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Pity the bridesmaid.  For years they were stuffed into costumes that made them look like lollypops.  Next came shinny creations to match the decor.  The 2009 collection was littered with dull gray, dark purples and dresses that kept the little ladies in the background.  But 2010 is the dawn of a whole new era: beautiful, bright, and desireable dresses.

I’ve started here with the exquisite 2010 collection from Alvina Valenta.  No more the wallflower in dresses that make you actually want to be a bridesmaid.

Ali B Maids offers up bright and cheery designs that let the bridesmaid shine.

The Watters and Watters 2010 collection is elegant and diverse with definately wear-again styles.

Although I am not much of a fan of Kirstie Kelly who designs for Disney’s Fairytale Weddings, I really like the dress on right: simple and stylish.

Below:  a stunning dress from the Wtoo 2010 collection.

Last, a sassy little dress from Winnie Couture that proves dark purple can be glitzed and glamorous.

Bright flowers, beautiful jewels, dreamy dresses.  Our mix of wedding style highlights.

“Tuscon” our own Bohemian Garden original bouquet features pink stargazer lilies and roses and ranunculus in various shades of pink.

Below, wonderful jewels from Harry Winston. The gorgeous 4-row diamond ring below sells for $12,800 on the jewelers site.  Next, a fabulous yellow diamond not priced on the site.  Last, a sapphire and diamond necklace to die for.

Beautiful, steamy  dresses:  below, the 2010 designs of Alvina Valenta.  I adore the first dress with its mix of styles and elements.

Below: The DeCapitani sisters turn out dream-like designs for the Le Spose di Geo label.

The demure princess bride is fast being replaced by the hot tamale bride.  Israeli-born Pnina Tornai who designs for Kleinfeld Bridal, is a leading force in this new trend.  Below are some of Pnina’s dresses.

Feminine, wispy, sophisticated and light as a feather…the Fall 2010 contributions of three great designers.

Vera Wang does her thing with billowy, soft designs.  Little touches of color break up the yards and yards of floating fabric.

Below, master designer Reem Acra shows off dream-like dresses with updated details.

Beautiful designs from Oscar de la Renta feature true couture style.

Lilacs are known for their wonderful fragrance and are grown in varies shades of purple and in white.  Although the actual flowers have a short season, a lilac bush can last a lifetime. Equally lovely in quality silk, lilacs are stunning in bouquets and flower arrangements. However, lilac is also a color, and paired with the flower, can add a special Victorian romance to weddings.

A bouquet mix of Lilacs, sweetpeas and other flowers from Martha Stewart.A sash in “Victorian Lilac” adds a touch of color to this beautiful, lace, Alfred Angelo gown.  Below a bridesmaid dress and flower girl dress both in “Victorian Lilac” from Alfred Angelo.

Lilac Versace pumps and a georgous lilac diamond ring from ernestjones.com.

Although the couture gowns are beautiful and trendy, most brides will opt for something a little less flashy. Below some of our favorite “real bride” designers.

Canadian Alfred Sung always designs for the real woman and his 2010 collection is no exception. Above left is a perfect little dress with bolero top while below he adds glamorous detailing to a simple style.

The dress at left from Emerald Bridal gives the bride room to accessorize.  My absolute favorite is this tunic top gown from Group USA: updated and fabulousJust enough detailing and ruffles give this James Clifford design all that is necessary to stand out. Below: a floral embelleshed dress from Melissa Sweet.

The beautiful city of Boston and surrounding area has lots to offer when it comes to weddings: Modern and historic venues, great hotels and restaurants, beaches and harbors. Below is a small sampling of Yankee hospitality.

Marry in style at The Castle at Boston University;  or choose a cozier setting like The Cambridge Swedenborg Chapel ,a Gothic-revival stone chapel near the famous Harvard Square. The Harding Allen Estate in Barre, Ma is a quick 90 minutes from Boston and offers a vareity of reception services.  Another beautiful venue is Blue Inn on the beach, located on Plum Island.Sightseeing is a must.  Below, A view of famous Beacon Hill’s Acorn Street; Boston’s Chinatown; Downtown Boston known as Back Bay. For a land and water tour try the wacky Duck Tour which starts out as a land vehicle then splashes into the harbor.

History is everywhere in Boston.  The House of Paul Revere is one of the features on the Freedom Trail tour.

Quaint shops abound on Newberry Street.Below a photo of The Harbor Islands regatta and some New England delicacies including Boston Cream Pie and Pork with clams.

Black brings drama and sophistication to a white wedding.  Hints of red, fuschia, bright yellow, or silver can also be added.

“Anne Marie”, a design by Maggie Sottero, looks every bit the part of a bridal gown.  The black lace details add dimension rather than detracting from the look.  A more casual dress from Jessica McClintock, uses enough black lace to step-up a simple style.An adorable black and white dress from Alexis Georgio allows the bridesmaid to own something definitely wearable after the wedding.The black and white theme can be continued with the cake, flowers, wedding favors and accessories.  Here, an astounding cake from flourconfections.com.Next, a simple bouquet of white carnations is made trendy and special with the addition of black ribbon as seen on Marthastewart.com.Simple favor boxes turn elegant when done in black at americanbridal.com.Last, beautiful shoes from Karenmillen.com and a pair of black and white dangling earrings.