WHEN it comes to choosing the dress of a lifetime, the bride of the new millennium knows just what she wants.

And the signs are that she'll be stealing the scene in a simple straight dress worn with confidence on the most important day of her life.

With a finger on the pulse of wedding needs, the bridal industry is reflecting this move away from the frills and fuss to cleaner, elegant silhouettes.

One of the most popular shapes has been the flattering Princess line, with its tailored panels fitted at the bodice and flaring downward towards the ground; but then it never really went out of vogue. A more figure-skimming line is favoured by the bride who likes a more fluid look.

Ivory is acknowledged as a flattering colour for the bridal dress but pure white made a comeback in beautiful fabrics such as organza, tulle, crisp taffeta, silk crepe, Thai silk and duchess satin.

The bride who chooses a register office ceremony will have plenty of choice in the new shorter styles, which are proving to be a new look.

Adult bridesmaids are selecting styles they can wear again, leaving tiny bridesmaids and pageboys to steal the show and experiment in printed fabrics, coloured silks, tartans and velvets.

While the bridal bouquets adopt a more streamlined shape and natural feel, the tiny tots can lead the way with novelties.

Hair accessories are elegant and simple, make-up moving away from the matt look to a natural finish and hair is preferred shiny and sleek in chignons, bouffant bobs or big rolled curls.