Advice for your BIG Day

Choosing the perfect dress: the basics
Find the bridal gown to suit your figure

If your shape tends to the tall and thin...

You could choose a ballgown with a strapless, fitted bodice. However, if you feel your shoulders are too bony or that your collarbone protrudes too much, go for a long fitted dress, perhaps with a high neckline. You may feel that you are too thin for this style, but your height and leanness could actually be nicely set off with some lovely delicate detailed embroidery or beading.

If you are short with a fuller, feminine figure...

Try an empire line dress. The beauty of this style is that it has a seam under the bustline and then just flows down. In the right fabric, the dress will not sit to your body, but will flow around it. Although a knee-length dress could work for you too, this longer shape will give you a nice tall silhouette.

Sleeves are an option, depending on how you feel about your arms. If you do opt for sleeves, go for long and narrow and not too tight. If you hair is piled high on your head, this will give you more height, but do not go for this hairstyle if you face is too round.

If you have a very full bust...

Draw attention away from it by having a long bodice, as with the basque style and full skirt. Dresses which use the natural waistline, on the other hand, will draw attention to the bust area. Make sure your bodice area is very plain and avoid low necklines. If you are really keen on detail, save it for the bottom area of the skirt.

If you have full or wide hips...

Avoid a bustle, peplum or anything tiered. Make sure your dress doesn't fit too tightly over the hip area. The princess style, which is fitted on top and then flares slightly to the hem, will hide larger hips by creating a slight triangle to the lower half of your body. Even the ballgown look, in quite a simple material, will draw attention away for the hips. The empire line will work too if your bust is a bit smaller, but could end up downplaying your waist and stomach area.

If you have wide shoulders...

Consider narrowing your look with wide straps, or cover them completely and draw the focus to a V-neckline. It's important to show some skin around this area, but if need be, you can soften the effect by wearing a sheer wrap around your shoulders. Make sure you stay away from puffed sleeves.

If your legs are short or on the heavy side...

It's a good idea to opt for a long dress. Give yourself more height with a sheath style, which is straight, but not too body-hugging.

If your arms are on the short side...

Three-quarter-length sleeves will help to make them look longer, but whatever you do, do not go sleeveless.

If your arms are chubby...

Go for long simple sleeves which are not skin tight.

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