For bridal attire the
theme is the thing

By Andrea Gifford

If you're planning a wedding this year, choosing your attire is probably the first thing on your to do list. Every bride wants her gown and her attendants' dresses to reflect her personality and style, and with elaborate theme weddings a hot trend this year, you're probably looking for a few great ideas. This year's fashion shows promise to deliver, with tons of ideas for the latest in bridal gowns, maids' dresses and groom's gear. So, if you're looking for great ideas for your wedding apparel, don't miss the fashion shows at the Cocoanut Grove's Bridal Expo.

Once again, fashion show coordinator Joyce Anderson has planned three great shows, which will focus not only on the traditional but on the season's hot trend of theme weddings and fabulous colors. The bridal shops, make-up artists and florists participating in this year's shows will highlight a variety of looks that are sure to help every bride sort through the trends and the traditional to find the perfect look to express her unique personality.

"Elegance, glamour and romance are big themes this year," says Joyce. "Think Grace Kelley with her fitted waists and full, tea length skirts. You'll also see plenty of 30's inspired gowns, with draped fabrics, platinum satin and lace trim."

Theme weddings are really hot right now, and brides are starting to incorporate their reception theme into their own attire, as well as their attendants' dresses. So, you'll see more casual looks geared toward themes like beach and western style weddings. Personalizing your wedding attire with traditional family heirloom pieces, like a headpiece, veil or grandmother's gown is another trend that's gaining in popularity as many brides are looking back to the romantic styles of the past.

And don't forget accessories! Dainty heirloom pieces and more traditional jewelry is what's right for today's bridal looks. Brides this season are also focusing less on headpieces and crowns in order to let their intricate hairstyles and elaborate up-do's take center stage.

This year's fashion shows will will feature great looks from local merchants like A Bridal Boutique, Bridal Veil Fashions, Gardenia Couture, and After Hours Formal Wear. You'll see beautiful gowns for the bride, from simple sheath styles to fabulous ball gowns, all with a focus on what's hot for the season.

Of course, you'll want your attendants to look their best as well, so the shows will also highlight beautiful choices for the entire bridal party. Look for bright colors, like melon and lime green, as well as muted tones of lavender and light blue. Pink and strawberry are still hot colors this season, so you'll have plenty of fantastic colors to choose from. Ballerina length gowns inspired by the 50's and close-fitting 30's styles follow trends for the bride.

The focus on menswear this year is fun, brightly colored vests and bow ties in melon and lime green, as well classic looks for the groom and groomsmen. As always, looks for the men take their lead from the women with classic looks from the 30's, 40's and 50's, like three-button suits, morning coats, and traditional tuxedos.

And the shows don't stop at bridal gowns and tuxedos. Make-up artists and hairstylists from Tonic Salon & Spa, Le Salon Cruz, and Shawn Cavalan & Crew will work their magic right before your eyes to give you tons of ideas for your big day. You'll get plenty of floral inspiration from Eventscapes and the Flower Mill with colorful bridal bouquets, boutonnières and floral arrangements decorating the stage. Sound In Motion will round out the day with a mixture of romantic, classic and modern music to create the perfect mood.

The fashion shows will be held in the Cocoanut Grove's fabulous Sunroom at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. So, if you're in the market for wedding day fashions, don't miss a moment of the fashion shows at the Cocoanut Grove's Bridal Expo on January 29th!