Spring 2009 Wedding Gowns: Styles and Trends

Put your best fashion foot forward when shopping for your spring 2009 wedding gown. To help spot the hottest looks of the season we sat down with stylist Melissa Lamkin—fashion blogger and former fashion and beauty editor of Destination Weddings and Honeymoon—as she identified the five wedding gown styles and trends to take spring 2009 bridal wear by storm.
Our gallery of wedding dresses pictures has many of the great new styles for you to browse through.

Spring 2009 Wedding Gown Style: The mini-dress

High hemlines are making a big splash this season. "This is a perfect 'second' dress, like a reception dress if the bride wants to change into something for partying and dancing the night away," says Lamkin, whose styling credits include luxury retailer Neiman Marcus and lifestyle clothing line, Robert Redd. The emergence of tea-length wedding dresses show designers catering to the fun-loving, youthful bride.

Spring 2009 Wedding Gown Trend: Floral embellishments

Floral accents are sophisticated and sweet. Bridal wear designers are adding eye-catching rosettes to couture collections, placing buds at the hip, neckline and shoulder. Lamkin notes the versatility of the trend, stating that brides can pull off the look in at a formal church ceremony or a beachside wedding.
This trend will also add interest to your wedding dresses pictures.

Spring 2009 Wedding Gown Trend: Pockets

While this style was introduced a couple seasons back, its presence in spring 2009 bridal fashion still has us enamored. "When you're a bride, it's not like you can walk down the aisle with a purse, so pockets are the perfect place for your tissue and lip balm," says Lamkin. Pockets are also a great prop for wedding photos, giving you another posing option for hands.

Spring 2009 Wedding Gown Style: One shoulder

Toned arms and delicate necklines are ideal for sporting a spring 2009 wedding gown that dares to bare one shoulder. This bride wants all eyes on her without a doubt, Lamkin reveals. "The one-shoulder gown is great for a destination wedding—beachfront, marina or outside. It's simple and no fuss, but definitely not boring."

Spring 2009 Wedding Gown Trend: Ruffles and layers

Whether it's tiers of silk organza, wispy tulle or feathers and chiffon, ruffles and layers are a definite "I do" for the bride who loves fantasy and lots of romantic elements. Ruffles are architectural and add volume to an otherwise basic skirt, Lamkin states. "This style is for the bride who wants to make a dramatic statement on her way down the aisle."

Look to these spring 2009 wedding gown selections for the best in bridal style this season. To view collections of the latest inspirations in spring wedding fashion, go to our gallery ofwedding dresses pictures or visit your local bridal salons and formalwear retailers.

For more fashion and wedding planning talk, visit Melissa Lamkin's style blog, SwankyPeach.