Choose a gown that flatters you, maybe a simple shape from a bride’s maids line and then dress it up to suit your vision.
Maybe you want a renaissance look – take a high-waisted soft fabric gown where the details will give it a period look. Add braiding , embroidered or beaded trim. Place it below your bust, around the neckline or crisscrossing your bust You are not looking to be completely authentic, but evoke the feeling of the times using detailing.

Take a simple gown and add your own details.
Visit a vintage store, find an old lace dress from the fifties. If it’s falling apart, no problem, you are only going to cut the lace apart and use as appliqués.
You can apply them on your own with short running stitches or find a seamstress to help.

Take a simple wedding gown, find the right shape to suit your body-type, it should make you look and feel good. There are many ways to figure out what shape suits you best.

Check with your fiancée, ask him what dress you own that he likes you best in, this can be a good tip in general and especially if you are not sure what is most flattering.

Also, then follow up with your best friend and get her honest opinion.

You can always find out when visiting bridal salons by trying on one of each style until you find the shape which is most flattering. Use basic shapes without a lot of extras. Then, as they say it is all in the details - handmade flowers applied at the neckline, appliquéd lace on the bodice or ruffles on the hem. Any of these accoutrements can help make your simple gown into your dream gown.