Wedding Season - the Perfect Wedding Dress for Your Figure

Since Spring is just around the corner there will be a lot of couples voicing their love for each other in matrimony. Planning a wedding can be a huge affair, but it doesn't have to be stressful. The most critical decision you will make concerning this event is what to wear. In a fantasy of taffeta, brocade, chiffon and organza it can be a little bit difficult to stay focused on finding the perfect wedding dress, especially when there are so many possibilities. All of the dresses out there on the shelves are beautiful in their own ways for their own reasons, but sadly not all of them are meant for you. When you understand the choices available and the most flattering styles for your figure the options can be narrowed down to a more realistic number.

You can now purchase your wedding gown and even bridesmaid's dresses and accessories from the comfort of your home by doing it online from your favorite boutique or from a catalog over the phone but you'll be in for a world of confusion if you don't know what you're looking for. The most important elements to consider when planning a wedding are theme, the season it will occur in, and any color schemes - these should be chosen well before making an appointment with the store to start trying dresses on. In most cases you will want to try on your wedding dress before purchasing it from a catalog, so finding it in your size at a nearby retailer beforehand will help eliminate any mis-fittings. This works especially well if you're trying to save money, you find your size and shop around.

This season it seems that color and matching accessories are the hottest items. Options such as color trimmed gowns and veils, and matching colored gloves, shoes, bows and sashes make each gown as individual as the woman wearing it. Here is a list identifying most of the different feminine shapes or figures including which of the most popular wedding dress styles and waistlines are perfect for your figure:

Slim: A-Line, Ball Gown, Empire Waist, Sheath

Petite: A-Line, Ball Gown, Basque, Empire Waist, Sheath

Curvy: A-Line, Basque, Ball Gown, Mermaid, Sheath

Pear shape: A-Line, Basque, Ball Gown, Mermaid

Plus Size: A-Line, Basque, Ball Gown, Mermaid

A-Line: characterized by a tighter fitting top that extends out gradually to form an "A" shape - flattering for most figure types. Most women will find this a simple and elegant choice.

Ball Gown: the most classic of all wedding dress styles - it has a close fitting top with a long flared skirt that normally reaches the floor.

Basque: a corset type top that comes to a point right below the waist - elongates the waist and narrows the hips. This style is perfect for those trying to hide a little bit of extra weight. Or for someone with a short mid section this style will give the figure an elongated look.

Empire Waist: a high waist band generally located directly underneath the bust line.

Mermaid: a close fitting top with a skirt that flairs out around the knee area. Also known as the trumpet or fish tail style this style focuses on accentuating your feminine curves. Perfect choice for a voluptuous figure.

Sheath: fitted, but not tight, this long and sleek gown molds to the curves

No matter what your figure, necklines are a good way to allow limitless possibilities for jewelry options or to take away the need for any jewelry if you aren't big on wearing it or just want to keep things simple. Also it's a modest and flattering way to show off your curves a little more. A few of the more popular necklines are:

Halter: A neckline featuring straps that wraparound from the front and connect at the back.

Off the shoulder: An open neckline with fabric resting on shoulders to showcase the collarbone and shoulders.

Oriental: A traditional neckline characterized by a high squared collar that goes up the neck.

Portrait: A shawl-like neckline that frames the collarbone with a wide, soft draping of fabric from the tip of one shoulder to the other.

Princess: A slimming dress silhouette featuring vertical seams from top to hem.

Rounded: A curved neck line that is classic and the most popular

Scoop neck: A universally flattering and classic U-shaped neckline.

Squared: This neckline lays flat across the chest usually right above the bust line

Strapless: No sleeves, instead there is normally a fitted top with a squared neckline. This style offers unlimited options to accessorize.

Sweetheart: This neckline is shaped like the top of a heart and is flattering to the bust line.

V-neck/deep v-neck: Drapes down the neck and chest in a "v" shape, sometimes exposing all the way down to the navel.

You will, no doubt, want to look your best on your wedding day. This is your big day - all eyes will be on you: the bride. You will be the star of the show. This event will be captured in pictures, possibly video, as well as in your hearts forever. Hopefully this guide has helped you in choosing the perfect wedding dress for your wedding day.