
	Find all your wedding vendors near you


Dresses & Accessories

A Touch of Glitz

You can add dashes of trendy shine and shimmer to your look-even if you're a shy bride

A rhinestone here, some embroidery there—suddenly, popular wedding dresses have a new spark. And while this hot, bolder look may not seem your cup of tea, even brides who worship at the altar of minimalism can get into this trend. Here's how:

It's in the details

Surprisingly, the latest bridal fads are not that far from everyday looks. Metallics have been hitting the racks of your favorite stores, and now the bridal designers are adding touches of gold, silver and bronze to their latest creations. While a head-to-toe silver ensemble may not be most folks' bag, golden glass beading on the bodice of your gown is an easy, subtle way to add sparkle to your bridal look.

Colored accents have been big for a few seasons, but instead of sticking to sweet pastels, Janine Posa, a custom-gown designer and founder of JP Couture, points the latest hues are more regal (think purple, not lavender), and complemented by shimmery rhinestones. The little details, like embroidery, detailing on the train, and textured fabrics, make the gown unique. And more and more brides are looking to show off their gym-toned bods, as evidenced by the popularity of strapless dresses.

A subtle touch

For the timid, add any of these touches to your look in moderation-try a rhinestone tiara, a dark-toned silver necklace or rhinestones or flowers woven into an up-do. The key is balance-if you have an ultra-glamorous gown, keep your accessories understated. Cathy Weiss of Priscilla of Boston says that veils are taking a turn away from the dramatic. Instead, they are more simple, often not accompanied by a headpiece, and their lengths vary according to what the bride likes.

Something personal

The most important thing, according to Weiss, is to "pick a gown for yourself and no one else." Posa agrees, "It is your wedding day, and it is about how you want to be portrayed. If there is a certain style you keep going back to and it's not typical, that's okay. It is about the individual bride and it's okay if you break the rules." And because most bridal gowns are non-refundable, make sure you are confident with your selection before you commit.