Shopping for a wedding gown is one of the most fun and exciting things a bride-to-be will do. But that doesn't mean it's easy. A girl could easily feel overwhelmed by all the eye-catching white and ivory gowns surrounding her at the bridal shop.

But with help from Marti Holnagel of Rebecca's Wedding Boutique, 159 Chenoweth Lane, we picked out a few styles to help you figure out what you want to rock on your big day.

Model Sunny Ray is wearing an ivory silk satin organza gown by Watters ($1,450). The dress has a figure-flattering a-line cut, a bodice detailed with crystal embellished ribbon flowers and a velveteen ribbon bow belt at the waist. The look is completed with pearl and Swarovski crystal earrings ($60), a Swarovski crystal and rhinestone bracelet and an angel cut veil with silk trim by Sara Gabriel ($259).

This ivory washed silk organza strapless gown by Watters ($1650) has a re-embroidered lace bodice, tiered organza ruffled skirt and a chapel train. This angelic look is completed with a floor-length veil by Erika Koesler ($379).

Gone are the days of bridesmaids wearing identical, over-the-top-gowns. Holnagel recommends letting your pals pick dresses that best suit their bodies and that they would actually want to wear again.

Jessica Taylor is wearing an ivory cotton leaver lace top with a silk a-line skirt and matching sash by Watters ($370), and Swarovski crystal and champagne pearl earrings ($60).

So that your bridesmaids have some uniformity, Holnagel suggests picking dresses with the same colors and fabrics. Olivia Zoeller is sporting an above-the-knee-length gown by Watters ($304) also made of ivory cotton leaver lace and silk and Swarovski crystal, pearl and rhinestone earrings ($64).

This silk satin gown by Saison Blanche Couture ($1199) is perfect for the bride looking for a simple, yet elegant dress.

Model Jay Jempson is wearing a black tux by Calvin Klein accented with a vest and tie — a look that Holnagel said remains popular for grooms this year.

But what if you're a guest? Here are a few tips on making sure you don't have a wardrobe malfunction.

So much fussing goes into the bride's dress, the bridesmaids' dresses and the groom's tux. But what if you're just a guest? These days, young people have so few reasons to get dressed up that they are often stymied when an occasion presents itself. You want to dress to impress. Here's how:

Women

Coordinate. Try to match your dress to your date's look. You can match his tie color with your dress, or wear something complementary to his tuxedo, said Terri Waller, co-owner of Blink Boutique. Of course, this might mean helping him pick his tie — but guys are often willing to let you help. (That is, chose for him.)

Formal wedding? Go with a cocktail dress. "A cocktail dress is always appropriate," Waller said. "A beautiful pencil skirt or black, very dressy pant with a beautiful blouse can work great for an evening look," Waller said. But she adds that a classic, conservative look is most appropriate. "If you dress classic, you will look polished and not ever appear under-dressed for the event." Deeper colors work best in the evening; black is great after dark.

Casual wedding? Your options are open. The cocktail dress is not necessary during a late afternoon wedding. Instead, choose something that will carry you through the day and evening, especially if you anticipate the reception lasting late, Waller said. A classic look is still preferred, but don't fear color.

Outdoor wedding? Go with a dress. "You can definitely be more playful with color and style," Waller said. "A long maxi dress with color or a strapless dress can be nice look for daytime."

Don't do white. Someone else has already called that color. "It is still questionable for anyone to wear white except the bride, unless the bride is accepting of new rules and throwing out the old," Waller said.

Let accessories add spice. But don't go crazy. "Dress two areas with jewelry and stop — meaning earrings and necklace, a bracelet or ring, but not all three."

Men

Read the invitation. It's most important to dress for the occasion — showing up under-dressed or over-dressed is embarrassing. Typically, the invitation will note that the wedding is black tie. If that's the case, break out the tuxedo, said Cheri Hines, a clothing consultant at Rodes for Men.

Formal weddings typically happen after 6 p.m. But if the invite doesn't specify that it's black-tie, Hines suggests calling around to find out. (You're off the hook if the invite says it's black tie-optional — find a quality dark suit and a shiny tie.) If you suspect the wedding is outdoors —often the wedding won't explicitly say so — you'd again be wise to call around; you'll be miserable showing up in a dark suit on a humid afternoon in May.

Blazers: Just don't. It's maybe acceptable to wear a blazer to an indoor wedding, at least in Louisville because so many people do it. But you really shouldn't, Hines said. They're simply not formal enough. Pick a dark suit — black or navy — or at least sport a dressier sports coat. And the shinier the tie, the more formal.

Tuxedo pointers. Because they're so rarely worn, men often do tuxedos wrong, Hines said. Here is a list of what you need to truly dress up: a formal shirt, cufflinks, studs, suspenders, formal shoes, silk socks, a bowtie and a cummerbund or a vest, but never both.

Outdoor wear. The rules about formal dress are out the door when you're exposed to the elements. "It really opens up your options," Hines said. Seersucker is a good option and so is a Navy blazer paired with nicer khakis, Hines said. But don't forget the tie — tielessness would be too informal. Finer Kentucky Derby attire greatly influences Louisville's outdoor fashion, so use the First Saturday in May as a guide.