Wedding trends: Marrying tradition with personality

For brides-to-be who want to tap into what's au courant this spring, remember: More is more when it comes to the veil; choose shoes you'll want to wear again; and find a sassy second wedding dress for the reception.

Influenced by last year's wedding of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Middleton's classic style, the year's most popular wedding trends marry tradition with a big pop of personality. Here are some local options for aisle style.

The second dress

While "second dress" used to mean the one a bride might wear to her second wedding, modern brides are loving the idea of changing into a more dance-friendly dress for the reception. Sometimes the hemlines are short, sometimes the dress simply offers more ease of movement.

Second dresses have been popular this season at Garnish Boutique — especially with the arrival of Nicole Miller wedding dresses.

"A bride could definitely enjoy her party in them," said Mia Antalics, owner of Garnish Boutique. "They are great for that. They are very functional. You still look like a bride, but you can enjoy your party."

These dresses also work for brides purchasing a dress for the second time around.

"They're looking for something a little more form-fitting and not so full in the style of the skirt," Antalics said. "They want something in a nice fabric that will travel easily. It's a good price point for the bride changing into a wedding gown and one that is getting married the second time around."

Find this Nicole Miller dress for $1,1100 at Garnish Boutique, 1515 Labelle Ave., Suite 3 in Ruxton. Call 410-321-1406.

Long veils

Extra-long veils are also popular this season. At Jill Andrews Gowns LLC, brides are requesting veils as long as 95 inches to trail behind them on their special day.

"I definitely think it's because of Kate Middleton," said Sara Mathes, co-owner of the custom gown shop. "We've done these custom '20s-style veils. It's kind of like what Kate Middleton wore. Everyone wants vintage-y stuff. The long veil is a nod to that bygone era."

Find this 95-inch chapel-length veil with 36-inch blusher in a shimmering white finish for $200 at Jill Andrews Gowns LLC, 3355 Keswick Road, Suite 101; 410-338-2525.

Multi-use shoes

Who says you can't wear your wedding shoes more than once?

At The Little Shoe Box in Ruxton, brides are purchasing shoes with a longer shelf life — and that show more of their personality than plain white shoes.

"The brides are kind of stepping out of the box and being price-conscious," said Emilie Blaze, co-owner of the shoe boutique. "They are buying shoes that they can wear to the reception and on their honeymoon and afterward. These shoes come in fun colors and in metallics and golds."