Congratulations, you are getting married!
In all the excitement and planning your dream wedding over the next few months, one of the most important things is your wedding gown. How to choose the perfect wedding dress for your body shape? Where to start with so many different types of wedding dresses? It can be overwhelming to look through hundreds or thousands of them.
The first thing you should do is get an idea about which style of wedding gown you need to find. Wedding dresses are made in five basic silhouettes:
A-line/Princess style wedding dresses
This classic style is a good option for most body types. Its length can be from above the knee to full-length that flows into a large train. It can be made with everything from free-flowing silks to heavier fabrics such as satin.
Ballgown
This is the traditional style is from a fairy tale! A ball gown wedding dress is ideal for big, traditional weddings and brides who want to look as the princess. This shape is not recommended for petite brides of with a small bust.
Mermaid/Fishtail/Trumpet
This is a sexy style that highlights a gorgeous curve! A true Mermaid style wedding dresses is the most difficult to wear. It is not recommended for shorter, bottom-heavy shapes of with problem areas.
Empire Waist
The look is romantic and elegant. An Empire waist wedding dress has a high waistline and a skirt in soft fabric that falls from just below the breasts. This is a wonderful choice for a casual, non-formal wedding or summer weddings. It’s best for small busted brides and it makes petite brides look taller. They’re also excellent for pregnant brides.
Column/Shea
th
The column wedding dress has a narrow shape that flows straight down from the top to the bottom. It is a modern and self-assured look. A column dress can be made of heavier fabrics. It is most recommended for brides with a tall, thin figure.
You don’t have to know all types of wedding dresses and terminology, but you will need to get familiar with them.
Take a look for inspiration at wedding dresses images of each type on my Pinterest boards.
How to find a perfect wedding dress for your body type?
Secondly you need to determine which type of gown will flatter your figure the best. The right wedding dress can do wonders for your figure. A dress with the perfect fit will not only make you more comfortable, but you’ll also look and feel more beautiful. It can improve your waist, create the illusion of a flat tummy, hide big hips and much more – if you choose the right style for your body shape.
What shape are you?
Hourglass figure
is the feminine ideal. Your top and bottom halves are perfectly balanced, with a very defined waist. You need to show your gorgeous curves off. Avoid an overplus of ruffles and tiers. Strapless, V-neck and scooped necklines look well with your figure. Mermaid is best for you.
Triangle shape
If your shoulders are wider than your hips. Avoid everything that can make you look top heavy.
Apple shape
You carry most of your weight around your middle. An A-line dress with a corset will give you that waist you’ve always wanted. If your tummy is too big an Empire line is best solution for you. If you have slim legs, show them. Avoid a spaghetti straps.
Pear shape
if you have a small bust and large hips. Most women has this body shape. An A-line and Ballgown will camouflage your fuller hips. Choose the dress, the upper part of which will compensate your proportions with textural and style details. The fishtail style is not for you.
Petite figure
Create an elongated silhouette with a slim sheath for your tiny frame. The ball gowns are not for you.
Rectangle
You straight up and down, with hips and shoulders the same width and no definition at the waist. A dress with a corset will give you a waist-line.
Tall and Thin figure
The height of a catwalk model, you tower above your friends. You are lucky, you can choose any style dress they like. Go with something you’re absolutely comfortable with.
Full Chested
An off-the-shoulder or bateau neckline will draw the eye across and help balance out a full bustline. A defined waistline is a must for your shape. Look for built-in corsets for needed support. Avoid a deep v-neck.
Small chested
Dresses with wrapped or ruched bodices are your best friend as are halter gowns with v-fronts. Don’t forget that you can add some light padding to this area as well.
Here is the nice, and giving a complete picture video “How to pick a wedding gown” that you can greatly help in choosing ideal wedding dress:
I wish you success in finding the perfect wedding dress!
I hope you found all this information useful. Feel free to ask questions. A lot of fun to you! And in the next page will talk about color and fabric.
Still difficult to determine the shape of your dress? I have a surprise for you!
Beautiful website! I enjoyed all the wonderful information. If I ever get married again I’ll have to come back and visit! Take care, good luck with all you do!!
Dear Jill! I sincerely wish you to find love and a wonderful father to your children!
Wonderful website. The information is intriguing. I wish I knew some of this information when I got married. it would have been easier to choose the perfect one. Instead I bought three. Thanks for sharing
Hi, April!
Thank you for take the time to write a comment. Do not forget my site. If it goes well, then who knows, maybe I’ll write an article for wedding guests. 🙂
Hi Olga,
Your website really does offer everything a future Bride is looking for.
The section about which dress style fits which figure is awesome and so easy to understand and to apply.
Thanks for going all the way in creating a website like this.
Sylvia 🙂
Hi Sylvia! Thank you for your kind comment.
Maybe someone of my readers needs to lose weight in middle age. I recommend you Sylvia as an expert in this issue