Floral Details
One of the main trends for 2009 is floral details. Almost every designer on the catwalks featured a bridal design with flowers, in all shapes and sizes, from delicate floral embroidered lace to bold Mikado rose petal skirts.
“There are few things as feminine and beautiful as a flower. It is the perfect complement to bridal fashion, and a fabulous way to give your dress that extra delicate touch,” Rachel Vowels, Editor of B Magazine and WOL says.

Cymbeline Paris

Light and Airy
Some brides may be glad to know the days of dragging around a heavy wedding gown are over (for this season at least). For 2009, designers are all about lighter materials such as taffeta and organza, with romantic details and waistlines. This trend makes dancing, eating and breathing much easier!
“Romance has always been a staple in bridal wear, but this year you are seeing a return to classically feminine and soft looks; suited to the bride who wants to look as if she is floating down the aisle. Try layering soft fabrics and adding details like an elegant bow under the bust, or having one shoulder strap for that goddess style,” says Rachel.

Jim Hjelm Bridal Spring 2009 @ Brides.com:

Texture
Last year we saw an increased interest in texture style, and 2009 is pushing the trend even further. Layered fabric, ruching, and lacy overlays are all over the catwalks for 2009.
“No matter what your body type, the texture trend is perfect. You just need to find the type that suits you. For the bride with a shapely figure, try light ruching in the on the hip, if you are hour glass shape, try a mermaid style gown with a full ruffle skirt,” Rachel Vowels says.

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2009

Lace
There are few things as elegant as a lace wedding dress, matched with a mantilla veil and simple hair and make-up. It is also a timeless trend that will not have you kicking yourself in 20 years when you look back at the wedding photos.  In 2009 we will see graceful styles using illusion and boat necklines, as well as lace detail in the neckline and sleeves.
“If you are a bride who is worried about showing too much, lace sleeves are your answer. Lace is great for coverage, but still emanates femininity. You can find countless dresses this season with either full length, three quarter length or capped sleeves.”

Mori Lee lace wedding gowns

Short hemlines
It is hard to imagine wearing a short dress as a wedding gown, but bridal designers are big supporters of the short hemline this year. For the destination wedding, summer nuptial or the bride who wants a bit of edgy style, this look is perfect.
“Often brides overlook finding the dress that suits the season of their wedding, the mini dress is perfect for the summer event. Or some brides find that one wedding dress is just not enough, so they are using the mini dress as a second dress for the reception!”

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2009

Notice that although the styles and colors (even patterns) are different, the hemlines are basically the same, giving it a cohesive look. I think that if you had long and short gowns, it might be a bit too much.

In this photo, also from Manolo, you’ve got brides wearing pretty much the same style dresses, but in  mix-n-match shades of blue. I think it’s a beautiful look and also gives your bridesmaids some degree of freedom in picking a gown.

The problem that some brides have with identical dresses in the same color is that it’s boring, predictable, and stiff. If you want something different but aren’t willing to give up the matching dresses, wearing patterned bridesmaids’ dresses is a fun way to go. You can choose from plaid, polka dot, floral, stripes, and more, like these pretty bridesmaids’ dresses from Dessy:

Here’s a bridal party looking quite chic and retro in stunning black and white dresses from Tory Burch. (Thanks KenzieKate for the image.)

While patterned dresses in knee-length design are fun and flirty, you can get a super glamorous look by letting the hem down to the floor. All of the sudden you go from “cute” to “WOW”! The dresses below will definitely stand out as different!