2009 Spring Bridal Bold Straps

Strapless gowns are taking a back seat. Whether it's tank straps, keyhole halters, beaded double straps, or off-the-shoulder looks, unique necklines are hot this season.

	<<<<< Silk taffeta ball gown with a sweetheart neckline by Jane Wang.
>>>>> A-line gown with beaded embellishments by Atelier Aimée.
	<<<<< Lace, modified A-line gown with an illusion corset bodice accented with jeweled ribbon by Pnina Tornai Exclusively for Kleinfeld.
>>>>> Blush, silk satin gown with an open back and an Alencon lace halter neckline over a draped, sweetheart neckline by Jim Hjelm.
	<<<<< Ivory, silk organza gown with an Alencon lace bodice, a softly scooped neckline, and delicate lace ruffle sleeves by Jim Hjelm.
>>>>> French ribbon lace gown with a trumpet skirt and a sheer neckline by Elizabeth Fillmore.
	<<<<< Mermaid-style gown with an organza layered bust and a jeweled neckline by Rivini.
>>>>> Point d'esprit, A-line gown with an Empire waist and a Watteau train by Christos.
	<<<<< Organza, A-line gown with a shirred bodice, tip-of-shoulder shirred straps, and beading at the waist by Christos.
>>>>> Ivory, cotton gown with Poiret rose lace accents and a beaded inset lined in platinum silk by Claire Pettibone.

History of Bridal Veils

Bridal veils have a rich and rumored history. They are believed to date back as far as the Roman Empire, where brides were covered with bright red and yellow wedding bridal veils to protect them from evil spirits that might whisk them away before entering the safe union with their husband. The fabric was meant to completely hide the beauty from the malicious intent of bad spirits.
	Headpieces have been used greatly in outdoor and beach weddings due to their simple and elegant feel. In Eastern Orthodox weddings, a decorative crowning is placed on both the bride's and the groom's head. Then, the headpieces are blessed and exchanged three times. After this ceremonial exchange, the couple is pronounced married. Bridal headpieces and veils are also traditional in Finnish weddings. After the union ceremony, there is a dance where the bride places her headpiece or wedding veil on one of the bridesmaids. Like the Western tradition of throwing the bouquet, this Finnish practice means that the designated bridesmaid will be the next to marry.
Some say that the tradition of donning wedding bridal veils dates back to the Bible. In the story of Jacob in the Old Testament (found in the Book of Genesis), his father-in-law, Laban, tricks Jacob into marring the wrong women. Because of the heavily masked veil that was not raised until after the union was complete, Jacob married the older and homelier Leah instead of the young and beautiful Rachel. Rachel was his one true love, and the deceit resulted in Jacob eventually having both as his wives. The story also resulted in the Jewish practice where a groom lowers the veil before the ceremony and lifts the veil before the kiss. This practice is known as Bedeken.

2009 Spring Bridal Colors

Designers were hue happy, showing gowns in head-to-toe pink, blue, silver, and gold. While the allover colors stuck to more muted (and wearable) tones, the accents featured brighter shades of yellow, green, and magenta.

	<<<<< Black This couture ball gown by designer Pnina Tornai Exclusively for Kleinfeld, perfectly named "Noir and Blanc," has an incredible multipatterned skirt and corset.
>>>>> Purple No, this is not a bridesmaid dress. It's an amethyst-colored, mermaid-style gown from Vera Wang. Flip the script and put your bridal party in white.
	<<<<< Green Strapless, mermaid-style gown with balloon sleeves by Reem Acra.
>>>>> Gold Swagged ball gown with a crimson Duchesse satin cabbage rose accent at the hip by Vera Wang.
	<<<<< Soft blue, silk chiffon, one-shoulder gown with a draped sweetheart neckline and a draped slim skirt by Romona Keveza.
>>>>> It's the color (a blue silk satin) and the dramatic mermaid skirt with tulle hem that make this Reem Acra gown an ultramodern and bold contender.
	<<<<< Pink Strapless gown with an asymmetrical, ruched bodice and a tulle skirt by Paula Varsalona.
>>>>> Gold, satin, A-line gown with a gold-beaded lace overlay and double bows at the bust and train by Youlin.
	<<<<< Pink Blush, satin organza gown with an Italian organza eyelet overlay by Carmela Sutera.
>>>>> Soft green, silk taffeta, off-the-shoulder ball gown by Romona Keveza.

2009 Spring Bridal Collections Short Skirts

Hemlines are on the rise, and they're not just a novelty. Most designers featured a showpiece short skirt in their new collections, whether it was a dare-to-bare micro mini or a longer tea-length look.

 

	<<<<< Spaghetti-strap, knee-length gown with a ribbon sash and a sweetheart neckline by Alfred Sung Bridals
>>>>> Mom may blush, but this bejeweled micro-mini from British designer Jenny Packham definitely makes a style statement. Do you dare to bare this much leg? Jenny Packham
	<<<<< Short gown with horizontal beading and a long, sheer capelet by Jane Wang
>>>>> Knee-length gown with a two-tiered skirt and tulle flower accents by Eugenia
	<<<<< Strapless, short gown with a bubble hem and keyhole openings in the front and back by Junko Yoshioka for Bonaparte NY
>>>>> Strapless, scalloped lace, short gown with a sweetheart neckline, a full skirt, and a flower accent at the waist by Romona Keveza
	<<<<< Strapless, blush, silk satin, knee-length gown with a pleated bodice and a high waist with crystal-beaded trim by Jim Hjelm
>>>>> Tea-length, pique gown with a tank neckline by Carmela Sutera
	<<<<< Strapless, short gown with bias banding and a satin belt by Platinum for Priscilla of Boston
>>>>> Satin, short gown with a floral-embroidered bodice by Vineyard Collection. Vineyard Collection