Though most people think of bridal attire as being very traditional, today's brides will find more selection than just the white gown with a long train and veil.

"The styles have changed very slowly but in the last 10 years, fashion has come into play," said Atlanta bridal designer Melissa Sweet. "For instance, five years ago you would never have your arms uncovered, no less your shoulders. Now, strapless is much more acceptable."

PARKER C. SMITH/Special (ENLARGE)
The Isadora, a Melissa Sweet gown, features a form-fitting. beaded bodice with an extreme dropped waist. Two tiers of beaded tulle flow into a sweep train. Beading also enhances the skirt; $3,900.
Special (ENLARGE)
This Carmela Sutera gown (style 353) is available at Bel Fiore in east Cobb. The gown features Alençon lace with empire waist and a gored skirt; $5,940.
Special (ENLARGE)
This L'ezu gown (style 1149) features spaghetti straps, a low-cut back with crystal drops on the gown's tie and an empire waist with silk organza panels. It sells for $2,178 at Bel Fiore.
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Brides are putting their fashion sense into wedding attire, opting for glamorous, Hollywood-style looks. They're also not afraid to explore other options in length, from short to tea-length.

"Destination weddings are very big and that often affects what you wear," Sweet said. "A short dress with fabulous shoes and a small veil is perfect for a beach wedding. And we also have a lot of brides getting married for the second time who want a more evening-wear inspired look."

One of Sweet's most popular designs is covered in lace, a still-popular option for wedding dresses. Lace is also a hot commodity at Bridal by Lori in Sandy Springs.

"We're also seeing a lot of what I called 'architectural' gowns," said Lori manager Christi Lynn-Paulson. "These are gowns with very interesting trains, lots of details, very luxurious looking. We're even seeing bustle backs on some."

Rachel Esposito, owner of the new Bel Fiore bridal salon in east Cobb, said color is making a comeback with this year's styles.

"We're seeing a lot more champagne and ivory dresses as people get away from the very white shades," she said. "There are also many dresses with hints of color, with some embroidery or some pastel flowers. Some designers are even doing color all over, but it's not something I imagine traditional brides going for."

Esposito's designer gowns range from $800 to $8,000, with the majority priced between $1,500 and $4,000. Brides at Lori will find a selection priced from $799 to $8,000.

"It really depends on what you want," Lynn-Paulson said. "A designer, couture gown with lace, silks and a good deal of embroidery will be between $2,500 and $4,000. For $8,000, you get something definitely extravagant that makes a dynamic statement. But there are also very beautiful gowns with some beading for $799. They're just made of blended fabrics, not 100 percent silk."

After decades of having to wear unstylish bridesmaids' dresses, today's wedding attendants will find a larger selection of colors, styles and figure-flattering designs.

"We're doing an entire cocktail collection with sophisticated bridesmaids in mind," Sweet said. "In fact, we sell as many of these dresses for girls just to wear to parties as to weddings."

Sweet's attendants strut down the aisle in deep pinks, pale greens, rich burgundy and soft cocoa shades. At Bel Fiore, bridesmaids will find this season's hot browns and blues, as well as apple green.

"I think more people are getting away from long dresses that you can't wear again," Esposito said. "Tea-length and knee-length in fun colors are very big for this year."

While bridesmaids have often thought of wearing their dresses again, few brides do. But that's no reason to consider the dress a piece of clothing that's only on display for a few hours.

"It's the dress that will spend the rest of its life on your mom's photo wall or in your great-granddaughter's album," Sweet said. "So the goal really should be to look the best you have ever looked on your wedding day."