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Today's brides want to remain traditional, and yet discover new ways to look just a bit different. While influenced by their mothers' era, they want a style that's all their own. They look to celebrities in television, film, music and news for image and inspiration, and then interpret the style to fit their individual tastes.

Romance is back, still inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow's costumes in Shakespeare in Love and the dress she wore to accept the "best actress" Oscar for that picture. One look is Old World, the more elaborate Elizabethan costume with corseted bodice and petticoated full skirt, in rich texture with decorative detailing. The other look is New World, more simple, with spaghetti straps, fitted bodice, loosely flowing full skirt and next to no decoration at all. But the latest twist for spring and summer 2000 is the soft glow of iridescent shimmer, fabrics in ivory, pearl and candlelight.

Soft allure remains, as well, a continued remembrance of the late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, eternally etched in our memories exiting a small chapel in a simple tank-style ivory gown, her beloved John's lips gently kissing her hand. For spring 2000, the look has evolved. It still includes clean, less structured lines, a shape that gently follows the curves of the body in a natural, flowing manner, and allows movement and ease. What's new is subtle beadwork or embroidery along the neckline, the waistline or the hemline. Mary Helen Corbett, owner of Bridal Boutique of Carmel, says, "There is definitely a ‘less is more' attitude going forward." She points to Vera Wang as a popular designer for interpreting these simple looks.

The new millennium brings a daring bareness. While some brides might blush at the mere thought of showing a little shoulder or back, let alone cleavage, others will embrace the newest trend toward strapless or skinny spaghetti-strap bridal gowns. Tish Coffey, assistant manager for David's Bridal Boutique in Castleton, adds that tank- and halter-style gowns remain popular. For those who are more demure, coordinating wraps and shawls add dramatic cover, while elbow-length gloves are another option.

The new millennium also brings finer fabrics, such as silk satins and the more sheer silk organzas and chiffons, as well as couture-influenced details. Marie Patterson, general manager of Posie Patch in Greenwood and Posie Patch Bridal Superstore in Castleton, attributes this to more brides demanding better quality fabric and more designer looks. Because of this demand, dress and fabric manufacturers are able to produce in higher quantities, therefore keeping prices down and availability plentiful.

In addition, trimwork, beading, embroidery and crystals are being used "on grander scales on larger portions of the dress," according to Rick Schulman, sales executive for Galina Bouquet, a New York bridal design firm. In other words, instead of fine beadwork just on a neckline, it extends throughout the bodice.

Furthermore, decorative detailing adds a touch of color — the newest in silver and gold beadwork or threads of metallic embroidery, according to designer Madeline Gardner of Morilee, another bridal design firm in New York. The influence comes from the Middle East and Far East, and is reminiscent of the updated hippie looks shown on American and European runways.

In keeping with the softer, more romantic mood, some brides are passing up the traditional headpiece with veil, and instead are choosing the mantilla — a sheer or lace-trimmed scarf worn draped over the head so that it frames the face. Another alternative is simply fresh flowers woven through the hair. Also remaining popular is the versatile tiara. For brides who prefer traditional veils, the longer length is popular because it gives the illusion of a train.

For this season's bride, the choices are plenty. Whether she chooses simple adornment or elaborate elegance, she's sure to make a dramatic entrance with her own style.