THEY were once a symbol of the blushing bride's modesty, trimmed with lace and frills. But the latest trends in wedding dresses are plunging necklines and slashed skirts.
Experts have revealed that brides are choosing to walk down the aisle in dresses similar to those worn by celebrities on the red carpet, rather than the traditional "meringues", once seen as the classic look.
And many women are choosing dresses t
hat show off their cleavage, midriff, lower back or thighs.
One of the biggest bridal stores in the world, Kleinfeld in New York, has experienced an upsurge in demand for slinky, revealing dresses after major designers launched their ranges at the spring wedding fashion shows.
In Britain, designer Jenny Packham's 2008 collection includes a number of low-cut dresses and figure-hugging gowns.
Wedding experts say British women are now flaunting their curves rather than covering them up.
Catherine Westwood, editor of Wedding magazine, said: "Many brides wear dresses that don't look like wedding dresses. They are slinky with low backs and are less forgiving with little support.
"They will go for a backless halterneck or a strapless dress. Girls will go on diets and work out to look good in them. Some will have plastic surgery and tooth whitening. It's their red-carpet moment."
