Bridal gowns reflect fantasies

NEW YORK (AP) -- Many brides-to-be know what they want their wedding gowns to look like long before they even know who their grooms will be.
According to Kleinfeld, the couture bridal salon in the borough of Brooklyn in New York City, the store's nearly 1,000 designer dresses fit into one of six categories of brides.
There is the "timeless traditionalist," a woman who avoids trends in favor of something refined, tasteful and enduring; and the "princess bride," who enjoys playing the part of a romantic royal or grand historical figure.
The "sophisticate" typically makes an entrance in a chic and dramatic outfit that is barely recognizable as a "wedding gown," while the "downtown girl" is an informed risk taker who is artistic yet elegant. A "drama queen" goes to extremes to make an impression -- look for her to wear something eclectic and theatrical with colorful accents.
Meanwhile, the "earth angel" is someone uninterested in decorative embellishments or too many details. She'll favor a soft, graceful gown that "floats, flirts and dances," says Kleinfeld owners Ronnie Rothstein and Mara Urshel.