The pages of bridal magazines are teeming with pictures of gowns from every era and style, ranging from designer to budget and fancy to informal. Before you go crazy trying to figure out which dress is the right fit for you, put down the bridal magazines and step away from the computer. Determining your wedding dress style is a key decision that you need to make before you even set your first bridal salon appointment. Read the descriptions below to determine which bridal style is closest to your personal look.

The Classic Bride Wedding Dress Style

You're the bride that every girl dreams of being when she grows up. You enjoy ball gowns that are reminiscent of Disney films that you watched as a child. The number one criterion for your dress is that it must have a fanciful look. In regular life, you tend to wear Audrey Hepburn-inspired outfits and cute dresses from stores like Anthropologie and Betsey Johnson. You'll want to strongly consider a ball gown, which is the quintessential fairytale experience. A-line dresses are also a possibility for you if you are a little intimidated by the full skirt that comes with the typical ballgown. Consider beading on the bodice to add a bit of sophistication.

The Romantic Bride Wedding Dress Style

Your perfect day would be spent in a beautiful field on a sunny afternoon, writing or reading poetry and dreaming of the places you'd like to visit around the world. You tend to enjoy movies like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility and tend to avoid anything that is too trendy and modern. In regular life, you tend to dress in clothes that you buy at a renaissance fair or at a consignment store. The number one criterion for your dress is that it is appears filmy and light. Romantic brides look stunning in short-sleeved and long-sleeved dresses, both of which can be customized with lace and other gauzy fabrics. Empire line dresses work well for this style of dress, as the undercuts detailing pairs nicely with an unstructured waist to create a look that would even have Heathcliff on his knees.

The Modern Bride Wedding Dress Style

As a modern bride, you prefer to be considered both classy as well as sophisticated. In regular life, you tend to wear clothes from Banana Republic and the Gap, while avoiding anything too cutesy or overdone. The number one criterion for your dress is that it is sleek. Column dresses work well for you, as clean lines and an ever-so-slightly sexy silhouette is the impression you'd like to leave with your guests. Mermaid and trumpet styles work well for the more daring modern brides, keeping in mind that these dress styles work best on leaner builds.

The Alternative Bride Wedding Dress Style

You are the type of bride who has never even considered having a traditional wedding. You prefer to be distinct and memorable, which means your dress is likely to be a showstopper. In regular life, you don't shop at chain stores and prefer to buy your clothes at designer fairs and small boutiques. The number one criterion for your dress is that it completely expresses your personality. Colored wedding dresses are a great option for you, as they catch the attention of your guests immediately. You should also consider getting a corset made and pairing it with the skirt of your choice. A handmade corset can be designed using images and sketches, guaranteeing that your dress will match your personal style.