Credit: DelicaBridal
This is it! It's finally here, it's time to finally buy (or rent) your very own gown of your dreams. For me, personally, this has to be THE most exciting, fun filled activity of planning your wedding and one that we are sure you've been looking forward to since the engagement ring was barely on your finger. As with most significant moments in planning a wedding, we're sure you have hundreds of little anxieties which are running riot through your mind.

These were my most common worries:

What do the different styles of dress mean?
What if I never find the 'one'?
Let's start with getting to know your body type... What if I look 'fat' or 'frumpy'?

Suffering from any similar worries? Of course you are. The dress is the single most important part of your wedding look and finding something exquisite is top of the agenda. Before you go bridal shopping it's important you have a little understanding of the type of dress you're looking for and how each style can complement (or not) your figure.

Although there is no exact science behind finding a wedding dress, it really is a case of trying dress after beautiful gown after stunning dress on (oh yes!), there are several theories between matching your body figure with a dress style that can make visiting the gown shop a little easier and a whole lot more fun.

Oh, and if you're still struggling, why not take our Wedding Dress Style Quiz!

Understanding Your Body Type

Main Traits:

From apples to pears, hourglasses to rectangles, understanding body shapes and trying to figure out which body shape you slot into can be a little confusing. The most important element to remember is that these shapes are just a guide. While the fashion industry likes to define each body shape in extreme detail, we've listed below the 4 most important body shapes when it comes to choosing a wedding dress. Try to figure out which body shape you match, but don't worry if you can't find one exactly right for you.

Credit: PlusModelMag

Pear: (Also referred to as "Inverted Triangle")

Ladies with this body figure are quite often referred to as the "pear" and will be slender through the neck, shoulders and bust while carrying more weight below the waist.

- Smaller Bust
- Narrow Shoulders
- Wide Hips

Main Traits:

Celebrity Pear: Kim Kardashian

Credit: Look-Fabulous

Credit: PlusModelMag

Rectangle: (Also referred to as "Banana" "Slender")

Ladies with this body figure are quite often referred to as the "rectangle" and will have shoulders and hips that are approximately the same width.

Hourglass:

- Shoulders and hips are approximately at the same width
- Typically athletic or slim build

Main Traits:

Celebrity Rectangle: Cameron Diaz

Credit: TheFashionDealer

Credit: PlusModelMag

Ladies with this body figure are quite often referred to as the "hourglass" and will often have shoulders and hips that are approximately the same width, but with a clearly defined waist.

- Shoulder and hip approximately the same width
- Clearly defined waist
- Defined body "curves"

Celebrity Hourglass: Beyoncé Knowles

Main Traits:

Credit: BronzeMagOnline

Credit: PlusModelMag

Apple: (Also referred to as "Triangle")

Ladies with this body figure are quite often referred to as the "apple" and will often have a big bust with their weight distributed above the hips and around the stomach.

- A well endowed bust
- Carry weight above the hips
- Undefined waist line

Celebrity Apple: Catherine Zita Jones

Credit: LookFabulous
Understanding Dress Styles

The type of dress you decide to go for will depend on a million and one factors. One of those factors is the type of dress style you're looking for and how that complements your figure. There are 6 main dress styles known by their design names as The Ball Gown, The A Line, The Trumpet, The Mermaid, The Sheath, and finally, The Mini. Each differ in their fit and flow, and can be found in hundreds of variations in Bridal stores across the country. Understanding dress styles, the themes they match and the figures they complement should make picking your wedding dress so much easier.

From the dramatic sheath to the sassy mermaid; get clued up on this vital wedding lingo!

From the dramatic sheath to the sassy mermaid; get clued up on this vital wedding lingo!

Credit: PreownedWeddingDresses
Ball Gown:

2014 Ball Gown Example: Hayley Paige - 2014 Fall Collection

You're the princess Bride and you deserve a dress to match. Let your inner fairy tale blossom with the Ball Gown style. Ideal for ladies looking for a classic or modern affair, this dress comes fitted at the bodice and flares into a full skirt.

Perfect for: Pear and Apple shapes or Slender figures

Should be avoided by: Petites

Theme Match: Fairytale Wedding

Credit: JLMCourture

2014 A Line Example: Stella York - 2014 Fall Collection

Credit: PreownedWeddingDresses
A-Line:

The perfect all-rounder, this dress will fit seamlessly to any wedding theme. With styles ranging from classic demure to oh-so hot, this dress will knock your groom off his feet. Ideal for ladies looking for a traditional affair, this dress comes fitted at the bodice and flows from the waist to the ground.

Perfect for: Everyone

Should be avoided by: No one

Theme Match: Traditional or Classic Wedding

2014 Trumpet Example: Tailoo - 2014 Fall Collection Mermaid:

Credit: ColinCowlieWeddings

Credit: PreownedWeddingDresses
Trumpet:

If your groom is still on his feet after seeing you in this dress we will be surprised! Made to bring out your inner sass this dress is a super-hot modern design. Ideal for ladies looking to try something a little different, but not too different, this dress is fitted through the body before flaring out like a trumpet mid-thigh.

Perfect for: Hourglass and Rectangular figures.

2014 Mermaid Example:Forever Yours Bridals

Should be avoided by: Pear and Apple figures.

Theme Match: Chic/Traditional Wedding

Credit: Tailoo

Credit: PreownedWeddingDresses

You're the whimsical bride and you deserve an enchanting dress to match. Let the magic of your special day flow from your dress with this show stopping mermaid style. Be daring with this tight fit design and let it flare like a mermaid from shin to hem.

2014 Sheath Example: ReemArca New York - 2014 Fall Collection

Perfect for: Hourglass or Rectangular figures.

Mini:

Should be avoided by: Pear and Apple shapes.

Theme Match: Traditional/Classic Wedding

Credit: Bridal Guide

Credit: PreownedWeddingDresses
Sheath:

2014 Mini Example: WeddingConcepts Can't wait for our next edition of "Choose the Perfect Wedding Dress"? Take the Wedding Dress Style Quiz!

You're the vintage bride and no doubt you have Gatsby, Retro or the booming 20's in mind for your wedding theme. Only for the daring bride, this sheath design is a dress that simply flows from neckline to hem and flatters the natural contours of your body beautifully.

Perfect for: Rectangular, Slender or Hourglass figures.

Should be avoided by: Pear and Apple shapes.

Theme Match: Vintage Wedding

Credit: TheWeddingScoop

Credit: PreownedWeddingDresses

Mini, shall we say any more? Accentuate your legs with this adorable short skirt wedding dress. This dress is an iconic rustic dress which would be ideal for ladies with a slender or hourglass body shape, however it should be avoided by pear and apple shapes.

Perfect for: Slender and Hourglass figures.

Should be avoided by: Pear and Apple figures.

Theme Match: Offbeat/Rustic Wedding

Credit: WeddingConcepts