It's easy to become misguided by the models you see in magazines. But remember: What looks good on another woman might not be the best look for you.
Strapless gowns
Paired with a swooping neckline, these perennial favorites give any bride a slimming silhouette.
A-line gowns
Taking the place of the princess ball gown, these modern gowns hug the body through the bodice then flare out below the hip, accentuating the waist.
Sheaths and Columns
With narrower silhouettes in vogue, brides are embracing these looks that drape the female form in sophistication.
Short Gowns
Designers are rolling out higher hemlines for a fun, fresh look.
This is what it's all about 12 MONTHS IN ADVANCE: YOUR WEDDING DRESS
A dress for less than $500? No problem. J. Crew's Gracie gown, right, and Cecelia dress, left, (both $395) are two chic silk styles that can fit any bride's budget.
Maybe it's a runway gown you fell in love with, or perhaps it's your grandmother's gown that you want to craft into a modern design for your strut down the aisle. Either way - old, new, borrowed or blue, the dress is the iconic wedding piece brides love most.
During your search you may hear the old adage that the more dresses you try on, the more you look the same. So instead of tackling the gown project for months and months, you may be best served by attacking a small window of time.
Price is dependent upon intricacy. The more lace, beading and embroidery a dress has, the pricier it will be. Today's trends are gearing toward clean lines and minimal but dramatically placed details; ornaments, mainly crystal and embroidery, are concentrated on bodices and hems. Consider these fabrics:
Organza: A thin, sheer plain-weave fabric made from silk, its lighter feel makes it ideal for summer-style weddings.
Taffeta: A crisp, smooth woven fabric made from silk or synthetics that is known for its slight sheen and light weight.
Tulle: A lightweight, fine netting that can be made from silk, nylon and rayon, which gives gowns stunning, flowing skirts.
Charmeuse: A lightweight fabric usually made from silk or polyester. It's smooth, soft and drapes beautifully.
Chiffon: A plain, sheer woven fabric with a soft drape. It can be made from silk, polyester or rayon.
Dupioni: A plain weave using yarns to create a fabric with surface slubs. In silk, it has a distinctive rustic and sleek luster.
Georgette: A lightweight fabric usually made from silk or polyester that's heavier and less transparent than chiffon. The fabric's fibers are twisted, which gives it a springy quality.
Peau de Soie: Made from silk or polyester, this fabric is medium to heavy. Its dull luster is more flattering to curvier women than high-luster satins. Polyester peau de soie also doesn't water-spot as easily as silk.
