The Decision
Take your time when it comes to selecting your wedding dress; you don’t want to be hurried. Leave about nine months to find the perfect dress. However, don’t allocate so much time that your dress is no longer exciting by the time the date comes around! The choice before you will probably seem daunting, but there are some ways of narrowing your decision.
Consider what time of day your wedding is and how formal you plan on making the day. What about the location? If it’s outdoors, does it call for a more informal gown? Your body shape will also have a marked influence on the dress you select. Your final choice should flatter you as much as possible. Naturally, your budget will probably dictate something about the dress you end up selecting.
Whilst your budget is important, remember that this is a once in a lifetime purchase and you should follow your heart. It is incredibly exciting deciding upon your bridal dress and you will undoubtedly look through magazines, friends and relatives wedding photos and bridal fashion retailers for inspiration. Take your time and you will arrive at exactly the style you want.
Your dress should also be selected to suit the theme of your wedding. Popular choices are medieval, gothic, modern, traditional, Scottish, Victorian or any other theme you have decided upon.

Enlisting Help
You will need to enlist the help of your mum or a bridesmaid. This is a hard decision to make on your own, and you’ll appreciate their objective opinion. Preferably, you want a companion who will be able to see all the gowns as you try them on, so they can offer an informed decision. You will also need to shop with someone who has similar ideas as you, or at least knows your style well. You do not want them to sway you from your own personal taste.

Shapes And Cuts
By now, you will probably know what styles of dress suit you. Keep this in mind as you begin shopping. When choosing such an important dress, you should stick with what you know looks good. What is your favourite neckline? When you buy skirts, what cut do you often find yourself attracted to? There are some simple guidelines to follow which will help you to select the right shape for your figure.

Shorter Brides
If you are short and would like to create the impression of greater height you will want to select a dress with vertical lines. You will also want the dress to have a slimline shaping, sitting close to the body. This also creates the illusion of length.

Fuller Brides
Should you want to appear slimmer, avoid heavy details such as pleating and gathers as they will add too much bulk to your dress. You should avoid too much tizz, or puffy dresses with a lot of frills, as this will not flatter your body type and probably leave you feeling silly!
Keep your dress simple with a styling that skims the body creating a long, thin line. Minimum fuss and soft falling skirts are best.

Upper Arms
Some brides are concerned about showing their upper arms. This can be easily addressed by selecting a style with sleeves. They can be three-quarter length and in any fabric you desire: organza, lace, silk, georgette, etc. Another option is to select a gown that comes with a jacket. Although this may sound strange there are some incredibly beautiful gowns with small jackets in a bolero styling. The jacket can be as simple or as elaborate as you desire.

Pear Shaped
Wedding dresses can actually be very complementary to pear shaped bodies. Look for a tight-fitting bodice with a low neckline and a full A-line skirt that conceals your hips. Draw attention to your top-half by ensuring all the fancy details are on the bodice.

The Petite Bride
Likewise, if you are quite petite you should also steer clear of too much heavy detail. Wear a soft, flowing skirt, but make sure it’s not such a wide skirt that you are practically enveloped in it. You can probably wear any neckline. Strapless or halter will be flattering; and why not show-off your tiny waist with a dress that tucks in at all the right places?

Tall And Slender
If you are tall and slender, you might try to create the illusion of curves with a full skirt. But, most styles will probably look great on your body type. Similarly, if you’re lucky enough to be fairly average in height and weight, you will discover that most styles will flatter you. Just choose what you love!

Bust Enhancement
Well endowed brides look fantastic in a halterneck styled dress. This style of dress also increases the appearance of smaller breasted women. They really do flatter the figure and provide excellent support.

Bare Is Best
Should you have incredible shoulders and décolletage then you will want to show them off. A strapless dress will look wonderful.

Beautiful You
Ultimately, you will need to accept the body shape you have as every woman is truly beautiful. There is a dress out there that will make you feel like a princess and will accentuate all of your good points perfectly.

Being Realistic
Do not expect to lose unrealistic amounts of weight before the day. This will leave you frazzled and probably unhappy with yourself. Don’t select a dress that is miles too small thinking you will lose the extra weight before the wedding. This is unrealistic and you will be in a terrible bind if you haven’t achieved your weight loss goals. A sensible approach is always best.

Colour
Remember, you can wear whatever colour you want to your wedding, and the modern bride is becoming more and more adventurous with her colours. However, white remains the popular choice. Yet, we all know that white is never simply white. It comes in many different tones. Choosing the right tone will enhance the radiance of your complexion. As a general rule, dark complexions will suit any colour in a very pale shade. Red hair 4 and freckled skin should wear cream or ivory colours. Pale skin with dark hair and eyes suit warm tones, while blond hair and blue eyes are lifted with pale ivory. Always be sure to view the fabrics and their colours in natural lighting.

Visiting Bridal Stores
Today’s bridal retailers offer an unlimited choice of superb 'off-the-rack' designer gowns. You will be amazed by the range and quality that is available. They will stock literally hundreds of gowns from different fashion houses for you to peruse.
When visiting a bridal store wear appropriate lingerie - usually a strapless bra and a slip. This gives you a better idea of how you will look in the dress. If you know what heels you’ll be wearing, bring a similar pair along.
The range of choice may seem daunting. Do speak to the consultants, as they have so much experience in helping brides select a style that will suit their figure and colouring.
Allow yourself plenty of time and work systematically through the styles narrowing your selection to arrive at the right style and fit. They can also make adjustments if required.

Hiring
If you want to save money, consider hiring your gown. There are many companies specialising in this service. Hired gowns can be adjusted to fit and you’ll be able to add any personal touches. If you do opt for this, remember that dresses will be booked out months in advance, so get in quick to ensure you can hire the exact dress you want. Remember, there are also lots of places that sell pre-loved gowns. This is a very cost-effective and simple alternative.

Couture Gowns
There is another popular option for brides who just can’t find what they want 'off the rack'. Have a bridal couturier design a dress especially for you. You will have to find the right designer and this may take some time. They are the experts, so listen to the advice they can give you, but always make them aware of your own ideas. The designer may have to make a calico twaile to begin with and then start the process of constructing your dress. This is not a quick process, and many designers are booked out well in advance. Make sure you attend all your fittings and everything runs to a good time schedule. Work with your couturier graciously.
All couturiers put enormous effort and pride into their work creating an individual gown that will fit your body shape perfectly.

Dress Lengths
Full-length gowns are lovely for evening or formal weddings and are usually worn with a veil. Day weddings tend to be less formal, with shorter gowns, suits or dresses and appropriate headdress. Shorter wedding dresses are fantastic if you have the legs to match. However, it’s important to consider the activities you’ll experience on the day. If you plan to be dancing, being lifted or sitting at an open table, then modesty may determine the length of your dress.

The Finishing Touch
Sumptuous hand painting, embroidery, lace, pearls, crystals or sequins all add the finishing touch to a superbly crafted and decorated bridal gown. It may be imagination that creates your bridal gown but it’s your natural beauty that will bring it to life.