Beautiful bride guide

Most of us girls have been thinking of what our perfect beach wedding dresses would be since we were little girls.

My dream was for a beautiful white sateen number, with lace bodice, lace-up back and really big puffy shoulders and a bow between the bust.

I thought that would be just perfect – thank goodness I have developed better taste and Kylie Minogue has stopped influencing fashion – but in all seriousness, this is going to be the most important, most looked at dress you will ever own.

So, we need to get it right in order for you to feel beautiful on your special day.

If you are engaged, why not prepare early for next wedding season to survive the stress and avoid the title "Bridezilla".

The 2013 trends epitomise romance and elegance: gorgeous flowing floor-length dresses, in soft fabrics, ruffles, satin sashes (at the waist), and dainty floral details are set to beautify the aisles.

Dress silhouettes are refined and include the delicate overlaying of fabrics such as chiffon, tulle and lace.

Gowns with embellished bodices are going to be popular, using details of crystal, cubic zirconia and pearl. The modified A-line skirt also remains prominent (slim through the waist and flared at the bottom) – this is one of the most flattering styles for most women.

The crowd's favourite – the strapless – is still current in a sweetheart shape, but the sexy yet elegant off-the-shoulder style has been brought back in a big way and the asymmetrical one shoulder is still peeping through the racks.

When thinking of buying a wedding dress or commissioning a vintage wedding dresses to be designed, first things first – the colour.

There are not a multitude of options (if you want to stick to tradition), but this is an important choice none the less: White? Off white? Cream? Or for a little something different maybe a pale colour?

The best thing to do is get some fabric samples and hold them up to your face to see which one complements your complexion.

Now for the shape. Knowing beforehand what will enhance your shape will make shopping for a bridal gown so much easier.

I have put together some guidelines to help make selecting a dress a little easier.

Rectangular: This figure appears to be the same width at the shoulder, waist and hips. Choose wedding dress styles that will make the focus of attention draw up towards your face or down towards the hem and away from the mid-section.

illusion of curves at the waist.

My gown choice: Asymmetric, one-shouldered bodice, diagonally gathered at the waist, with A-line or bias cut skirt or maybe try a corset.

Pear: This figure type is smaller in the bust and waist areas when compared to the hips, seat and thigh areas. You want the focus of attention away from the hip/thigh area and more towards the face. The shoulders or bodice will need something to add width in this area and create balance. Choose styles that have width at the shoulders like off-the-shoulder styles, wide V necks, short sleeves, bolero jackets or shrugs. Choose empire line or a princess cut dress with minimal detail at the hip and maximum detail or embellishment on the bodice.

My gown choice: Off-the-shoulder A-line wedding gown.

Inverted triangle: The inverted triangle body type has wide shoulders and narrow hips. Balance wide shoulders by adding details at the waist or skirt to draw attention to those areas instead. Avoid necklines with wide-set straps or sleeves.

Also, avoid off-the-shoulder styles. Some one-strap dresses can be flattering but be sure the strap is in the middle of the shoulder and not on the shoulder bone edge. Go for a fuller skirt with detail at the hips. You can also pull off a strapless dress if the hipline is detailed and the skirt is full.

My gown choice: wide strapped, princess cut dress with full skirt and pleating at the hip.

Large bust: Number one rule, support "the girls" – get a great-fitting bra first. Necklines that are complimentary for large busted women are V-neck, U-shape and sweetheart necklines.

Off-the-shoulder necklines can be an asset for those who have narrow shoulders. Avoid high necklines – like the jewel and bateau necklines, because they tend to make your bust look larger. Create width below the waist to balance the upper body. Make sure the bodice section of your dress doesn't have a lot of texture or details, which can make your bust look larger or become a focal point. Stay away from empire waist style wedding gowns as they focus attention on the bust area. Halter necklines can look great on someone who has a prominent bust but if you have heavier arms, you may not want this style because it tends to focus attention on this area. A dropped waistline may give length to your midsection.

My gown choice: crossover V neck or sweetheart with A-line skirt but not too full.

Plus size: The basic wedding dress silhouettes that work on most plus size figures are the princess wedding gown style, and the A-line. Asymmetrical front details on plus size bridal gowns work wonders for slimming the figure. It directs a person's focal point away from your trouble areas. The empire style wedding dress is also good if you don't have a prominent bust since this style focuses attention on the bust.

This style is good for camouflaging a thick waist and is good for the short bride who wants to appear taller. Plus size wedding gowns that are strapless are not easy to wear and are not the best style choice for most plus size brides. Remember, the shorter the lady, the thinner the hem width.

My gown choice: V neck, diagonal gathers through the midsection, in an A-line shape (not too wide at the hem).

Hourglass: Your body is symmetrical; you are the envy of all of us and lucky. You can wear every shape, providing you have the height – if not just make sure your hem is not too wide.

With the experience I have had in making wedding dresses, brides always lose extreme amounts of weight before their wedding, so it is important to not get your dress too early – or if you have to, get it snug – be sure to take the correct bra to the fittings and if ordering your dress online make sure you follow instructions and never measure yourself, get someone who knows what they are doing, as ordering online could be a disaster.

Remember, during the ceremony your back is almost as important as your front; be sure not to forget a little detail at the back so your guests can enjoy your dress from every angle and be sure to relax ... breathe .. . and enjoy your special day.