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Down the Isle in style

Fashion trends can change in the blink of an eye. Today, wedding attire is as susceptible to those changing as anything else. And now, couples are likely to be wearing anything as they say, ''I do.''

''The neatest thing about weddings now is that each one is unique,'' said Joyce Woody, a wedding consultant. ''A few years ago they were all similar. Now every one is different and I think couples really take more time to plan something special.''

While ceremonies and receptions can influence the feel and individuality of a wedding, the attire is what can really make a wedding stand out and set the tone for everything else.

Bridal gowns and bridesmaids' dresses are becoming simpler and more sophisticated, said Sallie Lester, owner of Mor Le'.

''We're seeing a lot cleaner, a lot more sophisticated look,'' she said. ''The lines are smooth, from the body-shaping sheath to the softer A-line.''

Jamie Dillard, owner of Jolee's Bridal Boutique, said another trend they are seeing a demand for is a two-piece look.

''It's the period piece,'' she said. ''It's two pieces and everybody can look good in it. It makes the waist look really skinny, no matter what size you are.''

Many brides also like the mock two-piece look, with the dress being one piece but the design resembles two, she said.

Fabrics also are changing, Lester said. Rather than wearing dresses made from traditional bridal satin with a high sheen, many brides are choosing dresses of matte and Italian silks.

''There's less shine,'' Lester said. ''The dresses are not glowing, but it's a finished sheen. It's more sophisticated and elegant.''

Other popular fabrics are organza and tulle, which can often be seen in the fuller, ball gown-style skirts, Dillard said.

''Organza is in again,'' she said. ''It used to be a real popular look about 10 years ago and it's back. It goes back to making the bride look like a princess. Italian satin is also popular because it doesn't wrinkle as much and it flows pretty and look prettier.''

The detailing of the dresses also has changed dramatically, Lester said.

''We're seeing a lot more detail on specific beading,'' she said. ''There's a lot of hand beading and patterns. We're seeing less lace encrusted with beads.''

When it comes to trains and veils, both store owners said they see women wanting everything available. The only exception, Dillard said, is blushers, or short, above-the-shoulder-length veils.

''We don't see many blushers anymore,'' she said. ''People that do wear them have wanted one forever or their parents want it.''

Dillard said her store has seen an increased demand for cathedral-length veils.

''We see it a lot with simpler dresses with shorter trains,'' she said.

To select dresses, women are placing more emphasis on wedding themes or locations, she said.

''We see more women looking at formal dresses for their wedding gowns,'' she said. ''There are a lot more people going to resorts to get married and they want a simpler dress that they can carry with them on a plane.''

Lester said she has seen an increased demand for dresses inspired by the fashions in the movie, ''Titanic.'' However, most of that demand has been in bridesmaids dresses.

For bridesmaids, both Dillard and Lester said the trends are similar to those for brides.

Popular colors this year include icy pastels, such as cornflower blue and periwinkle, and jewel tones, such as Burgundy and hunter green. Black and ivory also are popular choices.

''Brides are looking for smooth, clean lines in their attendants' dresses, too,'' Lester said. ''Bridesmaids' dresses can either complement the bride's dress or contrast it.''

While the women's attire receives the most attention at the wedding, the men are seeing more options in tuxedos, too.

''The trend over the last 10 years is the black tuxedo,'' said David Thompson, owner of First Class Tuxedos. ''As far as the jacket goes, the most popular style is the single-breasted jacket with multi-buttons.''

Jackets can now be found with two, three and four buttons, he said. There also are jackets with up to six buttons that have a retro style and feel.

''We have the Nehru-look jacket,'' he said. ''It's cycling back from the 1960s. It's a European, Beatles-type look.''

The biggest change in tuxedos has been the accessories to wear with the standard jacket and pants. Cummerbunds are out, vests are in, he said.

''The trend is moving toward full-back vests,'' he said. ''We're seeing vests in a multitude of colors and patterns.''

The full-back vests are higher cut, allowing more vest to show under the jacket.

''All full-back vests are six-button,'' he said. ''More buttons on the vest will complement more buttons on the coat. It also helps accentuate the upper torso.''

Gingiss Formalwear also offers another unconventional way to bring color to tuxedos.

''We have the Rainbow Collection,'' said David Powell, owner. ''It coordinates a color trim around the lapel of the jacket with the vest. The lapel zips into the jacket, making it easy to change.''

Bow ties are still worn, but they now have competition, too, Thompson said. Also available are the four-in-hand tie, or standard tie, and the Euro tie, which is similar to the four-in-hand. A mandarin collar shirt, which has a banded collar and eliminates the need for a tie, also is becoming popular.

''We're seeing the banded collar get more popular,'' Thompson said. ''It's commonly worn with a button cover to dress it up.''

Thompson said they are seeing many of the same colors become popular in tuxedo accessories.

''We're seeing the pastels like blush, platinum and amethyst,'' he said. ''In everything, we're seeing the turnover of time. Men's fashion is cycling just like women's.''