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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Wedding Wear Mixes Old And New

Shanna Southern Peterson Correspondent

In a recent survey conducted by Modern Bride magazine, researchers found the average cost of a formal wedding and reception is now a staggering $17,634.

While much of this cost goes toward such items as the engagement and wedding rings (average cost $3,800) and reception (average - $6,500) the price of the dress is no small matter.

The typical first-time bride will spend close to $1,000 on her outfit, including shoes and headpiece, while the bridegroom will pay an average of $150 to rent a tuxedo for the happy event.

So, for that kind of money, what will the well-dressed bridal couple be wearing this spring? Something old and something new, of course.

Wedding gowns are no longer restricted to satin. The new look for this spring and summer will be texture. Embroidery, appliques and brocades are all important, but we will see more of these details on the skirt and less on the bodice. Don’t be surprised to see pleats, too. This new look will be especially popular in tulle overskirts.

Bodices are simple and very sexy. Many designers are showing halter styles, strap detailing in the back, and bustier looks.

One tradition that holds true is color. The most popular color for the first-time bride is still white, followed by off-white, and champagne.

Natural waistlines are making a comeback in wedding gowns with an emphasis on tiny waists. Corsets and boning will be used to achieve that perfect hourglass figure.

Full-length gloves in sheer fabrics, like those worn by the new Mrs. John Kennedy at her wedding, are the hot new item to wear with the sleeveless gowns.

The bridegroom will typically continue to wear a black, light-weight wool tuxedo. However, some daring couples are opting for the white dinner jacket and black watch-plaid trousers. This is really fashion-forward and not for everyone.

If you want your bridegroom to have a stylish look but not go overboard, have him wear a banded collar shirt with a crossover tie instead of the traditional shirt and bow tie.

Vests, instead of cummerbund, are showing up more and more at the alter. The most popular patterns are Victorian- and Oriental-inspired florals to coordinate with the wedding flowers.

So, to all recently engaged couples we send our best wishes and a simple reminder: for the cost of this wedding you could have a really cool new car.

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