Depending on who you ask or where you look, you’ll find different names and descriptions for the various wedding dress silhouettes. I still remember when I first mastered what an "A-line" dress was... And then all of a sudden, I started seeing modified A-line, what looked like A-line but was called something else, and everything in between. Needless to say, my head was spinning!

Enter, our fab designer wedding dress gallery! You'll notice that you can search for your dream wedding dress by silhouette, by designer, neckline, embellishment, and more! You can even search by Style- so if you are having a downtown chic wedding, search only for "Glamourous" wedding dresses; or if you are planning a low-key oceanside wedding, search for "Beach" style wedding dresses.

We’ve decided to categorize all of the short wedding dresses as in our gallery as “Baby Doll”. There are so many drool-worthy baby dolls to choose from- perfect for the actual wedding or the "take two" reception look. And since the sun is shining, and I’m in a summertime state of mind, I thought I’d showcase a few of my faves!

Marchesa rarely misses the mark when it comes to women's fashion, and I adore the Marchesa baby doll number above. The gold embroidered waist gives the dress a Gladiator feel, and the flirty, flouncy ruffles soften the hard edge.

For to-die-for baby doll dresses, check out the Legends by Romona Keveza collection. How fantastic are the two frocks below? I'm loving the restrained volume of the bubble skirt and bolero in style 185, and the perfectly placed hints of lace on style 186. Isn't this chic femininity at its finest?

If sleek sophistication is more your speed, the form-fitted dresses in photo 3 may be just what you are looking for. And finally, check out Jenny Packham's Jemima baby doll dress. The deep sweetheart neckline is definitely daring, so choose a dress like this if you want all eyes on you!.

I just got back from the Salon du Mariage at the Carrousel du Louvre, and while I usually try not to use my own photos on my blog (I have a cheapy camera and a shaky hand…not a very pretty combo) I wanted to share some of the pix from the fashion show while the details were still fresh in my mind. I picked up on several trends at this years show, the most obvious one being color. From a delicate sprinkling of flowery pastels to electric day-glow green, color seems to be one of the hottest trends in Paris bridal fashion for 2008. More trends tomorrow…

Paris Wedding Trends Photos

So, you and your trend-setting betrothed have decided to have a destination wedding. More than that, you’ve decided on a “green” destination wedding. You’ve e-mailed or hand delivered your recycled paper invitations. You’ve registered with World Wildlife Fund Weddings and Celebrations instead of Pottery Barn. You’ve even offset the amount of carbon emissions used to fly you and your guests to Paris by donating money to help build wind turbines in India. But why should your eco-wedding stop there? A lot of people feel that planning a “regular” destination wedding is hard enough- the thought of trying to make it eco-friendly as well is just too much. In fact, with a locally based wedding planner and a little time online, you’ll find that there are plenty of ways that you can incorporate green or eco-conscious elements into a destination wedding. For instance, here are my Top 5 Ideas for a “Green” or Eco-Friendly wedding in Paris:

1. Purchase or have a wedding dress custom created that uses all-natural, earth friendly fibers. Elsa Gary and Aranel are two French designers who are showing natural bridal collections using materials like silk, bamboo, hemp, soya, and maize.
2. Have your wedding meal prepared by Ethiques et Toques, an organic catering company servicing Paris, Lyon and Blois.
3. Rather than tossing bird seed or blowing bubbles, why not follow a wedding tradition from the South of France and have your guests shower you with handfuls of lavender, like these sold in packets from Pluie de Lavande?
4. Thank your guests with a sweet French wedding favor: a little sachet of organic hard candy or lollipops from La Butinerie.
5. Toast your nuptials with a glass of organic champagne: Jean-Pierre Fleury and Larmandier-Bernier are two to try.
6. (I know I said 5 ideas, but who could write an entry on eco-friendly Paris without mentioning Vélib- the public bike system that’s been all the rage since they were installed all over Paris this past summer? Nothing says eco-lovin’ like your first bike ride as Mr-n-Mrs along the Seine…)

Paris Wedding Trends Photos

One of the biggest Paris wedding trends that I noticed at the Salon du Mariage at the Carrousel du Louvre last week was Drama. This particular Salon always seems to have a bit of Vegas glamour- and this year’s show was no exception. Besides the bold, dramatic colors that I mentioned the other day, there was also quite a bit of silver- and LOTS of Bling. Diamant Blanc lived up to their name and reputation with several over-the-top, crystal beaded gowns. But Max Chaoul stole the show with his futuristic (huh?) silver ballgown with feather accents (and gloves to match!)

Paris Wedding Trends Drama

Paris Wedding Hairstyle Trends

Topping the list of Paris Wedding Hairstyle Trends for 2008 is the tried and true (and oh, so Parisienne) chignon, according to marieclaire.fr. But this is not your mama’s updo: The trend this year is all about sculpted drama and high glamour. One of my favorites is J Bogatti’s multi-twisted updo which is knotted with satin ribbons- if this doesn’t complete the look for a Marie-Antoinette or Versailles themed wedding, I don’t know what would.

A few months ago, I posted about the 60’s-inspired wedding dress trend in Paris, and it seems as if Paris beauty salons are following suit: J Bogatti and Claude Maxime Mondial are both featuring updos that would make Catherine Deneuve proud, while René Futerer and Eric Stipa’s styles pay homage both to honorary French girl Jean Seberg and Pop Fashion icons Twiggy and Edie Sedgwick.

Paris Wedding Hairstyle Trends

For a stylishly bold Parisian wedding day look, why not try one of these contemporary chignons from Michel Dervyn, Saint Algue or Laurent Voisinet. And for a truly modern (like, BJORK modern…) trip down the aisle, try these asymmetrical updos from René Futerer, Francois Piazza and J Bogatti.

Paris Wedding Hairstyle Trends