Wedding belles

Whatever you dream of a traditional meringue-style gown with all the trimmings or crave something with clean and simple lines, there's a bridal gown to suit all tastes. But if you want to walk down the aisle inspired by catwalk trends, this season marks a welcome return to femininity - the mood is romantic and soft.

Designers have played with a shorter, full-skirted shape as well as creating an elongated silhouette, using a sleek bodice and floor sweeping hemlines. The taste for long dresses is changing; shorter styles are more prominent and a perfect choice for any spring/summer wedding.

If you don't want to flaunt your legs, turn to the back - this season's hottest body part. Sexy low-cut backs are a show-stopping alternative for contemporary brides, and will give the congregation something to admire while you're reading your vows.

This year's styles are sleeker and sit close to the body, skimming your curves, so look to dresses that are bias cut, mermaid, or soft A-line skirts.

Whatever your size, choosing styles to flatter your figure can give you a real confidence booster on the big day. Full skirts will draw attention to your bottom half, while full sleeves and fancy bodices will emphasise your top half. If you're curvy, make the most of it and go for a classic hourglass shape and a simple neckline.

From a show-stopping short prom dress, to a flowing full-length gown, whatever your choice of dress, accessories are key to pulling your desired look together for top-to-toe perfection. Once you've finally chosen your ideal dress, shopping for shoes, headwear, and accessories will give your gown an added touch of individuality.

The choice of accessories should depend entirely on the image you would like to create. Accessories are vital to creating the overall look and should complement the dress perfectly. Many brides want to create a more traditional look in the day and can do this using a shrug to cover shoulders, but when the evening comes they are increasingly looking for a much more glamorous look - more of a red carpet statement.

By adding a sash softly tied at the waist, and a careful choice of jewellery and accessories she can completely change her look.

If you want to go traditional, veils are still a popular choice for big weddings but tiaras and fascinators are now equally as coveted by brides who want a modern twist.

Before you start your accessories shopping spree, don't forget the old custom of wearing "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue".