The Best Wedding Dress for Your Body Type

One of the most important dresses you will ever wear is your wedding dress. Shopping for the perfect gown that gives you that “Bridal Moment,” can be a dream experience, but it can also be overwhelming. You can make the shopping experience less overwhelming if you give the type of dress you want some forethought, especially when it comes to choosing the right dress for your body type. But no matter what dress you pick to walk down the aisle, remember to always keep an open mind because you never know when a style of dress you thought you might hate turns out to be the one.
 
 

Pear-Shaped

If you’re smaller on top, but have larger hips and thighs, you should choose a dress that is A-lined. It should highlight your narrow waist, but flare out from your hips as it flows towards the floor. Choose fabric that is not too clingy, like taffeta, and opt for a cut that flatters your neckline or upper body, such as v-neckline.

A-Line

Empire Waist

Ball Gown

Sheath

Mermaid

Apple-Shaped

If you tend to be larger in the middle of your body, you should look for a dress that cinches your waistline in and then gradually flows out in an A-line. Avoid trumpet style dresses, as they will only serve to emphasis your wider parts. A textured bodice or corset shaped bodice is also a great option as it can also help to make your waist look smaller and more defined. You should also consider choosing a dress with a deep v-neckline, which helps to draw the eye up.

Empire Waist

A-Line

Tea Length

Ball Gown

Mermaid

Hourglass-Shaped

For those with similar shoulder and waist dimensions and a well defined waist you are probably an hourglass. Just about all silhouettes will work with your figure but i recommend showing off those curves with a mermaid, sheath or ball gown.

Sheath

Ball Gown

Mermaid

Empire Waist

Rectangle Shaped

If you want to create curves for your wedding day, then choose a dress that is cut at the bias or opt for a ball gown that cinches in at the waist and then flows into a full skirt. Either will work to create a sexy, curvy silhouette.

A-Line

Empire Waist

Mermaid

Sheath

Larger vs. Smaller Bust Size

Showing off too much cleavage on your wedding is probably not the best idea, especially if you are getting married in a church. If you have a larger chest, select a dress with a scooped or sweetheart neckline. This will show off your décolletage, without showing off all your goods. Avoid straight cut neckline, as this will only make your chest look even larger.

For the smaller chest, select a dress with extra fabric on the bodice. This will create the appearance of a fuller chest. You can also opt for a padded style, such as a halter-top. Avoid deep v-necklines, which will make you look smaller up top.
 
 

Petite vs. Tall

Regardless of whether you are tall or short, you want to wear your gown, not have it wearing you. If you are on the petite side, avoid ball gowns or dropped waist dresses, which can make you look lost or like you have no legs. Instead, choose gowns that are in the trumpet or sheath style. You want to make your body look longer, not shorter. If you are on the taller side, opt for a dress that is simplistic in nature. Too many embellishments can look cutesy or awkward on more statuesque figures. Find a dress that emphasizes your natural shape and long proportions.