Wedding dresses come in many cuts, fabrics and trims. Every bride wants to select the gown that makes her look as beautiful as she feels. But there are so many styles and options how does a bride ever get started?

Preparation

Before you visit a bridal salon get familiar with the different styles and cut options for wedding dresses. You'll have a much better idea of what's available and will not be overwhelmed with all the options. Okay, you might still be a little bit overwhelmed.

Buy the latest bridal magazines. Bridal fashions run six to nine months ahead since the dresses take that long to be ordered, delivered, and altered if necessary. Most wedding gowns are not seasonal so a gown to be worn during summer will not be that much different than winter. The exception is that winter gowns make use of heavy fabrics like velvet, fur, and faux fur.

Tear out pictures of gowns you really love and really hate. Don't think about why you like a gown or whether the gown is the best style for you. Separate the pictures into two piles. Look at both sets of gowns and see if there is something in common with the gowns you love, and those you dislike.

What worked in a fashion photo may not work in real life on you. It is time to visit the bridal salon and for that you need to know a little about gown styles, fabrics, and cuts.

Formal

Formal gown styles include ball gowns, mermaid, A line, sheath, and empire. Ball gowns have fitted waists and full skirts. They are the most formal of the styles. A lines drop from narrow shoulders to wider skirts and flatter nearly every figure type. Sheath gowns are fitted close to the body and remain narrow in silhouette. Empire dresses are fitted underneath the bust line and fall to the floor. Mermaid, also called fit to flare, or trumpet, are fitted close to the body and then flare to a fuller flounce at the knee to the floor.

Informal

Informal gowns can be knee length, ballerina length or calf length, tea length or ankle length or to the floor. Styles include A-line, sheath, empire, and slip dress. Hemlines can begin at the knee or shorter and gradually lengthen toward the back. Hemlines also include handkerchief, ruffles, and bubble.

Necklines

Necklines include strapless: the bodice goes over the bust line and ends much like a strapless bathing suit top. Spaghetti straps: thin straps are attached to the bodice and go over the shoulders. One shoulder or off the shoulder: only one shoulder is covered by a strap. Off the shoulder: either one or two straps come up from the bodice but go over the very upper portions of the arms rather than the shoulder itself. Tank top: there are no straps; the bodice goes up from the neckline to the shoulders in one piece. Sweetheart necklines dip down at the middle of the bust line and looks like the top portion of a heart. Sweetheart necklines can be strapless or with sleeves. Halter: straps come up from the bodice and wrap or attach behind the head on the neck. V neck looks like a deeper plunging sweetheart neckline.

Sleeves

Gowns may have short sleeves, cap sleeves, long fitted sleeves, and full sleeves. The sleeves may be made of the same fabric the dress is made of, contrasting fabric, or lace.

Fabrics

Fabrics are critical to the look of the gown. Heavy satin doesn't flow and adds bulk to a gown. If you're thin, that's good news. If you're a plus size, heavy satin will make you look bigger. Brocade is satin with an embossed design. Silk is fluid. Organza is light weight almost see through. Lace usually needs an under layer of supporting fabric when used on a skirt or bodice but can be used by itself on sleeves, ruffles and veils.

Embellishments

Embellishments include embroidery, lace, ruffles, ruches, metallic threads, crystals, sequins, and seed pearls. Fabric flowers, ribbons, bows, feathers, and appliqués are used to decorate bridal gowns as well.

Color

White is still the favored color for brides and has been since Queen Victoria made it popular when she broke tradition and wore white for her wedding to Prince Albert. White comes in many shades from ecru, cream, eggshell, snow, to ice. White can be cold or warm. However, not everyone looks good in white. For those brides white comes in tints of pastels that are barely noticeable but very flattering. Or the bride has the option of wearing white but adding color through embroidery and ribbon insets close to their face.

Knowing the different styles and cuts of bridal gowns will give you a head start in selecting the perfect gown for your wedding.