Once upon a time, a wedding meant a fairy tale white dress. Not anymore.

Area wedding wear experts noticed at least five new trends for fashionable brides, like free-flowing, ethereal fabrics with less embellishment, colorful accents from subtle to bold, jackets or sleeves, a focal point at the waist and new lengths from tea to above-the-knee.

Allison Kozel, manager and buyer for Something Bleu in Saratoga Springs, traveled to Barcelona this fall to see the latest European trends and gowns. She also attended the New York designer shows to see the latest styles.

Kozel shops in Europe to be ahead of the trends here. It takes a few years for what is on the runway in Barcelona to reach the American market, she said.

“It’s all about feminine, flowy fabrics,” she said. For the past few years, the trend has been away from crisp white gowns toward a more flattering blush or ivory gown. This is still true.

Marylu Aragosa, owner of Ferri Formals and Bridals on Union Street in Schenectady, attended the New York shows and came back noting the use of blush, moss green and even fuschia in Vera Wang’s 2008 collection. In Chinese culture, red and fuschia gowns denote good fortune, and Chinese brides often change into several different wedding gowns on their special day.

Aragosa also reported seeing bib-top necklines, asymmetrical folded necklines and multi-layered trims. To accentuate a bride’s hourglass figure, Vera Wang’s collection includes gowns with large colorful and shimmering flowers, ribbons and bows at the waist. “You can always count on seeing new things” at the shows, Aragosa said.

She noted that the use of lace, particularly Chantilly lace, was strong.

Kozel added that what’s new is the unusual combinations of traditional textures and rich fabrics. “You’ll see a mix of lace and Swiss dot or chiffon. The gowns are very beautiful, very Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, very traditional and classic,” she added.

Going to Unusual lengths

Karen Canty, one of the owners of Lily-Saratoga, said “every designer had a short gown” and not just the tea-length gowns that have been gaining in popularity in recent years. Jim Hjelm introduced a mini-skirt length with a high waist, bubble skirt and pockets that Canty called “very cute.”

This shorter length could be a response to the very popular beach destination wedding. “The trend was for flowy gowns on the beach. Now, the designers are going for a different, fun look,” she said.

Most designers are now offering their gowns in both tea length and floor length. In upstate New York, Canty said, the long formal gown is still the first choice of most brides.

Designers are also building dress lines around the trend of destination weddings by offering brides goddess-like dresses that travel well and look delightfully appropriate at beach weddings. David’s Bridal’s new line has several goddess dresses including one style with a Grecian inspired neckline, ruched waist with silk sash and shoulder accents.

An innovation from David’s Bridal that will be launched this spring is a line of wedding gowns designed to fit the proportions of the petite bride’s shape. They are available in sizes zero to 16 and should mean fewer alterations for the smaller bride.

New Necklines

Necklines are still changing as brides looks for alternatives to the strapless gowns that have dominated the market in recent years. There are V-neck, asymmetrical and one shoulder looks available for 2008.

Others changes are more subtle, as in offering sleeveless lace jackets to wear over a strapless gown, giving the outfit a different look. Some designers have created bolero or soft organza jackets that coordinate with the gowns.

Whatever is chosen, the message is clear. Today’s bride can choose a dress that is long or short, in pure white or not to reflect her own style on her wedding day.

The other members of the wedding

For the groom, more couples are choosing chocolate suits rather than the traditional black and white tuxedo. “It goes along with the trend toward blush and ivory gowns,” Kozel said. The chocolate suit looks rich and coordinates well with an off-white gown.

For the mother of the bride, choices have traditionally been beaded and somewhat dull. Canty noted that more women are looking for a classic look that reflects today’s taste. The dresses or silk suitings being chosen now have less of the heavy beading and more figure flattering styling.

Canty said the Watters and Watters “Collection 20” is a good example of what’s new for the mother of the bride. They offer a silk shantung knee-length suit with three-quarter sleeve jacket, gored skirt and braided tie at the waist. They also offer a silk shantung knee-length suit with frog closures on the front of the jacket, with slim skirt and a silk shantung sleeveless knee-length suit with shirred portrait collar and slim skirt.

Accessories

For headwear, the latest trends are either a shorter veil accented with flowers or feathers or a very long veil. Canty said one designer stood out. Nicole Miller’s line was “very bold and new. She was the only one I saw who did anything different.”

Speaking of bold, peek at what brides are wearing on their feet. Anything goes, from cowboy boots to something blue, as in satin heels, to something old, like worn dancing shoes. The brides are stepping into their new role as a wife with a personal style and comfort.

Want to see more?

Brides-to-be can view the latest runway looks from top wedding fashion designers by visiting www.brides.com/videos.

More than 20 shows from New York City’s Bridal Market, Fall 2008, are on online, including video from Reem Acra, Amsale, Badgely Mischka, Simone Carvalli, Priscilla of Boston, Monique Lhuillier, Melissa Sweet and more.