Brides embracing vintage Hollywood style for big day

More brides appear to be taking bridal gown fashion cues from the red carpet than rifling through stacks of wedding magazines looking for the perfect dress.

In fact, the trend is so powerful it's even inspiring brides overseas.

Rose Kelley, who is a meteorologist in Australia, told the Sydney Morning Herald that she was inspired by the Old Hollywood fashions seen on Penelope Cruz's Audrey Hepburn-esque up-do to Evan Rachel Wood's full-length, champagne-colored frock dresses at last month's Oscars.

"I just love that antiquey, vintage, old movie-star look," she said. "It's a gorgeous look because the women of the time were so feminine but allowed to be very independent at the same time. I can understand why the style and the gowns are so appealing."

However, the dress is just one part of the vintage element for brides hoping to encapsulate the glamour of the 1950s. Many women are drawing upon the Old Hollywood makeup to complete the package with finely brushed, "blood-red" lips as well as sophisticated up-dos and polished waves.

Going vintage can also help a bride stand out in a wedding dress landscape dominated by similar gowns bought from the same store.