Today's brides have more freedom to express their personal style

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 long sleeve bandage dress 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 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, evening dress shoes 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 long lace dress 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 girls smocked dresses example compliments a variety of beautiful 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.

Finding The line With Homecoming Dresses

Being a parent is about finding that thin line between what your kids want and what they need. As a parent you might not have all of the answers, but, in the end, you know what is good for your kids. Still, finding that thin line is important when it comes to making your kids happy. This becomes more and more relevant when your kids hit high school. High school is the time when teenagers begin to think that they are grown up and thus know what is best for their life. These are the times of epic fights, the silent treatment and the good ole you just dont understand me. It wont be for a few more years that your children will understand and appreciate your hard line, but for the time being you may have some rough going. This may not be more evident than when it comes time for a dance and your little angel wants to pick out a homecoming dress. Of course, her idea of the perfect is going to be a bit different than yours.

Chances are if you look back at your youth you will remember that the last thing you wanted to be is a perfect angel. If you were a teen girl you probably clashed one or two times with your parents based on what you were wearing. The same thing is probably going to happen when it comes time for her to pick out a homecoming dress. Your teenager is not going to pick something that makes her look like an angel. Without mincing words she no doubt wants to look sexy. As a parent this is the last thing that you want to happen.

What you have to do is find that thin line as it relates to what you want and what she wants. While your first inclination may be to have her go in a burlap sack, you also want her to feel confident on her special day. What you need to do is find some common ground. Tell her that you arent trying to keep her down on anything, just that she doesnt have to rely on such clothing to show how truly beautiful she is. Look for something just as stunning, yet not showing any (or too much) skin. Chances are after all of the yelling and complaining you will be able to find a dress that she loves, even though it doesnt show skin. Remember: having a child is all about patience, and whether you are going to look for dresses at home on the Internet, or you are going to look for them at your local store, it will take some patience getting to the right one.