Pear Shaped: An A-line dress like this one, by Jim Hjelm, has a V-neckline, spaghetti straps, and a natural waist, so it highlights the tiniest part of your figure and disguises your more voluptuous hips.

Petite: A shorter bride, looking for something sassy, should opt for a knee length dress, like this ruffle collar dress by Thread. Something longer, or tea length, may make you look even shorter.

Athletic: If you’ve got a boyish frame and broad shoulders, Then this style by Peter Langner, could look great on you. The V-shape will draw the eye downward and create the illusion of a more petite frame while a cinched waistline will help you fake an hourglass shape.

Short torso: A bold, vertical embellishment, like the floral applique on this Carolina Herrera design, paired with a halter neckline is an elegant way to elongate your figure.

Problem areas: This sparkles on this dress by Platinum for Priscilla of Boston serve as a great distraction for any areas you want to hide. It also has a pretty sweetheart neckline and corseted bodice that will flatter any figure.

Tummy Tuck: A draped skirt and a center-knotted waistline will create a cinching effect. Add some heels and that tummy bulge is all gone!

Skinny-minny: This Amsale gown illustrates how there’s nothing like all-over ruching and slim tiers to give you an hourglass figure.

Arm-conscious: For a design with a bit more upper-arm coverage, will love the flutter sleeves on this gown by Nicole Miller.

After you have narrowed your preferences by browsing online or looking in bridal magazines, you can start trying on gowns in a store.  Some wedding dress stores, such as David’s Bridal, can customize dresses in extra-long lengths.

A tall, slender bride can really show off her figure in a sheath gown, which is fitted from top to bottom. Tall, thin brides are usually the ones who can pull off this glamerous look best, in dresses such as these from David’s Bridal (left) and Pascua by La Sposa (right):

If you are a tall woman with an hourglass figure, an A-line gown with a dropped waist works will with your curves. It shows off the figure while accenting the your trim waist. Also, a sweetheart neckline will adds a touch of romance, if it covers enough of the full bustline. A-line dresses also look beautiful on the full figured bride.  Badgley Mischk gown on left, Jessica McClintock on right:

If you are statuesque with a pear shaped figure (smaller at the top and fuller at the bottom), a full ball gown is always a great choice. It draws attention to your bodice and waistline while minimizing the hips and rear. The gorgeous dress on the left is Sandie by Jane Wang and the beaded dress on the right is perfect for the Cinderella bride.

If you have broad shoulders, you may want to consider a gown that has straps or a scoop neckline which shortens the width of your shoulders. A dropped waist also elongates the bodice and narrows the shoulders. Less is more when it comes to accents such as off the shoulder sleeves, poofs or ruffles. Mona Lisa by Monique Lhuillier (right) and Raylia lace gown with deep v-neck and thick straps (left).