The trend has really caught on from the past year and there is more of accentuating the classic white dress than ever. And the favorite accent colors are - you guessed it right - red and white. Alfred Angelo's red and white corset back piece was an instant hit and inspired many creative designs using red. Black detailing soon followed and exquisite black embroidery started showing up on wedding dresses from top brands and designers.

More and more brides are embracing this trend and adding a dash of color to their wedding dresses with more than just a sash. Choosing the entire wedding colors and the bridesmaids dresses around this accent color is quite the rage and 2009 weddings are sure to see lots more of this trend.

Black and red are not just making appearances on the wedding dress but also off it. Colored accessories, engagement rings with colored stones, colored sandals etc. are being used to complement the white dress and add a burst of color.

Alfred Angelo's strapless red lace-up corset back dress from the 'Dream in Color' collection

Maggie Sottero's strapless 'Aspen' gown in gossamer chiffon with a black beaded band

Short Wedding Dresses

Summer is the most popular time for weddings and add to it the popularity of destination weddings. Warmer weather and more casual beach or outdoor weddings are leading brides to opt for shorter wedding dresses. Bridal shops and boutiques in Florida and Hawaii have a special selection short dresses to cater to brides who opt on for the 'barefoot on the beach' type of casual weddings. Short wedding dresses are also popular in favorite hot spots on the west coast, vineyards and several other island and beach destinations.

Usually brides struggle to find their perfect short wedding dress but this year, there are more than one number of short wedding dresses in most collections unveiled by designers. Most spring collections have beautiful short dresses for the summer brides to choose from. From ultra simple and chic to lots of layers and ruffles, short wedding dresses never had it this good.

Beach brides are expected to team up their little white dresses with simple adornments like peep-toe sandals and a white hat to themed accessories like flower crowns and leis and bracelets to funky and casual stuff like wide-brimmed straw hats and beach footwear.

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2009 Runway

Melissa Sweet Spring 2009 Runway

Tara Keely Spring 2009 Runway

Gray is the new Champagne

Champagne gowns and details have forever been the alternative to an all-white wedding ensemble. But this year, Gray is looking bigger - and better - than ever! Gray has always been around in wedding dresses, but it is this season that designers have taken a surefire fancy to the color. Some wedding gowns have been designed more like evening or cocktail gowns making them perfect for an informal or a second wedding. Whether teaming it with white or designing completely gray wedding dresses, 2009 belongs to it.

Vera Wang Fall 2009 Collection Forest Fantasia

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2009 Runway

Elizabeth Fillmore Spring 2009 Runway

Silhouettes and Styles

Vintage and modern both are in. Halter necks, Greek goddess style empire waists, long trains, brocade and beads, lace and ruffles set the tone for a decidedly vintage look whereas sleek gowns, mermaid cuts, strapless necklines and large bows and trimmings state a more bold and sophisticated modern look. A combination of the two is also one of the hottest trends of this year. The trend of empire waists coming in this year will bring relief to all those brides out there looking to hide their waists and hips.

Carolina Herrera Spring 2009

Vera Wang Spring 2009 Collection

Christos Spring 2009 Runway

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