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"We've got four different styles," she added.

Hundreds of visitors streamed into the arena starting at noon for the 3½-hour show, dresses for wedding dresses for wedding The event featured about 75 vendors representing area businesses dealing in catered and baked foods, including cakes and ice cream; banquet and reception facilities; bridal fashions and other formal wear; catering; cosmetics and skin care; decorations; event food planning; florists; gift registry; invitations; photographers; reception music; rental equipment; videography and wedding planning.

To prepare for her wedding in August, Ruthann Brown of Battle Creek found herself attending her first bridal show as an initial step toward gathering the guidance she needs.

"I'm finding the information I want," Brown said, "I'm open to a lot of ideas."

And there were plenty of them for those who might not even be planning to get married.

Cousins Jacquilyn Boehmer and Audriana Seyfried, both 13 and students at Battle Creek Academy, came to the show out of curiosity as they think ahead about their graduation prom in May.

"We're just getting ideas," Seyfried said, adding that their grandmother probably will make their gowns for them based on the looks of the prom gowns they liked.

One gown in particular -- a white, off-the-shoulder dress with a jeweled waist -- had drawn such strong approval that they admitted they both might show up at the prom in something like it.

Cecelia Dowdy Taggart is familiar with that kind of approach to dressmaking.

Taggart, who was staffing the booth for Battle Creek-based Mildred's Apparel & Bridal Center, said young women often find a look they like and then work with the shop to adapt it to their individual needs.

Taggart said she and shop owner Mildred Mallard have noticed that prom dresses are much more trendy these days than wedding gowns .

"Some wedding gowns are getting more colorful -- that's about the only new thing," Taggart said

Mallard -- like the other fashion advisers at the show -- always makes certain to adapt a desired look to the individual needs and desires of the customer wedding dresses in , she added.

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"She really gets personal with them," Taggart said.

Folks who follow widespread wedding trends suggest consulting the informed advice of The Knot plus size bridesmaid dresses under 100 plus size bridesmaid dresses under 100, a magazine devoted to wedding fashions, According to its online version -- particularly the guide found at tinyurl.com/7y7f43f -- several hallmarks for spring 2012 already stand out:

» Form-fitting, slitted gowns that daringly display a lot of leg.

» In contrast, big ball gowns with "full, cheap flower girl dresses dramatic skirts."

» For those taking the middle way, "peek-a-boo hemlines" that show off the shoes.

» Layered ruffles, The more whipped-up and swirly, the better.

» Bodices that display a lot of beadwork as well as lace.

» Crystal and pearl appliqués that embellish sheer bateau necklines.

» Shoulder-baring necklines with skirts that glorify silky tulle instead of satin.

» Short cap sleeves that let even more of the bride's arms show.

» For those who prefer covering up red bridesmaid dresses under 100 , sheer lace capes that drape over the shoulders.

» Believe it or not, purple is becoming a top alternative hue to white as a gown shade.

Cultural advisers in the Battle Creek Enquirer newsroom have some of their own ideas about what 2012's trends will be, One who's particularly wise, editor Annie Kelley, says Battle Creek's smart set is poised to take advantage of these trends:

» Adding color to a white wedding dress -- beyond the bouquet -- or wearing a dress that isn't white, or using the rainbow as a color inspiration, wedding dresses wedding dresses wedding dresses wedding dresses or choosing ombre (color fading into another color) with a note that tangerine tango is considered the "color of the year."

» Such thematic trends as fascinators and tiaras as headwear, inspired by last year's royal wedding; decorations that put an emphasis on outdoorsy or natural items, such as tree branches; and reception food that features cookies and cookie cupcakes.

"If there is an overlying theme," Kelley opined, "I think it would be bucking the trend, More people are moving away from the idea of a traditional wedding."

Yet another font of information is the Enquirer's own 2012 wedding guide, "I Do," published with its Jan, 15 edition, It offers a few additional style points:

» Gold accessories, including brooches, shoes, jewelry and even golden-hued gowns (note the comments above about color).

» Big layered sheer skirts in such materials as chiffon, organza, lace, batiste, crepe and tulle, often in a mix.

» Corset-style bodices with lacing down the back, including beadwork.

» Gowns inspired by vintage styles, whether from the 1920s or 1950s.

» Gown belts that resemble jewelry, rather than sashes.

» for wedding dresses ; Loose, simple hairstyles that provide a natural look.

» dresses for wedding dresses for wedding; Large hair accessories such as flowers or sparkling brooches with feathers (note the fascinators mentioned above).

Additional information about vendors and other features of Sunday's event may be viewed online at www.wiserproductions.com/bridal12.php and at the company's Facebook page at tinyurl.com/8abn87y.