Junior Rasmussen
Picking a wedding dress is one of the most important decisions a bride-to-be will make. The dress should make you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful. Understanding your body shape is key to finding a dress that accentuates your best features. For example, if you have an hourglass figure, a fitted style will hug your curves, while a trumpet or mermaid silhouette is perfect for slender or hourglass brides who want to flaunt their curves. For those with a fuller bust, wider straps or sleeves will offer support, and a sweetheart or V-neckline will flatter your figure. If you have a petite frame, opt for a style that elongates your figure, such as an empire-style dress with a high waistline. When shopping for a wedding dress, it's important to consider the venue and theme of your wedding, as well as your budget, and to start looking for your dress nine months before the big day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body type | Hourglass, pear-shaped, petite, fuller midsection, athletic, rectangular, inverted triangle |
| Dress style | Mermaid, trumpet, fit-and-flare, ball gown, A-line, column, sheath, empire, princess, tea-length, mini |
| Dress elements | Sweetheart or V-neckline, wider straps or sleeves, plunging necklines, ruffles, texture, corset, halter or scoop necklines, full skirt, belt |
| Other considerations | Wedding venue and theme, budget, shoes, personality and vision, comfort and confidence |
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What You'll Learn
Understand your body type
Understanding your body type is key to picking a wedding dress that accentuates your best features and makes you feel confident and beautiful. The first step is to take measurements of your bust, waist, hips, and body length. You can do this yourself or ask a friend or family member to help. You can also book an appointment with a bridal stylist, who can advise on the best styles for your body type.
If you have an hourglass figure, with a well-defined waist and shoulders and hips of relatively equal size, you might want to consider a fitted style to highlight your curves. Trumpet, fit-and-flare, and mermaid wedding dresses are all good options for this body type. A-line dresses are also universally flattering, as they emphasise curves while offering a balanced look.
For brides with a fuller chest, wider straps or sleeves can offer support and create a soft look, while a sweetheart or V-neckline will beautifully flatter your bust. If you have a smaller bust, on the other hand, a plunging neckline can add shape, as can a corseted gown, which provides padding and structure. Ruffles and texture can also help to add shape.
If you have a pear-shaped body, with a smaller upper torso and broader hips, you can achieve a balanced look with a gown that highlights your décolletage. Ballgown wedding dresses with a fitted bodice and dramatic skirt can help to define your waistline, while A-line dresses that gently flare outwards from the waist can create a more balanced silhouette.
For petite brides, it's important to choose a style that elongates your figure and doesn't overwhelm your proportions. Tea-length dresses are a good option, as they create a vintage yet contemporary look, while column dresses can also elongate your figure.
If you have an athletic build or a rectangular figure, you might want to create a more defined waistline. Ballgown dresses with a fitted corset and dramatic skirt can create a striking silhouette, while column or sheath dresses can also elongate your figure. Adding a belt can help to create the illusion of curves.
The fabric of your dress will also affect how it looks on you. Heavier, more structured materials like silk shantung, taffeta, or guipure lace will hold their shape and smooth your figure, while unstructured silk and filmy chiffon can feel more restrictive on curvier brides.
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Choose a dress that flatters your figure
Choosing a wedding dress that flatters your figure is an important part of feeling confident and beautiful on your special day. Understanding your body type will help you select a dress that accentuates your best features.
For brides with an hourglass figure, characterised by a well-defined waist and shoulders and hips of relatively equal size, a fitted style will highlight your curves. Trumpet, fit-and-flare, and mermaid wedding dresses are all excellent options for this body type. A-line dresses are also universally flattering, with their nipped-in waist and flared skirt creating a balanced silhouette. Plunging V-necklines, wrap dresses, and strapless gowns are also fabulous choices for hourglass figures.
If you have a fuller chest, wider straps or sleeves can provide support and create a soft look. Sweetheart or V-necklines will beautifully flatter your bust, while a fitted gown will accentuate your curves and mimic an hourglass shape.
For brides with a smaller bust, a plunging neckline can add shape to your figure. A corseted wedding gown will also provide padding and more shape, while ruffles and texture can help to add volume.
If you have a pear-shaped body, with a smaller upper body and broader hips, a ball gown with a fitted bodice will draw attention upwards, helping to balance out your proportions. A-line dresses that gently flare from the waist can also create a beautiful, balanced look, gracefully skimming over the hips and accentuating the waist.
For petite brides, it's important to choose a style that elongates your figure and doesn't overwhelm your proportions. Column dresses can elongate your silhouette, while tea-length dresses with a cinched waist can be a great choice for those who want to show a bit of leg.
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Consider the venue and theme
When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, it's important to consider the venue and theme of your wedding. The style of your dress should match the designer's style. For example, if you're going for a boho look, choose a designer who specialises in boho wedding dresses.
The venue and theme of your wedding will influence the style of your dress. If you're having a formal wedding, a sleek silk or satin gown might be a good choice. If you're having a more casual wedding, a minimalist silk dress or a light and airy sheath gown could be a better option.
Consider the location and season of your wedding. If you're getting married outdoors in the summer, you'll want a dress that's light and breathable. If you're getting married in the winter, you might want a dress with long sleeves or a jacket.
The venue's ambiance will also play a role in the style of your dress. Bring photos of your ceremony and reception site to your dress appointments so that your consultant can help you choose a dress that suits the location.
It's also important to keep your wedding budget in mind when choosing a dress. The cost of the dress itself is not the only expense you'll need to cover. You may also need to budget for alterations, accessories, and other hidden expenses.
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Know your budget
Knowing your budget is a crucial step in choosing a wedding dress. Wedding dresses can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, with the average cost being around $2,000. It is important to set a realistic budget that takes into account not only the cost of the dress but also any alterations and accessories. A good rule of thumb is to allocate about 6%-10% of your total wedding budget to attire and beauty, including the wedding dress, alterations, and accessories.
When setting your budget, consider the type of fabric you want for your dress. Luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, charmeuse, organza, or embroidered lace tend to be more expensive, while synthetic or blended fabrics like crepe, rayon, chiffon, and polyester are usually more affordable. The designer is another factor that influences the price of a wedding dress. Gowns designed by big names in the fashion industry, such as Vera Wang or Oscar de la Renta, will likely carry a higher price tag.
To save money, consider shopping at budget-friendly retailers or looking for sample sales and trunk shows. You can also opt for a simpler silhouette or fewer embellishments to reduce costs. Additionally, finding a dress that requires minimal alterations can help you avoid additional expenses.
It is important to prioritize what matters most to you in a gown. If a luxurious fabric is your dream, you may want to balance it out with a simpler design. On the other hand, if you have your heart set on an elaborate gown, you can allocate more of your budget to the dress and choose less expensive accessories.
Remember to inform your bridal consultant about your budget at the start of your wedding dress shopping journey. This will help you stay focused and avoid falling in love with a dress that is beyond your budget.
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Pick a dress that makes you feel confident
Picking a wedding dress can be a stressful experience, especially with the pressure of making it look like what you may have seen in the media. However, the most important thing is to find a dress that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
To do this, it is recommended that you start looking early and keep an open mind. Try on a variety of styles, shapes, and fabrics, even if they are not what you had envisioned. You may be surprised by what you love. Take pictures of yourself in each dress to compare later and bring along a trusted friend or family member to offer honest feedback and support.
When trying on dresses, ask yourself: do you feel comfortable? Are you dying to take it off or keep it on? If you love how you feel in a dress, that is a must. If you find yourself comparing other gowns to one you previously tried on, go back and try that one on again.
If you have a particular body type, consider styles that accentuate your favourite features. For example, if you want to accentuate your back, try dresses with a low cut or open back. If you have a petite body type, an open back will elongate your shape, and a halter neckline will complement this. A slinky A-line gown will also help elongate your shape, whereas a ballgown might weigh you down. For an hourglass figure, a fitted style will highlight your curves, and a gown with a plunging V-neckline or a strapless design will also look fabulous.
Remember, the perfect dress is one that makes you feel like the most confident and beautiful version of yourself.
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Frequently asked questions
Understanding your body type will help you pick a design that flatters your figure. For example, if you have an hourglass figure, a fitted style will highlight your curves. If you have a fuller bust, a dress with wider straps or sleeves will offer support and a sweetheart or V-neckline will flatter your bust. If you have a petite frame, opt for a style that elongates your figure.
Get measured by a bridal stylist to determine your body type and get an idea of the style you're looking for. Start shopping for your wedding dress right after you select your venue and buy your gown nine months ahead of your wedding to accommodate alterations. Bring your own shoes in the same height that you plan to wear for your ceremony and reception so you know how the dress will look on the day.
Discuss your budget before your first appointment and know who is paying for the gown and how much they're willing to spend. Understand the vision for your wedding, whether it's modern, traditional, romantic, or red-carpet-worthy, and choose a dress that suits this aesthetic.
