AisleDash

We love how this dress by Eden Bridal combines intricate embroidery and beading with wide swaths of smooth satin to achieve a look that is both clean and glamorous. The trick is to add embroidery only where it counts (at the bust and waist line and the hem) and let the quality of the fabric speak for itself elsewhere.

Two other nice features in this dress are the wide straps on the bodice and the front and back V-neck lines - both are flattering to a wide range of figures and are easy to wear.

Available at Eden Bridals - sizes 0-28

We've discussed the importance of thinking about the "back view" - if you're having a traditional wedding ceremony, it's a good bet that your guests will become very familiar with back of your dress. Why not give them something pretty to look at while you're busy exchanging vows?

We loved this dress by Liancarlo - the illusion back has scattered crystals and is embroidered in gorgeous silver and ivory french chantilly and is both lovely and interesting to look at. It takes a simple and delicate sheath dress to glamorous new levels.

(You'll need to wear something like this instead of a regular bra. Obviously.)

See more at liancarlo.com. Click here to find a bridal salon in your area.



More views are after the jump.

We are all familiar with a shawl, that pretty and comforting accessory that not only warms but adds an element of grace and style to an outfit. We've seen wedding versions made of organdy or knit from fine wool -- but did you know that their origins are much, much older than that?

The word shawl comes from the Persian 'shal', simply a loose, wrapping garment meant for warmth, and they are traditional throughout the east, for men as well as women. Beyond simple warmth, though, they can have decorative, symbolic, and even religious purposes. And they are certainly worn at weddings.

The Aria by Matthew Christopher is part of the Spring 2008 collection and is a dress full of movement and detail. We think the designer describes it best:


Yes! The piping is gorgeous and the embroidery is fun - and shouldn't your wedding day be full of gorgeousness and fun? We think so!

(More views - check out the workmanship on that train! - after the jump.)

This dress by designer Cocoe Voci pairs new ideas with traditional materials for a look that's fresh without being too avant garde - because let's face it, most brides would prefer to look gorgeous over making some outrageous fashion statement on their wedding day.

The dress can be made with halter straps, but we've chosen to showcase the strapless version because we feel it works better with the the gorgeous braided lace detail at the bustline. The bodice is made of draped silk satin and is embellished with delicate crystals. The skirt is silk organza and is hemmed in the same intricate lace that decorates the bustline.

Detailed photos are after the jump.

The Anais dress by Melissa Sweet takes the traditional mermaid gown and makes it something new.

This pretty, pretty gown has a sweetheart neckline and is covered in floral embroidery. It has a sleek fit-to-flare silhouette and other than the allover embroidery is a very simple gown. What makes it unique is the vertically ruffled skirt. It's dramatic without making you look like a flamenco dancer.

(Click here to see it in action. Trust us, the picture doesn't do it justice!)

For a spring or summer wedding, a gown with floral flare is a feminine nod to the season. Lush embroidery adds texture, and, if you're having the embroidery made to order by a seamstress or textile artist, the colors and blooms on your dress can compliment your wedding in a very personal way.

Or, you can do as in the picture here, and fall back on tradition: let your "something blue" be the flowers on your gown!

If this has caught your fancy, check out Wendy's post -- she has even more pictures!

When I got married, one thing I sort of missed out on was dress shopping. I use the term "missed out" lightly, because I don't actually feel like I made the wrong choice in having a friend make my dress for me. I picked out the style and she made it for me, and to say I didn't wear white does not tell the whole story. This is the color swatch from my marbled silk dress:


What can I say? I like color. That's probably why I'm so drawn to wedding dresses with color in them, even when they are much more traditional than my own. Sashes, embroidery, and other accents can really contrast that white quite nicely, and a sharp contrast like scarlet or black on white gives the dress an especially elegant look.

Just because you want a traditional dress does not mean you must abandon all pigment. A few accents to your dress can tie together the whole wedding party ensemble quite nicely, or give your look that extra pop. The Alfred Angelo website has a great tool where you can browse wedding dresses and view them in dozens of colors. Check out the gallery for some examples of Alfred Angelo dresses with color.