The white wedding dress is so yesterday. Ditto for off-the-rack gowns that sell cheap at those online bridal stores. If you are in the midst of planning for your wedding, you might as well know  that coloured gowns now outweigh the traditional virgin white.

 "Brides-to-be are experimenting with colour and fashion," said designer Claudia Pegus , who was last week up to her neck with orders for graduation and weddings gowns.

Pinks, periwinkle, lavender and yellow are among the coloured  bridal gowns she has designed.

"Red too, would you believe?

"I even did a tuxedo for one bride."

South-based Omzad Ali, half of the designing team Zadd and Eastman, has also noted the growing trend. For the year, so far, he has worked on bridal gowns in turquoise, fuchsia and purple.

For colour-shy brides, blush wedding gowns with tints of dusty rose, have  emerged as the new white. Ali said colour can also be introduced in subtle ways, through beading,

sashes, belts and

flowers.

Pegus believes that brides today want to stand out hence the choice of custom-made over ready-made gowns.

Ali agreed: "Sometimes a bride might purchase a gown online and then go to a wedding and see another bride wearing the same thing,

 "Every bride wants to look unique."

 Coloured bridal gowns have also been enjoying popularity in the US, taking its cue from The Spring 2013 showings from international designers.

The collection of Vera Wang featured burgundy, siren reds with off the shoulder and corset tops and flowing chiffon bottoms. Oscar de la Renta presented floral patterns, blue and silver,while Monique Lhuillier featured gowns in grey, silver and even green.  

The Royal wedding of Kate Middleton to Prince William last year has sparked the revival of lace gowns and the cowl neck, as seen on the bridesmaid dress of Middleton's sister Pippa.

Also making a return to new school dresses are bolero jackets and capped sleeves, staples of 1950s wedding gowns.

No matter what style dress you choose for your big day, it is important that it flatters your size.

"Any bride can fall in love with a dress and want to wear it but she has to be realistic about whether the style suits her or not.

"I always recommend to my clients that they wear foundation garments when they come to measure for their gowns and again on their big day.

"I call these undergarments essentials because they make all the difference in the fit of the dress."

If you're not quite sure about what wedding dress style suits your shape, the following should help. Pear shaped? Try  A-line skirts that highlight a narrow midsection. Strappy bodices or V necks play up your slender upper body. Fabrics that suit your shape – duchesse satin and taffeta. Busty? Try styles that feature scooped necklines or a small dip along the neckline in strapless gowns. Gowns with straight tops would make your bust look larger. Fabrics that suit your shape—organza, , satin or silk.   Plus-Sized? Empire dresses with an A-line skirts flatter your ample size and would make you look smaller. Stay away from pleats and make sure the Empire seam does not start on the chest. Fabrics that suit your shape – include satin with an embroidered tulle overlay.   Apple-Shaped? Try dresses that fit snugly at the waistline and flares into an A-Line, work well with your shape. Corset-inspired tops and ruche bodices help to draw eyes to your length rather than width.