Bride's bodies come in all sizes and shapes. Luckily so! It is part of what makes us unique and lovable. There are more body types than science can fit into a little body shape chart, but for simplicity sake, and as a general guide, we will use four basic types to explain the principle behind choosing a style that enhances the bride's body type.

As far as wedding dresses go there are basically 5 styles:

• A-Line or Princess

• Empire

• Column

• Ball Gowns

• Mermaid

As you will discover, the endless variations of these styles will allow every bride to find her perfect match.

Pear, Bell or "A" shape

A pear or bell shaped body type will have wider hips and narrower shoulders. The effect you want to create is to take away attention from the hip section and focus on the beautiful neck and shoulders. Think along the lines of the empire style dress. The empire square neckline can either create a fuller bust or modestly conceal a larger one. Another ideal style for more slender pear shape figures is the ball gown.

Apple or "V" shape

Apple shapes have broader shoulders, narrower hips and slim legs. From the shoulders to the bottom of the hips will form a "v". You will want to look for a style that highlights the waistline to balance out the shoulders. Why not suggest a ball gown or an a-line with an attention grabbing bodice?

Banana, Ruler, or "I" shape

Those with a banana or "I" shapes, are slender and have a minimum of curves. What you are trying to achieve is to create the illusion of a more curvy body by adding embellishments around the waistline. The column or mermaid styles favor slender bodies, but you might also want to consider the empire style to enhance the bust.

Hourglass, 8 or "X" shape

Brides with the hourglass shape have wonderful natural curves and can be flexible in their choice. Column or mermaid styles may be less appropriate depending on whether she is slender or full figured since they can show off extra pounds. A ball gown or empire waistline will compliment natural curves.

Once the bride has settled on the basic wedding dress design, you can get creative with details like fabric, sleeves, waistlines or skirt types and lengths. Adding embellishments like lace and beads can create a more, or less, formal dress and enhance, or hide, particular areas of her anatomy.

With a little know-how, you can make your bride glow. Give positive, uplifting opinions, but be honest about how a dress accentuates her features. She's counting on her family to help her look her best. She'll be looking back at these pictures for a lifetime. You want her to know she's the most beautiful woman in the world on her wedding day.

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First things first! If as a girl you have never daydreamed about this wonderful day, now is the time to do so. Close your eyes and picture yourself on your big day in your perfect wedding dress.

2. Choose your style

How do you see yourself? The elegant 50s style diva or the fairy tale princess? Feel free to enjoy an afternoon of girlfriend or sisterly fun going through catalogs or searching online for your perfect wedding dress style.

3. Keep an open mind

Perhaps you have always dreamed of that one perfect wedding dress, but why not try a few other styles just for fun? You might be surprised to find that there are several styles that will enhance your body type and make you look your best. Dare to be a little adventurous at this stage. The perfect wedding dress to bring out your innermost beauty might be one you had never thought of.

4. Budget first

In order to keep disappointments to a minimum, it is best to determine your budget before you set foot in any establishment or even open a catalog. Having a budget allows you to go for your dream without the fear and guilt. Rest assured there will be a dress in the style you dream of that fits your budget.

5. Get professional advice

It is always good to ask for professional advice. With the endless possibilities it is comforting to know someone knowledgeable can help you narrow it down. A dress might only need a few adjustments to become your perfect wedding dress. A professional can help you quickly find a style that matches your dream, your body and your budget

6. Ask friends and family

Ask for opinions, but beware! Whether you are wedding dress window-shopping or going to a fitting appointment, make sure you bring only a few trusted allies. Remember they are there to support you in your choice.

7. Keep it simple

This old adage is still valid, especially when it comes to finding the perfect dress for your wedding day. Keep in mind what you will be doing that day. How often will you have to bend over to get in and out of cars or make use of the little girls' room? What is the weather going to be like? How long will you look radiant when you are uncomfortable? With 20 layers of tulle you might look like a fairy princess but in midsummer heat, you might start feeling the 7-year itch a little early.

Keep it simple by choosing a style that matches your personality, adapts to your needs for the day and is comfortable to wear at the same time. More frugal brides might even consider choosing a style that you can wear on future occasions as you revisit the place where you made your solemn vows.

8. Listen to your heart

Once you have narrowed down the selection, take time and listen to your heart. How do you feel wearing this particular dress? Imagine your big day and pay attention to how you are feeling now. Is it a match?

9. Go for your dream

If you always dreamed of being a princess on your day, don't let anybody (also not that negative inner voice) tell you otherwise. On your wedding day, you get to call the shots. Give yourself permission to live your dream and be whoever you want to be.

10. Have FUN!

Most important of all, let your hair down and enjoy the whole process. This is about you, your love story and wedding day.

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Consider your budget

Some flowers are available all year but some are not. To save expense on your bridal bouquet, choose flowers that will be in season at the time that you will be married. Your florist can help you know which flowers will be in season or will be able to suggest suitable alternatives.

Choose a suitable size of bouquet

Not every bouquet will work with your body type. Choose a bouquet that complements your entire figure. If you are tall, then an Arm Sheaf or Cascade arrangement will work well. A smaller Cascade or Nosegay work better for those with smaller frames and stature. If you are larger, make sure your flower arrangement is more substantial.

Make your choice based on wedding colors or theme

You might also choose your bouquet based on the colors or theme of your wedding. If you are having a beach themed wedding, you may want to consider blue and white flowers to echo the ocean, with shells as accents. If the reception is in the flower garden behind your house, choose flowers color that will blend with the flowers already in the garden. For a list of wedding flowers by color, visit [http://www.fiftyflowers.com/flowers/WeddingFlowers3/Color.htm](http://www.fiftyflowers.com/flowers/WeddingFlowers3/Color.htm)

Choose flowers with meaning

Different flowers have different meanings infused in them. You could have your florist design your arrangement to "say"� how you feel about your wedding day. For example, combine ivy (fidelity) with roses (love), or add orange blossoms (eternal love) and freesia (trust) to calla lilies (beauty and grace). A list of flowers and their meanings is found at http://www.trilliumfloral.com/meaningweddingflowers.htm .

Add special touches and personal attachments

If you have a few mementos that you want associated with your big day, consider using them to personalize your bridal bouquet. Family heirlooms like brooches and earrings can be pinned to the wrap of your wedding bouquet.

Consider a non-flower wedding bouquet

There are many wonderful and new non-floral ideas for bridal bouquets. Some bouquets are made using old jewelry or brooches - perfect for incorporating something borrowed or something old like your great grandmother's jewelry. There are also bouquets made from cloth flowers or from a collection of imitation butterflies, found at the local craft store.

Remember your bridal bouquet is supposed to make you the focus of attention, so choose your bouquet wisely and you'll dazzle all present.

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A bridal shower traditionally consists of decorations, a guest list and invitations, food, games and favors. The key is to be organized and set a budget and stick with it. Whether you use a notebook with sections for each of the five items above or a spread sheet on your computer, follow these steps to create a memorable wedding shower.

Decorations

Luckily, bridal shower décor is one area where it's OK to go easy. Since the main focus of the shower is the bride and her gifts, no one really expects a lavishly decorated party location. So if you're on a budget, it's better to spend most of it on food and supplies for door prizes rather than elaborate decorations.

Guest lists and invitations

Unless the shower is going to be a surprise, get the bride's input in drawing up the guest list. All bridesmaids, the bride's mother, and her future mother-in-law should be invited. Only invite friends and family members that are also invited to the wedding or reception. Men should only be invited if the shower is a couple's wedding shower. Keep a list of names, addresses, email addresses (if using Evites) and phone numbers of all guests. Also, create a way of tracking when guests RSVP.

Bridal shower food

The traditional centerpiece of the dessert table at the bridal shower is the cake. If you are on a budget consider choosing an ice cream cake, cheesecake, or buy a fancy tiered cupcake tray and create the look of a big cake at a fraction of the cost. If your bride just doesn't care for cake, buck tradition and make a candy bar plate, cookie platter, or brownie tower the main attraction at the dessert table instead.

Bridal shower games

Games and bridal showers go hand in hand - traditionally, at least. In your notebook, make a list of all items you'll need for each game for each guest attending. Remember pens and pencils. Include a list of gifts for the winners if appropriate.

Your guests may not like games, but they still like prizes! Invent ways to give out prizes without forcing them to participate in a game. Have guests put their name in a glass jar as they enter and later during the shower draw a name and let the winner choose a prize. It's also fun to set a timer and give a prize to whoever's gift is being unwrapped when it goes off.

Wedding shower favors

Since there are generally less than 30 guests at the average bridal shower, buying or making a pretty bridal shower favor for each guest to take home doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Yet, it can be very effective in helping guests remember the fun they've had and keep their fond memories of the shower fresh for a long time to come.

Create shopping lists and to do lists for each of the five items in your notebook. Check names as your guests RSVP. Remember to stay on budget and ask for help from family and friends if you need it. Your bridal shower can be a wonderful success. Happy Planning!

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You're engaged! Congratulations! This is such an exciting time in your life but can be stressful too. Unless you're a wedding planner, most likely you have not planned a wedding before. You have so many thoughts racing through your mind from the wedding cake to the perfect wedding dress.

To stay organized, create a wedding checklist that organizes your thoughts and outlines the tasks you need to do on any given day. This list will help you keep track of important dates, times, and to-do items as you prepare for your special day.

The ultimate wedding checklist

To create a thorough and complete wedding checklist, you need to consider everything that needs to get done from now until your wedding day. You'll also want to consider your personal time-line and budget. Find or purchase an organized binder you can use to place your wedding checklist, receipts, and contracts, etc. You may also choose to manage your lists on your computer. To get started, download wedding checklists from wedding sites that offer them for free such as:

• My Wedding Checklist
• Wedding Planning Checklist

Once you download the best wedding plan for you, customize a wedding checklist to fit your needs. Here are some tips to make the process easy.

Organize your timeline

The first step is to organize a timeline of events. This will outline the various activities taking place from now until the wedding day.

• Create your first wedding checklist on a physical calendar, and then transfer the information to your computer.

• Place the wedding day at the end of the timeline and then backtrack to the current day.

• Select a date for a wedding shower, rehearsal dinner, dates to meet with vendors, and other important dates along the way.

• Note when payments for various purchases need to be made.

Create a to do List

Next, create a to-do list of all of the activities you need to handle in preparation for this day. As you customize your wedding checklist be sure to consider all the details including:

• religious activities you need to take part in

• booking recreational halls and wedding venues

• photographers

• flowers

• invitations

• wedding party members

• wedding cake designers

• caterers

• wedding planners

The list can become extensive, so remember to only include the items that are important to you.

Stay Organized

Keep a baggy or separate wallet in your purse for receipts and vendor's written quotes as you shop. At the end of each day transfer any important information, such as amounts and due dates, onto your wedding checklist and keep documents in your wedding binder.

Wedding day timeline

The final step to creating an ultimate wedding checklist is to organize the day-of-timeline, sometimes called a wedding day itinerary.

Start from the time of the actual wedding and work your way back with all the necessary activities such as styling your hair, makeup, photographs, breakfast, decorating, etc.

Then work your way forward from the wedding time through the allotted time for items during your wedding reception such as first dance, cake cutting, and clean-up. Allow extra time for each item.

The key to planning a successful wedding is to stay organized.

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