Bridal wave

An event created "Especially for Brides" acquainted visitors with area bridal-related businesses and included displays of trends to take down the aisle.

The 20th anniversary of "Especially for Brides," sponsored by WRSC-AM (1390)/WBLF-AM (970), WQWK-FM (97.1) and WIKN-FM (107.9), took place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel.

"In bridal gowns, they are becoming simpler," said Holly McDonough, owner of Diamonds and Lace bridal shop, 101 E. Main St., Boalsburg, one of the exhibitors at the show.

A fitted and flared A-line silhouette is a popular style, she said, in white or ivory.

Brides are also opting for headpieces, similar to the one the late Princess Diana wore at her wedding, McDonough said. Removable veils can also be attached with Velcro, she said. "Bun rings" are another option, if the bride wants to wear her hair up.

McDonough said her store had more than 70 models at the show, so visitors could see what different gowns look like. When choosing bridesmaid gowns, the ability to wear the dress again is a major concern.

Crepe and chiffon fabrics -- as opposed to the shiny satin gowns that used to be popular -- maximize wearability, McDonough said.

Colors have also changed over time.

"Black has kind-of been here and gone," she said.

Silver and metallic tones are hot right now, she said, but "no country pastels."

Navy and darker fabrics are taking the place of the Easter-egg colors that many bridesmaids have been forced to wear in the past.

New tuxedo trends are also coming onto the scene for the men in the wedding party.

Although the traditional tuxedo has one button, men seem to be wanting to button up even more lately.

Options include a "two- three- or, even this year we've gone to a four-button tuxedo," said Ted Fitzer, owner of Mr. Tux, 125 S. Fraser St.

With the increased number of buttons, vests are also being made to fit higher, and a button cover has become a fashionable alternative to the bow tie, he said.

"But keep in mind, there's still nothing wrong with traditional," he said.

Although most men usually resist wearing pastels, he said, there are a variety of color and pattern options. Fitzer said most tuxedo-wearers choose vests, but some go with a cummerbund in the summer months.

Although the look is "simple and elegant," it's also cost-friendly, she said.

"We try to do the more simple, affordable weddings."