The question's been popped. Suddenly you're faced with a mile-long to-do list, with hundreds of decisions to make and details to manage to create the perfect wedding day you've always dreamed of. Relax! Whether you have six or 16 months before the big day, whether you're planning on a simple, small affair or a full blown elegant extravaganza, we can help minimize the stress! Here's the lowdown on the latest trends and fabulous area finds with choices to fit every taste and budget.

GOWNS, VEILS & SHOES

Simple, elegant looks are "in" with strapless, A-line gowns being the top choice for many brides and spaghetti strap gowns coming in at a close second.

"I'm finding that the average age bride is around 26," says Lavinia Schiavone, owner of Lavonia's Bridal in Garnerville. "They are looking for sophisticated gowns, and many of them are open to introducing a bit of color, such as silvery blue, ice pink or blue haze in their bodice or gown embroidery. Brides may think they want simple straight gowns and end up loving the A-line look much better."

Beadwork and lace are popular, but adventurous brides are also choosing sophisticated gowns with extensive embroidery, open backs and cutwork, along with couture touches found in many high fashion designs. Fernanda Botticelli, of Bronxville's Botticelli Bridal Boutique, says her brides-to-be lean more toward traditional looks and fabrics. She pointed out a stunning dress with beaded Alencon lace that three brides had ordered in one week! Botticelli notes that while the prospective bride has done some homework and thinks she is educated, the real education happens when she begins to try on the gowns.

As far as headpieces go, the tiara is still tops. Brides are evenly split when it comes to the veil, however, opting for either a chapel length, detachable veil or the more traditional fingertip length veil (held in place with a separate detachable comb). Popular veil styles feature delicate embellishments - use of tiny rhinestones, crystals and lace, turning a simple veil into a stunning addition that completes the total look. "Brides today are looking for simple elegance!" says Constance of Constance Designs in Katonah. She finds more brides today are choosing things like one-inch satin trim and delicate filigreed veils, along with selected use of Swarovski crystals on both the veils and headpieces.

JEWELRY

The antique look is in! Jewelers worth their salt are keeping pace with the recent demand for this throwback to simpler times. Elegant engagement rings with what is considered the new "classic" look - using three stones or baguettes - in white gold or platinum are the best sellers, with most engagement rings weighing in at 1.5 to 2 carats. While the most popular choice is still the round brilliant cut diamond, the jewelers surveyed also cited the princess cut, in a square or rectangle, as another hot style. To further highlight the popular strapless or spaghetti strap gowns, many brides are choosing diamond chandelier earrings, old-fashioned, tiered necklaces and even bracelets to complete an elegant look.

CAKE

As more and more couples are opting for the wedding cake to be the only dessert served, they want an artistic vision that captures their personalities and complements the unique theme and colors of the wedding.

"Sugar-based wildflowers are very in," says Maarten Steenman, the Dutch owner of the successful patisserie La Tulipe Desserts in Mount Kisco.

So are multiple tiers - often with totally different themes -- looks and colors - using a fondant icing - which creates a smooth canvas for stunning embellishments. Fresh flowers, decorative dots, sugar flowers and ribbons are all used on today's cakes. At Le Gateau Suisse in Blauvelt, many brides request matching the flowers on their wedding cake to those in their bouquets, says baker Rolf Schreiber. Filling range from lemon mousse and raspberry to almond dacquoise or French vanilla mousseline. But, says Schreiber, try to steer clear of fruit fillings.

"Stay away from fruit fillings if you want to keep the wedding cake on display for more than a few hours, because those type of fillings are very delicate," he says.

There are also a growing number of couples opting for "non-wedding cakes," choosing lavishly decorated cupcakes or plates heaped with a favorite dessert, like steaming apple crisp topped with homemade vanilla ice cream.

When it comes to saving the top layer for the first anniversary, Le Gateau Suisse owner Peter Roggensinger, shies away from freezing burn. He gives the couple a gift certificate, redeemable for a freshly baked first anniversary cake the following year.