The dress you'll wear on your wedding day is out there right now, just waiting for you to find it. Here is the information you need to begin your search

Now that virtually every style is in style, searching for the perfect wedding dress -- among the hundreds you come across in bridal salons, department stores, and even vintage shops -- might feel like going on a treasure hunt without a map. Take heart: You don't have to try on every single one. Almost every bridal gown available today is made in one of six basic silhouettes -- ball gown, A-line, princess, Empire, sheath, or slip -- and each of these shapes has strong advantages and disadvantages, depending on your particular figure. To simplify your shopping, the first thing you need to do is determine which styles are most flattering to you. Do this by experimenting a bit with every silhouette, trying even those you wouldn't gravitate toward naturally. It's not unusual for a prospective bride to arrive at a salon wanting a sleek, modern sheath yet finding true joy in a billowy ball gown that she slipped on as a whim. Once you've found a cut that works, you can really focus on the details that make every dress different. And take the advice of the saleswoman; it's her job to size you up -- literally and figuratively -- taking into account both your body's contours and your style (and, of course, your budget). Let her use her experience and knowledge to help guide you to the right dress. Don't forget that your happiness with a dress will depend on its feel as well as its look. The defining quality of a fabric -- the rustle of taffeta, the figure-skimming slide of silk charmeuse, the airiness of chiffon -- may send you in a surprising direction. If you're just starting to shop, you may be unfamiliar with the many luxurious fabrics from which wedding dresses are made. Our fabric glossary offers an introduction to them. Armed with some basic knowledge, you can seek out the dress that suits you best, whether it's one you always wanted -- or one you never dreamed of.