I love how these Colleen Quen gowns use a blend of classic silhouettes with details that grab your attention without upstaging the bride.

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Audrey Hepburn, Julie Andrews, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy

Looking at these photos, it’s clear that they key to emulating these vintage bridal looks is to combine classic style with a few unexpected details. These women all had unique looks in their everyday lives, but their wedding attire follows similar patterns:

• A classic bridal silhouette
• White silk, lace and taffeta
• Demure elegance, with a high neckline
• Fun finishing touches, like Grace Kelly’s exquisite veil and Audrey Hepburn’s floral crown

Do you think these looks have stood the test of time? Which starlet’s style do you most associate with? Are you using vintage style for your wedding?

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• Something Old, Something New featured this absolutely gorgeous wedding cake–since my cake was a giant failure, I can only wish that this had taken its place!

• I love, love, love this post on veils from Weddings Fresh.  The pictures alone are enough to keep me occupied for at least a half hour.

• Snippet and Ink’s feature on the website PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com is perfect for the oh-so-chic Recessionista Bride!

• I also have to give a shout-out to a totally offbeat Wedding Blog…Tacky Weddings.  If you need to unwind from some stressful wedding planning–and get ideas on what NOT to do–check out this hilarious blog!

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However, trends have emerged pointing to a more nontraditional approach to the wedding gown.  A day doesn’t go by that I don’t stumble across some sort of colored wedding dress while thumbing through a bridal magazine.  Just recently, Diva Dialogue blogger Lea shared a photo of a gray dress with me:

Contrary to what you may think, colored wedding dresses are nothing new.  As a matter of fact, white dresses didn’t become popular amongst all class levels until the late 18th century.  In the case of the gray dress, this was traditionally worn by the lower class in the 18th century.

Step back in time even further and you’ll find that traditional wedding dresses in Medieval times were rarely white when planning an extravagant wedding.  Instead, they focused on jewel tones such as ruby, sapphire and emerald, and were often worn by princesses and the upper class.  Today, these choices still exist, such as this red Fiorenza dress from Maggie Sottero:

…And another example straight off the runway in emerald green…

So you tell us!  What do you think?  Do you like the colored wedding dress trend, or do you prefer to stick to the traditional varying shades of white?

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Although my dream of becoming a fashion designer died with my lack of drawing skills, I still admire the work of designers, both on the runway and on paper.  I think fashion sketches can be so beautiful and take a certain talent to produce.

Enter Brooke Hagel, an amazing artist that uses photos taken of you on your wedding day to produce beautiful paintings that remind me of the fashion sketches that I so adore. I will definitely be investing in one of the pieces as a way to preserve my wedding dress in a unique and special way.  Finding an old picture of my mother or grandmother and doing the same could be even more amazing.  Visit Brooke’s Etsy store to secure your own piece of art, which could also make a fabulous holiday gift for someone special!

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From top to bottom, left to right: Seaside inspired candy bar from the Knot, Stylish Stripe Wedding Invitations in Aqua, Banana Republic embossed envelope clutch, Mini cake favors from Brides, Going Nautical Drink also from Brides, Dessert Buffet Chocolate and Cream from Martha Stewart, J. Crew Silk Chiffon Juliet Dress, Amsale White Gown with French Blue Taffeta Sash, Blue bouquet ribbon from Martha Stewart

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If you are looking for some beautiful bustle ideas, below are some images that we found at Brides.com:

From left to right: Avine Pucchi by St. Pucchi; Winnie Couture Bridal; James Clifford Collection:

Jim Hjelm Bridal; Winnie Couture Bridal ; Winnie Couture Bridal

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1) If you’re heading for somewhere cold, this gorgeous Fair Isle Sweater dress will keep you warm and in style. The flirty little rosette dress is perfect for a night out with your new husband. The cure for the end of the summer blues? Warm sand, ocean breezes in a tropical dream. This halter maxi dress will help you get there. All from Victoria’s Secret.

2) These chic weekender bags are a stylish and useful accessory, carrying everything you need for short and long vacations. From left, Billabong Road trip bag, $74 from Swell, Victoria’s Secret Pink travel duffel $59.50, and Fossil Weekender Duffle $138.

3) Bring your wedding thank you cards with you and be inspired by the beautiful scenery to send out your words of appreciation!

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For the rehearsal dinner from left: J Crew Metallic Rose Laura Shift dress, Ann Taylor Cobblestone Print Dress, Banana Republic Silk Cap-Sleeve Lady dress, and Victoria’s Secret Sleeveless Silk Charmeuse dress. Monogram Flourish Rehearsal Dinner Invitations in Dark Gray.

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Photos from top to bottom: Signature cocktails from Brides.com, Pronuptia ‘Flash’ purple bridal gown from Bridalwave, Chrysanthemum earrings from Etsy, Chinese Laundry Satin Bow Tie Clutch from ThisNext, Wild Bundle bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, Graphic flower cake from TheKnot, and Ornamental Scroll wedding invitation in deep purple from Wedding Paper Divas.

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