But don’t worry there is help at hand. This beginner’s guide to wedding planning will give you a good starting point for planning the biggest celebration of your life.  
The First step is to consider the date. Do you want an autumn wedding or do you prefer the symbolism of a springtime celebration. Whichever you choose you need to allow yourself enough time to book your venues as most a booked months in advance.
The budget is the next step in planning your wedding. How much you are willing to spend will determine the type of wedding you’ll have. Big or small. Extravagant or simple. A fully catered event or a cocktail party. To put a budget together you should estimate the cost of everything and then try to keep to your budget. Make sure you expectations and budget are realistic.
Research suppliers and vendors you think you might use for your wedding.   Below is a suggested checklist with timelines.
12 TO 24 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING
 
o    Announce your engagement to family, and then friends
o    Decide upon a budget and list who will pay for what
o    Determine wedding style and degree of formality of your wedding
o    Meet with clergy. Arrange for pre-marital counselling or classes suggested by clergy
o    Select ceremony site (have alternative plan if wedding is held outside)
o    Select reception site (have alternative plan if wedding is held outside)
o    Set date and time of wedding and reception
 
·         Note: You must coordinate your ceremony site, reception site, date and time of wedding, budget and size of the wedding before any other definite plans can be made
 
o    Both families begin to compile guest lists. (Set a definite date for final lists.)
o    Develop a record-keeping system for all wedding details, contracts, etc.
o    Develop a record-keeping system for guests, invitations, gifts, and thank-you notes
 
6 TO 9 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING
o     Select colour scheme and wedding theme
o      Select photographer/ videographer
o      Select music for ceremony
o      Select reception entertainment
o      Select florist
o      Select limousine service or other transportation
o      Select caterer (if not provided by reception site)
o      Select and order wedding cake
o     Choose your attendants including bridesmaids and groomsmen.
o      Shop for your gown, veil, headpiece, jewellery and accessories
 
Note: You should order your gown at least 7 months before your wedding date.
o     Select bridesmaid’s gowns 
 
Note: These gowns should also be ordered at approximately same time as your gown. Obtain a swatch of fabric to coordinate all other wedding colours.
o    Select shoes for you and bridesmaids.
o    Select formalwear
o    Finalize honeymoon plans
o    Apply for passport and arrange for inoculations (if necessary)
o    Select beauty consultant
o    Make arrangements for rehearsal dinner.
o    Reserve wedding night hotel suite
 
4 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING
o     Finalize guest list, eliminate duplicates
o     Enter guests’ names, addresses, and phone numbers into appropriate record book.
o    Delegate duties to the bridal party i.e planning bachelor/bucks party and brides party/hens night
o    Select wedding rings
o    Select bonbonniere. (If they are to be made, begin preparations.)
o    Make appointments for hairdresser, nail salon, makeup, tanning salon
o     Try new hairstyle now, rather than just before wedding.
o    Order invitations, wedding stationery, personal stationery with your married name, etc.
o    Reconfirm plans with ceremony and reception sites, clergy person, caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, ceremony and reception musicians, baker, and travel agent for honeymoon plans.
o    Check on status of attendants’ gowns.
o    Write and review wedding vows, if appropriate.
o    Ask special people to do reading at the ceremony.
o    Design wedding program handout for ceremony and arrange to have wedding program printed.
o     Make sure all deposits are paid, and contracts signed.
 
2 TO 4 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING
o    Address wedding invitations. (Invitations should be mailed six weeks before wedding date.)
o    Select gifts for attendants
o    Compile bridal shower guest lists.
o    Purchase garter, cake top, knife, toasting glasses
o    Set up a Bridal Registry
 
1 TO 2 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING
o     Have fittings for gown and attendants’ gowns
o      Obtain marriage license. (30 days before wedding date)
o      Purchase wedding gift for fiancé.
o      Prepare seating list for reception and make place cards, if appropriate.
o      Confirm ceremony details with officiate.
o      Finalize wedding music
o      Finalize music list for reception. Request special dances, songs, etc.
o      Make an itinerary for your wedding day. Give to all wedding party members,   parents, and wedding consultant.
o     Make sure all transportation arrangements for wedding party have been finalized.
o    Confirm that all men have been fitted for formalwear.
 
2      WEEKS BEFORE WEDDING
 
o    Call guests who have not responded to invitations
o     Confirm time and date of wedding rehearsal with all wedding party members.
o    Obtain travel tickets, itineraries
 
1 WEEK BEFORE WEDDING
o    Try on wedding gown to check fit and make sure it is pressed.
o    Reconfirm all wedding plans: ceremony and reception site, florist, photographer, videographer, musicians, baker, and   honeymoon plans.
o     Give caterer/reception site final head count.
o     Make final payment for any services that require prepayment.
o    Verify that all attendants have wedding apparel.
 
1      DAY BEFORE WEDDING
 
o    Set aside everything you will need at ceremony site: gown, headpiece, veil, accessories, shoes, stockings, slip, purse, brush and hairspray.
o     Attend rehearsal
o    Get a good night’s sleep!
 
WEDDING DAY
 
o    Forget any details that run amok.
o     Eat a good breakfast.
o    Take a relaxing bath.
o    See hairdresser for wedding hairstyle.
o    Have makeup applied.
o    Don’t forget rings and wedding license.
o    Thank everyone for their help.
 
Enjoy the day!

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