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Finding the perfect wedding dress

By Julie Gordon | jgordon@am-ny.com

March 25, 2008

Melissa Berry tries on a dress. (Dennis W. Ho / March 24, 2008)

You've found the perfect guy. Now you just have to find the perfect gown (which actually might be harder).

We've enlisted wedding guru Mark Ingram, owner of Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, to help four New York brides-to-be find stunning, flattering dresses.

Melissa Berry, 30, Morningside Heights, broker/analyst

Gown by Anne Barge, $4,415

Why it works: "Melissa has an hourglass figure and broad shoulders. Strapless minimizes broad shoulders. When you add a strap, you're defining how wide the shoulders are. A modified A-line accentuates a small waist. And lace because Melissa has a traditional look."

Priyanka Mahajan, 25, Murray Hill, investment banker

Gown by Monique Lhuillier, $12,000

Why it works: "The mermaid shape emphasizes her natural waist and hips."

Claudia Vega, 28, Upper East Side, investigator for the Civilian Complaint Review Board

Gown by Elizabeth Fillmore, $5,170

Why it works: "She's petite and slightly short-waisted. You want a natural-waist dress that keeps most of the detail above the waist -- it gives the illusion of more height and a longer bodice."

Phoebe Juggan, 27, Canarsie, Brooklyn, advertising account executive

Gown by Anne Barge, $4,170

"Phoebe is full-figured. A full ball-gown accentuates the waist. We also wanted to minimize coverage of skin. When you cover skin, it accentuates fullness. If she's uncomfortable, she can wear a stole or shrug."