All brides, whether they are plus size, petite - or even pregnant - want to look beautiful as they walk up the aisle to meet their grooms.
While the right hair and make-up can do a lot, a figure-flattering wedding dress will do more.
What's your shape? The first step is to honestly evaluate your shape.
If you need help, enlist a good friend and, ideally, a three-way mirror.
If your friends cannot be objective, maybe someone in the bridal salon can help you identify your best attractions and your detractions.
Are your hips and your shoulders about the same size? Do you have a defined waist? If so, you will look great in an A-line dress or a trumpet gown.
An A-line dress is one that resembles the shape of a capital A.
It is fitted at the top and then falls down and away from your hips.
Another flattering silhouette is the trumpet dress.
Imagine a dress fitted from the bust, down to about the hips.
From the hips, it flares out - much like the bell on a trumpet.
Maybe you are curvaceous and your hips are wider than your shoulders.
If that is the case, the previously mentioned styles will be good for you - the A-line and the trumpet silhouette.
But you might also consider a ball gown.
Remember Cinderella's ball gown - wide and full from the waist? Well, a ball gown will do a lot to conceal wider hips and maintain focus on your waist.
Another good way to balance out wide hips is with some attention to the neckline, like capped sleeves.
Do you have broad, swimmer's shoulders that are wider than your hips? If so, you too would benefit from an A-line gown or a ball gown, which fills out hips.
You might also want to consider a short gown, which draws attention to the legs and away from the shoulders.
A tea-length gown can go a long way toward balancing your proportions.
If you are petite, consider a sheath gown.
If you have what is sometimes called a boy's shape - that is the measurements of your shoulders, waist and hips are about the same - you'll want to create the illusion of curves.
The right dress can do that.
A sheath gown is fairly straight from the shoulders to the hem.
It will dress your figure appropriately, but may not create the curves you are seeking.
If that is what you want, consider an A-line silhouette or a ball gown.
What you want is a dress that emphasizes a waistline, even when there is not one.
A sash or belt at the waist will help create the look you want.
Plus Sizes A plus-sized bride can find any dress she wants, but there are undoubtedly some qualities in a dress she should seek.
First, beware of clingy fabrics.
The dress you want in a clingy fabric most likely is available in a firmer fabric that will not reveal dimples or ripples.
You also would be better off to find a dress that does not skimp on fabric.
You can still enjoy a strapless neckline or a deep V-neck to show off your décolletage.
Petite Likewise, the petite bride can also find a vast array of gowns, but there are some styles that are more flattering than others - especially for those brides under 5 feet 4 inches.
First of all, avoid dresses that overwhelm your short stature.
The full ball gown may be too much.
Likewise, trumpet gowns or mermaid gowns may have too much going on.
You will be better off keeping your style simple.
And remember that petite size gowns run from size 0 to 16, so the term "petite" has more to do with height than weight.
Maternity Bridal designers definitely want to keep up with society's trends.
They recognize that pregnant brides also want a wedding gown that celebrates the joy of the occasion.
They want to feel special, comfortable and stylish.
Today's maternity gowns are often crafted in a forgiving soft jersey fabric, with ruching at the bust and shirring at the waistline for added coverage.
For something different, the gowns come with off-the-shoulder styles or an embellished beaded Y-neckline that draws attention upward and away from your waistline.
The gowns are fully lined and often come with padded cups for added coverage.
Undergarments Another way to help ensure you present your figure in the most flattering light is to invest in the appropriate lingerie - including bras, slips and shapewear.
Wearing a backless gown? Consider adhesive bra cups, which can give you the proper support without bra straps.
Need some help shaping the skirt of your wedding dress? Choose a full slip for the ball gown, a defining slip for a sheath silhouette or a ruffled slip that adds fullness to the hem of a trumpet skirt.
Shapewear can firm up your fanny and eliminate any unwanted rolls.
There are any number of styles and products that can help you present your figure in the most flattering light.
Be honest about what you need and look for the solution.
Find your favorite styles online now.