There are countless styles of bridal dress but, generally speaking, there are just five basic shapes and, no matter how unusual or elaborate the design, a bridal dress can usually be described in one of these broad categories.

Before choosing your bridal dress it is important to select the shape of dress which will best suit your body shape. The right style of dress will always look and feel better than one that isn’t – regardless of the cost involved. After all, there is little point in splashing out on a designer dress if the basic shape is one that doesn’t flatter your figure and makes you feel uncomfortable?

A-Line

As you’ll already have guessed an A-Line dress emulates the shape of a capital A – flaring outwards from the shoulder line towards the hem – gliding over the curves in rather than clinging around them.

The A-line is a versatile dress which suits several body types. If you are tall the dress will give an appearance of fullness and if you are petite the line will create an illusion of stature and make you look a little taller. If you are a classic Pear-Shape then the A Line is best for you.

Column

If you are blessed with a sleek and slender figure then the Column dress shape is for you. The classic Column style will accentuate your curves, which is ideal for those of an average shape – those who are already curvy may do well to avoid this one.

Empire Line

An Empire Line dress will often suit those who are lacking in the height department. The flowing lines of this shape will give an illusion of length and can also flatter those with a fuller figure by flowing over their curves rather than hugging them. The high waistline which is synonymous of this style will boost your bust-line too, so be careful if you well-endowed.

Princess Line

The Princess Line dress is similar in shape to a typical A-Line with the vertical panels working with your body shape to provide an appearance of a slim but contoured silhouette, particularly around the waist.

Strapless

For the typical Fairytale Wedding look you can’t beat the Strapless Dress with the nipped-in waist creating an hourglass figure that any Princess would be proud of. If you waist and bust are defined and in-proportion then this is the style for you.