Wedding gown trends are tending towards simpler, less fussy styles. It could be the recession or it could be fashion spurning this on. Either way, I’m all for paring down in the dress department and letting your natural beauty shine through.

This eco-friendly Chameleon Gown has a lot going for it. The simple a-line skirt and empire waist make it a great choice for almost any figure, and the straps that are twisted and wrapped around the waist here are totally convertible. Here are some other fabulous ways to wear this gown.

I love the wrapped, strapless version of the dress, but …read more

Holy bombshell wedding gowns! This one’s a real doozy, ladies. It has a definite vintage flare, but with the benefit of a modern, customized fit.

I usually don’t go in for sequins, but I’m willing to make an exception in this case. I love the rouched satin bodice and the glamorous organza trumpet skirt.
Best of all, this dress is totally custom made to your measurements at a less than off-the-rack price. Available for $795 from Bellina Bridal.
Photo Credit: Bellina Bridal

Not all women want to look like princesses on their wedding day. Or maybe some women just have a different idea of what princesses look like. I know I do. A lot of women are over that whole pouf skirt, tulle and lace thing, but they don’t want to go the way of the grecian gown, either. Well, here’s another way to do minimal, brought to you by the 1970’s.

This crepe wrap style gown by Gianfranco Ferré is drop dead elegant. It has classic, clean lines, and a vibe that is simulatneously timeless and retro-futuristic. The subtle net inserts at …read more

Despite the fact that women around the globe have been wearing colorful wedding dresses for, oh, I don’t know, FOREVER, American women are just now catching on. There’s something special about a bride that has the confidence to step away from tradition and wear a bold red gown on her wedding day, and this, my friends, is just for those ladies.
This Red Poppy evening gown by Ruby Pearl has a fabulously daring bodice, and multi-layered princess skirt. I love all the tulle overlay, it looks as though it’s just floating on top of the skirt. This eye-popping shade of poppy …read more

I just recently found out about this amazing Polish designer, Agnieszka Swiatly, and now I’m totally obsessed. This gown is not technically a wedding gown, but it fits the bill beautifully, is custom made to your specifications, and is only $299!
The intricate pleating on the gown is gorgeous and flattering, and I love the asymmetrical lace appliqués. The silhouette is a simple column, brought in by a structured waistband. I think that this is the perfect gown for a sophisticated, modern bride who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money, but wants something totally one-of-a-kind. Available for $299 from …read more

You can save a lot of money on your wedding gown if you branch out into the world of non-wedding dress shops. You cannot, however, usually save a lot of money on Valentino. But right now there’s a sale, and a dress that is fairytale wedding perfect, even if it isn’t actually a “wedding” dress.
Holy perfection. Honestly, this dress is amazing. It takes a lot of things that I’m not always sure about and makes them inarguably fabulous. Jewel adornment, grecian draping, ankle lengths, these are not a few of my favorite things, but their combination on this dress is …read more

With all the asymmetrical styles making their way into the fashion world these days, it’s no mystery that the trend has arrived in the world of wedding gowns. I’ve always been a fan of one shouldered dress styles, as they add interest to a woman’s neck and shoulders. Also, the style tends to elongate the body, creating one long line from the tip of the shoulder to the ground.
The pleated design on the bodice, in combination with the asymmetrical cut, really emphasizes the top of the gown. And the skirt gently flares out from the hips, creating a shape that …read more

This gown by Econica has everything. It’s simple, chic, modern, inexpensive, and made of environmentally friendly organic materials. And it’s under $400. And it looks amazing. Unbelievable.
I love the body skimming sheath silhouette, and the soft drape of the fabrics. The asymmetrical ruffle detail goes from top to bottom, which creates a long, lean, unbroken line that lengthens the body. But the ruffle doesn’t take away from the understated elegance of the design. It is just fluffy enough to create interest without adding bulk or volume. Available for $380 from Econica.
Photo Credit: Econica

I’m always on the lookout for wedding gowns that strike a good balance between being modern and having a classic element. One the one hand, you want to have a dress that is relevant to contemporary styles, but you don’t want anything dated or costume-y looking. I love this dress by Anne Barge.
The soft floaty tulle is absolutely dreamy. I love the way it covers the bodice, making the whole dress look slightly soft focus and culminating in those cloud-like billows at the bottom of the skirt. The dropped waist design is flattering, and with the right undergarments can really …read more

In case you haven’t noticed, it’s still summer. If you are planning a summer wedding and still haven’t found the perfect dress, you better get on it. And, given the economy and the temperature, you might want to consider something short and simple. But, just because it’s short, simple, and inexpensive doesn’t mean it has to look totally plain Jane. Check out this adorable dress by BCBG Max Azria.
Besides the general loveliness of this dress, it has a number of perks. First, that black ribbon around the waist means that you can wear black shoes with it, which is a …read more