A wedding dress's basic shape is called the silhouette. Luckily for today's discriminating bride, there's a gorgeous and elegant silhouette for every style and body type. Designer wedding gowns in particular are cut with the bride's preferences and individuality in mind. Before visiting the bridal shop of your choice, know the basic wedding gown silhouettes. A high-quality, well cut designer dress will make you feel and look like royalty, from your walk down the aisle to the last dance of the evening.

Amazing Grace: The A-line and the Fit-to-Flare

Smooth, graceful and flowing--these are what the A-line and the fit-to-flare gown silhouettes bring to mind. With its close fitting bodice and waist that flow into a wider, floor-sweeping skirt, the A-line is a celebration of femininity. Similarly, the fit-to-flare starts off fitted and ends in a sweeping hem; however, the fit-to-flare's body hugging cut extends past the hips before widening at the skirt. The A-line and fit-to-flare wedding gown silhouettes appeal to a wide variety of brides, including those who appreciate a traditional, sexy/appealing or (in the case of the fit-to-flare) retro/glamorous style.

Wear an A-line or fit-to-flare wedding gown for a formal or evening wedding, or a wedding that will have a large attendance of guests. Try gloves or an eye catching choker to offset this designer look.

Princess for a Day: The Low Waist, the Ball Gown and the Empire

Low-waisted wedding dresses impart a highly romantic look, hearkening to such romance periods as the Renaissance. (In fact, this designer style is the most popular pick among Medieval-theme brides and their attendants.) Likewise, the empire, with the waist just beneath the bust, brings to mind days gone by (think Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"). Both styles are extremely figure-flattering; the low waist smoothes the line from the midriff to just below the waist, while the empire flows gently past the waist and hips. Try these styles for an afternoon tea party wedding, a theme wedding or an early evening affair (try coupling the empire with gloves for high elegance).

The ball gown is often informally referred to as a ballerina gown. This enchanted designer silhouette is usually fitted at the bust, with a straight, somewhat high waist and spaghetti straps or a strapless bodice; the skirt is very full and made of tulle or a similar material. With opera-length gloves, the ball gown achieves evening or very formal status. Choose this cut for its versatility and its true royalty feel.

Daring Dilettante: Slim/Column and Short Gowns

For the daring bride, try an ultra up-to-the-minute slim/column gown. The slim/column (or mermaid) dress is similar to the fit-to-flare, but usually includes a much more close-fitting bodice, waist and hips extending down as far as the knees. The flared hem is sophisticated and ultra couture; try this look if you're daring, dramatic and just a little bit flirty (We won't tell!). This cut can work for any semi-formal or formal wedding.

Short designer gowns are in high demand among today's brides. A short gown is usually cocktail length, but can be as short as mid-thigh and as long as at or just below the knee. A swingy, playful skirt is the usual request for the bride who is planning on wearing a short gown. Afternoon weddings, casual weddings and destination weddings (especially a tropical or beach ceremony) are the perfect background for this young, fresh and subtly flirtatious style.

It's your day -- and your dress. Pick the designer gown style you'll remember for a lifetime.