Before you rush out and choose the wedding gown of your dreams, don't forget to consider what time of day and what season you will be getting married and how formal or casual you want your wedding to be.

BALLERINA / BALL GOWN - Fitted with bodice with tulle or very full skirt, suits all shapes except petites sizes, this gown is the classic Meringue.

EMPIRE GOWN - This gown has a high cut bodice wtih a narrow and flaring skirt. This gown is great for petite sizes.

BIAS CUT GOWN - This gown is very figure hugging and is best suited for the taller and slimmer figured brides.

TWO PIECE GOWN - This gown has a separate skirt and bodice, this gown is ideal for those brides with a larger top or bottom.

COLUMN STYLE GOWN - This gown is a straight silhouetter gown which is ideal for brides who are tall and slim.

PRINCESS GOWN - This gown has a fitted top with a flared skirt which is flattering for most shapes and also creates a sense of length at the same time.

FULL - FIGURED AND SHORT BRIDES - The most suitable style is fitted bodice and sleeves with an A-line skirt which falls softly and not too big. You may choose an open neckline with some simple jewellery or maybe as an alternative, why not look at a higher neck line to accentuate a longer and more elegant line.

FULL - FIGURED AND TALL BRIDES - Avoid puffy designs, frills and gathers and busy looking gowns.. Choose soft fabric that falls nicely. Look for designs where the design is in the cut of the dress. A long train would add too much drama.

THIN AND TALL BRIDES - If you want to add curves, choose a voluminous skirt. Almost any style will suit you with the possible exception of a straight close fitting dress if you are very thin.

THIN AND SHORT BRIDES - If you have a nice waistline, emphases it with a close fitting style which has a full but draped skirt. Definitely try to avoid a dress with busy sleeves or heavy detail as this can look too tizzy and busy.

AVERAGE WEIGHT AND HEIGHT BRIDES - You can ventrally wear just about any style that suits your own style and personality.

FULL FIGURED AND AVERAGE HEIGHT BRIDES - You can go for elegance rather than busy details, definitely avoid too much tizz. If you are pear shaped, wedding gowns with a fitted bodice and a lovely soft full A-line skirt will certainly beautifully disguise larger hips and thighs.

Style of Wedding Dress

First and foremost is: choosing your gown first, then choose your accessories to complement your gown.

Is the gown traditional, modern, simple and flowing, old-world or romantic? Your accessories should reflect the look and feel you are going for. Eg if you have a modern dress, try choosing accessories with a modern edge, a simple dress may mean that you can have fun your with your jewellery and consider a striking necklace and smaller earrings.

Match the type of sparkle in your gown with the sparkle in your accessories. Use crystals with crystals, rhinestones with rhinestones and pearls with pearls, etc.
Look for a headpiece with similar detailing. Eg Gold-tone or ivory pearl-accented tiaras are a good compliment to ivory/cream gowns, while silver-tone, rhinestone, and white pearl tiaras best compliment the tones of a white gown.

Remember, the big Golden rule when choosing accessories and that is not to overdo it. If you dress is more elaborate, try to keep the jewellery simple eg go for and earring and bracelet set.

Neckline of Dress

The neckline of the dress is another thing to consider.
Strapless gowns are very popular at the moment however they mean that a lot of skin will be visible. A gorgeous choker or elaborate necklace with drops can work really well at completing your look without detracting from the gown and will "fill in" more skin so that you don't look too bare.

It is also wise to mirror the necklace with the neckline of the dress..ie a V-shaped or sweet heart neck would look great with a V-shaped or Y-shaped necklace that comes down to a drop.

For dresses with higher necklines, you may want to consider have a more striking head-piece/tiara or try some chandelier earrings.

Veil

Whether you are having a veil or not will also help you decide on what accessories and head-pieces/tiaras to choose.

If you are having a veil you need to decide if you want it placed high on you head or at the bottom of your head i.e. above a low bun. If you are having a higher veil, you will most probably want a tiara placed in front of it to finish off the look.
A lower place veil looks gorgeous with a diamante combed tiara or floral headpiece sitting behind the veil.

If you decide not to go for a veil, then there are some fantastic options around like Fascinators with or without netting, diamante hairpins or a tiara.