The dress

Silvers, pastels, golds and lilacs have all been seen on brides most recently - it's best to go for a shade which makes your skin glow and keep detail to the minimum if you're in a particularly bright hue.

With so many different styles on offer, how do you decide what works best with your body shape?

Ballgowns are the most traditional style and are often combined with a fitted bodice and natural or dropped waistline, suiting a wide range of figures, especially those with curves, while A-line dresses flare out in the skirt, and the bodice is often fitted, making it suitable for most body shapes.

Small-busted and slim figures will suit an empire-line dress or one with a straight skirt, while figure-hugging bias-cut dresses - or one with a fishtail skirt - will flatter and accentuate curves, skimming over any lumps and bumps.

* Tall and thin: Try a ballgown (right) with a strapless, fitted bodice Alternatively cover up shoulders and collarbones with a long fitted dress, perhaps with a high neckline.

* Short with fuller, figure: The empire-line dress with its seam under the bustline leaves fabric to flow down over the rest of your body. With the right fabric, it won't cling unflatteringly but flow around it.

If you have sleeves, make them long and narrow but not too tight. For extra height, pile your (if long enough) hair high on your head but not if your face is too round.

* Full bust: A basque-style long bodice and full skirt will take attention off it - whereas a dress using the natural waistline will accentuate it. Keep the bodice plain and detail to the bottom of the dress. No low necklines.

* Full or wide hips: Nothing tiered, no peplums or bustles either. Other than that, most styles would work as long as they're not fitting too tightly over the hips.

* Wide shoulders: A V-neckline will draw attention away and wide straps will narrow the look, which can be softened with a sheer wrap. Puffed sleeves are an absolute no no.

* Legs short or heavy: A sheath-style long dress adds height.

* Short arms: Sleeves are a must, but three-quarter-length are probably the most effective. If your arms are on the chubby side, keep sleeves simple and not too tight.

Expecting?

TODAY'S pregnant bride can wear a variety of styles and either show off her pregnancy or not. The best part is, it's her choice.

Even though she must plan quickly, it doesn't mean she can't wear a wonderful designer dress. Many wedding dress designers now include a maternity line.

Instead of wearing the equivalent of a long white smock, today's mother-to-be-bride can choose from a variety of styles including off-the-shoulder, strapless, sleek and clingy, full-skirted, formal and even a beach wedding dress.

Best of all, these dresses were made with the pregnant bride in mind, which means comfort is taken into the highest consideration

Many bridal boutiques now carry maternity wedding dresses, as do maternity shops. There is also a a wide range of possibilities on the internet and via mail order.

FROM the moment your loved one gets down on bended knee and asks you the question you've been waiting for, thoughts of walking down the aisle in a wedding dress will most likely flash through your mind.

After all, your wedding dress is going to be most important dress that you'll ever buy - and the one you want to be perfect, which makes picking a dress a bit of an ordeal.

Whether you choose to float in in a slinky satin and organza creation or a dreamy concoction of ruffles, lace and tulle, you'll be spoilt for choice with the vast array of available styles.

"Every bride wants to look beautiful on her special day and we're seeing a return to the classic, traditional 1950s-style dress as worn by Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn," says Peta Hunt, fashion director of You And Your Wedding.

"The vintage trend is still going strong, with lace, beading and satin but industry experts surprised us with a resurgence of the fantasy dress, with layers, tulle and embroidery."

She adds: "More women are dreaming of the perfect fairytale wedding, full of romance, where they're swept off their feet by their Prince Charming and they want their dresses to reflect that."

It's important to work out how much you can spend on the dress.

" Budget is crucial - it's very tempting to go mad for all dresses and turn into Bride-zilla," Peta says.

"You'll need to do your research before you hit the shops. Flick through magazines and compile a folder of the dresses you like.

"Once you've decided to go dress shopping, give yourself time - you may not find it in one day. Wear pretty underwear and flat shoes and bring a pair of heels. It can be a battle, so make sure you're in comfortable clothing."

Peta advises visiting a department store to get the best idea of different styles and ranges but suggests: "Don't let yourself be influenced or pressured by store staff as it'll be you walking down the aisle, not them.

"Also, your dress should reflect your personality, so make sure you don't get carried away and lose your sense of personal style."

A lot of mature women want to look modern and fashionable and aim to bring their outfit up to date without looking silly or inappropriate, says Amanda Slader, chief fashion advisor at John Lewis.

Trousers are still big news and skirts are back, with many different shapes to choose from. But it's the accessories that'll make or break an outfit.

Bolero jackets are very popular and work well for older women as they disguise less than perfect arms.