AisleDash

Wedding gowns come in all shapes and sizes -- and so do brides. But matching the bride's shape and size to her gown is something that takes finesse, particularly when the bride has her heart set on a specific gown.

When you go to shop for your wedding dress, be honest about your shape. If you are a pear shape (carrying your weight in your hips) the mermaid gown is not for you; if you are large-chested, a strapless dress may not be your best choice. And if you are curvy, a gown with an empire waist may lead guests to think that your wedding day is soon to be followed by a little bundle of joy (if you get my meaning).

For all shapes and sizes, the most universally flattering gown is an A-line dress with a basque waist. Unfamiliar with those terms? Kleinfeld Bridal has a handy little tutorial of gown shapes; rest your cursor over the name and a little line drawing shows you what is what.

The gown pictured here, from Simone Carvalli's Fall 2008 collection, will flatter virtually every bride; the shape plays up curves without exaggerating them, while the wide V neck draws attention to the bride's face. The train is short and simple, and the dress has just enough subtle detail to make it really beautiful.

More views of this gown are available at Brides.com.