Bridal Fashion

From trends straight off the runway to what's "hot in jewelry, this is the place for insider tips on the latest in bridal fashion.

Today's guest is Monica Cotto and she's the fashion editor for Elegant Bride magazine. Prior to that, she was the fashion editor for the YM Your Prom Spring 2005 edition. She's also worked as a freelance market editor and stylist for Vanity Fair, New York, Self, Teen Vogue and Glamour. Monica started her career at Mirabella as a fashion assistant.

The transcript follows below.

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Monica Cotto: Good morning. I'm really excited to be here. Can't wait to answer your questions about bridal fashions.

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Stressing over strapless : So what's the deal with strapless? I keep reading that it's a tired silhouette, but then almost every dress I've seen in stores has been strapless. Is a strapless gown going to look tired in a year?

And more on strapless: for those of us who don't love our arms, any tips for how to make strapless work?

Monica Cotto: Strapless will always be a part of the bridal silhouette. I believe it's about your personal style and how you want to look on your wedding day. I personally feel that if you are not comfortable with your arms, a strapless dress is not the way to go. There are so many other styles that would be more flattering and will stand the test of time.

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Dupont Circle, D.C.: Hi Monica,

So many wedding dresses in the magazines right now have colored sashes. How long do you think this look will stick around, or is it already on the way out?

Thanks!

Monica Cotto: The sash is a great way to introduce color, but there are so many other ways to do this right now. I have seen a lot of colored dresses or dresses trimmed in color.

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Culpeper, Virginia: Our wedding is the last weekend in September, 2005. This is my second wedding and his first. We want the attire to be casual, sort of "Jimmy Buffet meets cottage casual." What sort of bridal dress should I be looking for? (The wedding celebration/party will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be located in the same room as the party.) Any suggestions?

Monica Cotto: A lot of designers have been creating "Destination " wedding gowns. They tend to be lighter weight with less beading. A more beach like feel. This might be the best way for you to go.

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Alexandria, Va.: I am very short and petite everywhere but in the bust and have never been able to find dresses to fit me -- I'm like a 14 on top and an 8 on the bottom. Are there any types of dresses that you can recommend?

Monica Cotto: You wouldn't want a big gown because that that would be to overwhelming for your frame. You should consider a tea-length or knee-length dress. Think 1950's silhouette. Nipped in waist and full skirt to balance out your top. You also, might

Monica Cotto: want to consider a two-piece dress. One that has good support on top. I would not suggest strapless.

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Foggy Bottom, D.C.: Is lace making a comeback in wedding gowns?

Monica Cotto: Definitely. The dresses I have been seeing have beautiful lace from all over the world. The prices can range from inexpensive to outrageous. I love the way the designers are using lace in their designs right now.

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D.C.: So ... what are the trends in engagement and wedding rings these days? What styles do you consider timeless and that won't be dated in 10, 15, 20 years? Is yellow gold really making a comeback?

Monica Cotto: Yellow-gold is making a come back. Because it is very big in the fashion world right now and women wear it every day, the ring designers have started making wonderful engagement rings to reflect that. Also, there is a big push towards artisnal and ethnic jewelry. However, platinum will always be timeless.

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Silver Spring, Md.: This may be more of a question for a hair stylist but it's my last detail to work out and I think a good hairstyle can really show off a dress and pull the ensemble together. Anyhow I'm having a hard time with hair for my bridesmaids (a.k.a. -- my sisters). They are wearing strapless dresses (mocha brown with an empire waist) and have asked they wear their hair down. I prefer their hair to be up but in the spirit of compromise, I have agreed. All four have varying lengths, but none are shorter than chin leg nth. Do you have any tips for what people are doing with their hair down that is soft and elegant?

Monica Cotto: Since I am not a hairstylist I can only give you my personal opinion on this. Decide if the girls look better with soft waves or stick straight hair. They do not all need to have the same style or put anything in their hair. A great necklace or amazing earrings will make them look elegant.

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Adams Morgan, D.C.: I don't really feel the need to have my bridesmaids buy matching dresses. Do you think it will look off if I tell them to each wear a black dress of their own and then give them a matching shawl or wrap?

Monica Cotto: Not at all. I think that it is extremely modern, as well as considerate to your bridal party, to have each of them in a dress that suits their body type. I don't feel you need to have them wearing anything matching as long as their in the same color and no one is in anything too extreme. Make sure you see their dresses and shoes beforehand. Nothing kills a look like bad shoes.

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Washington, D.C.: Could you recommend us couple of stores in N.Y. and D.C. area (w/ reasonable prices)? Thank you.

Monica Cotto: Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the stores in the D.C. area. In New York , Kleinfeld has the biggest selection of dresses in all price ranges. Also, David's Bridal has inexpensive and pretty dresses.

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Arlington, Va.: I picked out a beautiful wedding gown for myself last week. I want my bridesmaids to look (almost) as stunning. I'm looking at some designer dresses in the $700-$900 range. My fiance thinks that's way too much to ask my bridesmaids to pay. I disagree. They all work, and this is, after all, my day. This price range doesn't seem unreasonable to me. What do bridesmaids typically pay for their dresses?

Monica Cotto: That does seem quite pricey to me, unless the dresses are ones that the girls would like to wear again. I think you should ask your bridesmaids how they feel. Remember, the price of the dress is not the only expense they will incur. They have shoes, accessories plus the bridal shower and bachelorette party as well as gifts and travel.

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Burke, Va.: My brother is getting married in September after a lengthy engagement to a nice woman. My younger brother is one of the groomsmen but neither my sister nor I was invited to be in the bridal party. I have a question. What do I wear? Is it normal wedding guest attire or should I be trying to coordinate with the colors of the wedding party?

Monica Cotto: If you are not in the wedding party, there is no need to coordinate. Feel free to pick a beautiful dress that you love.

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Washington, D.C.: Thanks for this useful chat. I'm getting married in a formal, strapless dress, but I don't want to wear a veil. I'd like some kind of hair decoration -- what are some new ideas besides tiaras?Thanks.

Monica Cotto: There are wonderful little hats with feathers and mini veils, if you want to go high-fashion. Otherwise jeweled hair pins and clips are a great alternative..

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New York: "All price ranges???" Kleinfeld's dresses start at about $1000. Just something to think about.

Monica Cotto: I also gave her David's Bridal, which have dresses that start at $200.

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New York, N.Y.: I am getting married Labor Day weekend, and my 4 bridesmaids have ordered black tea length dresses. My maids of honor (my 3 sisters) will also be wearing black dresses, but they wanted to wear ones that are floor length. I really want them to be happy and it is a dress the 3 of them agree on (which is not easy with 3 very different body types). Do you think that would look ok, or should I tell them to find tea length dresses as well?

Monica Cotto: That is your call. If they have all been able to agree on one dress, then you might want to go with it. However, it is your wedding day and if you feel the look is too heavy or inconsistent, you might ask them to look again.

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Arlington, Va.: How do you feel about having two dresses, one for the ceremony and one for the reception. I have found a lovely lovely LOVELY gown from Vera Wang's Spring 2005 collection that I want to wear at my reception. But I am interested in wearing a different gown for my ceremony.

Monica Cotto: That is a big trend right now. If you found a dress you love for the reception then you should wear it. The reason being, that you might want to have a more conservative dress for the ceremony and a sexier or more comfortable dress for the reception.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Monica, How much is too much to spend on a dress that you only wear once? There are so many beautiful dresses out there, but I fear brides (like myself!) are getting suckered in to bad deals -- what materials should gowns be made out of?

Monica Cotto: The designers are now making dresses at all price ranges. What material you choose depends on how much you are willing and able to spend. There are also wedding dresses that look more like evening dresses and can be worn again, if you so choose.

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Ohio: I'm getting married in September and am not really interested in having a veil (it's my second time down the aisle). I've been considering different hair ornaments from hair sticks to flowers -- what's hot this season? My hair is past shoulder length and I'm going to go half up, half down and curly.

Monica Cotto: Sounds like you are going for a romantic hair-do. I think flowers would be beautiful.

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Alexandria, Va.: I'm a bridesmaid in a wedding next weekend and of course the bride thinks she's chosen a dress we'll wear again. I don't want to ruin her day, so what should I say if she asks if I like the dress? (I don't!)

Monica Cotto: Keep it to yourself...we've all been there. You might also consider donating the dress. There are organizations that give these dresses to deserving young girls, who otherwise would not be able to afford them, for their proms and formals.

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Northern Virginia: I am a huge fan of vintage inspired or antique jewelry. Any advice on finding bridal jewelry?

Monica Cotto: That is another big trend right now. Plenty of jewelers have this look in their current collections. They are vintage inspired. If you want the real thing their are also jewelers who deal in estate jewelry. You should go on line and research your options. Go through different magazines and find jewelry you like. Then go on the jewelers Web site to view there entire collections.

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Baltimore, Md.: Hi Monica, Whenever I get nervous or excited my chest, neck and upper arms blush (think red and blotchy). What style of dress do you recommend that can conceal something like this?

Monica Cotto: I have seen pretty high-neck dresses. The feel can be Victorian, but in a good way. Some also have open backs for a sexier look or cap sleeves to hide your upper arms. The last thing you want to think about on your wedding day is whether or not your skin is misbehaving. Find a dress that covers your problem areas.

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Anonymous: Do you have any tips on scoring a dress at a sample sale?

Monica Cotto: Call the designers you like and ask them when they will be having a sample sale and if it's open to the public.

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Bethesda, Md.: Do you think the look of tiara will ever retire? I personally prefer a tiara because it reminds me of being a princess on the wedding day.

Monica Cotto: It's all about personal style. If you want to look like a princess then you should!

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Arlington, Virginia: In my October wedding, I'm only having my maid of honor stand with me -- the other bridesmaids with process and recess, but be seated during the ceremony. Because of this, I'm allowing them to pick any dress they like in a solid, autumn-y hue that's mid-length. My maid of honor and I chose her dress together, so they're chatting with both her and I about what to wear ... long story for short question. I'd like to get them gifts that they can wear/use then, but since they won't match I'm having a hard time with ideas. Thoughts?

Monica Cotto: How about earrings. They can either all be the same or match their individual gowns.

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Monica Cotto: Thank you for all of your wonderful questions. Be sure to look for the new issue of Elegant Bride, which will be on news stands on June 28th, and check us out on www.elegantbride.com.

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Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.