Lynne Rustad of Ellynne Bridal in Lincoln summarizes the 2010 bridal season in an e-mail interview with Wedding Essentials Editor Chris Christen.

How Brides Shop

Brides have changed somewhat in their search for the perfect gown. The wedding gown remains the most important and personal purchase for the bride. She may decide to spend the majority of her apparel dollars on the gown and purchase less expensive shoes and borrow a veil and jewelry. She may choose to purchase her gown off the rack with a discount or shop for a couture gown on the sale rack and splurge on accessories.

Fetching Trends

First Lady Michelle Obama's choice of a one-shoulder gown may have affected the bridal industry. Bridal gown designers Essence of Australia and Maggie Sottero both have fabulous one-shoulder gowns. Some have beautiful silk flower straps or soft chiffon straps. Look for the return of the cap sleeve in 2010; they are very sensual. Jim Hjelm Couture offers fabulous fitted “fit and flare” gowns. The bride needs to make sure she can sit comfortably in this figure-flattering style. For comfort, the drop should hit between thigh and knee.

Fabrics

Silk is the hot fabric and it is very affordable. The bride should always choose a gown with the fabric that she loves to touch. Lace is always a special fabric for brides but 2010 offers many styles. A-line and shift gowns look particularly pretty in lace. A bodice of lace and a skirt of satin make a striking combination. Natural silk and lace complement each other.

Pleats

Gowns with pleats are flattering to almost every figure. A gown with a dropped waist and box pleats presents a stunning silhouette; pleats that fall from the back of a gown can be dramatic, too.

Veils

Brides love the veil. Veils in all lengths are back. A cathedral-length veil is 120 inches long; a grand cathedral is 140 inches long. Both need a bit more attention while wearing, but, oh, what a look. A cathedral veil can be worn with any gown but looks best with a gown that has a train that is at least one foot shorter than the veil. A ballet-length veil just brushes the bottom of the gown. Blushers, worn over the face, also are making a comeback. Could gloves be next?

Bling

Some brides are still looking for gowns with bling. This season's bling is bold. If a bride wears a simple silk gown, she may adorn herself with large rhinestone earrings and a bracelet. It's a good idea to try jewelry with the dress, rather than shop for your bling separately. Everything has to work together.

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