Style for the Aisle by Keren_Alderson

Most brides have a fairly definite idea of the type of gown they want before they set foot in a bridal shop. Where it gets tricky (and rather deflating) is when you discover that your dream dress is completely unsuitable to your body shape. So before you set your heart on a particular style, we'd like to help out with some tips for different types of figures. And this week we're starting with petite brides.

1. You are the star of the day, not your wedding dress.

The one rule for petite brides is to make sure that you are wearing your gown and not the other way around. I've been to a wedding (in the '80s – that ages me *gulp*) where the diminutive bride was so overwhelmed by her ruffled wedding gown, she looked like she was drowning in white froth. You want a gown that enhances your figure and makes you look your most beautiful. You are the jewel in the crown, and your wedding dress is the setting designed to make you shine, not the other way around.

2. Keep it simple

As a general rule; petite brides look their best in simpler gowns – heavy beading, ruffles and masses of detailing can overwhelm a smaller bride. Don't despair – you can still carry off beautiful detailing, but just make sure it's not a deluge.

Dress copyright Charlotte Balbier – Harriet

3. Dress shape

One of the best dress shapes for petite brides are gowns with skirts that fit fairly close to the body right through like this gorgeous gold Rosa Clara Gown.

Image copyright Barcelona Bridal week

More fitted gowns will elongate your body, and give you a sexy, sophisticated silhouette. That said, the most important thing is to feel totally confident and comfortable in what you're wearing, so if you're inclined to go with a more traditionally shaped bridal gown, try A-line gowns (fitting up top and flaring out gently to a cone-shape at the bottom), rather than a ball gown.

Experiment with different gown styles and see what looks best on you – some petite brides find mermaid/trumpet gowns look amazing on their smaller stature. Empire line gowns can also look stunning and have an elongating effect on petite brides; that said, if you're blessed in the breast department, an empire line won't be particularly flattering.

Image Jesus Peiro, copyright Barcelona Bridal week

4. Sleeves

Try to avoid overly long sleeves – long sleeves run the risk of making your torso look shorter. Instead, opt for elbow or three-quarter length sleeves. You'll look lovely in most other sleeve and sleeveless options, so go with what you love and feel most comfortable in.

5. Accessories

Bear in mind that accessories can overwhelm a petite bride as much as the wrong bridal gown. Keep your veil shorter rather than going for a long cathedral veil, and choose more delicate rather than chunky accessories. Your accessories should mirror your own scale, so go with jewellery with finer detailing and pattern.