2005’s top bridal gown fashion trends

Each year brings fresh new designs and trends for bridal gowns. This year there is a dress for every type of bride no matter her personality — romantic, sassy, adventurous or sophisticated. Many styles are influenced from the top fashion designers in the world — Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang and Chanel. But local brides can see their influence in this year’s bridal gowns without having to pay top fashion designer prices. Having just returned from all the industry fashion shows across the country, here are the top bridal fashion trends for 2005.

Embroidery trim in an accent color is in for wedding dresses, said Sandra Gonzalez, of Casa Gonzalez. The trim detail can be seen best after bustling the train. (Casey Freeman/News-Sentinel)

• Color me wed — Red wedding gowns??!! You better believe it, along with champagne, baby blue and blush pink. Many dresses can now be ordered with accents in an array of hues to coordinate with theme and dŽcor. “Some dress designs come with a choice of over 40 different accent colors of embroidery or fabric. It’s a beautiful way for a bride to make her dress extra special!” says Ramona Gonzalez, owner of Casa Gonzalez Bridal Boutique in Lodi

• Lace and grace — When we think of lace we may reflect back in horror to lace explosions of the 1980s. But in 2005, lace reflects a modern romance. Graceful in its lines and flow, lace bridal gowns make a refreshing comeback by using smaller weave work and dainty detailed beading. Dresses of sheer lace over satins and lace accents at the train are two common uses this year.

• Vintage glamour — Think royalty when looking at glamorous gowns in ultra-soft silky satins. Audry Hepburn’s finale in Roman Holiday comes to mind. This look includes the classic fitted bodice, but now comes with box pleats to attain that full princess skirt look from the waist. Dress dŽcor includes fine crystal beading at the bodice and dramatic length trains showcasing elaborate handiwork, which once bustled, makes for a luxurious looking back view.

• Destination chic — More weddings are taking place in a local park, courthouse, Lake Tahoe or Hawaii, so destination chic dresses are everywhere this season. From short and sassy strapless dresses to chic sheaths, these dresses fit into any ceremony whether it’s barefoot on a beach in the Bahamas or in your local community rose garden. Due to the nature of the location, most dresses have no train or only a sweep train, are easy to move in and come in a variety of traditional fabrics — silk, satin, organza and lace. Full of fun and romance, designs range from glitz to simple elegance.

In 2005, brides have an array of choices for their wedding gowns. Many of these designs will become classics in their own right. A bride’s dress reflects her personal taste and with these fashionable gowns every bride is surely to celebrate her joy of life and love in style.

Sandra Gonzalez is co-owner of Casa Gonzalez Bridal Boutique in Lodi (cgbridal.com) and hosts wine and food radio shows in Napa Valley and San Francisco Bay Area.

Index of advertisers