Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. The wedding gown you choose should reflect your individual sense of style and personality..... Since wedding gowns come in different sizes and styles, knowing which style suits your figure can help you choose a wedding gown to enhance your natural beauty.

Style Basics All wedding dresses fall under four basic styles:

Ball gown - The ball bridal gown is typified by a fitted bodice that leads to a very full skirt. This style is traditional for wedding gowns.

Empire - The empire bridal gown flows from a high waistline (right under the bust) that falls to a slimmer skirt-width. This style is very flattering on a variety of body types.

A-Line /Princess - The A-line/Princess wedding gown can have vertical seams flowing from the shoulders down to a flared skirt. The waistline in an A-line/Princess style is not as defined. This style is very flattering on a variety of body types.

Sheath - The sheath wedding gown is typified by closely following the line of the body. This style isn't for everyone.

Your Body
Celebrate the body you have been blessed with!

If you are petite - A sheath or A-line bridal gown will enhance your figure. These styles will create a long, uninterrupted line, which will create the illusion of height. If you are thin - The sheath gown was designed with you in mind. You can also wear the ball gown style, which has a very feminine shape.

If your hips are full (Triangle) - The ball wedding gown style will beautifully cover your lower body. Choose a gown with a detailed bodice to draw the eye toward your face and upper body. The goal is to make your upper body look more in proportion to your lower body.

If your shoulders are broad - The empire style bridal gown with a narrow bodice will offset your shoulders and help create an hourglass shape.

If you are full-figured - The ball wedding gown style with a fitted waist will have a slimming effect. The A-line style with a low neckline can also accentuate your beautiful curves.

If your bust is full (Inverted Triangle) - The ball wedding gown style will give you a balanced look by creating the illusion of an hourglass figure. The goal is to make your lower body look more in proportion to your upper body.

If you are tall or have an hourglass figure - Every style from sheaths (if you're also slim) to A-lines and full ball wedding gowns will look spectacular on you.

If you are boxy (Rectangle) - The empire style bridal gown will enhance the natural line of your figure. The ball gown style with details at the waist will give the illusion of an hourglass figure.

If you have a short waist - The princess style wedding gown that gradually opens from waist to a flare/full skirt will elegantly elongate your figure.

If your waist is thick - The empire style bridal gown (high waist) will de-emphasize your waistline and provide a long, slimming look.

Your wedding dress will quite possibly be the most important, and expensive, gown you'll ever own. Which means you'll want to take time to try on a variety of gown in the right style(s) for your body before you make your final chose.

Your Wedding Day Style Vanessa Layne Mason, President and Designer Layne Corban -The Essence of Fashion Elegance