Choosing the perfect wedding dress is one of the most exciting decisions you will have to make in the run-up to your big day.

You want to be comfortable because you will be wearing it all day, but most of all you need to feel amazing.

Book an appointment at your chosen bridal shop as soon as your venue and date is booked and try on some different styles.  There’s even an app now that lets you try on wedding dress styles from the comfort of your own home!

Don’t turn your nose up at what the consultant might pull out for you; they are the experts when it comes to body shapes and what will look good.

Before you head for measurements and trying on dresses, take a look around to decide which style would look best on your body shape.

Sites such as brideonline.com.au offer advice on the best dresses and tips for planning your special day. It’s important first that you work out what body shape you actually are and therefore what style of dress best complements this.

Women come in all shapes and sizes and every single one is beautiful, so you want to choose something that enhances your frame.

Tall and slim

You have a gorgeous, long body shape that would look great in most styles, but you should choose a dress that helps to create extra curves, where they might not be so obvious.

A sheath dress is a popular choice for your shape, as it fits beautifully at the waist and falls elegantly around your hips, creating the illusion that they are a little wider than they actually are.

Or you could go for a full-on ball gown shape, which cinches you in at the waist and comes out wide at the hips, to make you feel like a princess.

Apple shape

If you are carrying a little extra weight on your tummy, which you want to hide, but have lovely and slim arms and legs, then you are an apple body type.

An A shape gown would work well on your frame as it ties in at the smallest part of the waist and skims over your stomach area.

Go for a bodice with extra ruche that fits snugly to create a corset effect and holds everything in. Tie off with a large bouquet, a gorgeous, braided, up-do and a small veil.

Petite frame

If you have a petite frame then you want a dress that makes you look a little taller than you are. Pick something with a waistline higher than your natural waist to create the illusion of a longer body – a bodice that finishes under the bust is a great way to create this.

Don’t opt for anything calf length as it can make your legs look short, or a design with a voluminous skirt, which your petite frame could look lost in.

Simple accessories work best; a small pendant necklace and an elegant tiara look incredible on smaller frames.

Curvaceous

Plus size ladies look amazing in an empire line dress. Choose a design with a skirt that falls from under the bust, creating an A line shape.

A wrap-over neckline will help to create a beautiful silhouette and tone down a larger bust. Keep the design simple and don’t overload your dress with diamante spangles or large accessories.

Hourglass

Being blessed with a big bust, a tiny waist and shapely hips makes a mermaid dress a good choice, as it accentuates curvaceous hips and accentuates shapely shoulders.

Figure hugging, this dress style holds you in in all the right places. Top off with a trailing bouquet and dainty diamante jewellery.

Inverted Triangle

If your shoulders are wider than your waist and hips then you have a beautiful inverted triangle shape and will look incredible in a shorter style dress with a simple halter neck.

Shorter dresses are becoming more and more popular with brides looking for a more casual-feeling celebration. Opt for spaghetti straps or a halter-neck style and dress up with elegant heels and a small bouquet.

So whatever your figure type, you can always find a beautiful dress to accentuate your unique shape.

Finally, be sure to head to your dress fitting wearing well fitting, supportive underwear, a pair of heels and a small group of positive friends and family to make the selection process even more special.

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