A bridal gown is supposed to so perfectly mingle in it fashion sensibilities, sentiments, and splendor, that it is a challenge for a woman to choose the best one. The gowns generally come in five basic patterns known as Empire, Princess, Ball Gown, Mermaid, and Column.

In the pattern named Empire, there is a tight top portion supported with prominent necklines and sleeves. The bust portion can be kept highlighted or not, to suit the flow of the remainder of the dress. The flowing bottom portion starts just after the bust line, covering the body in waves of fabric. Not a single negativity of the figure is likely to get revealed if one goes in for this style.

Princess, or A-liner, has a tighter top portion, opening up into a flowing bottom. It is long and seamless and the flow gives a streamlined effect to the body and elegance to the wearer. The presence of the lines enhances the height and thereby makes the person appear slender. The flowing pattern can expertly cover the body curves that the wearer chooses to hide. At the same time the pattern can also highlight the curves in a slimmer person.

For those who want a fairy tale wedding, the Ball Gown would be the best choice, because the skirt portion puffs up like that of Snow White or Cinderella. The tight top portion can be modified in a variety of ways. However, the style suits only tall brides.

The Mermaid pattern is one where the fabric clings on to the body from top to the knee. The dress curls around the body in flares only below the knee. Variety is offered in the style by modifying the necklines, sleeve patterns, and style of the flare.

The style that goes by the name Column turns the body into a beautiful caryatid. This body-hugger style, even with the movement restriction it entails, sits exquisitely well on those who have a shapely figure, even if they are short.

Try to balance your body’s equation with either of these basic patterns. Once the basic pattern is selected, other choices will easily fit into place.