4. PICK A DESIGN

First and foremost, don't panic - each salon provides each bride with her own personal consultant. So yes, there will be someone helping you avert embarrassing disasters. Nevertheless, you should ALWAYS bring someone you trust with you to the boutique. Be it a mom, sister, or best friend, you need an honest second opinion from someone who knows you.

In choosing a design, there are 6 things you should keep your eye on:

Color
Length
Silhouette
Train
Mood
Size

Color

Since Roman times, brides have worn white to symbolize purity. But this is the 21st Century and we ain't speaking Roman. So for those of you who want to flaunt your pre-marriage impurities (or are merely looking for a dash of interesting color), select a dress of another delicate hue such as pale pink, blue, ivory or light beige. The color you select will depend upon your own coloring; dark-skinned brunettes look good in ivory or beige, and fair-skinned blondes may find they look better in a white pastel or pure white gown. The rest of us will live a lie and wear pure white.

Length

The type of wedding you're having will affect your gown's length. Full-length gowns are fitting for formal weddings. At informal weddings, which are typically small in size and fanfare (and common for a second, third, and fourth+ marriages), the bride can wear a knee-length skirt. The skirt should cover the knees and drape at least one inch below the top of the kneecap. Ankle-length is acceptable too, and it can be very classy, sexy, fashionable and romantic. The veil should coincide with the dress: a shorter veil with a short dress or skirt, and a longer veil with a full-length skirt or gown.

Silhouette

The "silhouette" refers to the shape of the gown and how it hugs your body. For instance, some gowns hang straight down off the hips for a slinky look, while others poof out in a Scarlett O'Hara fashion. When you walk into the bridal salon, don't get intimidated by the various names of silhouettes. Many of them are simply different names for the same style. Here are some pictures.

  • Both Princess and A-line have side seams that run vertically from the underarm to the hem. A-line/Princess shapes tend to be the most figure-friendly.

  • The ball gown (i.e., the Cinderella look) is the most traditional wedding-dress silhouette. The bodice is fitted through the waist with a full skirt.

  • Sheaths are form fitting and slim, very modern and sexy. But if you're going to pull this dress off (so to speak), you have to make sure that you get measured very carefully. A quarter-inch miss here really shows.

  • The mermaid shape is like the sheath with one exception: the skirt flares out below the knee, like a mermaid, get it?

  • The empire silhouette fits like any other empire dress. It has a high waistline that stems from the bust, with a slender skirt.

  • A popular style for many brides today is the two-piece. Think "Gwyneth Paltrow Gets Married.'" The two-piece is very comfortable and trendy. A bustier is a must for underneath the top of a two-piece gown.

Train

Many a woman has fantasized that their wedding gown would have a ridiculously long train that requires 20 burly men to carry. The fact is, however, that it's tough to walk around all day with a massive train. So we suggest that if you want the long train, that it be detachable so that it won't get stepped on, torn, or otherwise ruined during the reception.

Mood

Dresses are also categorized by moods:

  • ROMANTIC - This is strapless or long-sleeved and bares a heart-shaped neckline. Romantic dresses are usually complemented by a long train.

  • MODERN - Also defined as a sheath, it's made of crepe and charmuse fabrics. It's very fitting for a formal, evening wedding.

  • TRADITIONAL - Like the A-line, traditional is also described as a full gown. Petite brides look best in this style because it elongates the bottom. Traditional gowns consist of an abundance of lace, satin, beads and buttons. We're talking poofy, fluffy, big shoulders, Princess Diana.

  • CLASSIC - Lots of satin, little beading. Classic is for the bride who doesn't like to be flashy. It's more conservative.

Size

As with any other wardrobe selection, when it comes to picking a wedding dress, size does matter. After all, you want your dress to look flattering. Designers realize that some of us have all 12 of our ribs and can't fit into a size two wedding dress, or the "perfect size 8." Therefore, there are designers who manufacture size 20 to size 44 as well. These designers include the Diamond Collection, Jasmine, Alfred Angelo, Jim Hjelm and Sweetheart. Ask your bridal salon or assigned bridal consultant for details, or hit the Internet for a peek at their designs.

For brides petite and large, the size of a bridal gown is ordered based on measurements of bust, waist, hips and height. Check this chart out to get an idea. All gowns are ordered in extra length for last minute fittings and alterations.

No matter what shape or size you are, remember that it's your dress, you'll be wearing it, you'll be seen in it, and you will be immortalized in it thanks to the photographers and camera-happy guests. So the bottom line is, choose a design you are happy with, a silhouette you feel comfy in, and don't be afraid to get creative.