with many of today’s fashion-conscious brides having their gowns custom-made.

Bridesmaids take center stage this season, resplendent in gorgeous gowns that are fun, fashionable and flirty. Current trends for these lucky ladies in waiting include silk gowns in warm coffee and rich chocolate tones, halters and strap

less necklines, ruched bodices, V-shaped backs, flattering ribbon belts and bands, and interesting roving hemlines.

Silhouettes 101: A Shape for Every Body

With all of the beautiful wedding gowns to choose from this season, being a bride-to-be isn’t always easy. While you want to wear the dress of your dreams, you also want to make sure that you look gorgeous in it too. After trying on several gowns that looked perfect on the rack but were less-than-flattering when you got up close and personal, it’s time to tweak your approach.

Look for a dress shape (silhouette) that is designed to accentuate your figure’s positive attributes, while minimizing its less notable ones. You might have to try on a few gowns to find your silhouette soul mate, but the end result is well worth the effort. To get started, be sure to try on dresses that have the following basic silhouettes:

The A-Line: Shaped like its namesake, this gown, with its flared skirt and vertical seams that run from the shoulders to the hemline, is great for all figures.

The Princess: A variation of the A-Line featuring vertical seams that extend from the shoulders to the hips, this style is ideal for brides with short waists.

The Empire: This gown, which flows from under the bustline into an A-Line style, flatters most figures, especially full waisted ones.

The Ballgown: As its name implies, this dress has a full skirt that gathers at the waistline, adding curves and enhancing slender figures. The ballgown also looks great on pear-shaped figures, though is not as flattering on petite brides or those who are broad shouldered or top heavy.

The Sheath: This gown’s straight design adds length and flatters petite and hour glass figures.