Today's trends in bridal gowns place the focus on a bride's uniqueness and individuality more than the dress. With a larger variety of gowns to choose from, today's brides have been afforded the opportunity to find a gown that truly expresses their personal style.

Any gown, however, is the sum of its parts—bodice, silhouette, fabric, trim, etc.—and to truly see what's happening in the world of bridal gowns, one must look at each individual area to see what's becoming popular.

Silhouettes. Overall, narrower, more sophisticated silhouettes are gaining more popularity, as they help to make a body appear slimmer.

• A-line (also known as princess line) dresses remain very popular, as they provide long graceful lines that are very slimming on most figures.
  
• Sheaths with detachable trains have been around, but the newest sheaths are cut with part of the train built into the silhouette, to gracefully trail behind the bride.
  
• Bias-cut wedding gowns have gained new interest. These styles are cut in such a way that they follow the curves of the body, softly flaring out at the hem. They are reminiscent of the Hollywood movie stars of the 1930's.
  
• The ballgown style has undergone some transformations in recent years. Whereas all ballgowns once had a basque waistline (a dropped waistline that dips down to a "V" in the front) with a gathered skirt, many more of today's ballgowns have raised the waistline to a point just below the natural waist or even at the natural waist. Skirts are being pleated into deep folds or cut to flare out without any gathers in a circular shape. These finer points mean that today's ballgowns help to flatter the shape, helping to provide an "hourglass" figure without the extra bulk.

Necklines.

• Square and curved square necklines have become increasingly popular and v-necks have gained a new popularity. These new necklines provide a fresh, open look without risking any "overexposure."
  
  
  
  
  
• Off-shoulder dresses continue to provide a romantic neckline. Some of the more popular off-shoulder gowns feature necklines that come around to the tip of the shoulder.

Sleeves.

• Sleeveless gowns have proven to be very popular, providing the bride a light, summery look. Conversely, with evening gown styles, going sleeveless can help to make a bride appear more glamorous.
  
• Cap sleeves (small fitted sleeves) continue to be a popular alternative to the sleeveless styles.
  
• The newest look in long sleeves is usually narrow and smoothly fitted in . Also, sheer sleeves with little or no trim help to convey a modern look.

Waistline.

• Empire waists remain a very strong trend in wedding gowns because of the way in which they add height to a bride. They help to shift the focus upwards, which works very well on petite brides.
  
  
  
  
  

• The newer style in dresses that have a "drop waist" (a waistline that is 3- to 5-inches below the natural waist) is to feature a straight-across waistline instead of the more traditional basque waists that dip down to a point in the front. This new waistline look gives a gown a more contemporary feel.

Fabrics. In addition to satins and silk shantungs, which remain very popular, there are an increasing number of newer fabrics that are now available.

• Sheer fabrics (chiffons, organzas, and satin-faced organzas) can give dresses a light breezy look.
  
• Tulle skirts remain popular for the way they bring an almost cloud-like appearance to a skirt.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Velvet has started making inroads into today's wedding gowns. Especially with a winter wedding, it provides a wonderful texture. Cut velvet has also started to come into its own, as this unique fabric can add interesting surface patterns onto the gown's surface.

Surface treatments.

• Embroidery has started to replace the traditional lace appliques on dresses, creating a lighter, "artful" design presentation.
  
• Scattered beads and pearls are also a newer way to accent dresses with out lace.
  
• Newer lace styles are lighter than their predecessors. They feature smaller patterns and more intricate details. This new simplicity has given wedding gowns a fresh new look.
  
• Overall, trims have started to create a bigger impact on a gown by, ironically, using less. Rather than featuring it all over, they are placed strategically on the gown, which enhances the bride's appearance.

It's important to look at the inidividual elements of a gown to find out what looks best on you. The ultimate test, however, is when you try it on—when the silhouette, sleeves, neckline, and other elements work in concert to highlight your unique personality. Look at the details, then look at the gown overall. Find the gown that enhances your beauty on your wedding day!