George Boyle
Choosing a wedding dress is a highly personal decision, and there are many ways to add shape to a wedding dress to ensure it meets your aspirations while complementing your body shape. For example, if you are looking to emphasise your waist, you could try adding a belt, or if you are looking to add volume to your upper and lower body, you could opt for a dress with embellished sleeves. If you are looking to make more significant alterations to the shape of your dress, you could consider taking it to a seamstress, who may be able to re-cut the hips or add additional structure to the dress.
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What You'll Learn
Use a crinoline underskirt to add volume
A crinoline underskirt is a great way to add volume and shape to a wedding dress. It is a type of petticoat, an undergarment worn under a dress or skirt, that can give the dress a full bell shape or a princess-like feel.
When choosing an underskirt, it is important to consider the shape of the petticoat. A-line and bell-shaped petticoats will give the dress a different silhouette, and the fabric will also make a difference. Caged, crinoline, tulle, and organza are some of the fabric options available, and they can be used to create either a puffy and stiff or light and flowy effect.
To add volume to a wedding dress, consider a petticoat with a hoop skirt. Hoop skirts give volume without the need for many layers of fabric, keeping the bride comfortable and tangle-free. Additionally, some ball gown-style wedding dresses are designed with removable petticoats or underskirts, allowing the bride to adjust the volume and silhouette of the dress to their liking.
If you are looking to add volume to an A-line wedding dress or want even more volume for your ball gown, you can try adding a few layers of tulle under the gown. However, keep in mind that as you add volume, the dress will create a balloon-like effect, and the length of the dress will change.
For a creative touch, you can modify an underskirt/crinoline by adding a slit. This will allow for more volume and movement without twisting the underskirt out of shape. You can also dye the crinoline to match your wedding colour palette.
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Add a sparkly belt to define the waist
Adding a sparkly belt to your wedding dress is a great way to define your waist and add a touch of glamour. Here are some tips to help you achieve this look:
First, consider the style of your wedding dress. The belt should complement the overall silhouette and style of your gown. If you want to lengthen your silhouette, opt for a sleek, thin belt with delicate accents. On the other hand, if you wish to accentuate your waist, a thicker belt would be a better choice. Ensure that the belt sits at the smallest part of your waist to create a flattering effect.
Next, choose a belt that adds just the right amount of sparkle without overwhelming your look. You can select a belt with ornate crystals, rhinestones, or other embellishments that complement the colour and theme of your wedding dress. If you're crafty, you could even create your own DIY crystal belt by gluing rhinestones to a satin ribbon, ensuring the ribbon matches the colour of your dress.
When it comes to attaching the belt, you have a few options. Some bridal belts come with ribbons, allowing you to tie a bow or knot at the back. This option provides adjustability and ensures the belt is snug but not too tight. Alternatively, you can sew the belt directly onto the dress, cutting any excess ribbon. If you're unsure, consult a seamstress who can advise on the best method for your dress.
Remember, the most important thing is to choose a belt that you love and that reflects your personal style. It's your big day, so make sure you feel confident and comfortable with your choice!
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Choose an A-line dress to complement your figure
The A-line dress is a timeless wardrobe staple that beautifully flatters a variety of body types. The classic A-line silhouette, which gently flares out from the waist to the hem, resembles the shape of an uppercase "A". This design not only creates a balanced look but also highlights the waist while skimming over the hips and thighs, making it a versatile choice for many body shapes.
If you have a pear-shaped body, an A-line dress can help balance your proportions by drawing attention away from your hips. Look for A-line dresses with embellished necklines or interesting sleeve details to draw attention to your upper body. You can also opt for details that add volume to your bust or hips, such as ruffles or pleats. For a pear-shaped figure, it is important to avoid overly loose or boxy silhouettes that may hide your figure.
For those with an athletic build, an A-line dress can add curves and soften the overall look. A-line dresses with lower waistlines are very flattering on athletic body types, as they help balance out broad shoulders. If you have a bigger bust, thick straps, halter tops, dresses with ruching and draping, U-necklines, and V-necklines will all help accentuate your curves and make your bust look its best.
If you have a petite frame, an A-line dress can be your best ally. The slight flare starting from the waist down helps to add a touch of volume without overwhelming your frame. Choosing the right length is essential for petite women. Shorter A-line dresses, around knee-length or just above, are ideal as they give the illusion of longer legs, making you appear taller. If you prefer a longer option, a midi A-line dress can also work, provided it hits the right spot—mid-calf or just below the knee. Avoid dresses that fall at the widest part of your calf, as they can make you look shorter. Opt for vertical patterns or monochromatic colours to further elongate your silhouette.
When shopping for an A-line dress, it is important to know your measurements. Take accurate measurements of your bust, waist, and hips before you start shopping. You can also add a belt to your A-line dress to define your waist and create a more tailored look. Opt for a belt in a contrasting colour or a statement buckle to add visual interest. Additionally, choose jewellery that complements the neckline of your dress. For a V-neckline, a pendant necklace will draw attention to your décolletage, while statement earrings can add a touch of glamour to a boat neckline.
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Sew fisheye darts to draw in the waist
Fisheye darts, also known as diamond darts, are a great way to add shape to a wedding dress without a waist seam. This technique is especially useful if there is excess fabric around the waist, particularly at the small of the back, as fisheye darts remove the most fabric from the centre where the dart is the widest.
To sew fisheye darts to draw in the waist, start by putting on the wedding dress inside out and pinching out the excess fabric on each side of the centre back. Having a friend to help with this step can be useful. Once you have determined how much fabric to take in, straighten up the lines and ensure the darts on either side of the centre back are symmetrical. Mark out the middle of the dart with a ruler.
Now it's time to sew the dart. Start at the wide, middle part of the dart, backstitching a couple of times, then sew through the dart legs to the tip right off the edge of the fabric as smoothly as you can. Leave long thread tails and do not backstitch. Return to the middle of the fisheye dart, overlapping your backstitching, and sew to the other tip. Tie the thread tails into a knot at each dart tip to secure, then snip the excess thread. Depending on your pattern instructions, you may need to clip into the centre of the fisheye dart or trim the centre of the dart and finish the raw edges. Press the dart in the direction indicated by your pattern. Using a tailor's ham can be helpful to get the dart tip flat.
Repeat these steps for any remaining fisheye darts on your wedding dress. Remember, the goal is to add contour and shaping, not to reduce the size of the dress if it is too big. It is important to cut the dress to the desired size first, then add fisheye darts to play with the silhouette and create a snug fit.
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Pick a dress with a defined waistline and volume
If you want to add shape to your wedding dress, picking a dress with a defined waistline and volume is a great option. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
Firstly, it's important to understand your body type. The hourglass body type is characterised by balanced proportions between the bust and hips, with a well-defined waist. Pear-shaped bodies have wider hips than the bust area and a defined waist, while apple-shaped bodies have a broader waist compared to the bust and hips. Rectangle-shaped bodies have a straight silhouette with little waist definition, and inverted triangle bodies have broader shoulders and narrower waists and hips. Knowing your body type will help you choose a dress that accentuates your natural curves or creates the desired silhouette.
For a defined waistline, consider an empire waistline, especially if you want to elongate your torso or draw attention away from your midsection. An empire waistline sits just below the bust and creates a flowy, ethereal look. Alternatively, a basque waistline features a fitted bodice that dips below the natural waist before flaring out, creating a dramatic, vintage-inspired silhouette. If you want to showcase your natural waist, opt for a natural waistline, which sits at the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button.
To add volume to your wedding dress, consider an A-line silhouette, which gradually flares out from the waist, creating a balanced and elegant look. This style is versatile and flattering, enhancing your natural curves without overemphasising any particular area. It is especially suitable for pear-shaped bodies as it highlights the narrower upper body while gently concealing the hips. If you have a rectangle body type, an A-line dress can create the illusion of curves, adding volume and definition to your silhouette.
Ballgown silhouettes are another option to consider for adding volume. They feature a fitted bodice and a full, floor-length, bell-shaped skirt, accentuating the waist and providing proportion. This style is ideal for most body shapes, especially pear and hourglass figures, but may not be the best choice if you specifically want to showcase your waistline as it can create a boxy appearance.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with accessories. Adding a belt to your dress can help define your waist and create a more structured look. A crinoline underskirt can also help add volume to your skirt, but keep in mind that it might flatten out without its own structure.
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Frequently asked questions
If you want to avoid adjusting the side seams, you could try adding fish-eye darts at the back of the dress. This will draw in the waist, and you can decide how much fabric to remove to get the desired look.
A dress with detail or interest at the back, such as a deep V-back or an illusion back, will draw the eye upwards and create a more balanced silhouette. A structured bodice or corset can help to cinch in the waist, and a flowing fabric like chiffon or tulle can also help to create balance.
An A-line dress or ball gown can help to create a defined waistline and add volume to the lower body, creating the illusion of curves. A sheath or column dress can also work well to showcase a straight figure. To elongate the torso and draw attention to the waist, try a V-neck or sweetheart neckline.
A plunging neckline will add a lot of shape for brides with a smaller bust. A corseted wedding gown will also add padding and more shape.
