Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative should be the theme song for bridal gowns. Every woman wants to look her most beautiful on that very special day. It will probably be the most expensive dress she ever buys as well as the one she puts the most thought into. While the dress may be perfect, most brides’ bodies are not. There are bridal gown styles that flatter specific body types.

A line

A line dresses skim the body from the neckline to the hemline. The dress is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top much like the letter A. It is probably the most overall flattering silhouette covering flaws while still revealing the feminine form. Since an A line hangs from the shoulders it's more difficult to find this style in a strapless neckline. Neckline options that do work are halters, one shouldered, scoop, and sweetheart. Full figured women look great in an A line dress.

Ball gown

The ball gown is the fairy princess dress that nearly every little girl pictures when she dreams about being a bride. The skirt is full, the waist narrow, and the bodice fitted. A dropped waist that comes to a V, also called a Basque waistline, hides a bulging tummy while still showing off a trim waistline. The ball gown hides full hips and thighs. Tall brides can elegantly carry off a ball gown. Plus size brides look good in this style if they have a defined waistline.

Ball gowns are appropriate for the most formal of weddings and can handle a cathedral length train and trailing veil. If you plan on dancing the night away after the wedding, make sure the train is detachable or can easily be bustled.

Empire

Fitted underneath the bust line and falling in graceful lines to the floor, this style was favored by Empress Josephine. The dress emphasizes a small bust and hides wider hips. It skims over a thick waist as well. The dress is good for brides with slim waists as the eye is fooled into lengthening the torso since it begins near the top of the rib cage. Petite brides look great in this style. Avoid a little girl look with classic fabrics and sophisticated trims. The neckline can be demure or revealing. Directly under the bust line is most women's narrowest part of the torso. Ribbons, lace, or embroidery can further emphasize this narrowness.

Mermaid or Fit to Flare

The mermaid silhouette, or fit to flare, is fitted close to the body to the knees and then flares outward reminiscent of a mermaid. This style is made for an hourglass figure. While other necklines such as halter and sweetheart will work with the mermaid it's perfect with a strapless neckline or spaghetti straps. If a bride has gorgeous legs the mermaid may be the dress of choice. The front of the dress can be knee length in the front of the dress while the sides graduate to floor length and the back of the dress is floor length or ends in a longer train.

Sleeves and necklines

Sleeves and necklines can continue the illusion of a beautiful bride. Cap sleeves barely cover the tops of the shoulders and hide upper arms that are not quite at their best. Cap sleeves can be combined with a number of different neckline styles.

Long sleeves either in fabric or lace conceal the entire arm. Some brides have thin arms and a long full sleeve hides that fact. The sleeves can fit closely, can be full and gathered at the wrists or at the elbows, ending in a flounce of fabric.

Dropped sleeves leave the shoulders bare but cover the arms from just about

the armpit down. The length varies from just six inches or so to elbow length. Dropped sleeves hide skinny or full arms while showing off the shoulders.

Embellishments

Adding embellishments to a gown draws the eye to a small waist, beautiful neck, or slender back and away from problem areas. Crystals, sequins, seed pearls and metallic threads accentuate the area because of the reflective qualities of those materials.

Accessories

In addition to the dress, accessories can hide or emphasize flaws. A tulle wrap allows a bride with less than perfect arms to wear the strapless dress she has always wanted. A beautiful necklace shows off a lovely bust line and shoulders.

The Final Choice

When choosing your wedding gown keep an open mind. The dress you have always pictured yourself in might not be the best gown to flatter your figure. Stay away from trendy looks because your wedding photos will look dated faster. Listen to what the bridal consultant has to recommend. She or he has been helping brides for years to look their most beautiful on their wedding day.

Consider that the dress you wear for your wedding ceremony may not allow the movement and fit for a fun reception party. Some brides are choosing elegant formal gowns with floor length trains and veils for the ceremony and then wearing a more relaxed fit but just as stunning gown for the festivities of the dinner and reception.