If asked on the spot who we might choose to design frocks for our entire wedding party, we think our first thought might be: Monique Lhuillier. This woman is, hands down, an endless source of drama and glamour and her designs deserve more than just red carpet-cred; of which she has plenty. For her bridal collection this Spring 09 she put together some of the most beautiful gowns we have ever laid our eyes on, each on sheathed in a never-ending veil. Despite the tendency for bridal fashion shows to have such frivolous accessories, it should be clear who the front runner of this market is. For an outfit to wear to the reception and focks for the bridesmaids and the Mother-of-the-bride, and one for the honeymoon, check out Lhuillier's Spring 09 collection. The Spring 09 Bridal collection, below. 

At New York Fashion Week, one of the world's most commercial, you would be hard pressed to get a designer to say anything about the "dirty" business of selling clothing. At New York Bridal Market there is no such problem. In fact, we were overjoyed to discover that designers actively relished delving into their sales track record, discussing which gowns had been best sellers in the past, and waxing poetic about whether classic designs sell better or worse then contemporary updates. One of the most articulate designers we encountered was Romona Keveza who before an informal showing on Saturday (which was filled with buyers, we were the only press at that particular showing) discussed with attendees how the financial crisis would impact the bridal gown market.

Her assessment concluded that Romona Keveza would continue to prosper even the in down market. Weddings may get smaller as bride and groom decide that maybe the 500 guest wedding is a bit showy but an intimate affair with friends and family and a classic gown is tasteful no matter what the situation. Romona said "Just because they are cutting back in other areas doesn't mean a bride with taste is suddently going to go shop at David's Bridal."