Finding the Right Wedding Dress for your Body Type

Your special day is quickly approaching and we all know that in order to make that day perfect, you need to find the perfect dress.  The one that makes you feel like a million dollars.  The one that everyone will remember.  The one that makes you the prettiest girl in the room.  We’ve seen episodes of “Say Yes to the Dress” where, time and time again, the brides can’t figure out what type of dress they like or what looks good.  There is so much fabric and so many designs, how on earth will you ever find one that looks PERFECT?  Here are some tips for which types of gowns are most flattering for different body types.  Remember what will look best on you when you go dress shopping and you are sure to save yourself from a big headache.

For the pear-shaped bride:

The most flattering styles on you is an A-line.  Hands down.  Slim on top, fitted at the waist, and softly flaring out, the A-line is perfect for disguising fuller hips.  A-lines also look great on plus-size women for similar reasons.  A heavier material like duchesse satin and taffeta can cover up any imperfections that a light chiffon or charmeuse cannot.  If you’re looking for a more dramatic look, go for a ballgown.  Tight on top and flaring out dramatically from the hip, a ballgown will have a similar effect to the A-line.

For the busty bride:

Go for scoop or square necklines which will open up your face and let you display some cleavage while still leaving some up to the imagination.  If you like strapless gowns, a sweetheart line is a great look for you and avoid straight across cuts as they will make your bust look larger and shelf-like.  Remember, ruched material at the bust will also make it look larger and draw attention to it.  If that is not your intention, go with a more smooth, classy look.

For the tall bride:

You are blessed with a figure that lends itself to wearing almost any kind of wedding dress.  From mermaid to ballgown, you look great in all!  A few styles to stay away from are the empire waist, which can make you look “tent-like,” and anything with too many ruffles or embellishments that can make your statuesque figure look too cutesy.

For the petite bride:

Trumpet, modified A-line, and sheath gowns are the best looks for you.  Avoid dropped waist styles which will make your lower half look nonexistent.  If you can find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, go for it!  High waistlines will make your legs look longer.  Go for clean, unbroken fabrics and shapes as they will elongate your figure.

For the full-waisted bride:

Since the line from your shoulders to waist is straight, you should go for styles that break up the continuity.  An empire-waist gown will disguise your waistline and give you a leaner, longer look.  A-lines will accentuate any shape that you do have around your middle and the flare at the bottom will make your waist look smaller.

I hope these descriptions and what-to-wears will give you a great idea of what you should look for when you, your mom, and entourage invade bridal boutiques.  Most importantly, remember that finding the perfect dress should be one of the most joyous times of your life.  Enjoy every moment and don’t get discouraged if you can’t seem to find the gown of your dreams.  It’s out there, just waiting for you to find it.

Images courtesy of:

boards.weddingbee.com

johngandyevents.wordpress.com

weddinggownswarehouse.com

examiner.com

discount-wedding-dresses.net

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