However, a veil reaching to the fingertips is considered the

Nontraditional Wedding Dresses Thinking Outside The Box

Whether it is a long puffy full skirt or an elegant wedding dress train with abundant decorative touches, there are some styles of wedding dresses that never go out of fashion. But what if you decided to make a bold choice and choose a modern style that shows off your individuality and creativity? More and more brides these days are doing just that. After attending wedding after wedding, and paging through bridal magazine after magazine, many brides decide to think outside the box and choose a nontraditional wedding dress.

Today's brides have more freedom to express their personal style and are not letting convention get in the way of their dream dress. Be on the lookout for cutting-edge designers with beautiful, original ideas. Runway designs are grabbing the attention of fashion-forward brides looking for a dress that stands out from the crowd. So ditch the pressure and start exploring all the possibilities there are in today's bridal fashions.

Short and Sweet

Who says a bride's dress has to include a long train. Isn't everyone expecting your dress to look like this anyway? Why not make a show-stopping appearance down the aisle in a fun and flirty short dress that embodies youthful energy and a daring spirit. A strapless silk satin short dress for example does not have to forget adornment, even though it is an above-the-knee dress. The decorative illusion hem might be adorned with crystal and pearl and embellished with Alencon

Lace and feathers. This ivory dress has the movement and energy reminiscent of a Jazz Age flapper, but with the sophistication of delicate lace touches.

For a more traditional look in a shorter, flirtier interpretation, try a silk and satin strapless short dress with spilt front over-skirt. A dress such as this creates the illusion of a full wedding dress, with the casual charm of the knee-length hem. This particular design is available in ivory and petal (a very subtle wedding gown boutiques light shade of pink). For those brides that dare to be different, the strapless silk taffeta cocktail dress might be just the look. Full of intricate detail, this dress features a modern bubble skirt that plays up the 80s retro trend so popular right now.

Add an air of elegance

Veils have traditionally been demure features of a dress that covered a bride's face in yards of taffeta. Today, veils and other accessories are transforming wedding dresses, with bold statements and stylish additions. Take for instance the silk organza strapless slim gown embellished with embroidery, ribbon, Swarovski crystals, cut silk flowers and bows. This ivory dress features a floor-length veil that frames the face, but doesn't obscure it, while adding decorative touches to the look courtesy of its intricate lace detail. The silk chiffon strapless slim gown with empire bodice and spilt front flowing skirt features a light and feathery ivory stole that's perfect for autumn or winter weddings. Much more than cold-weather gear, this accessory adds sparkle to the look with glistening fibers and a metallic satin bow.

White in many ways

Although few can argue with the simplistic beauty of a crisp white wedding dress, there are more ways to enjoy the white wedding beyond opting for a stark color. Toned down whites, in champagne, ivory and antique white all embody the spirit of the occasion just as easily as traditional white, while adding a sophisticated touch to the look. These colors should especially be considered when selecting a tint that works best with individual skin tone and color. Many nontraditional dresses come in a choice of ivory or white, so you can select the style you want and get the right color to match you as well.

Heavenly headpieces

Tiaras and crowns have always been traditional to secure a veil, but today's hair accessories are adding a whole new level of style to contemporary dresses. A headband of white satin curls and flowers for example compliments a variety of beautiful bridal gowns destination weddings dresses. Feathers, satin flowers and decorative hats can enhance the look of a simple gown and add a daring touch to a conservative gown.

As you can see, there are many styles and options to consider when it comes time to select a wedding dress. Trusting in your natural style and choosing a dress that not only looks fabulous, but feels comfortable will allow you to enjoy one of your most special days. By adding an unexpected touch, whether it is noticeable in the cut, shape or accessories of a dress can make your dress and your wedding the most talked about event of the season.

How To Coordinate A Wedding Veil With A Wedding Dress

Wedding veils convey tradition and elegance. For many brides, the wedding doesn quite feel real until they put their veil on. Coordinating your wedding veil with your wedding dress can be challenging. It important to find a veil that doesn overpower the dress. But how can you be sure youe making the right choice? If youe feeling overwhelmed about coordinating your wedding veil and wedding dress, take a look at these helpful tips and ideas.

The Blushing Bride

The term blushing bride may have its roots in the veil. A veil was conventionally used to hide the identity of the bride to be from her soon to be husband. Today, a bridal veil serves no purpose other than to identify a woman as bride, make her feel beautiful and add to the romance of the wedding.

Many brides forgo the complete veiling of the face. But if not, the bride may choose a blusher veil. This shorter veil is sewn onto a longer veil or hat and is flipped back off her face when it is time for the kiss. The length of the blusher veil varies from shoulder length, elbow length or one that reaches to the fingertips.

The Veil and the Wedding Dress

Many brides practice the tradition of handing their veils down the generations. Yet if a bride is not the recipient of a family heirloom, how does she go about choosing one the best fits her?

The wedding dress plays a large part in bride choice of veil, but personal taste and hairstyle also plays a part. A bride needs to carefully assess her gown. A general rule of thumb is that a flowing wedding gown is best suited to the shawl veil, while a fitted gown is best shown off by the scarf veil.

The length of the veil is also chosen for its appropriateness, and can vary from shoulder length, waist length, fingertip length, knee length, floor length and beyond. Generally, the more formal the wedding gown the longer her veil should be.

A shoulder length flyaway veil made from materials like netting or point dsprit is a perfect accompaniment for vintage inspired gowns from the 60s, while a waist length veil in the same fabric would suit a 50s inspired gown wonderfully.

However, a veil reaching to the fingertips is considered the most versatile of all veils. If you bridal gowns with cap sleeves are not sure what type of veil to choose, this is the veil for you. When edged with lace or beads they are wonderfully romantic and can be coordinated in any way to suit the wedding gown.

Veils reaching to mid calf are less common, but are perfect for brides who want a traditional look. These veils are also ideal for outdoor weddings since they won drag on the ground and get damaged or dirty.

Floor length or chapel veils are best suited for more formal weddings. They can range from being just an inch off the floor to touching the floor. A very pretty effect is achieved when the veil has no border and flows seamlessly with hem of the gown. Chapel length veils that sweep the floor coordinate beautifully with slim and fitted wedding gowns, as they are able to echo the slender lines and flow of the dress itself. This type of veil works very well with a blusher or a tiered veil, as it can be detached after the ceremony, leaving behind the shorter veil for easy movement. A simple ribbon or beaded edging adds interest, but a simple veil that picks up accents from the wedding gown can it make much more special.

The cathedral veil is the longest veil and is used only for the most formal of weddings and in venues with grand, ornate aisles. The ultra long veil trails out behind the bride and offers a spectacular sight. Meant to impress, these veils are usually highly coordinated to the wedding gown.

Wedding Veil Styles and Designs

A veil is not an afterthought; it is a vital part of a bride ensemble and is often specifically coordinated to suit her wedding gown. Veils can range from simple and streamline to lavish and ornate, depending on how formal the dress and the bride are.

It is best to select a veil that complements and coordinates with a wedding gown so that it flows and blends naturally. A veil should be able to draw the eye to the focal point of the wedding gown, rather than being the focal point itself. After all, at some point during the festivities the veil is completely affordable homecoming dresses removed and the dress needs to shine on its own.