As you can see, there are many styles and options

Beach Wedding Dresses Don't Have To Be Plain Or Boring

Many couples are considering alternatives to the usual church wedding and for some, this means marrying on a beach. Beach weddings are intimate and highly romantic, but they also offer other wonderful perks which many people are a little surprised to discover.

One of the joys of a beach wedding is that everything gets to be scaled down to a more serene and unique level. With the beautiful scenery as background, you can spend more time working on the vows that you will be saying to each other. You can also spend more time choosing the wedding outfits, and for the bride that means finding her beach wedding dress! Whether you are marrying on distant shores or having a more casual affair at your local beach, choosing the perfect dress is every bit as important and deserves all the attention and consideration you can give it.

One of the best parts of a beach wedding is that no aspect need be expensive. As a matter of fact, when choosing your dress, the biggest question is probably what type of dress do you want to wear - do you go with a more traditional gown or something less formal?

Regardless of the type of dress you decide on, every bride wants it to be uniquely hers. It's the little details that will really make you fall in love with your wedding dress. Here are some creative ways you can incorporate to help make your dress your own:

- Tie a wide silk ribbon, chiffon sash or cummerbund around your waist. For a little added punch, use a color other than your dress color. For instance, if your dress is white, how about contrasting the waist band in ivory or champagne - you could even coordinate it with one of your wedding colors. This is a particularly good option for a second wedding when you don't want to wear a totally white dress.

- Try a dress of a different color other than white - like champagne, blush pink, baby blue, or even something vibrant like red!

- If an entire dress in red is too dramatic for you, but you like the idea, how about an accent of color around the neckline, hem or waist? This is really a great idea to play up the season of your wedding - red for winter holidays, maybe gold for fall, or turquoise for summer.

- A basic dress can be embellished with embroidery, possibly with a little pale color in the design. You could add some pearls, Swarovski crystals, sequins, colored rhinestones, or chiffon fabric flowers into the design.

- If you are adventurous, you could alter the hemline. A high-low design where the dress is knee length in front and floor length in back is a popular style for the flirty look of a tropical wedding dress. Out on the beach you might not want a full length dress, so perhaps you might consider shortening it to tea length for a more casual wedding dress long cotton dresses feel.

You can truly be creative with your beach wedding dress and it can still be quite affordable. But, if you love after six wedding dresses the look of the basic little dress with only a smattering of flowers in your hair, then this should be what you wear.

Remember, your dress should be a reflection of who you are and it should also reflect the environment you are marrying in. A beach wedding embraces a love of nature and this should come through in your wedding dress.

There are black tunic dress no rules for a casual beach wedding dress, so feel free to express yourself and make your dress a special one, just for you.

Nontraditional Wedding Dresses Thinking Outside The Box

Whether it is a long puffy full skirt or an elegant wedding dress train with abundant decorative touches, there are some styles of wedding dresses that never go out of fashion. But what if you decided to make a bold choice and choose a modern style that shows off your individuality and creativity? More and more brides these days are doing just that. After attending wedding after wedding, and paging through bridal magazine after magazine, many brides decide to think outside the box and choose a nontraditional wedding dress.

Today's brides have more freedom to express their personal style and are not letting convention get in the way of their dream dress. Be on the lookout for cutting-edge designers with beautiful, original ideas. Runway designs are grabbing the attention of fashion-forward brides looking for a dress that stands out from the crowd. So ditch the pressure and start exploring all the possibilities there are in today's bridal fashions.

Short and Sweet

Who says a bride's dress has to include a long train. Isn't everyone expecting your dress to look like this anyway? Why not make a show-stopping appearance down the aisle in a fun and flirty short dress that embodies youthful energy and a daring spirit. A strapless silk satin short dress for example does not have to forget adornment, even though it is an above-the-knee dress. The decorative illusion hem might be adorned with crystal and pearl and embellished with Alencon

Lace and feathers. This ivory dress has the movement and energy reminiscent of a Jazz Age flapper, but with the sophistication of delicate lace touches.

For a more traditional look in a shorter, flirtier interpretation, try a silk and satin strapless short dress with spilt front over-skirt. A dress such as this creates the illusion of a full wedding dress, with the casual charm of the knee-length hem. This particular design is available in ivory and petal (a very subtle light shade of pink). For those brides that dare to be different, the strapless silk taffeta cocktail dress might be just the look. Full of intricate detail, this dress features a modern bubble skirt that plays up the 80s retro trend so popular right now.

Add an air of green one shoulder dress elegance

Veils have traditionally been demure features of a dress that covered a bride's face in yards of taffeta. Today, veils and other accessories are transforming wedding dresses, with bold statements and stylish additions. Take for instance the silk organza strapless slim gown embellished with embroidery, ribbon, Swarovski crystals, cut silk flowers and bows. This ivory dress features a floor-length veil that frames the face, but doesn't obscure it, while adding decorative touches to the look courtesy of its intricate lace detail. The silk chiffon strapless slim gown with empire bodice and spilt front flowing skirt features a light and feathery ivory stole that's perfect for autumn or winter weddings. Much more than cold-weather gear, this accessory adds sparkle to the look with glistening fibers and a metallic satin bow.

White in many ways

Although few can argue with the simplistic beauty of a crisp white wedding dress, there are more ways to enjoy the white wedding beyond opting for a stark color. Toned down whites, in champagne, ivory and antique white all embody the spirit of the occasion just as easily as traditional white, while adding a sophisticated touch to the look. These colors should especially be considered when selecting a tint that works best with individual skin tone and color. Many nontraditional dresses come in a choice of ivory or white, so you can select the style you want and get the right color to match you as well.

Heavenly headpieces

Tiaras and crowns have always been traditional to secure a veil, but today's hair accessories are adding a whole new level of style to contemporary dresses. A headband of white satin curls and flowers for example compliments a variety of beautiful dresses. Feathers, satin flowers and decorative hats can enhance the look of a simple gown and add a daring touch to a conservative gown.

As you can see, there are many styles and options to consider when it comes time to select a wedding dress. Trusting in your natural style and choosing a dress that not only looks fabulous, but feels comfortable will allow you to enjoy one of your most special days. By adding an unexpected touch, whether it is noticeable in the cut, shape or accessories of a dress can make your dress and your wedding the most talked about event of the season.