AisleDash

Of course we all know where our waists are but in wedding dress speak the waistline of the wedding dress is the horizontal seam that joins the bodice and skirt. It's also the element responsible for bringing shape and balance to your wedding dress and works to add signature style to a particular silhouette.

High Empire-style waists are liked for their slimming properties and are a seriously hot trend for this year. Designer Hanna Hartnell has a gorgeous selection of empire-style gowns - they are unbelievably sexy too.

Starting the waistline just beneath the bust is very flattering for smaller busts, and the long line of the skirt makes petite brides look taller. The Empire line will also do an excellent job at concealing luxurious, child-bearing hips and will de-emphasize a thicker waist as well. In fact, a curved empire line, one that dips down to the small of the back at both sides, can actually give the a wonderfully slimming effect.

If you have a marvellous figure and want to show it off, then I'd say why not just go for a figure-hugging dress, but even so, it's hard t to find too much wrong with the Empire style, which is probably why it is so popular.

Gallery: Empire Style Wedding Gowns