If there’s any time you want to look your best, it’s your wedding day.  You can splurge on an expensive haircut or hire the best make-up specialist, but when you get down to it, it’s the dress that turns you into a goddess.  So it’s worth doing the research to find the right one.

Even though designers annually unveil the latest bridal wear, the one rule you want to live by when shopping for your wedding dress is this: find the dress that fits your body type.  The wonderful thing about wedding dresses (and weddings in general) is that you get to decide what’s right for you.  Remember, it’s your day, right down to your hem-length.

So when shopping for a wedding dress, be honest about how you look, and be realistic about what you can wear.  If you are short and heavy, stay away from clingy column gowns (and knit fabrics) that show every bump and bulge.  Instead consider a floor-length, princess style dress with a slightly fitted top and an A-line skirt in a flowy fabric like chiffon.  And if you have ample breasts avoid strapless gowns, as you’ll be tugging at your bodice all night when it feels like it’s slipping down.

However, if you’re short and thin a strapless gown could work, especially when paired with a shirtwaist bouffant skirt.  To give the illusion of height, you want to your bodice to be drop-waist length with something big and billowy at the bottom.  Chiffon, velvet and lace with strategic gathers on top can also give you a more balanced look.
If you’re tall and heavy the princess style dress with an A-line skirt in chiffon is still the way to go (especially if you have a tiny waist and big hips), however, your height affords you to also consider heavier fabrics like satin and lace.  Again, avoid the strapless gown if your breasts are large, and if you have broad shoulders don’t wear a halter, as it will make you look even bigger.

If you’re tall and thin, layers and tiers in satin and lace can give you a fuller look.  A long bodice with a slightly fuller skirt is also a good option, however, a shorter hem-line (just below the knee or above the ankle) can minimise your height.  But if you’ve been dieting and want to show off your svelte figure, a column gown (strapless or single-shouldered) or a fitted mermaid dress in satin or silk could look very elegant.

Fortunately, the trends for 2009 wedding dresses offer more variety than ever.  Traditional wedding gowns in white and ivory will always stand the test of time; however, the big designer news this year is colour.  Wedding gowns in pastels such as peach and lavender will be walking down the aisle in 2009, along with warmer shades like deep red and eggplant, accented with metallic fabrics.  Or you can mix traditional and trendy by donning a white wedding dress and adding a colourful sash or fur stole.  Textured wedding dresses are also in the mix, with intricate beading, embroidered flowers (especially roses), lace and ribbon embellishments, and even feathers making an appearance. 

As for dress style, this is the year of the one-shouldered Grecian toga wedding dress in glittery fabrics of white and silver layered over colour.  Obviously, not everyone can wear the Greek column or wrap dress, so designers have offered variations.  For example, the fitted, single-shouldered, asymmetrical top with a full skirt accentuates many body types, but still looks feminine and modern.  Also, short wedding dresses (even mini-length) are options this year, which is good news for taller brides or those getting married in the sweltering heat of summer.

The secret to finding the perfect wedding dress is to stick with styles that accentuate your physical attributes and hide your flaws.  So if the trend says wear a pink, sleek column gown, but you look amazing in an ivory billowy princess dress, then go for the princess dress.  Because once you’re walking down that aisle looking gorgeous, no one will be able to imagine you wearing anything else.