Bridal gown and tuxedo shop owners have seen trends in their business return to simplicity in wedding garments after years of baroque excess. It started with the black or white coat. But that quickly changed.

In the 1970s, tuxedos were splashed with buckets of color. It was not unusual to see grooms decked out in yellow, blue, green or brown tuxedos.The early to mid'80s saw the trend shift toward blacks, grays, silvers and whites. Now it's back to black and white, with color in the accessories -- vests, shirts, cummerbunds, ties.

Both double- and single-breasted coats are popular and longer coats which hang to the knee are fairly trendy. The mandarin coat, which is similar in style to the Nehru banded-collar coat, has also been frequently spotted on grooms.

Brides' dresses were glitzy in the 80's, with an emphasis on intricate beadwork. Things have gotten simpler. Gowns tend to be more simple, more elegant. Brides choose A-line dresses with less beadwork and fitted bodices and no pleating or gathering at the waist. The trend is going back to simpler lines, smaller trains, strapless and sleeveless gowns like halters and tank tops.