It’s one of the most important dresses you’ll ever purchase: your bridal gown! Since looking divine on your wedding day is a must, there are literally hundreds of designs (and designers!) from which to choose. The cardinal rule: Pick the gown that flatters your figure and allows you to shine on your special day.

So, how to complement your natural assets?
■ A sweetheart neckline can elongate the torso.
■ A draped bodice or waistline can enhance or hide figure flaws.
■ Asymmetric cuts - done with texture, lace or layering - work as camouflage.
■ The A-line silhouette is the most flattering to all body types!

What’s hot right now when it comes to “I do” style? Fashions continue to center around romantic,
goddess-inspired looks. Think fitted styles with a flourish!

Brides truly are the belle of the ball--and this year ballgowns are big news! From flowing A-line gowns to over-the-top designs, this silhouette has worked for many celebrities, too!

“Aubrey” from the Vineyard Fall 2009 Collection is a lace and net drop-waist ballgown with tiered hem. Designer Mark Brower keeps it streamlined so the bride’s beauty can shine through.

A Priscilla of Boston Fall 2009 creation (#4305) certainly stands out here too. Designer Tracy Uomoleale’s charming strapless, silk satin gown with an elongated drop-waist bodice has a tulip skirt. The gown is adorned with crystal-encrusted French lace.

Alfred Angelo’s head designer, Michael Shettel, serves up a confection of vanilla cream. His silk floral jacquard gown from the Piccione Spring 2009 collection features floral accents on the back of the dress and a voluminous multi-tiered train, creating a striking silhouette. The strapless pleated front has a drop waist highlighted with metallic and beaded embroidery.

Gowns with bling are still glittering. Crystal, glass beads, sparkling pearls and shimmery organza are adorning gowns in muted, iridescent colors.

For Spring 09, Alfred Angelo (style 2003) features just the thing. Designer Michael Shettel’s creation of iridescent satin and crystal beading is dreamy. Accented with sequins and metallic embroidery, this gown has a semi-cathedral train.

A mermaid-inspired wedding dress from the Alfred Angelo “Sapphire” Spring 09 collection (style 812) shimmers in a metallic seashell color. This iridescent satin gown has a corset-like bodice detailed with metallic embroidery, crystal beading, sequins and rhinestones. The semi-cathedral train gives a whole new meaning to fishtail.

Floral accents are lovely and lady-like, an ultra-feminine look that keeps on blossoming! Eye-catching rosettes and blooming buds are showing up at the hip, neckline and shoulder.

Two looks from designers Antonio Gual and Lia McNairy would have any bride looking rosy:

From the Melissa Sweet Fall 2009 collection, “Adrianna” is a V-neck, modified A-line gown of bias-cut silk organza layers with sculpted self-roses.

For a more delicate detail, consider “Eze” from Reverie by Melissa Sweet. It’s a soft, A-line gown of silk chiffon with center front floral motif, ruched waistline and draped side panels.

Ethereal and elegant is for the bride who wants to walk on air. Sheer and silky is fashionable indeed. Accented with chiffons, lace, and netting, the airy dress is romantic, soft and comfortable.

A diaphanous delight comes from designer Douglas Hannant, whose second bridal collection
for Spring 2010, makes a statement with sexy simplicity! His gown (available fall 2009) features white silk crepe, beaded trim halter neck and sheer tulle back. It's demurely sophisticated.

Toned arms and delicate necklines are ideal for the “de rigueur” wedding gown that dares to sizzle. The one-shoulder style is hot and continues to work on Hollywood red carpets and the bridal crush!

A beautiful example: Lela Rose’s “Loft" gown from her Fall 2009 collection. It’s an asymmetrical, one shoulder gown in soft white with a draped and ruched silk chiffon bodice. Sexy and daring, but delicate and simple too.

The artistic bride embraces a bodice that incorporates fan or envelope pleating! Accenting the detailed dress, designers have added their own unique twist, doubling up the fabric at the necklace or elsewhere for a “fitting” fanfare.

“Aja” from the Melissa Sweet Fall 2009 collection is a one-shouldered, modified A-line gown of silk taffeta with diagonally pleated bodice. The double-ruffled skirt and back bow make this a winner.

Priscilla of Boston’s (#4303) strapless silk organza gown has a hand-draped bodice. A velvet belt adorning the waist has crystal trim; the double-tier skirt is twice as nice.

Ruffles and layers of silk organza, wispy tulle, lovely lace or chic chiffon, ruffles make a dramatic statement when walking down the aisle. They add a touch of fantasy and romance to the occasion, not to mention volume to an otherwise basic skirt.

“Santorini” from Reverie by Melissa Sweet Fall 2009 is a fit-to-flare gown made of Klauber lace with sprinkled seed-beaded sequins and a delicate layered ruffle detail. This strapless stunner defines understated sophistication.

A silky sensation is “Tasha” from the Fall 2009 Vineyard collection, designed by Mark Brower. This charmeuse, V-neck column gown looks amazing from all angles. Its remarkable ruffle cascade back leaves a lasting impression.

Get ready to wow as you take your vows! Play Designer Closet now!