How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Dress for Your Body Shape

It’s the day you have always dreamed of, and your fairytale is finally coming to fruition. But planning a wedding can also be stressful. You’ve got to choose the guest list, find the right location, hire expert catering to provide your guests with delicious food, and then there are the floral arrangements. But, for most brides, the most stressful part is finding the perfect wedding dress and one that is ideal for your body shape.

While most brides tend to go on crash diets before their big day in an attempt to lose weight to fit into their desired gown, it really isn’t necessary. It’s most important to understand your body shape and what fit and style of the gown will suit you the best.

Our guide helps you choose a flattering gown based on your body shape.

Hourglass Body Shape

An hourglass figure features a defined waist with bust and hip measurements that are relatively equal and are characterised by balanced proportions. The best options for those with an hourglass figure are mermaid or trumpet gowns, which hug the curves and flare out at the knees, emphasizing the hourglass shape or A-line dresses with a fitted bodice paired with a flowing skirt that offers a romantic look while creating a balanced silhouette. Always look for dresses that cinch at the waist to accentuate your curves and consider styles with structured bodices to maintain shape and support. Avoid dresses that are too loose and hide your shape—you want to show off that fabulous hourglass figure you have!

Pear Body Shape

A pear shape is characterised by a smaller bust and waist with broader hips and thighs. Thus, the name pear shape comes from. The best wedding dresses for this shape include A-line and ball gown dresses, which help to balance wider hips, creating an elegant flow and off-the-shoulder or embellished necklines as they draw attention upward to the face and shoulders. Definitely do not opt for tight-fitting dresses around the hips and avoid clingy fabrics around the hips; instead, opt for skirts that gently flare out.

Apple Body Shape

If you have an apple shape, you have a fuller midsection with slimmer legs. An apple-shaped figure features a fuller bust, waist, and upper body with narrower hips. The perfect wedding dresses for this shape are empire waist gowns, which feature a high waistline just under the bust, flowing down and skimming past the waist or A-line and sheath dresses. Both of these styles can create a streamlined look, helping to elongate your silhouette. Consider soft fabrics that drape well to flatter your shape and look for dresses that highlight your waist.

Rectangle Body Shape

A rectangle shape boasts similar measurements for the bust, waist, and hips, resulting in a straight appearance. The dresses that are best suited to this body shape include Sheath dresses, which create a sleek look while accentuating the natural silhouette, or ball gowns, with the volume of the skirt adding shape where it’s needed. Don’t opt for dresses that are too straight and boxy, as they will not flatter your figure and don’t go for dresses with ruching or draping to add curves and texture.

Inverted Triangle Shape

If you have an inverted triangle shape, your shoulders are broader than your hips. The best styles for this body shape are A-line dresses and ball gown dresses that balance your shoulders and add volume to your lower body. You can also choose V-necklines to elongate the torso and draw attention downward. Do not choose dresses with heavy detailing on the shoulders and avoid excessive embellishments on the bodice; instead, focus detail on the skirt.

Petite

Petite frames are generally characterised by being shorter in height, and despite the ability to wear soaring high heels, it’s imperative that you find the dress that elongates your figure and doesn’t overwhelm your small stature. The best dresses for a petite frame include simple and sleek, sheath dresses that skim the body and create a long, lean line, and A-line dresse,s which elongate your torso and legs, giving you a balanced look. Trumpet and Mermaid Dresses, Empire Waist Dresses, and short dresses that show off your legs. These styles are important because the whole purpose is to make you look taller, so avoid ball gowns and overly voluminous skirts that can overwhelm your frame.

Tall

Tall brides have the advantage of being able to pull off an array of wedding dress styles. From the simple, sleek, and form-fitting, sheath dresses and ball gowns with a fitted bodice with a full skirt, often with a dramatic train to strapless designs with a heart-shaped neckline and mermaid, and A-line dresses that complement your height and add elegance — a taller bride has so many options and they can even choose to wear flats as opposed to heels. The only thing to avoid is dresses that are too short in length. You want to look elegant and sophisticated, not like you’re heading to the local nightclub.

Plus Size

Choosing the perfect wedding dress for a plus-size bride is all about highlighting your curves and making you feel confident and beautiful. The best styles for this body shape include A-line, ball gown, and empire waist dresses that highlight your curves and create a flattering silhouette. Deep V-necklines are also good, as the heart-shaped necklines draw the eye upward. As are dresses with corset bodices that provide structure and support, and sheath dresses that skim the body and create a long, lean line. Avoid dresses that are too tight or too loose—they won’t do you any favours.

When choosing the perfect wedding dress for your body shape also remember to ensure your dress fits perfectly with the help of a skilled tailor. Proper proportions are key to highlighting your curves and choose a dress that you feel comfortable and confident in. Comfort is just as important as style on your special day. Most importantly, find that dream dress that leaves you looking and feeling fabulous on your big day!