The Best and Worst Bridal Styles This Year

Whether they're specially-designed bridal sneakers or what you would wear to the gym, tennis shoes are generally considered unbecoming wedding attire. Sure, you want to feel comfortable, but on this most special day, the pros shake their heads at the grubby Converse option.

The same goes for cowboy boots, apparently. There's a country trend in weddings right now, but leave this style out to pasture. Even with a barn or pastoral theme, cowboy boots can appear tacky. A bonus footwear suggestion: never go barefoot, unless you're on the beach.

Not all wedding shoes are foot-binding, blister-inducing torture devices. More than ever, comfort reigns supreme. If you still want a stunning look, go a half-size larger and add some gel insoles. Classic flats are an attractive and trendy option, too. Or designate a sophisticated ceremony pair and lighter reception pair so you can party the night away while still matching your theme.

Elegant strappy sandals are all the rage for warm-weather weddings. Flat or with a subtle heel, they add soft femininity without all the bells and whistles of painful stilettos.

Years from now when you look back at your wedding photos, puffy sleeves might not age well. The pros say to leave this trend in the 1980s where it belongs. Not only will the sleeves need constant adjustment, but they're not photogenic. Due to their unique shape, lighting and other factors tend to make them fall flat in every shot.

Puffy sleeves are also impractical. They get in the way of important wedding activities like dancing, cake-cutting, kissing, and just generally being close to your new spouse. And if you're not careful, they'll easily clip someone's plate or beverage, spilling it onto your dress.

The trend for strappy or sleeveless wedding gowns is coming to a close. Classic long sleeves are making a name for themselves once again, and in grand fashion. Not just relegated to winter weddings, they're quickly becoming a staple of year-round design with their sheer and lacy fabrics. Loose-fitting or body-hugging, for any season, sleeves add sophistication, grace, and luxury.

It's your 21st-century wedding, not a dance in antebellum south. Unless you're doing a Disney theme, the experts recommend ditching the ballroom gowns with hoop skirts and layers of materials. Just like puffy sleeves, this design will get in the way of your big day. Plus, dresses like this are likely to get stepped on repeatedly, and constantly need adjustment.

You aren't partying in a nightclub, either. Extremely tight dresses are cumbersome and make walking difficult. Ideally, if you have your heart set on either of these styles, you'll have a separate reception dress so you can be more comfortable during the evening festivities.

More and more people today want to pair beauty with comfort at their wedding. An endless array of styles fit this bill, for every shape and size, all without having to spend a fortune.

Silky a-line or sheath dresses offer maneuverability, while tea dresses and crepe midis are lighthearted and free. Mixing materials works well, too. Just consider the weather and plan according to the season: crushed velvet and beaded fabrics are great for winter and autumn, but tone it down with batiste or chiffon for spring and summer affairs, or you'll be sweating before you head down the aisle.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to feel like a princess on your big day, but experts are imploring folks to say no to the tiara. They were a cute novelty at first, but have since worn out their welcome as the crown jewel of wedding attire. Often, they end up crooked or lopsided, and you have better things to do during your wedding than fiddle endlessly with a hair accessory.

If you have an amazing hairstyle you don't want to conceal, there's no rule that says you have to cover it up with a veil. Sheer capes are a wonderful alternative, rapidly becoming a highly-respected trend. They bring all the drama of a lengthy, flowing veil, but without hiding your hair. Let that style and any stunning hair accessories shine, in the church and on the dance floor.

Free form, or oversized bouquets, are a hot trend. They're attention-getting and definitely exude a wow factor. Unfortunately, pros remind wedding planners that this impact can steal the focal point that rightly belongs to you. Trailing sprays or bold arrangements tend to take center stage in wedding photos, hiding carefully chosen outfits, footwear, and even hairstyles.

When selecting a bouquet, consider how cumbersome it's going to be to carry around. An oversized bunch of flowers is one accessory you can do without, as it will end up being an annoyance.

If you want a lot of flowers, put them in the displays around the venue and keep your bouquet on the smaller (and lighter) side. A simple and refined arrangement provides a complementing elegance to any wedding dress or suit and theme.

From budget-friendly intimate events to publicized celebrity affairs, quiet bouquets are becoming a big topic. Plus, they put all eyes on the bride instead of the flowers.