Summer Styles 2000 by Cheryl Gabiola Galvez

   Gorgeous, fun, and light are some of the words to describe the summer 2000 bridal look. "For summer 2000, this means that bare looks, which have been so important, will continue to trend. Strapless styles on ball gowns; A-lines and slim silhouettes emerge and look great for warm weather weddings. However, keep in mind that bare looks transcend seasons and can be worn year round. It's the bridesmaids' accent colors that suggest the season, think lighter colors for spring and summer, and more deep classic shades for fall and winter," reports David's Bridal, a nationwide bridal retailer.

   The classic tradition of wearing white is giving way to newer colors that may soon become just as common. "While white remains the number one choice for brides, ivory is a close second. Look for rum pink to continue as an accent on bridal gowns and for coordinating rum pink maids and mother-of-the-bride looks and for silver to emerge as the Millennium option."

    The summer months brings with it heat and, in some parts of the country, humidity. Look for lightweight and free-flowing fabrics to wear as you walk down the aisle. "Chiffon is still the freshest fabrication for skirts, giving a flowing feeling as a bride walks down the aisle. Translucent fabrics, such as organzas and sheer overlays over matte satins, also have a light summer feel."

   As we enter the dawn of a new millennium, traditional skirt styles are being thrown to the wayside. While some brides still prefer the traditional or Cinderella style of gowns, there are even more brides who are looking for fresh, new looks that express their individuality. Other styles such as an A-line skirt or sheath are becoming more popular in dress.

    Also, adding accessories to a dress helps to express a bride's personality. "Her statement with accessories can personalize the look. There are so many understated and simple bridal gown styles available this season that they lend themselves to being a blank palette for which a bride can paint her own signature style. There are no rules when it comes to individuality. She can choose to decorate her dress with strands and strands of pearls, ethnic touches, nostalgic trimmings of a special headpiece from a bygone era, or maybe an antique shawl or bright floral accents on the dress and in her hair. It's all about celebrating what makes a bride feel confident and comfortable."

   Adding accessories to a dress can also help transform an otherwise simple dress into a magnificent gown. "Silver embroidery on bodices and used in trim detailing looks newest and has a Millennium feel. Caviar beading compliments bridal looks taking simple styles and transforming them into sensational."

   Bridesmaids are not left standing in the wind. New styles and colors are more available than in the past. "The freshest news in bridesmaids is a whole separate story that enables a bride to create and customize her own head-to-toe bridal party look. The concept combines a sportswear sensibility with eveningwear elegance. With separates offering the option for mixing and matching tops and bottoms in different sizes, styles, and colors, you almost wonder why this didn't happen sooner. The overall feel for separates is understated and simple. Also look for mock two-piece looks and knits tops combined with flowing skirts. Colors emerge in blue pearl, celadon pearl, pink pearl or classic navy."

   Move over pastel colors! Here comes something different. "The influence of gray has trickled up from sportswear to eveningwear. From pale silvers, to charcoal and marcasite, gray stands out in metallic fabrications and becomes the Millennium's elegant option to black. Also, a pale influence is fresh for spring and summer weddings. Think of pale powder-like shades of celadon, pink and the blue family will be strong this season. Periwinkle hues remain a true-blue option with aqua appearing as a fresh take on the blue story."

SOURCE:

David's Bridal

David's Bridal is America's Premiere Bridal Fashion Authority, and the nation's largest bridal retailer with over 100 stores nationwide. In addition to offering a wide assortment of designer gowns, in stock, in sizes 2-26, each store has hundreds of bridesmaids, flower girl, mother-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-groom fashions, as well as head-to-toe accessories and gifts. A bride can make an appointment with an expert consultant at the nearest location by calling 1.800.399.BRIDE and can browse the website at www.davidsbridal.com. David's has everything the bride needs for her wedding day, except the groom!