Chatterberries.com Fêtes the Top Wedding Dresses of 2010

By Jessica Teves

Let’s be honest. As much as weddings are about the perfect venue, top-shelf champagne and a steady stream of hors d’oeuvres, the editors at Chatterberries.com know that a bride’s walk down the aisle in her dream wedding dress may just take the cake – a five-tiered, fondant-frosted wedding cake, that is. Here, to make the bridal shopping experience as painless as possible, are the 10 most fabulous and over-the-top wedding dresses of 2010, courtesy of Chatterberries.com.

Amsale

This stunning ball gown from Amsale’s spring 2010 collection features silk taffeta with a ruched bodice and soft, gathered skirt. The real draw of this dress, however, is the dramatic over-the-top ruffle halter. $4,100; Amsale.com

Lazaro

This elegant silk shantung gown from Lazaro’s spring 2010 collection is highlighted by a daring sweetheart bodice and a ruched cummerbund with a vintage freshwater pearl brooch. The full, gathered skirt is accented with silk flowers at the back and a chapel train, perfect for a long walk down the aisle. $2,541; jlmcouture.com

Douglas Hannant

This ethereal gown floated down the runways of Douglas Hannant’s fall 2010 collection and caused quite a stir. Featuring wispy layers of tulle and an elongated bodice, this ruched gown would make an angel of any bride. $3,300; Douglashannant.com

Ines Di Santo

This glamorous silver lamé A-line gown features a sweetheart neckline, beaded bodice and a ruched silhouette. With intricate details like beaded appliqué at the left hip and slight pickups throughout the skirt, it’s no wonder this dress is a darling of the jet set. $9,000; 866 899-INES

J. Crew

This limited edition strapless confetti dress is sprinkled with tier upon tier of delicately embroidered disks—falling just like confetti. The dress is comprised of Irish linen with a tulle overlay, embroidered fringe detail and scalloped edge, perfect for a preppy garden wedding. $995; JCrew.com

Jenny Yoo

This simply elegant dress conjures up images of a casual, destination beach wedding. Featured in Jenny Yoo’s fall 2010 collection, the delightful gown has a long, trumpet silhouette with a pleated, sweetheart strapless bodice and a back that features a train long enough to bustle. $1,195; JennyYoo.com

Monique Lhuillier

Aptly named Sunday Rose, this one-of-a-kind stunner is nothing less than perfection. Featured in Monique Lhuillier’s spring 2010 collection, the ivory silk, satin organza strapless gown with pleated bodice and rose embroidered A-line skirt provides the maximum “wow” factor for your special day. $9,500; Moniquelhuillier.com

Oscar de la Renta

This ladylike dress pays homage to days gone by. Featured in Oscar de la Renta’s spring 2010 collection, the timeless silk taffeta and tulle-embroidered v-neck gown with ruffle train is a standout for any setting. $9,950; Oscardelarenta.com

Romona Keveza

Feeling a little unconventional? Try a twist on the wedding day classic with this jaw-dropper by Romona Keveza. Featured in the fall 2010 collection, this hot number has a draped sweetheart neckline made of silk organza and a bell-shaped skirt made of silk organza petals. $3,200; RomonaKeveza.com

Vera Wang

The queen of wedding wear, Vera Wang, does it again with this glamorous, strapless gown from her spring 2010 collection. A virtual sea of watercolor tulle, tissue organza, chiffon and charmeuse, this piece of art features vintage crystal beadwork at the bust. $4,600 - $7,990; Verawang.com

What It Takes to Design a Bridal Gown

By Oleg Cassini

The bride is the star and the focus of any wedding celebration. Her uniqueness needs to shine through for that moment when all eyes are on her.
The first consideration in a gown should be the best shape, or silhouette, for the bride’s body type. The silhouette is the vision everyone notices as the bride starts down the aisle, before all the beading, the lace, the train and the other finery. Brides and designers should give close consideration to body type when choosing a dress, be it sexy, demure, sophisticated or casual.
Some of the most popular silhouettes are the ball gown, the A-line, the sheath and the mermaid, with popular necklines being strapless, sweetheart, portrait, and lace illusion. Hemlines also come into play, with floor length still being the most popular. Newer choices are short and flirty, tea or ballerina length. The ‘Hi-Lo’ is shorter in front to reveal legs and shoes and sweeps to its own rounded train in back.