bridal - traditional

By far the highest proportion of dresses bought are in the traditional bridal style. And the average spend these days has come down to around £950. That said there I’ve seen fantastic dresses under £200 from Bhs, Monsoon and Designers at Debenhams.

This dress from Suzanne Neville is a great illustration of what works well for a standard shape. The lace at the top of the bodice and the lace straps are the focus here, drawing the eye to the top of the body and creating an illusion of height and curvaceousness. A dress with this ornamentation needs subtle jewellery so leave heavy necklaces well alone and chose earrings instead.
www.suzanneneville.com

A style of dress like this one by Justin Alexander will give women with full busts and hips a wonderful romantic curvaceousness. The scalloped bust line can be particularly flattering for large bosoms because it creates a soft and feminine neckline. Strapless is universally flattering but especially for fuller arms, since the eye is drawn to the cleavage. A crisp wrap over the arms however will add an extra femininity and security for those of you who want it.
The wide, flared skirt has a smooth sophistication, which will cover pear shapes, big bottoms and low-slung bottoms - making the legs seem longer. www.justinalexanderbridal.com

This is a wonderfully classic style for tall women and this dress by White Rose creates interest at the bodice area with this subtle gold embroidery. Half close your eyes and you’ll see how the horizontal line at the bust and again at the waist interrupts the flow of the vertical. This is a well-known trick to reduce the height of a bride. www.whiterosebridal.com

This is a halter neck dress from Sincerity Bridal - great for standard shaped women and especially petites. This is because the eye is drawn to the top of the body, creating a longer than usual line from under the bust to the floor - elongating the legs and making the bride seem taller. www.sinceritybridal.com

how to look good
• The type of wedding you have will always influence the type of dress you choose. An English country garden venue in the summer as opposed to a wintry stately home setting will have a bearing on your choices without you realising it. This is why everyone you come into contact with from wedding dress designer to hairdresser, make-up artist, florist and photographer, will ask you this first.

• Gloves are best worn with traditional style gowns and should never be pulled over the elbow or stretched taut. A wrinkle at the wrist is far more elegant.

• Veils are becoming less popular but if you want one, then go ahead they add magic after all. Just remove the plastic comb it comes with and get your hairdresser to pin it in for you, that way you can remove it later without damaging your hair.

• Give yourself time to choose your dress by trying on as many styles as you like. And don't be pressured by anyone into making a decision. Retailers who tell you, you haven't left enough time and must order are only thinking of your money and not you.