Black is the new, well, black when it comes to bridal fashion. While black has traditionally been shunned from weddings (for the bride as well as for guests), this particular "rule" is starting to fade away for many. The wedding dress wasn't always white, either; this has been a relatively recent tradition in terms of wedding gowns.

The non-white wedding dress is more of a European idea, so for some of the best choices in black wedding dresses, you may want to look to designers from that continent. For example, a black Xena wedding dress is available from Just Brides Ltd, a U.K.-based retailer.

Pictured below is an option from Nordstrom.

If you don't want to go full-black, black accents have become popular, especially for evening and more formal weddings. You can incorporate this dramatic color on a sash, neckline or even in your bouquet instead of wearing a black gown if that's just a bit too much for you. Wearing a black wedding dress is for the confident bride-to-be who isn't concerned with mere tradition, so if that describes you, you might want to look to colors other than white.

This isn't the first time I've talked about saving money on wedding costs. And until our economy improves, it won't be the last.

Wedding cut backs are nothing new, especially to couples who are already frugal or don't have a lot of money to spend, but nowadays, more couples than ever are having to watch every dollar when it comes to wedding planning.

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, David Pruter

This doesn't mean your big day has to be any less meaningful. I believe that if you feel very strongly about one aspect of your wedding, you should stick to your guns if possible-but this may mean letting something else go.

From the article, this important reminder:

"But Stu Freeman, publisher of Long Island Bride and Groom magazine says there is a danger in cutting back too much. He says you can't have a do over, the wedding is usually a one shot deal."

How has the current economy impacted your planning, if at all?

Attention, New York brides-to-be! You're invited to a trunk show at Bergdorf Goodman this Tuesday and Wednesday (October 28 and 29) from 10 am to 4 pm. You'll see Giambattista Valli's debut bridal collection for Spring 2009 and let me tell you, these are some divinely gorgeous gowns. I'm giving you just a sneak peek here, but if you attend the trunk show, you'll see even more classic, elegant and very unique dresses.

If you can hop on down to Bergdorf Goodman at Fifth Avenue at 58th Street, you're sure to get an amazing up close and personal preview of Valli's exclusive launch. Located on the store's seventh floor, the "Bridal Salon offers a full range of services for the bride-to-be and 12 European and American designer bridal gown collections." You don't need to make reservations, either. Just show up and prepare to be dazzled.

Some of these gowns are very Grecian and classic, while others call to mind the Jackie O. era. There are also some fanciful creations that you won't see anywhere else.

See more at the Giambattista Valli site and if you're lucky enough to attend the trunk show, I'd love to hear what you think!

In between some of the busier parts of wedding planning, you'll get to do some fun things: shop for a wedding gown, have a bridal shower and taste test your wedding cake. This is one of those areas where it's not so much just what you want, but what the majority will like (you're lucky if you even get a big slice of your own cake).

When sampling different cakes for consideration, remember that most people like yellow or chocolate cake, but not everyone likes carrot cake, for instance. Think about the frosting. You want sweet, but not so sweet that you can feel sugar granules on your tongue.

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Carolyn De Anda

If you choose to go with a filling, think about the venue. Anyplace inside is fine, but if you have an outside wedding and reception, consider the weather and time of year. You don't want a fruit-filled cake layer sliding off the table because it's so hot.

A great cake will have a good, but not overwhelming, flavor; you taste the actual cake, not just icing. It's moist, but not wet (I've had a wet wedding cake before...yeah). And the majority of people like it. You can't please everyone, but when it comes to cake, you can probably please most.

Q: How can we save money on our wedding reception costs? We don't want to cut out any guests if possible, but feeding all those people can get expensive!

A: I know people go to a wedding primarily to see a couple they love and admire exchange vows and promise to love one another forever. It's not about the food (for most people-though I will admit, I do love a good wedding cake). Still, when guests attend a wedding and know they're also attending a reception afterwards, eating is on their minds.

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, christine balderas

You don't have to go broke feeding your guests, especially if it's difficult for you to trim your guest list. Here are some ways you can save on reception costs:

* Serve a buffet instead of a four-course dinner
* If you serve alcohol during a pre-dinner appetizer course, stop the alcohol during dinner
* Or don't serve alcohol at all; I know this idea is foreign to some people, but alcohol isn't mandatory
* Serve chicken instead of steak
* Have a cupcake cake instead of an expensive many-tiered confection
* Choose one or two favors instead of four or five

Remember, however, this is your day. If there are aspects important to you, keep those; just be aware that you'll have to trim in other areas that aren't as much of a priority.

The late Grace Kelly had a big influence on Alfred Sung's latest bridal collection, according to the designer. This isn't surprising, considering how glamorous, beautiful and stylish the screen star was. Sung's collection, known simply as "The White Collection," featured "full-bodied silk taffeta" gowns as well as sleeker, "draped georgette dresses." Lots of luxe materials like "angel tulle, silk essence chiffon and organza" were also a big part of the show.

Beads and Swarovski crystals added even more luxurious detail, as well as cascading trains and opulent hemlines. As far as the upper parts of the gowns, there were styles suited to flatter a variety of figures, including "sweetheart necklines," "off-the-shoulder V-neck styles, halter and racer-back to elaborate crisscross straps."

Not content to have only the dresses call to mind an elegant, classic vibe, the hair was similarly sophisticated. There were updos, swept hair, chignons, all accessorized with white satin, flowers or jewels.

Sung has designed some of the best gowns in the business. If you're looking for dramatic and classic, especially with the influence of one of the greatest fashion icons of all time, this is a collection to check out. You can view more at the Alfred Sung Bridal Collection website.

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