Tie the knot in the dress of your dreams

By CINDY CALLAGHAN
Social Columnist

You¹ve made the big decision that 2007 will be the year you march down the aisle, so where do you start? Well, you¹ll want to look great coming and going in a dress that¹s both unique and of the moment. Tina Minshall, of Bridal and Formal in Cincinnati, gave me the run down on this year¹s newest trends ­ who¹s in and who¹s out designer wise and the top three tips that will ensure you end up with the dress you¹ve been dreaming of.

The Dress
* If you¹re looking to be fashion forward, check out the new halter wedding dresses. A great alternative to the strapless gown, halter styles are the biggest trends on the runway.
* All hail the trumpet skirt. The fit-and-flare of the trumpet gown is an updated take on the old mermaid gown. This is the look of the moment and is perfect for the bride who wants to make a fashion statement on her wedding day.
* Color, color, color. Soft blush colors such as creamy peach, sage green and blush wine are all the rage in the couture market and are trickling down to the general public in the form of color sashes, ribbons and accents.

Designer know how
* The couture market ­ Couture dresses are priced at over $3,000, and right now, Austin Scarlett, fresh off of Project Runway, is the designer du jour. Designing for Kenneth Pool, Scarlett¹s dresses are known for their contemporary but feminine flourishes.
* Moderate ­ Dresses start at $1,200 and go up to $2,500. Design house Waters & Waters gives you the couture look at moderate prices, and the dresses are known for their great fit. Spanish design house Pronovias combines contemporary and feminine looks at moderate prices.
* Affordable ­ Dresses under $1,000. This year¹s line from Mori Lee is considered to be the best in years, and the quality of dress you get for the price is unmatched. Australian-based design house Maggie Sottero is known for its beautifully constructed gowns and incredible fit. These high fashion gowns offer the luxury at amazingly affordable prices.

Top tips
* Have an open mind when you start your search for the perfect dress. Flip through some bridal magazines for ideas of what you like but don¹t pre-judge a dress before trying it on. Sometimes the best looking dress on you is the last one you try on.
* When it comes to decision time, leave the entourage at home. Instead, bring a few of the people whose opinions you value the most to help you with your big decision. Too many well-meaning opinions may have you running for the hills.
* Don¹t be shy telling the saleswoman your realistic price range. This will allow her to steer you in the right direction and not have you wasting your time or falling in love with a dress that will bust your budget.

Source:
Tina Minshall
Bridal and Formal, Cincinnati
bridalandformalinc.com

Fun Bridal Facts

* 77% of brides use the Internet to plan the wedding; 43% to research the wedding; and 13% to purchase products and services.

* The top wedding-related searches online are:
Cakes ­ 60%
Wedding dress ­ 60%
Bridal bouquets ­ 58%
* 31% of weddings are paid for by both families.

* Couples in the Northeast marry later than couples in the rest of the country.

* Southerners are the least likely to live together before marriage.

Source:
The Perfect Wedding Guide