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Wedding belles

Vintage-inspired gowns bring out the romance

By Alice Suh | Special to amNewYork

January 30, 2007

Lace adds texture and romance to this Badgley Mischka gown. (Associated Press / January 29, 2007)

Get ready to fall in love with this season's most romantic wedding gowns. Say goodbye to strapless and hello to straps and sleeves, as ready-to-wed dresses take cue from ready-to-wear.

Whether it's V-neck, spaghetti straps, halters or puffy cap sleeves, more and more wedding designers are channeling the modest yet classic looks from the 1930s through '50s.

Steven Birnbaum, designer and co-owner of Birnbaum & Bullock, says the shift in trends is quite simple: Brides are finally ready to explore a different look.

"Brides are going for a more romantic, ethereal feel. They aren't going for the big Cinderella gowns. They want a much more sophisticated look," Birnbaum says.

Decadent, puffy ballroom-style gowns are being replaced by light bubble hems and colored sashes and belts. Alison Alexander, sales director for Amsale, says more brides are thinking fashion-forward and veering away from the expected.

"Strapless has been the best selling neckline for the past six years, and brides really want something different," Alexander says.

Although rich silk taffeta and satin remain a staple for most brides, detailed embellishments such as beading and lace are making a big comeback with young brides.

For a less traditional look, Bonaparte's designs by Junko Yoshioka offer the alternative: nostalgic flowy, vintage-inspired pieces from the '30s updated just enough to appeal to both the bride and her mother.

But, above all else, comfort is still mandatory. Bridal gowns in lightweight materials like chiffon and organza are best bets. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, a perfectly fitted gown should be breathable and easy to maneuver while standing or sitting for hours.

As for the finishing touch, long, delicate formal veils still reign supreme, although short back lengths provide just enough coverage for cap or puffy sleeved gowns.

And although designer or custom-made gowns can come near to busting your wedding budget, Birnbaum advises brides to avoid trying to duplicate a dress from an inexperienced dressmaker. It will often be poorly made and perhaps unwearable, he says.