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There are some unfair things about the bridal industry. For one thing, you'll probably wear a size (or two, or three) up from what you normally wear. Then, to add insult to injury, if you end up in a plus size gown, there's a good chance you'll incur a plus size charge. This depends on the designer, of course, but some designers charge quite a bit more for sizes over 16.

That doesn't mean plus size brides don't have options, though. Check out Torrid's line of bridal gowns for women of a certain size -- they're affordable and stylish, and they could be exactly what you're looking for. Check out the gallery to see what they're offering.

The spectacular skirt in this dress by Tadashi has alternating tiers of satin and chiffon, accentuating the unusual high-low hemline. Pair this dress with ultra high heels and POW! You've created the illusion of extra-long legs. Who wouldn't want that?

The gorgeous shirred bodice is pinned with a rhinestone brooch at the natural waist; the v-neckline flatters all shapes - and at $378 your wallet will be flattered as well!

Available at Nordstrom.

The fashion world has been feeling a little bit of wedding fever ever since Alber Elbaz announced he would be designing a line of wedding gowns for Lanvin -- Collection Blanche.

Elbaz is already the brains and bowtie behind Lanvin's ready-to-wear collection, but after being asked by many friends and clients to add a little of his magic to their wedding gowns, it was a natural progression for the designer to move into the bridal industry.

He did so by creating a line of 16 "unconventional" dresses, ranging from short and flapper-like to long and simple, with a few funky twists thrown in for good measure.

A statuesque mermaid gown in ethereal lace for the goddess in you. We like how the simple V-necklines (in front and back) and sleek silhouette are enhanced by the intricate beadwork and the dramatic chapel length train.

The gown includes a high-collared and long-sleeved bolero jacket, making this an excellent choice for the bride who is getting married in a church or who wants the option to cover up (in case it gets chilly). Available in Ivory, Diamond White and Silver.

Style RB1857 by Rina di Montella

It must be the sweet nostalgia of times gone by that is enticing modern brides to look to the past for inspiration for their wedding. That, and pure romance. Because love in the days of Peggy Sue just seems so unutterably divine. Remember Casablanca, High Society and The Shop Around the Corner? Fabulous movies that provide rich pickings for anyone wanting to create a retro-vintage wedding. It's an era to sigh over and when better to recreate it than on the most romantic day of your life.

A designer known for her love of whimsy and vintage is Stephanie James. Her tea-length gowns are bang-on when it comes to evoking the mood of an age gone by. Just stepping into her Newport Beach store, with it's pink, white and black decor, will whisk you away on a memorable journey. And, if you can't get to California, then you can still find her dresses in other stores. Check the website for the full collection and for details of other stockists.

Shopping for your wedding dress can be overwhelming and confusing. To avoid it becoming a nightmare of worry and stress, when you think you've found the dress of your dreams, ask the vendor a few specific questions. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to relax as you focus on other planning details.

1. What does the price include?

Imagine you've found a great dress and have tried it on and realise it's going to need a few alterations so that it fits you properly. Be sure to specify exactly how much extra you will have to pay for the alterations as it's not usually included in the price of the dress. Another thing, query with the shop if they have insurance. You'll probably have to pay a deposit, which can be up to 50% of the price of the dress. If anything happens, be it to the shop or the dress itself, you need to know that you won't lose your deposit.

2. When will you get your dress?

Unless you're buying a dress that doesn't need major alterations, you can count on about three to four months waiting period. If the dress is being designed and made from scratch, then it could take about six months. It also depends on your availability for fittings, and the time of year. Summer is peak wedding season and having your dress made in the run up to that period can take longer. It's in your own interests to give yourself and your designer as much time as possible. If you take your dress home well in advance of your wedding, remember to ask how best to store it.

Style #1597 by Dere Kiang of the House of Wu is a luscious statement dress for the unconventional bride. You will either love it or hate it.

This is the type of dress you have to try on before you blow it off - there are many details that make this a flattering choice for many women. The off-the shoulder sleeves will show off your shoulders (very few of us have any complaints about that body part!) and is a good option if you want to avoid going strapless. The pleated taffeta bodice dramatically embroidered with a flower motif hugs your body but is more forgiving that plain satin. And the tiered English netting skirt will hide a multitude of sins.

This dress will draw attention - but will also keep your secrets. It's worth a look.

This one-piece, slim A-line gown by Sottero and Midgley has a beautifully pleated bodice and skirt held together with an embellished lace appliqué for a very wearable, yet very dramatic look.

The back of the gown echoes the pleating in the front, softly hugging the hip area and adding drama to what would otherwise just be a pretty dress.

We love how the pearls worn by the model fall down the back in a line reminiscent of the fabric buttons on the bodice.

This floaty gown by Venezuelan designer Angel Sanchez is full of ornate details: Silk metallic embroidered lace and embroidered ribbon straps aren't exactly minimalist, you know. Together with its slim A-line silhouette, this is a beautifully easy gown to wear.

However, this gown saves most of its beauty for the back. It makes perfect sense, really - your guests can admire the beautifully ruffled back and the way the ribbon straps meet in a dainty bow right above your waist while you have your back turned to them during most of the ceremony. This is not the gown to cover up with a long veil.

When you're planning a destination wedding, it's smart to choose a dress that will be easy to pack, easy to wear, and easy to photograph. When you're getting married on a beach you won't be able to get a cathedral train to look just so for the pictures.

Face it: If you're getting married in a breezy tropical location, there probably won't be any ball gowns in your future.

Better to go for a carefree slip of a dress, something like this silk chiffon number by Chic bridal. It's elegant enough for the biggest day of your life, and at $299 (!) you won't regret jumping into the water once your beach front ceremony is over. Better yet, spend your savings in beautiful jewelry and flowers to personalize this simple dress. Think of it as a blank canvas, and let your personal style shine through!

If you want to vamp it up on your wedding day, have we got the dress for you!

The Samantha dress by Badgley Mischka is most definitely not the dress for the blushing bride - it's for the bride who has the goods and wants to show them off. And why not? If you've got it, flaunt it!

The bodice which is covered in sparkling crystal beading is supported by spaghetti straps (and your, um, curves); it really looks more like a piece of very fine lingerie than a wedding gown. The corset is made of sheer lace and the visible boning accentuates just how sheer it really is. The slim skirt flares out at the knees in a mermaid silhouette to further emphasize your feminine curves.

Despite the definite lingerie feel of this dress it still looks classy - and that's quite the accomplishment considering how aggressively sexy it is.

Tomasina style #1238 is a sophisticated gown that combines the romance of Alençon lace with the lightness of tulle. The slim-fitting bodice has a sweetheart neckline and is embellished with lace appliqués that flare down the A-line skirt. The full hemline is trimmed with a wide band of lace trimmed with cut crystals for a very pretty effect.

Adding a mantilla veil turns this chic and sleek dress into a delicately traditional gown - perfect if you're having a religious ceremony before your reception.

If there ever was a gown that demands to be worn with pearls this is it. Check the gallery for more ideas on what to wear with this gown.

Did you love the glamorous pale pink gown (worn by Penelope Cruz on the red carpet) that we spotlighted back in November?

We loved it too!

And we finally found a bridal version that may top the wow factor of that famous dress. The exquisite ruffled skirt of the Suraya gown by Marylise is definitely a sight to behold. This gown is not for the faint hearted - but if your dream is extravagant luxury, we say go for it.

We love how the model balances out the formality of the gown with loose, natural hair - she looks elegant without being uptight. That's the way to do it!

The red carpet is a great place to find fashion inspiration - just take a look at our From The Red Carpet to Altar series for examples of stars showing us how to properly do full-on glamour. Gorgeous!

Of course, stars are stars and they have designers and stylists working to make them look their best. Usually, all that mere mortals get to do is admire the couture clothing and dream. Unless Allen B. Schwartz, founder of A.B.S. clothing, has his way.

A.B.S is known for its reproductions of red carpet favorites and we think that their version of the St. John dress worn by Angelina Jolie to the Golden Globes would make a fantastic bridesmaid dress. It's elegant, glamorous and the fit is contemporary and sexy. The gunmetal gray color is a sophisticated neutral - the bridesmaids will look gorgeous without upstaging the bride. Angelina wore the original with gold jewelry, and it worked beautifully. (Check the gallery for a better view.)

The best part? The dress is currently available at Bluefly for $279!

Isn't Spring, with it's vibrancy and burgeoning life, the perfect time to get married? We think so, and we love these Oscar de la Renta bridal gowns at Browns. They epitomise everything that Spring stands for. Crisp, fresh, and playful. Walking down the aisle in one of these stunning dresses would be like wearing a little sliver of Spring.

We imagine them being worn with a featherlight veil or floral head wreath, traditional but unfussy, with an uncomplicated hairdo. Perhaps a country wedding in a quaint chapel, with daffodils and daisies and bridesmaids in a mix of pastel outfits.

They are such pretty dresses, what's not to love?