From the Manuel Mendoza 2006 Collection.
Photo Robert McGee

Wedding

Dresses:

It's everyone's favourite part of the wedding. For some, it's the culmination of a lifetime of fantasies. For others, it's the one exception to a "no skirts" policy. In any case, the dress is always a focal point.

From the Manuel Mendoza 2006 Collection.
Photo Robert McGee

This year, the straight-across, strapless a-line is fading. Instead, stylish brides will be swishing down the aisle in textured gowns that pay homage to the past.

"It is really more romantic. We're seeing more lace, we're seeing the cage dress come back," says Janice Smith, owner of I Do bridal in White Rock. "It looks like you have two dresses in one. It's more of a Victorian feel."

Instead of the simple, flat finish, 2006 bridal collections consist of soft, flowing frocks in luxurious silks, adorned with embellishments like netting, organza, chiffon, eyelet taffeta and chantilly lace.

Glamorous mermaid cuts like those seen at the Golden Globe Awards and grand ballgowns a la The King and I are also popular.

Replacing the strapless look are straps of varying sizes including low-cut V-necks, exhibiting a touch of sexuality.

"Generally, I think V-necks are better for someone who is not as busty," says Jija Park, owner of Something Blue in Vancouver. "It's cleaner that way."

Also gone is blinding white.

"We're seeing a lot more champagne, creamier ivories, steely-greys or platinum shades and icy blues. So they're muted colours, but they're colours," says Smith.

From the Manuel Mendoza 2006 Collection.
Photo Robert McGee

When embarking upon the overwhelming task of selecting a dress, Park urges brides to keep an open mind, shop around and take it slow.

"You should never be rushed. Just enjoy the process," she says.

At Something Blue, you will try on six to eight dresses in a one-hour appointment. Spend time in each gown and prepare for two to three visits to each shop.

Park says you can get away with having an entourage accompany you to the initial appointments, but it's best to pare it down for the finale so you don't get mixed messages.

"You might want to bring one close friend you trust instead of a whole group," she says.

The cost varies greatly. At I Do, designer dresses range from $2,200 to $15,000 including alterations. At Something Blue they fetch from $1,690 to $5,500 plus alterations.

Vancouver designer Manuel Mendoza's mandate is to interpret a girl's fantasy.

"All I have to do is just deliver it and I'll have a very happy bride," he says.

He says no dream is out of reach for -- him, as long as the client is open-minded.

"If you can think of it, then it's going to happen," he says.

It starts with an exchange of information. A bride must first supply Mendoza with key details: Where is the wedding to be held? What is her comfort level? What colours does she like?

But it mostly boils down to an impression that can stretch back to childhood, says Mendoza.

"Usually it's not the dress, it's a feel. They've seen a picture and it's the feel of the dress," says Mendoza.

That's why it's a good idea to bring along clippings from magazines, to give Mendoza a portal into the bride's psyche.

Once the silhouette has been established, it's on to details. The budget comes into play at this stage. Then Mendoza draws his design and the process of fitting and adjusting begins. The whole operation takes between three and six months (a little more if beading is involved).

As for the cost, it ranges from $2,000 for a basic sheath dress to $12,000 for the most extravagant creation. The average is between $3,000 and $5,000 for a Manuel Mendoza one-of-a-kind gown.