Did I miss a memo somewhere? One that stated that the Federal government was outlawing wedding dreses with sleeves?

I understand that the long, 80s-style sleeves are out. I don't miss those, personally. But, my gosh, what is with the completely strapless dresses? Does anyone even make them with any sort of sleeves anymore? My wedding dress had short sleeves and was very pretty. Looking back on it I don't think it looks dated at all. Who are these unseen, mysterious people who declare, from on high, that it's suddenly gauche and shameful to have sleeves on your wedding dress?

It's not that I'm anti-strapless-dress. Some of them are very pretty. And they look great....on the right people. However, there are some people that really should not be wearing strapless gowns (myself being a prime example). From what I can tell, all consideration for what might be flattering on one's figure has been tossed out the window. If you get married you cram yourself into a strapless dress whether it's the best idea or not -- just because everyone else is doing it. I hate the sameness, the sheeplike homogeny of it all. What happened to variety? What happened to expressing individuality? Who decided that the official hip bride uniform now consists of a strapless gown and a tiara? I mean, seriously -- a tiara?

Before I get any comments from brides who wore strapless dresses, all hurt because I'm dissing their gowns, it's nothing personal. I'm sure you looked beautiful and were very happy and had a lovely wedding. Like I said, it's not that I specifically dislike or have anything against strapless gowns. I'd just like to see a little variety. Every bride I see, on t.v., in pictures, in advertisements nowadays looks exactly the same. Same dress, with very few variations, and same headgear. And, while I'm sure many chose that look because they honestly like it, I have to wonder how many others go that route because "it's the thing to do". Anyone who knows me well knows that if everyone else is doing something I'm going to do exactly the opposite -- so I guess that's what bugs me.