Classic lines and simplicity mark season's dresses

Although it's the beginning of a new century, this year's brides won't be turning to sci-fi hi-tech when it comes to wedding dresses.

"Although we are in the age of the Internet and the empowered woman, when it comes to weddings, brides still want the traditional look," say bridal specialists at a Los Angeles bridal boutique.

"They don't want the fussy meringue look, though; classic lines and simplicity is what they search for."

Fitted bodices topping A-line of straight skirts, Empire line and the higher-waisted Princess line are the styles new millennium brides will be floating down the aisle in. And fabrics are equally traditional; smooth silk, jacquard and Duchesse satin. Although space-age silver has been introduced into the new collections by some of the bridal world's top designers, Tickled Pink don't predict a starry future for the glitzy shade.

"It's a difficult colour to wear and flatters only the strongest of complexions. Gold tones are much easier on English rose types and have been around in bridal designs for a few years now. If brides want the glamorous touch, it will be gold they go for," add Tickled Pink, who also have a selection of pastel pinks and blues among their vast collection of predominantly ivory or white gowns.

So is the new era sparking new romance in young couples? "Possibly," says Dave, owner of the boutique. "It's a special year ahead and more couples may decide marrying in the year 2000 will make their big day more important. But when you look closely at the wedding statistics, it is not as outdated an institution as people think.