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SALT LAKE CITY — On average, a wedding dress costs about $1,099, according to The Knot, nearly the average cost of expenses for invitations, the wedding cake, and favors put together.
Michael A. Smith, co-owner of UWE Event Planning chatted with us about some wedding dress trends he's seeing.
Smith says that though Utah has typically been several years behind the national trend, he's working with more brides who are familiar with what's on the runway now. But for those who need a little help, we've outlined a few looks that are on-trend this year, just in time for the most popular wedding month of the year:
Skirt length and design
- Hi-Low: this look has been on the runway for two years in both formal and casual skirts, but the general public is just now getting on-board with it. This skirt hits the knees in the front, and sweeps the floor in the back.
- Short: Whether the skirt's hem hits your calves or your thighs, short can be as glamorous as long when done correctly.
- Slits: If you remember the Oscars, you probably remember Angelina Jolie's slit. If you don't, it's been immortalized by the Twitter account, @AngiesRightLeg. The slit trend is a throwback from the 70s, and if you don't make too big of a deal of it by standing awkwardly, it can be beautiful.
The trend really is simple and sleek. It's becoming that in our shop. Even if they have their dress already …it's very simple.
–- Michael A. Smith, UWE
- Flowy: Flat or accordion, straight skirts in flowy material are everywhere this spring. Details and material
- Broderie and Lace: Women are still swooning over the traditional lace on Kate Middleton's dress, but designers are giving the classic a modern edge with embroidery and placement. The material is peeking through in any part of the gown you could want, and it doesn't look like a doily from your grandma's house.
- Flowers: They have moved beyond the centerpieces and bouquet to gowns. Fabric flowers (the bigger the better, in some cases) are taking the cake on wedding dresses.
- Ties: Not the kind that go around a man's neck, but the kind that embellish a dress. Fashionably placed around the bodice, it becomes a strong statement detail.
Color
- Brights: No longer are women obligated to wear white. Designers, like Vera Wang, are designing brightly colored wedding dresses for the bride who wants something non-traditional and bold, like this orange wedding gown.
- Lights: For those who are more traditional but want some edge, pastels, off-whites, or champagne are just a slight shift from the norm.
Whatever dress style you end up going with, Smith reminds brides he works with to stay within their budget.
"(Dress shopping on a budget) is like the grocery store, don't go when you're hungry," he said. "Don't go dress shopping with a Vogue or Elle magazine in your hand and expect to get that."
