It is almost impossible to give a definitive guide to what has to be for the bride, one of the major components of the day but we will try!
Guide to buying a dress
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Firstly, do some research. Buy some of those very expensive magazines and start to cut out those designs which appeal to you (making sure you take a note of the designer and stockists)
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Be realistic about your body type. Many brides put too much pressure on themselves to lose weight at a time when there are too many things happening around them which can stress them out. We could always do with loosing a few pounds but most wedding dresses look better with a few curves. If you do decide to diet, you will need to stop six to seven weeks beforehand; if you lose a couple of pounds before the day this will not be a problem (and it is likely due to nerves!) but if you lose too much weight your dress won't fit and your whole look will be ruined.
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You might prefer to scout out some shops before taking a posse of people searching for dresses. This is a good idea as it will alleviate some of the pressure you might feel when surrounded by other's opinions.
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If you are a larger size, find out where the shops are that stock larger sizes. You do not want to make yourself feel bad by going to an outlet which only stocks petite sizes and up to a size 10 when you are a size 18.
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Think about your accessories, underwear, jewellery, veil and all the other bits as you go along as they will complete the whole look you are after.
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Don't forget that you can always have a totally bespoke wedding dress made by a dressmaker. This is not always as expensive as you might think and will ensure you get exactly what you want.
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When you do go for a proper look, take a good friend, one who is not habitually critical of everything you do but who gives you good advice which you trust, in fact, take two! Combine the search with lunch or at least coffee and cake (to keep your sugar levels up) and take it easy. If you plan this right, start as soon as possible (remember it can take longer than 6 months to get a wedding dress), you will have plenty of time!
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When you find the dress you will know it is the right one. Be prepared to be surprised, there are countless cases of brides-to-be coming away from a boutique saying "I would never have thought I'd choose a dress like that!"
Some tips for your shape
Pear-shaped
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Strapless dresses, fitted to the waist and then with a flared, fuller skirt is good for you
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A-line is also a good as the small top will give the impression that you are small everywhere else!
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Halterneck, plunge fronts, floor length, organza and chiffons will all look good
Hourglass
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Skim those curves with a figure hugging dress
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Halterneck, plunging, off the shoulder or one shoulder all are suitable
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Ruffles or a fishtail will emphasise your bum
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Sash or corseted top will show off your fabulous waist
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For a vintage look, think Jessica Rabbit!
Petite
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A shorter hem at the front will show off your legs
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Halterneck, strapless or strappy all work
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Straight and narrow also works as it elongates the body
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Vintage styles such as 1950s dresses with full, calf-length skirts or 1960s and an androgynous, Twiggy look!
Broad-shouldered
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You've got them so show them off by going strapless
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An a-line skirt will also give you a slim middle
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Empire line will make you look longer and slimmer
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A halterneck will also work well
Curves
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Fitted top, tailored waist, wide-pleated or gathered a-line works
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Low, open necklines to show off you collarbones
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A shrug or bolero will help if you are self-conscious about your arms
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Vintage 1950s full length with a slightly full skirt and a fitted top is a classic
Top heavy
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To avoid appearing large all over, go for styles that skim the body to emphasis the slimmest bits
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The idea is to elongate the body so v-necks help, as do empire line styles
Slim
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When you want curves, piping or contrasting at seams will help give you more contours
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For vintage look try the flapper 1920s style or the flowing 1970s style!
Tummys
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If you middle is a problem, attract the eye to the chest area via push up bras
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A dress rather than separates will be best and no tight fabrics over your stomach
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An empire line will support and boost the chest
