It’s not surprising then that bridal fashion has witnessed a rapid change over the past ten years. Gone are the days of lace and puffy skirts. The traditional white wedding dress has undergone a makeover.

Today’s brides are selecting sleek, evening style gowns that are far more flattering for the figure. Strapless bodices have become increasingly popular, as have long A-line skirts. Shorter veils, tiaras or floral hair accessories can be seen in recent bridal trends, and more and more brides are experimenting with different coloured dresses than the traditional white.

It’s not just the bride that is undergoing a makeover; the bridesmaids are receiving the same treatment. The traditional four-bridesmaid set-up is often abandoned and many brides try to avoid the cliched matching dress styles, recognising that different styles in similar tones can create a more flattering result. Cocktail dresses and assymmetric cuts are high in fashion, as are metallic colours in tasteful tones – such as pale golds and shimmery silvers. It is not uncommon these days for the bride to wear a definitive colour for her wedding gown, and for the bridesmaids to wear white or black outfits.

It is common now for grooms to purchase a suit for over a thousand dollars, rather than hiring one at a rate of about $150. By purchasing a suit, the groom can ensure that it is tailored to his shape.

The black suit with white collared shirt remains the most popular for the contemporary groom, however the traditional suit has taken on a new edge. Jackets are often cut longer in a mod style, and are often teamed with coloured or patterned vests.

It comes as no surprise then that the popularity of alternative wedding locations has increased in comparison to the traditional church wedding. In Sydney, beaches and gardens have become very popular sites for weddings and receptions. So too have weddings that take place on a yacht or a tall ship. Another idea is to have a wedding at a prominent landmark such as the Sydney Opera House.

Other creative suggestions for weddings that have become popular include releasing doves or butterflies as the bride and groom leave the ceremony, and leaving disposable cameras on each table for the guests to take their own photos to contribute to the wedding album.

Weddings have certainly transformed into modern celebrations as traditions are constantly being shunned or remodelled. There are no longer strict sets of guidelines to follow and the contemporary couple now have the freedom to make their day as original and as creative as they want.