Bridal trends unveiled

January through mid-March is the busiest time for those in the bridal industry, and for good reason. "Everyone is getting engaged around this time," said Anja Winikka, editor of Theknot.com. "Roughly 40 percent of couples get engaged between November and Valentine's Day." It's generally a moment when you don't take too many fashion chances. "It's a traditional day, not a red carpet event, so dresses aren't as cutting edge" said Phillip Lee, buyer for Macy's Bridal Salon. That said, there are looks and fresh options, especially this year. Brides in 2010 have many choices when searching for the perfect look.

Big embellishments

Wedding dresses make a statement with big, bold embellishments. "We're seeing tons of small rosettes on a skirt or big flowers on one shoulder or cascading petal details," Winikka said. In addition to flowers, you'll find 3D embroidery, big ruffles and exaggerated pleats -- "things that pop out at you," she said.

Monique Lhuillier's flowers are bold this season, as well. "Floral is always romantic," Winikka said. "It is celebrating love. They're softer, more romantic and more fanciful."

Personal touches

Brides will be adding custom elements to dresses. From brooches to straps, you can accessorize and alter as you wish. Intricate, beautiful belts are especially fashion-forward. "Instead of doing a solid sash, the new idea is to have a flower or rhinestone-embellished sash or belt. Maybe it's a slightly different color like dusty pink, but the embellishment is the only piece that takes on a different color," Winikka said.

Those looking to pop a color might wear a colorful shoe, suggested Kautt, who has worked with brides who have worn pink, blue, champagne, red and green footwear. L'atelier Couture uses accessories to set a look apart, such as Colette Malouf's headpieces and local designer Penny Larsen's jewelry, which can be custom-ordered. "Pretty much every single bride purchases something from the line," Kautt said.

Double duty

Some brides have been wearing two dresses. "Maybe it's their exit dress or they'll change for the party part of the reception," Winikka said. To accommodate this trend, Lee has noticed several designers creating convertible dresses. When done well, as by Romona Keveza, a full-length ball gown skirt can be removed to reveal a shorter dress. "Two dresses for the price of one," he said.

Money matters

In the current economy, designers have been giving brides more options. Monique Lhuillier launched a secondary line, Bliss, which offers her label with simpler options. "The price points are really what distinguishes them," Lhuillier said. "They're simplified, but still have my signature look." The line also allowed her to put her fantasy looks into the higher-end collection without worrying about cost.

Since bridal magazines don't publish prices, it's often difficult for brides to know what to expect. Dresses at the Macy's Bridal Salon will range from $800 to $14,000. Dresses in the lower range are less embellished. To bring costs down, many designers have been using fabrics such as tulle. "It works really well with a ball gown style," Winikka said. "It gives the dress a bit more movement."

A challenge for any bride is picking out dresses for her friends and her family. Lhuillier keeps them basic. "I think bridesmaid dresses should be simple, classic and clean. Nothing too fussy. It shouldn't take away from the bride," she said.

Michelle Hanson, owner of Flutter Boutique, has noticed the new collections are simpler. "There is a return to femininity with lots of pretty details and soft touches," she said. Taking cues from the original "Sex and the City" movie, brides are letting their attendants wear different looks. One of Hanson's customers is putting her bridesmaids in red, yellow, blue and black. "It's a tough look to pull off," Hanson said. "We line up all of the colors and see if they work."

Echoing bridal trends, designers such as Lela Rose are adding rosettes and flower details to dresses and embellishing with gauze and tulle accents. Both Hanson and Winikka have noticed more patterns (especially florals) in bridesmaid dresses. Hanson suggests putting a maid of honor in a print and then the other bridesmaids might wear coordinating solids.

For 2010, hot colors include grays, purples (especially bright), kelly green and navy. Just about anything goes for lengths, including long, to the knee and above the knee (the bridal equivalent of mini).

Hanson and Winikka say these frocks are not only more form-fitting and body-conscious, but also easier to, yes, wear again.

Pop of black

The freshest look on the runways continued the idea that brides can add a touch of color. From sashes to a row of black buttons down the back to black lace, these dark accents are the biggest fashion-forward idea. "Vera Wang was the trendsetter in this category. She had a ton of them. They're gorgeous, actually," Winikka said. Amanda Kautt, owner of L'atelier Couture in St. Paul, added: "It's more of a ready-to-wear feel, so brides feel more comfortable expressing themselves."

Retro accessories

The sleek look of "Mad Men" influences even bridal wear. "There's a 1950s style edge right now," said Winikka, citing wristlet gloves, pillbox hats and bird-cage veils. "French veils are short and cutesy!" she said. Monique Lhuillier's brides wore stylized fascinators (headpieces). "They work well with a short hairstyle. It's one of those things that a bride can buy and decide that day if she wants to pop it in." Bubble veils, which have two tiers with one that poofs up on top, are also coming down the aisle.

Buoyant ball gowns

Designer Monique Lhuillier was definitely inspired by the shape. "For 2010, it's all about going over the top and making the moment special. It's not about understated elegance. A really special dress captures all of the fantasy that you've imagined," Lhuillier said.