Maybe it was the 2012 Summer Olympics that inspired designers, because gold (and silver too) made their mark on the bridal runway this week. Metallic embellishments debuted a few seasons ago but this time around they have a beautiful boldness to them.

A very regal color, gold gives a simple white dress the va-va-va-voom factor the glam girl is looking for. If you’re shopping in the non-white dress market (or for a fabulous number for your reception) you’ll find all gold gowns that will surely have all head’s turning.

Marchesa’s majestic ball gown with a full tulle skirt is paired with a structured strapless bodice featuring an ornate gold pattern.

This red-carpet worthy shimmering metallic gold Ines Di Santo gown is as sexy as it gets, with a thigh-high slit in the skirt and a one-shoulder neckline.

You can barely see it but this Reem Acra ball gown with elaborate gold embroidery has an illusion neckline with a high crew neck. The gold pattern continues to the edge of the tulle, creating a capped sleeve unlike any we’ve seen on the runway, and the result is simple stunning.

Anne Chertoff | Wedding Blogger

Anne Chertoff has earned her reputation as a wedding authority over the course of her 10 years in the bridal industry. WeddingWire and Chertoff have partnered to provide comprehensive Fall 2012 Bridal Market coverage from New York City.

**All Images in the Blog Post are Copyrighted by Dan Lecca and cannot be used without permission**

See More Bridal Gowns in the WeddingWire Photo Gallery!

Strapless is still the most popular neckline but coming in at a close second is the illusion neckline. Brides who want something revealing but don’t want to worry about pulling the bodice of their dress up throughout the night will love the creative ways designers are using lace and embellishing tulle to add modesty or glamour to a wedding dress.

The three examples shown here are all sleeveless gowns, but an illusion neckline can lead into off-the-shoulder, capped or even long sleeves, usually made of the same see-through fabric: lace, tulle, or net.

Here are three examples of how an illusion neckline can be blinged out or understated:

Jenny Packham, known for her vintage-inspired looks, and dressing Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, placed crystals over sheer netting to create the illusion that the bride is wearing three necklaces with her wedding gown.

Ines Di Santo appliqued a delicate lace with fabric flowers dotted with crystals, continuing the floral embellishment theme on this blush colored ball gown.

For a simple and elegant look, Christos placed lace along the shoulder and crew neckline made of tulle.

Anne Chertoff | Wedding Blogger

Anne Chertoff has earned her reputation as a wedding authority over the course of her 10 years in the bridal industry. WeddingWire and Chertoff have partnered to provide comprehensive Fall 2012 Bridal Market coverage from New York City.

**All Images in the Blog Post are Copyrighted by Dan Lecca and cannot be used without permission**

See More Bridal Gowns in the WeddingWire Photo Gallery!

Don’t be afraid to show off your curves girls! A mermaid silhouette will hug you in all the right places, and if you don’t have curves they’ll create them for you. We know what you’re thinking: Is a mermaid gown limited to a black-tie wedding? Not at all!

Lace, satin and tulle are a few of the fabrics you can choose from. And don’t forget the embellishments! Beading, crystals, florals — designers have added accents of all sorts to draw the eye of your groom to your best assets.

Here are three variations on the mermaid silhouette:

Evening and black-tie affairs will work well for a gown with shine and shimmer, like this show stopper from Kenneth Pool. The satin draped gown has jewel-encrusted straps and an asymmetrical slit in the skirt revealing a pouf of tulle exploding from beneath.

For a daytime or less formal event slip into a dress that looks and feels lighter like this one from Legends by Romona Keveza. The slip-like lace gown has an off-the-shoulder capped sleeve and beaded “belt” at the waist. (Click here to find out where to find the season’s best bridal belts!)

Vera Wang’s lace mermaid gown features bias organza and lace flange details accented by crystal and pearl embroidery at the hip.

Anne Chertoff | Wedding Blogger

Anne Chertoff has earned her reputation as a wedding authority over the course of her 10 years in the bridal industry. WeddingWire and Chertoff have partnered to provide comprehensive Fall 2012 Bridal Market coverage from New York City.

**All Images in the Blog Post are Copyrighted by Dan Lecca and cannot be used without permission**

See More Bridal Gowns in the WeddingWire Photo Gallery!

Adding volume as well as a bit of mystery, tulle overskirts have become a must-have detail on Fall 2013 wedding dresses. Designers are showing single layers cut on the bias, hemmed to add a bit of structure, or sheared and layered, as seen at Marchesa (above left). The tulle skirt doesn’t quite cover the beauty of the detailing beneath, whether lace or beading, but creates a thin veil covering the design ever so slightly.

So what silhouettes work best with this trend? All of them! Voluminous ball gowns, sexy mermaids and slinky sheaths all were shown with tulle overskirts. And for brides who want a different look for the ceremony and reception a few designers made removable tulle skirts that completely changed the gown’s look from solemn to celebratory.

Shown above:

This modest floor-length lace gown with long sleeves and a crew neck by Monique Lhuillier has a white cummerbund-style detail at the waist and a single layer of tulle cut on a bias.

Reem Acra’s ornately beaded bodice is paired with a clean white skirt with a layer of pleated tulle.

For a chic, short look Marchesa’s modest lace knee-length dress has a multi-layered hi-lo tulle overskirt making it the perfect style for an afternoon wedding or reception after-party dress.

Anne Chertoff | Wedding Blogger

Anne Chertoff has earned her reputation as a wedding authority over the course of her 10 years in the bridal industry. WeddingWire and Chertoff have partnered to provide comprehensive Fall 2012 Bridal Market coverage from New York City.

**All Images in the Blog Post are Copyrighted by Dan Lecca and cannot be used without permission**

See More Bridal Gowns in the WeddingWire Photo Gallery!

One of the new lines debuting at Spring 2013 Bridal Market is Melissa Sweet for David’s Bridal Collection. The line features seven stunning gowns that combine a soft, modern aesthetic with classic details. “Our first collection is a beautiful expression that speaks to the bride who loves vintage dressing and wants something a little different than the traditional glitz and glam,” explains Melissa.

So who is the Melissa Sweet for David’s Bridal bride?  One with a romantic spirit, who loves vintage detailing, and wears antique pieces in stylish and modern way.

The romantic, ethereal and vintage styles are priced between $950 and $1,400 and will be available in sizes 0-14 in select David’s Bridal stores and online.  Sizes 16-26 will be available for special order in stores.

Above and below are a selection of styles ranging from ball gowns to fit-to-flare styles embellished with lace appliques and embroidery, and paired with matching veils. For more information on the collection, visit davidsbridal.com.

Anne Chertoff | Wedding Blogger

Anne Chertoff has earned her reputation as a wedding authority over the course of her 10 years in the bridal industry. WeddingWire and Chertoff have partnered to provide comprehensive Fall 2012 Bridal Market coverage from New York City.

**All Images in the Blog Post are Copyrighted by Dan Lecca and cannot be used without permission**

See More Bridal Gowns in the WeddingWire Photo Gallery!