The A-line style wedding dress complements most body types by creating elongated, smooth lines.  Traditionally this style features a shape that is fitted around the bodice and flows into the A-line shape skirt at the waist through to the hem in an unbroken line.  The full skirt of the A-line has the added benefit of concealing a fuller lower body, or it can create the look of curves on a smaller framed body.  Since the A-line dress is so versatile, simple modifications to the neckline, waistline, or fabric can accentuate your best features and hide those your not so fond of.  For larger breasted brides a V-neck or halter style A-line dress would be beneficial.  By adding embellishments to the A-line you can transform a simple dress into a more stylish and formal affair.  Whether it be a lace overlay, bead work or a colorful ribbon or bow you can create the appearance you are looking for. 

The princess style wedding dress is the most dramatic variation of the A-line dress.  This dress is defined by vertical panels that run from the neckline, floating over the waist and hips to the hem providing a flattering and slimming appearance.  The princess style provides elongating lines that create the slimming effect since your eye focuses on the length created by these long, smooth seams.  This style is particularly flattering on pear-shaped brides.

The empire style wedding dress is defined by the elevated waistline that sits just below the bust and then flows gracefully down to the hem.  This style flatters the small busted, broad waisted bride.  By adding accents and fabric embellishments, such as capped sleeves or delicate bead work, you will help to draw attention to your chest and neckline, and therefore create the illusion of a fuller bust.  The elongated line also helps to make petite brides look taller.  Because the empire style of dress flows gently from the bust line it is perfect for concealing unwanted body features such as a long torso, short legs, or a pear-shaped figure.  The flowing qualities of this dress make it perfect for pregnant brides because it can accommodate an expanding tummy.

There are many design options that can contribute to the overall appearance of the empire dress.  The length of the sleeves can range from long, bell sleeves to a sleek, sleeveless design.  Another important variable on the empire dress is the skirt style.  The skirt can flow freely or outline your body, depending on the silhouette you wish to create.

If you are looking for a fairytale wedding the ball gown wedding dress is the ideal choice for you.  The ball gown wedding dress features a very full skirt which flatters slender hipped, full busted brides.  The shape balances the top and bottom perfectly, giving you that ‘fairytale bride’ look.  Along with the princess style dress, the ball gown dress is considered the most romantic shape.

The ball gown wedding dress tends to make smaller busts look even smaller; petite figures will disappear into the dress; and fuller hips will be over emphasized with this style.

The ball gown can support many different necklines and sleeve lengths.  Various combinations of these elements create many different looks for many different occasions.  If your wedding is very formal or traditional choosing a ball gown with a portrait neck and long sleeves will keep you covered but also reveal your femininity.  If you are looking for a more dramatic effect choose a strapless ball gown with opera length gloves. A simple yet elegant look can be achieved by choosing a sleeveless, scooped neck bodice that flows all the way to the ground.

Trains are perfect with the ball gown since the substantial structure of the skirt can balance the weight of a train.  Whether you want the long theatrical presence of the cathedral length train or the subdued look of the brush length train, the ball gown can accommodate this traditional feature.

The sheath/column wedding dress follows the contours of the body very closely which is very flattering on slender figures, both short and tall.  This style of dress is fitted with a straight skirt.  It you have fuller hips, the sheath/column will emphasize them since the dress is very clinging.

Because of the simplicity of the column style, there are many ways to change the overall appearance of the dress.  Various necklines and sleeve lengths will create a range of different looks around the basic cut of the column dress.  A strapless column dress will look sexy and elegant, while one with a bateau neck and long, bell sleeves will look more romantic and whimsical.

The mermaid wedding dress is snuggly fit to the body and flares out from mid thigh or knee.  It is also known as hourglass or figure-hugging. This style is perfect for brides who want to show off the sexy curves of their hourglass figure.  For Hollywood glamour, this is the style of dress you are looking for.  You must be confident and comfortable in your skin to pull off this dramatic style. 

Utilizing the different necklines and sleeve lengths brides can reveal or cover as much skin as they desire.  Since this dress is captivating by design, a high neck and long sleeves will still create an alluring look without being too sexy.  If you want to show off your skin, you can opt for a strapless neckline, or a halter with a plunging v-neck to accentuate your seductive side.

The look of the mermaid dress is influenced by the various skirt styles available.  The skirt can flare out above the knee, at the knee, or below the knee for slightly different silhouettes.  The shape of the skirt and the hem can also affect how the dress looks.  A round skirt provides volume all the way around the lower part of the bride.  There is also a flamenco flare that gathers the lower part of the dress in the front for a Spanish feel.

The cathedral train is one of the longest length trains extending anywhere from 6-1/2 to 8-1/2 feet from the waist of the gown.  Cathedral length trains bring to mind drama and grandeur.  This elegant train is ideal for very formal indoor weddings with lavish settings that include a long aisle for the bride to walk down and display her gown.  In order to balance the complete appearance of the bridal outfit a bride should choose accessories that complement the magnificence of a cathedral train wedding dress.  For example, a larger crystal necklace, earrings, a cathedral length veil, elbow gloves, and a sparkling princess tiara would round off the bride’s appearance.

A more complex double layer bustle will be required if the cathedral train is not removable.  The bridal attendants will be required to learn how to manage the bustle and one way to make it easier for the attendants to match up the bustle ties is to detail them with different color bows, shaped crystals, or pearl clusters.  Choose embellishments that match the details on the wedding dress or the bride's accessories.

The chapel length train is the most popular train length for wedding dresses.  It extends approximately 3-1/2 to 5-1/2 feet from the waist of the gown.  The chapel train is a long enough train to make the bridal gown look elegant and very glamorous yet allows ease of movement for the bride.  A chapel train can either be bustled under the gown with a French bustle, or it can be bustled to the outside with little hooks or buttons at several points.

For gowns that have some pleats or details on the back to cover the buttons or points used for the bustle, an outside bustle style will work fine. If the gown does not have details in the back, then a French bustle (underbustle) is a better choice.

The court train is slightly longer than the brush train, extending approximately 3 feet behind the waist.  This train can be used at most ceremonies, but may be a problem at outdoor weddings, such as those held on grass or at the beach.

The brush train is the shortest of the train styles, apart from not having a train at all.  It barely "brushes" the ground behind your dress, adding a modest amount of volume to the back of your dress.  The brush train is the most versatile train because it can be worn at just about all types of ceremonies, from a spring garden wedding, to an evening event in the fall.

The Watteau train is characterized by the way the single panel attaches to the top of your dress, either at the shoulders or the upper back of the bodice.  This train can be the same length as the rest of your gown so that it falls straight down to the ground, or it can extend out behind you for a more dramatic look.  Since this type of train is not as common as the others, it can be adapted to fit many different occasions, depending on the way you choose to wear it.  If you are having a destination wedding on the beach, and wearing a slinky column dress, a sheer Watteau train would look beautiful by adding just a touch of formality to an otherwise casual look.

The scoop neckline curves down from one shoulder to the other in a "U" shape.  The scoop can be as deep or as high as you feel comfortable with, depending on the amount of flesh you wish to expose.  Most figures can pull off this look, as it is compatible with all sleeve lengths.

The square neckline is shaped like a half square.  The crisp clean lines of the square neck will create an elegant look on any dress style and works well with most figures.  The straps can be sleeveless, or flow into any length of sleeve so you have the option of baring your arms or covering them up with this neckline.

The bateau, or boat neck, connects at the edges of the shoulders, leaving a long neckline that runs from shoulder to shoulder along the collarbone.  This sleek style can either be strapless or have any length of sleeve.  This neckline is particularly suited for brides with a larger bust line since it draws attention up to the neck and collarbone.

The halter neckline features two straps that connect from the bodice to the back of the neck. There are many options with the halter, as it can be a variation of the square neckline where the straps pull from a horizontal bodice, or it can be paired with a V-neck for a sexier look.  This neckline is most appropriate for those brides that have well-toned upper arms as the halter draws attention to your neck and shoulders.  Due to the nature of this neckline's design, it does not allow for sleeves, so if you are conscious of your arms and want them covered, then you may want to choose a different neckline.  The halter neckline works well with all dress types from the dramatic ball gown to the sleek column, so whatever silhouette you choose, the halter is a reasonable option.

Off-the-shoulder gowns lie below the shoulders, accentuating the collarbone and shoulders.  This style of neckline is flattering on most figures, especially if you are well endowed and/or have a pear-shaped silhouette. 

The strapless gown extends from one underarm to the other without the support of straps.  This neckline looks best on brides who have well-toned arms since the line of the strapless dress draws attention horizontally across your body, which includes your upper arms and shoulders.

The one shoulder neckline gown cuts across the torso diagonally, usually from one shoulder to under the other arm.

The jewel neckline is rounded and flows along the base of the neck.  This style is ideal for brides who want to modestly enhance their bust.

The portrait neckline is similar to the off-the-shoulder neckline.  The portrait wedding gown neckline offers a wide, soft scoop, to frame the shoulders.   This style is a good choice for brides with fuller arms and prominent collarbones.

The spaghetti strap neckline features skinny straps that attach at the front and back of the dress or tie at the neck, often detachable.  Spaghetti straps offer some support but also create a bare look.

The Queen Anne neckline features a high collar at the back and sides of the neck and slowly curves down into a low, open heart shaped neckline.  This style of neckline elongates the body and neckline and flatters brides who are small breasted and have narrow shoulders.   With the striking high collar of this neckline all you require to accessorize is a fabulous pair of earrings. 

The balloon sleeve is a very full sleeve, usually ¾ length or longer, with a banded bottom.  This type of sleeve is a perfect way to add softness to a small upper body and draw the eye away from a thicker waist or any lower body problems.

Bell sleeves are long, fitted sleeves that softly flare out at the wrist and look best on simple, elegant wedding gowns such as the column or A-line silhouette, since they add formality without taking away from the clean look of the dress.  Bell sleeves are most appropriate for winter or evening weddings.