Many of our 2009 wedding style predictions came true on the Red Carpet at the Academy Awards last night! SmartBride predicted (ok - maybe 'desperately hoped for') a few figure flattering trends, and we hit the trend jackpot at last night’s Oscars.

• Pleats are coming on strong, rivaling beading and embroidery on necklines, hemlines and bodices. They make a dress look elegant and sophisticated without looking busy.


• Soft fullness and floral embellishments replace heavy tiered skirts.


• Resurgence of the Off-white Evening Gown


• Mermaid style gowns with interesting necklines.

Let us show you how you can have Red Carpet style for your wedding and stay on budget! Click on the images to go straight to the dress for sale on SmartBrideBoutique.ca.

This week our theme is strapless dresses, and we wanted to show off the different ways that strapless can be done. Here's what's catching our eye this week!

1. Dare to be Different! Bridal Alternative in Vancouver
For all of you ladies who don't want a traditional wedding dress, consider this fun and funky ivory/white silk and organza bridal alternative. Light as a feather and purchased last July, this could be a unique option for a summer or destination wedding, when you want to be comfortable and beautiful.

Going shopping for a wedding gown this long weekend? Have a look through our top picks this week to see what's catching our eye!

1. Never Been Worn $500 Steal in Winnipeg
This is a gorgeous brand-new, never been worn, size 8 ivory wedding gown by Casablanca Bridal. With a flattering neckline, body slimming rouching and crystal beads scattered throughout bodice to sparkle throughout your big night, this is our pick of the week for budget conscious smart bride.

Summer is in the air and so many of you may already be in the process of getting bridesmaid dresses for your bestest friends. That's why our pick of the week is:

1. Ready Made Bridesmaid!
A smart bride in Toronto has posted 3 beautiful bridesmaid dresses in sizes 2, 4 and 6. These are unworn and in a beautiful violet colour. The pick ups and crinoline really add some extra detail and make it a fun party dress. This is a great example of how you can be both the best bride ever (according to your bridesmaids) and budget friendly. If you want all 3, be prepared to negotiate!

We surveyed over 500 Canadian women to see what they thought about wearing a once worn wedding dress on their big day. 75% of them said they would consider it for environmental and financial reasons - the other 25% wanted nothing to do with it. And we're ok with that! It's not for everyone. But it doesn't mean you can't save by buying a pre-owned dress that has never been worn.

You'll find many "new with tags", "never worn", "still in the bag" wedding dresses posted on SmartBrideBoutique.ca. You may be wondering to yourself... "what happened? wedding cancelled? is this dress cursed?". Relax, you'd be surprised how many brides end up with two dresses due to a change in wedding plans, elopement, venue change, and most often indecision. Below, we've featured just 8 of the many new dresses for sale. Click on the image to go directly to the dress on SmartBrideBoutique.ca.

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