“Simple, simple, simple” is the message of the moment; suddenly ostentation is out—clean lines and traditional silhouettes are ruling the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 bridal runways. (Perhaps there is a silver lining to the recession afterall?) Brides everywhere are opting for simpler, less ornate gowns.

“No more tiaras, smaller veils, and very simple, elegant dresses,” reports Rana Choi, owner of Rana Bridal in Englewood Cliffs (201-503-9611; ranabridal.com). “No more fussy details, just a little bit of lace and some beading, but less beading than a few years ago.” Some of her more popular lines are Augusta, which features easy, simple, and beautiful silhouettes for more casual daytime and destination weddings, and Alvina Valenta, whose gowns personify the new cleaner lines, yet remain ultra-elegant and sophisticated.

Another trend worth noting is color—or the lack thereof when it concerns the bridal gown. After a few seasons of pinks, reds, yellows, and some blues slowly creeping their way into bridal sashes, embroidery, and accessories, suddenly there’s been a return to basics—and not whites, but ivory and champagne, which are the colors for 2009 and 2010. “With the simpler dresses, it’s usually better to choose champagne or ivory than white because they just look a lot more elegant and expensive,” Choi explains.

Michelle Bunting, manager of the Bridal Manor in Sewell (856-582-1422; thebridalmanor.net), has found that destination weddings are more popular than ever, as the same budget can go a lot further. “You get more bang for your buck,” she says. “Why do a party for four hours when for the same budget you can party for three days?” Destination gowns are “sleeker, simpler, and less expensive” according to Bunting. Whether here or away, almost all of her customers are looking for simpler lines. “No more lace and ruffles, but still some ruching—it’s very flattering and that’s always good.”

Yvonne Baird of Country Way Bridal in Haddonfield (856-745-9005; country waybrides.com) finds that brides want to highlight their assets (after all those hours on the elliptical) in form-fitting “fit and flair” and modified mermaid styles. “It’s a couture look, and we have found designers who deliver it at very reasonable prices,” she says. The styles might be simpler, and budgets might be tighter, but younger brides especially are looking for haute-couture looks at lower price points. While traditional accessories have definitely been streamlined, Baird notes many young women are looking for exciting new accents and adds that “peacock feathers are everywhere this season—veils, bags, and centerpieces.”

And another trend worth noting: While a few years ago, Choi sold 100 percent of her brides white or ivory shoes to match their gown, she has watched that number decline to about 20 percent. The vast majority of brides are now opting for a silver or gold metallic shoe to complement their gown. The key here is wearability—and that’s a trend that will hopefully stick around for a long, long time.