By Keely Coxon

Gray tulle, raw edges and ruffles – here are three things, that, although fun, are not traditionally associated with weddings. However, with fall just around the corner, many soon-to-be Utah brides are incorporating these and other similarly fall-friendly additions into their special day; indeed, more so than ever, the betrothed are finally taking notice of the shyest of wedding seasons and tying their dress design into it.

Fall hasn't always been a popular time to give and receive one's marital vows, which seems a complete misfortune when the general splendor of the season is taken into account; here in Utah, fall is when nature showers us with incredible outdoor color, dependable weather and more bearable temperatures. That said, fall is also a historically tricky season to dress for; while the thermometer may still hit 80 degrees until October, the bright whites and pale pastels of spring and summer seem out of place, while it is not yet cold enough to pull off the rich tones of winter. However, with a greater number of color and texture options available than ever before when it comes to gowns, there is no reason for a fall bride to look anything less than stunning on her special day.

So what's new in fall dress trends? To put it simply, old glamour and beautiful details are back. Reminiscent of the days of Grace Kelly and Jackie Onassis, skirts are full and topped with ostentatious bows, daring necklines and fresh new stylings. Says Terry Jeppsen of Elegant Threads, a store that designs custom wedding gowns, the look is all about "retro and romantic." An especially edgy look is the trumpet skirt, which seems to be maintaining its popularity stronghold for at least another year. This cut looks great on certain figures, and the in-vogue full skirts of the season in general look good on most body types, from thin to fuller.

As mentioned above, necklines are branching out from the usual styles, with brides choosing to showcase their shoulders in atypical ways. Although it seems that strapless will remain a popular option for dresses well into eternity, two recent trend developments, super-thick straps and cap sleeves, are especially appropriate to the Utah market. These designs are a great way to simultaneously showcase toned arms while still maintaining a certain level of modesty. Another exciting new neckline comes in the form of a "draped" appearance, a softer look that flatters more brides than one would think.

While skirt styles and necklines have indeed changed, when it comes to this year's fall wedding dress trends, the biggest news is in the dresses' detailing and color scheme. Bows are making a huge comeback, from inconspicuous bundles of ribbon to gigantic, bustle-sized baubles of behemoth proportion. Designers are placing these trimmings in virtually any place on the dress imaginable, be it dotting the train or flippantly perched on a shoulder strap. Other intriguing trends in this category are heavy beading, raw edges and the copious use of lace, all of which showing heavy integration into the dresses' necklines and straps. Again, these design trends tie directly into the pensive "retro and romantic" theme Jeppsen referenced, reminiscent of 1900s Victorian-era attire.

While stylistic dress changes create a wonderful new palette on which to experiment, no new season of fashion could possibly be ushered in without a changing-up of colors. Other than the traditional white and ivory mainstays, shades of pale purple, gray, blush and champagne were seen on the runways for fall. While fairly muted, these shades are surprisingly multi-functional in complimenting a diverse spectrum of skin and hair colorings.

On the whole, fall 2007 is emerging as a season of shape, texture and romantic sophistication. From retro lines to rich Victorian-era colors, brides have never before chosen to tap into the cerebral and historical when picking out their dream gown. While certainly different, this is a decision which is sure to yield surprisingly beautiful results, some of which we'll hopefully see used as inspiration for seasons to come.

Elegant Threads: 801.446.7887
www.ElegantThreads.com