Fairytale frocks

But instead of hoping to find your fairytale outfit by trial and error, simply sticking to a few easy guidelines will ensure that you look fabulous on the big day.

"The vast majority of brides-to-be go bridal dress shopping with a preconception of what they want to buy," explains Karen Reiss, wedding planner and managing director of Crystal Clear Weddings.

"Some brides can end up really disappointed when the magazine pages they have in their hand don't look true to the picture when on their body.

"Right from the start, when buying your first bridal magazine, knowing your own body shape is the key. It goes beyond tall, petite, slim, plus size - you also have to bear in mind your colouring, physical features and the line of your body," she advises.

FIGURE IT OUT

HOURGLASS
Reiss advises going for strapless or off-the-shoulder dresses to accentuate curves without overloading them.

"Avoid heavy beading or large accessories - one-piece dresses with a nipped-in waist are much more flattering. A two-piece can tend to give you a 'choppy' look, whereas you should try to create a seamless effect," she says.

PEARSHAPED
"This shape consists of smaller shoulders and upper body compared to the lower body, so choose a dress that gives you volume on top and simplicity at the bottom," Reiss recommends.

"Draw attention to your top half and add a shoulder wrap made of delicate feathers around your shoulders, or have silk flowers attached to the straps of your dress."

SHORT AND PETITE
Those with a petite figure have the most options when it comes to dress style and shape, according to Reiss.

"Avoid heavy fabrics and instead go for something more delicate - a netted princess style dress would look beautiful, as would shoestring straps and off-the-shoulder empire line dresses.

"If you are wearing high heels to create a taller body line then remember that if you change into flats in the evening this will change the overall effect," she adds.

BROAD SHOULDERS
If you have broad shoulders and narrow hips then choose a dress that creates balance because you need volume from the waist down.

"If you are tall with it, then a full flouncy skirt will work well as it creates the illusions of symmetry in size for top and bottom," says Reiss.

KEY STYLES AND TRENDS FOR 2006
This year the most popular colours for wedding dresses are soft and pale, with a distinct departure from harsh white, Reiss says.

"There is lots of ivory, cream, gold and rose, with dress details incorporating layers of different fabrics, including antique lace, crushed silk, feathers and tiny diamantes," she reveals.

"Couture wedding dresses are keeping with tradition yet also offering a twist to enhance a bride's own individual style.

"But if a personally handmade dress isn't an option, many brides are buying a designer off-the-peg dress and then having it subtly customised."

For gorgeous soft fabrics, layers and pale colours, try Pronuptia's range, which has dresses similar to anything you can buy in the top designer shops.

Try their beautiful Bouquet d'Amour dress with ribbon detail bodice, £750, or their fabulous layered Fascinante gown, £1,390.

At £1,700, Pronovias' Alexandra bridal dress, with antique-effect lace in soft cream with pale gold stitching, is also a hot favourite for summer 2006, according to Reiss.

"It is a very lightweight fabric, perfect for a warm day - even if hot weather is not always confirmed for the UK it is especially appropriate for overseas weddings," she points out.

"For those on a budget, Bhs do some stunning dresses from about £100, such as their Delfina Aqua Halter Dress at £100 and their Sebille Silk Bridal Dress at £150.

"And the great thing about these dresses is that you can really dress them up," Reiss says.

Monsoon's vintage bridal gown in pale gold, £150, is also a fantastic buy as is George at Asda's capsule range of wedding dresses starting from £30.

Try their gorgeous cream silk bustier top, £25, and long-line skirt, £40, as a great alternative to the traditional one-piece wedding dress.

GRAND DESIGNS
"Pure couture dressmakers aim at the top end bridal market for those who want something unique," Reiss says.

"The most popular designs requested for 2006 have been layers of silk and intricate details, with no harsh lines, heavy fabrics or very white colouring," she reveals.

"Anything from a piece of antique lace sourced in Italy to a delicate shoulder covering, or the incorporation of a panel in the back of a bodice from the clients' mother's own wedding dress, to a pale rose twinkling underlining for the skirt, no job is too small."

A couture dressmaker will also help bring your ideas to life if you want to alter or embellish an existing dress, Reiss says.

However, if you would like to add personal details to your dress without doing your own complicated beading, you could add small plain butterfly pins or buy a feather stole, Reiss suggests.

"And if you are not scared to ruin it then you could spray it with glitter spray that is sometimes used on floral displays."