When it comes to wedding dresses, most brides prefer to select one that personifies their individuality. But finding just the right one in Bermuda is not always that easy.

No one knows that better than Elegant Events’ owner and designer, Milika Seymour, who has been helping brides pick out the perfect dress for the big day since 1994.

Speaking from experience, she says she was starved for choice when she got married and resorted to buying her wedding dress at The Bridal Store, a boutique which has since closed.

She says she wanted Bermudian brides to have not only an affordable and wide range to choose from, but also a variety of sizes from two to 28, so even the plus-size bride can find her dream dress - something not always possible in catalogues or boutiques.

Mrs. Seymour does not necessarily design gowns for specific clients, her line of exquisite gowns include designs by Demetrics, which is very popular abroad, and the affordable Landa designs, both of which complement her exclusive line, Pure Elegance.

Her unique designs are sent to Hong Kong where each dress is made in a variety of materials to suit individual taste, as well as a variety of colours from traditional white and ivory to dresses with coloured embroidery in silver and gold thread.

But it takes some know-how to make sure the dress is complemented by the best veil or tiara, shoes and other accessories and Mrs. Seymour also offers advice on these.

“I like to do this, but it’s up to the bride because most of the time they have their own ideas of what they want to look like, but I just help them with what looks nice together.”

What’s hot right now in wedding dress design? Keeping up with the latest trends, she says the corset-style bodice with a variety of skirts is taking the catwalk by storm, especially pinched skirts which flow down in layers to give the whole dress a fairytale feel.

“But it’s important to choose a style that suits your body shape and that’s not always easy,” she says, which is why she is on hand to offer each of her clients advice.

If you are tall and slim with broad shoulders, she suggests a strapless ball gown; a style which also works extremely well if you are pear-shaped, as emphasis is put on the waist, while broader hips are disguised under a beautiful full skirt.

However if you have a large bust, Mrs. Seymour recommends staying away from strapless designs, but rather opting for a higher neckline, halter neck, or an off the shoulder dress.

A princess line dress suits most body shapes and heights, especially if you are tall and curvaceous and teamed with the right underwear, the shaping effect at the waist and fullness of the skirt can also disguise wide hips and bottoms.

The empire line, worn by celebrity brides including Kate Winslet and Liv Tyler, is suitable for most physiques and flatters most body shapes and sizes as the high waist elongates the body and is ideal for anyone with a small bust, short legs, or a pear-shaped figure. This design can also help minimise a large bust if it’s cut correctly and makes a natural maternity style.

The A-line wedding dress helps camouflage a pear-shaped body and the hem length can rise for anyone with great legs.

For the more adventurous who may opt for a Valentine’s theme wedding, Mrs. Seymour says she has never received a request for a red wedding dress, but did see one in a fashion show once and described it as “stunning”.

As for bridesmaid dresses, Elegant Events also has a wide variety of gowns to suit any style, or theme.

To find out more about Elegant Events and to view Mrs. Seymour’s exclusive and extensive range of gowns, visit her website at www.elegantevents.bm.

Elegant Events will be hosting a bridal fashion showcase on March 18 at the Coco Reef Resort from noon to 6 p.m. with a fashion show at 4 p.m.