Rhiannon Hendricks
Choosing a wedding dress is a very personal decision, and it's important to select a style that makes you feel confident and comfortable. For those with fuller figures, there are many dress options available that will highlight your best features and make you feel amazing on your special day. From A-line silhouettes to ball gowns, there are a variety of styles to choose from that will flatter your curves and define your waist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body type | Hourglass, pear, apple, rectangular, petite, athletic, column |
| Dress type | Fit-and-flare, ball gown, A-line, sheath, empire, column |
| Dress features | Ruching, pockets, beading, lace, belt, V-neck, sweetheart neckline, cap sleeves, straps, soft fabric |
| General tips | Try on different styles, consider comfort and support, ensure you can sit, squat and dance in the dress |
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What You'll Learn
- Pear-shaped brides: try a ball gown to emphasise a small waist
- Hourglass figures: opt for a fit-and-flare gown to accentuate your silhouette and highlight your waistline
- Apple-shaped brides: choose a dress with a defined waistline to balance proportions
- Column-shaped brides: consider a gown with a plunging neckline to create definition
- Bustier brides: go for a dress with straps or a corset style for extra support
Pear-shaped brides: try a ball gown to emphasise a small waist
For pear-shaped brides, ball gowns are a great choice as they emphasise a small waist. This silhouette features a fitted bodice that accentuates the waist and upper body, while the voluminous skirt creates a fuller, ethereal look, balancing out the hips. The ball gown's dreamy, full skirt can also help to hide any areas of the lower body that a bride may feel conscious of.
To further accentuate the waist, pear-shaped brides can opt for a ball gown with ruching around the waist, which can help create curves. A well-structured neckline, such as a plunging V-neck or halter style, can also draw attention to the upper body and create the illusion of broader shoulders, balancing the overall look. Off-the-shoulder and boat neck styles can also achieve this effect, while strapless gowns are a great way to show off toned arms and shoulders.
While ball gowns are a flattering choice for pear-shaped brides, they may not be suitable for petite brides as the full skirt can overpower a small frame. Instead, these brides may prefer an A-line dress, which is universally flattering and gently flares out from the waist, enhancing the upper body while skimming over the hips. Fit-and-flare gowns are another option for brides who want to show off their curves, as they hug the body through the bust, waist, and hips, then flare out below the hips.
When choosing a wedding dress, it's important to consider your individual body type and unique features. Experimenting with different styles can help you find the perfect dress that makes you feel confident and fabulous on your special day.
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Hourglass figures: opt for a fit-and-flare gown to accentuate your silhouette and highlight your waistline
If you're an hourglass-figured bride-to-be, a fit-and-flare wedding dress could be the perfect style for you. This silhouette features a fitted bodice that extends at or below the hips before flaring out towards the hem of the skirt. The style is known to accentuate curves and make the waist look smaller, all while elongating the body.
Fit-and-flare gowns can be customised with design elements such as lace placement and ruching, as well as proportions, to influence the way the body appears. For instance, a dramatic fit-and-flare gown with beadwork and ruching can flatter an hourglass figure. A trumpet gown, a more toned-down version of the mermaid style, is another silhouette that hugs the body and flares out, showcasing curves.
If you're looking for a more unique, custom design, consider visiting a bridal salon that specialises in gowns for all shapes and sizes. You can also opt for professional alterations to achieve a seamless fit.
When choosing a fit-and-flare dress, it's important to consider your comfort and freedom of movement. You'll want to ensure that you can move freely, sit down easily, and dance the night away. Additionally, shapewear can be a helpful addition to a fitted dress.
To complete your bridal look, accessories are key. From headpieces and veils to jewellery, belts, and shoes, the options are endless. You can also add embellishments to your gown, such as hand-beaded details or custom fittings, to make your dress as unique as you are.
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Apple-shaped brides: choose a dress with a defined waistline to balance proportions
If you're an apple-shaped bride, you'll want a wedding dress that defines your waist and balances your proportions. A well-structured trumpet fit with a defined waist and a subtle flare will work beautifully. A V-neck or sweetheart neckline with off-the-shoulder straps will also provide the perfect balance.
The choice of neckline is crucial. A V-neck or plunge neckline is incredibly flattering as it creates a vertical line that draws attention away from the midsection. Scoop and square necklines are also great options as they open up the chest, while a sweetheart neckline will make your waist appear smaller. Avoid narrow or high necklines, like halter necks, as these will make your waist seem larger.
Empire waist dresses are a fantastic choice for apple-shaped brides as they cinch right under the bust, naturally defining the waistline. Many dresses with this cut also feature more open necklines, drawing attention to the bust. Since the dress flows out from just above the natural waistline, it defines the waist without emphasising the middle curve.
A-line dresses are another excellent option for apple-shaped brides. They cinch in the middle and flare out, creating balance and widening at the top and bottom. A soft A-line silhouette can also help create the illusion of a narrow waistline, but beware of low backs if you have a large bust.
Peplums add definition at the waist and balance out the hips, making them a fabulous choice for apple-shaped brides. A defined bodice will also help to highlight the midsection. When it comes to sleeves, avoid heavy fabric that will add bulk. Opt for light applique and embellishments at the wrist to create a sense of illusion.
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Column-shaped brides: consider a gown with a plunging neckline to create definition
For brides who are column-shaped, a gown with a plunging neckline can create definition and make for a stunning wedding dress. This style is perfect for the modern bride who loves the spotlight, with a bold, daring, and sensual look that allows you to revel in your femininity.
A plunging neckline is a simple yet bold statement that gives a gown a sultry look with a couture-inspired design element. The drama of the deep V-shape is universally flattering and adds intricacy to your neckline while still beautifully framing your face. It accentuates your décolletage, elongates your torso, and shows some skin.
The Wtoo gown, for instance, features a plunging neckline with a nipped-in waist, creating definition. This style is recommended for brides with a C-cup or lower, as there isn't enough material to support a larger bust.
When choosing a wedding dress, it is important to consider your individual body type and try on different styles. A-line gowns, for example, can highlight the bust while drawing attention away from the stomach, and larger skirts can make the waist look smaller in comparison.
It is also important to consider the functionality of the dress. Being able to sit, squat, and dance are necessities that are often overlooked when purchasing a wedding dress.
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Bustier brides: go for a dress with straps or a corset style for extra support
For bustier brides, thicker straps or a dress with a corset style can provide extra support and be a stylish choice.
A wedding dress with straps can be both functional and beautiful. The right straps can complement a variety of necklines and enhance the bridal style. For bustier brides, thicker straps or tapered straps can provide essential support and security, allowing the bride to move and dance with confidence. Spaghetti straps, on the other hand, can be a good choice for petite brides who want support without feeling overwhelmed by the material.
For those who want to showcase their curves and natural shape, a corset wedding dress is an excellent option. Corset dresses offer structure and elegance, with a fitted silhouette that enhances the figure. The lace-up tie or ribbon at the back of the gown's bodice cinch the waist, creating a flattering, hourglass figure. Corset dresses can be adorned with delicate lace, beading, or satin, providing both support and glamour.
For those seeking a more traditional look, cap sleeves add a sophisticated element, while still providing the support needed for bustier brides. Off-the-shoulder cap sleeves can also be a stylish choice, adding a regal touch to the overall look.
Additionally, for brides who want the support of straps but enjoy the look of a strapless gown, convertible or detachable straps offer versatility and convenience. Illusion straps, for example, can showcase intricate details while still providing support.
Whether it's with straps or a corset style, there are many ways to ensure support and style for bustier brides.
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Frequently asked questions
Try on different styles, including both skirts and bodices. Ask the bridal stylist for suggestions and remember to try sitting, squatting and dancing in any dress you like—you need to be able to move! Consider looking for shops that specialise in plus-size bridal.
For an hourglass figure, you'll want a dress that accentuates your silhouette and highlights your waistline. A dramatic fit-and-flare gown will do the trick, or a ball gown with a defined waist.
Pear-shaped figures can benefit from a ball gown, which emphasises a small waist and hides the hips. A gown with straps will also add balance to narrow shoulders.
Apple-shaped figures will want to create a more defined waistline. Peplums can help with this, adding definition at the waist and balancing out the hips. A gown with a flared A-line skirt will also provide balance.
To add curves and definition to a rectangular figure, consider a ballgown with a fitted corset and a dramatic skirt. A column or sheath dress can also work, especially with a belt to create the illusion of curves. A deep V-neckline will also help to create an hourglass effect.
