The dress

Silvers, pastels, golds and lilacs have all been seen on brides most recently - it's best to go for a shade which makes your skin glow and keep detail to the minimum if you're in a particularly bright hue.

With so many different styles on offer, how do you decide what works best with your body shape? Ballgowns are the most traditional style, and are often combined with a fitted bodice and natural or dropped waistline, suiting a wide range of figures especially those with curves, while A-line dresses flare out in the skirt, and the bodice is often fitted, making it suitable for most body shapes.

Small-busted and slim figures will suit an empire-line dress, or one with a straight skirt, while figure-hugging bias-cut dresses - or one with a fishtail skirt - will flatter and accentuate curves, skimming over any lumps and bumps.

Tall and thin: Try a ballgown with a strapless, fitted bodice Alternatively cover up shoulders and collarbones with a long fitted dress, perhaps with a high neckline.

Short with fuller, figure: The empire line dress (below), with its seam under the bustline leaves fabric to flow down over the rest of your body. With the right fabric, it won't cling unflatteringly but flow around it.

If you have sleeves, make them long and narrow but not too tight. For extra height, pile your (if long enough) hair high on your head, but not if your face is too round.

Full bust: A basque-style long bodice and full skirt will take attention off it - whereas a dress using the natural waistline will accentuate it. Keep the bodice plain and detail to the bottom of the dress. No low necklines.

Full or wide hips: Nothing tiered, no peplums or bustles either. Other than that, most styles would work as long as they're not fitting too tightly over the hips.

Wide shoulders: A V-neckline will draw attention away and wide straps will narrow the look, which can be softened with a sheer wrap. Puffed sleeves are an absolute no no.

Legs short or heavy: A sheath-style long dress adds height.

Short arms: Sleeves are a must, but three-quarter-length are probably the most effective. If your arms are on the chubby side, keep sleeves simple and not too tight.

Expecting?

Today's pregnant bride can wear a variety of styles, and either show off her pregnancy or not. The best part is, it's her choice.

Even though she must plan quickly, it doesn't mean she can't wear a wonderful designer dress. Many wedding dress designers now include a maternity line.

Instead of wearing the equivalent of a long white smock, today's mother-to-be-bride can choose from a variety of styles including off-the-shoulder, strapless, sleek and clingy, full-skirted, formal and even a beach wedding dress.

Best of all, these dresses were made with the pregnant bride in mind, which means comfort is taken into the highest consideration

Many bridal boutiques now carry maternity wedding dresses as do maternity shops. There is also a a wide range of possibilities on the internet and via mail order.

Expecting?

Today's pregnant bride can wear a variety of styles, and either show off her pregnancy or not. The best part is, it's her choice.

Even though she must plan quickly, it doesn't mean she can't wear a wonderful designer dress. Many wedding dress designers now include a maternity line.

Instead of wearing the equivalent of a long white smock, today's mother-to-be-bride can choose from a variety of styles including off-the-shoulder, strapless, sleek and clingy, full-skirted, formal and even a beach wedding dress.

Best of all, these dresses were made with the pregnant bride in mind, which means comfort is taken into the highest consideration

Many bridal boutiques now carry maternity wedding dresses as do maternity shops. There is also a a wide range of possibilities on the internet and via mail order.