Just figure it out

Above, For a splash of colour, a Helen Marina silk skirt and scarlet satin bodice, £1,050. Cala Rosa tiara in crystal, £75
Above, For a splash of colour, a Helen Marina silk skirt and scarlet satin bodice, £1,050. Cala Rosa tiara in crystal, £75
How can you look like Elle McPherson when you are five feet tall and definitely a pear shape? Sam Pope discovers how to find the dress of your dreams

It is often said that a fairytale wedding is every girl's dream. Whether this is true or not, you will still want to look stunning, for all the right reasons, on your wedding day.

Everyone has an idea about how they would like to look when they glide down the aisle but the question is - are you being realistic?

We would all love the hourglass curves of Catherine Zeta Jones, but if you are naturally long and lean, you will need to dress to flatter your shape.

Clichéd as it may sound, beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and the best way to look fabulous on the day is to dress to flatter yourself.

You can start doing this by considering what you normally wear. What are your favourite colours? What styles accentuate your assets and discreetly hide your funny bits?

This knowledge can then be used when choosing your wedding gown. Then think about the style of ceremony you are having.

There is no point buying the often laughed at 'meringue' if the setting is not right. You will only feel out of place and uncomfortable.

Thankfully, it is perfectly acceptable these days to steer clear of white or ivory dresses.

Popular shades include lilacs, silvers, golds and pastels, so feel free to experiment with colour.

It is best to opt for a shade that will complement your skin tone and make you glow, rather than wash you out.

Bear in mind that bright colours are better with minimal detail to avoid looking like a Christmas tree!

Perhaps the most important aspect of dress shopping is to choose things that are flattering to your shape.

Above, For a splash of colour, a Helen Marina silk skirt and scarlet satin bodice, £1,050. Cala Rosa tiara in crystal, £75 Above, For a splash of colour, a Helen Marina silk skirt and scarlet satin bodice, £1,050. Cala Rosa tiara in crystal, £75
Above, Gold taffeta Benjamin Roberts dress, £950. Steer clear of ruffles and full-skirted styles if you are a classic pear shape Above, Elegant and slimming Ñ a Mori Lee satin ivory empire line dress, £535, with Cala Rosa tiara in pearl and gold, £67.50

back to wedding features index

Wedding Directory

Accessories
Bridal & Womens Wear
Cake Designers
Car Hire
Catering
Chair Covers
Décor
Entertainment
Flavours
Flowers & Florists
Gift Ideas & Favours
Health & Beauty
Hen & Stag Parties
Hire Wear
Honeymoons
Jewellers
Menswear
Mother of the Bride
Photography
Pink Weddings
Planners
Registrars
Stationery
Toastmasters
Transport
Venue Decorators
Venues & Accommodation
Video / DVD Services



All text and images © 2010 Newsquest (London) Ltd.