Deborah Chan
Choosing a wedding dress can be a magical experience, but it can also be overwhelming. There are many factors to consider, from the style and silhouette to the fabric and neckline. The process begins with understanding your body type and the specific look you want to achieve. It is recommended to start shopping for a wedding dress between nine months to a year before the wedding, allowing ample time for research, appointments, and any necessary alterations. This guide will help you navigate the journey of finding your dream wedding dress, ensuring you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Conventional choice is white, but there are no rules |
| Body type | Dress for your body type, e.g. fit-and-flare for an hourglass figure |
| Neckline | Halter, strapless, sweetheart, V-neck, etc. |
| Fabric | Silky, textured lace, taffeta, satin, etc. |
| Silhouette | Mermaid, A-line, ball gown, etc. |
| Timing | Start shopping 9 months to a year before the wedding |
| Accessories | Jewellery, shoes, clutch |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a wedding dress for your body type
Choosing a wedding dress is an important decision, and it's essential to select a style that feels unique to you. To feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day, it's worth considering a dress that complements your body type. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding dress for your figure:
Hourglass Figure
If you have an hourglass figure, characterised by balanced proportions between the bust and hips with a smaller waist, there are several styles that can accentuate your curves. Opt for a fitted style that cinches at the waist to showcase your shape. A mermaid wedding dress or a fit-and-flare silhouette can beautifully emphasise your curves. A-line dresses are also a universally flattering choice for hourglass figures, offering a balanced look. Gowns with plunging V-necklines, wrap dresses, and strapless styles are fabulous options that draw attention to your upper body.
Pear or Triangle Shape
For those with pear or triangle-shaped bodies, where the shoulders and bust are narrower than the hips, A-line or ballgown styles are ideal. These silhouettes emphasise a small waist and bust while gracefully avoiding clinging to the hips, creating the illusion of an hourglass figure. If you have a smaller bust, consider adding visual interest with details like sleeves, a unique neckline, beading, or lace.
Oval-Shaped Body
When choosing a wedding dress for an oval-shaped body, it's important to avoid halter or high-neck gowns that may overwhelm your bustline. Instead, opt for styles that draw attention upwards, highlighting your upper body. Draped or ruched details around the neckline can create a flattering focal point.
Rectangle-Shaped Body
For a rectangle-shaped body with a straight silhouette and similar widths at the shoulders, waist, and hips, adding volume and definition is key. Look for dresses with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flares out to create the illusion of a more defined waistline. Belts or sashes at the waist can also help accentuate and add interest to your look.
Petite Brides
If you're a petite bride, consider a sheath wedding dress with a straight-cut fit and zero waist seam. This style flatters petite brides by giving an elongated look and making you appear taller. Avoid ballgowns, as they can overpower a small frame.
Remember, these are just suggestions to help guide your decision. The most important factor is choosing a dress that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and radiant on your special day. It's your wedding, so select a style that reflects your personality and makes you feel unique!
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Selecting the right neckline
Sweetheart Neckline
Also known as the princess neckline, this style is characterized by a heart-shaped cut that highlights the décolletage. It is a classic and romantic choice, often paired with ball gowns or mermaid dresses. A sweetheart neckline is flattering for those with a bust as it enhances your natural figure. It can also work for smaller busts, as the heart shape creates the illusion of a larger bust. For those with a smaller bust, consider adding straps or sleeves for more support.
V-Neck
A V-neck style is a great choice for those wanting a more subtle hint of décolletage. It enhances curves and adds a touch of seduction without revealing too much. This style is best suited for those with a B to C cup size, as it can be too revealing for larger busts and may not work as well for very small busts. A V-neck can look especially elegant on a lace or vintage dress.
High Neck
High-neck wedding dresses provide more coverage and a timeless look. This style is ideal for those with smaller busts as it creates the appearance of a more ample bust. However, it may not be the best choice for those with broad shoulders or a larger chest, as it can make you appear boxy. An illusion high-neck dress in tulle gives a modern twist while providing extra support.
Halter Neckline
A halter neckline makes a statement and is particularly flattering for taller brides or those with broad shoulders who want to showcase their upper body. It may not be the best choice for petite brides or those with narrow shoulders, as it can overwhelm your figure.
Scoop Neckline
The scoop neckline is a versatile and timeless choice that suits a wide range of body types. It has a gentle curve that follows the natural shape of the bust, creating a soft and feminine look. You can choose how low or high you want the scoop to go, depending on your personal style and comfort level.
Remember, it is essential to consider your unique style, body type, and comfort when selecting a wedding dress neckline. The right neckline will not only flatter your figure but also make you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
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Picking the right fabric
If you're getting married outdoors in a hot and humid destination, you'll want to choose a lightweight and airy fabric such as silk or organza. These fabrics will help you stay cool and comfortable during your big day. On the other hand, if you're having a formal evening wedding, you might opt for a dress made from more sumptuous fabrics like satin or taffeta. Satin is a timeless choice that can add a touch of glamour to your wedding look. Taffeta is another great option for a more structured and dramatic look.
The style of your dress will also influence your fabric choice. For example, if you want a fit-and-flare or mermaid-style dress to show off your curves, you'll need a fabric that hugs your body, like lace or satin. Lace is a popular choice for wedding dresses, offering both texture and a romantic feel. If you want a more sleek and silky look, you might opt for a fabric like charmeuse or crepe.
Don't forget to consider your comfort when choosing your wedding dress fabric. Some fabrics, like tulle or chiffon, can be itchy or uncomfortable, so you'll want to be careful with those, especially if you have sensitive skin. Ultimately, the most important thing is that you feel confident and beautiful in your dress, so take your time to find the perfect fabric that checks all your boxes.
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Deciding on a colour
White is the traditional colour for a wedding dress, and it is still a very popular choice. White represents purity and innocence, and it is also a colour that suits many skin tones and complexions. It is a blank canvas, so you can add any colour of jewellery, shoes, and other accessories to create your unique look.
However, there are many other colours to choose from if you want to break with tradition. Ivory, for example, is a popular off-white shade that is a little softer and warmer than bright white. It is a very elegant choice and can be flattering for those who find bright white too stark against their skin tone.
For a bolder statement, you could consider a coloured wedding dress. Some popular choices include blush pink, which is a romantic and feminine shade, or a rich, deep burgundy for a dramatic look. You could also choose a dress with a coloured accent, such as a satin ribbon at the waist or a lace overlay in a contrasting shade.
If you're having bridesmaids, you might want to consider how their dresses will complement yours. Perhaps you want them all to be the same colour, or you could choose a shade for your dress that will be flattering on all of your bridesmaids.
Finally, think about the season and setting of your wedding. If you're getting married on a tropical beach, you might want to choose a lighter, more airy fabric and style, perhaps in a soft shade of ivory or blush. If you're having a winter wedding, you could embrace the season with a white or icy blue dress, adding a faux fur stole or wrap for a glamorous touch.
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When to start shopping
Wedding dress shopping can be a magical experience, but it can also be overwhelming. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, it is important to start your search early. According to The Knot's 2024 Attire & Fashion Study, brides started their wedding dress search about 10 months before the wedding in 2023 and 2024. Ideally, you should start looking for your wedding dress between eight and ten months before the wedding. This will give you enough time to do your research, visit salons, and make a decision without feeling rushed.
It is a good idea to start with online research and create an inspiration board with wedding dress necklines, fabrics, and silhouettes that you like. This will help you figure out what you want and narrow down your options. You can also use your wedding venue and overall wedding vibe as a starting point for your dress options. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you might want to consider a lighter fabric that can withstand the heat.
Once you have a general idea of what you're looking for, you can start visiting bridal salons. Keep in mind that bridal sizing tends to run on the small side, so don't be surprised if you end up purchasing a larger size than you usually wear. It's also important to budget for extras like taxes, alterations, shipping, and accessories.
If you're ordering a custom dress, keep in mind that it can take six to nine months for the dress to be produced and shipped to you. After you receive the dress, you'll also need to allow time for alterations, which can take another two to three months. So, if you want your dress to be ready one month before the wedding, you should aim to have it ordered about six to seven months in advance. This will give you a slight cushion in case of any delays.
However, every situation is unique, and not all brides have the luxury of time. If you're short on time, consider purchasing a ready-to-wear gown from online retailers like Anthropologie, Eloquii, Shopbop, or Reformation, which offer diverse collections of high-quality, on-trend gowns available for immediate purchase.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to choose a style that feels unique to you. You should also consider the venue and setting of your wedding. Think about the fit, fabric, neckline, and silhouette of the dress. If you are unsure, you can take photos to share with someone close to you for unbiased feedback.
Knowing and dressing for your body type is the first step to feeling confident in your wedding dress. For example, brides with an hourglass figure may opt for a fitted style, fit-and-flare, or mermaid dress. A sweetheart or V-neckline will beautifully flatter a fuller bust.
Ideally, you should start wedding dress shopping between nine months to a year before your wedding date. This will give you enough time for budgeting, researching trends, booking appointments, and alterations.
It's important to consider the right undergarments to wear under your wedding dress. Whether it's a strapless bra, nude underwear, or shapewear, having the proper undergarments can make a difference in how your dress looks and feels.
