Latest Wedding Gown Looks

April 8, 2006 — -- Calling all brides -- and all who want to dream about their wedding day! Carley Roney, co-founder and editor of The Knot, describes the five hottest trends in wedding gowns and three important shopping tips that will have you looking like the beautiful, modern bride you want to be as you waltz down the aisle on your big day.

Five Hot Bridal Looks

Light and Airy

A slim-fitting ethereal design is perfect for a beach-destination wedding because you don't have to buy the dress its own plane ticket to get it there. "Good Morning America Weekend Edition" showcased an ivory silk organza hand-painted sheath dress by Amarildine, which sells for $4,800.

Halter

This year brides are straying from strapless and choosing the sexy, back-revealing halter-neckline instead. "Good Morning America Weekend Edition" showcased a jewel-encrusted silk chiffon sheath by Reem Acra, which sells for $4,100 at Kleinfeld Bridal.

Color

Color has made a huge impact over the last few seasons, whether it's a kick of color in a sash, a bow or embroidery, or all-over color like the lilac Peter Langner ball gown that "Good Morning America Weekend Edition" showcased. It makes an instant style statement, and is available exclusively at Kleinfeld for $5,800.

Layers

Layers add a beautiful feminine appeal. They'll flutter as the bride walks down the aisle and give the gown movement on the dance floor. They'll also hide body flaws for the self-conscious. "Good Morning America Weekend Edition" showed a white organza, strapless gown with a layered skirt by Judd Waddell for $3,000.

3-D Accents

Three-dimensional elements that add texture are very hot right now. "Good Morning America Weekend Edition" showed a caramel satin ball gown with a jeweled sweetheart bodice that has flowers all over the skirt. This truly couture look is by Pnina Tornai, and is exclusively available at Kleinfeld for $16,000.

Shopping Tips

Decide your wedding dress budget before you try on dresses. Know how much you plan to spend before you get your heart set on a gown. About 10 percent should be set aside for your look -- the gown, accessories, shoes, etc.

Pay attention to your timeline. For a custom-made couture gown, you'll need to place your order at least six months before the wedding. Of course, there are plenty of places where you can find a beautiful gown off the rack. Allow two months for alterations.

Bridal sizes are different than what you are used to. Wedding dressmakers still use an old-fashioned sizing standard that may differ slightly or dramatically from your off-the-rack-size. Don't freak out and try to convince the bridal salon to order you a smaller size -- wedding dressmakers know what they're doing.

The bouquets for this segment were provided by Seasons.