Deborah Chan
Choosing a wedding dress is an important decision for a bride-to-be. The dress should reflect the bride's style, personality, and unique beauty. There are many different wedding dress styles to choose from, including ball gowns, A-line, mermaid/fishtail, fit and flare, and column/sheath dresses. To find the perfect dress, it's essential to consider the bride's body type and silhouette, as well as their personal preferences and personality traits. The goal is to create balance and proportion, with some dresses more suited to certain body types than others. For example, an A-line dress is often considered universally flattering, while a ball gown can accentuate the waist and provide coverage for the hips and lower tummy. Ultimately, the bride should feel confident and radiant in her chosen dress, reflecting her style and making her feel special on her big day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body type | Hourglass, Pear, Apple, Rectangle, Inverted Triangle, Oval, Ethereal and petite frame, Statuesque presence |
| Style preferences | Boho, traditional, modern, romantic |
| Personality traits | Unique personality traits |
| Silhouette | A-line, ball gown, mermaid/fishtail, fit and flare, column/sheath, bell-shaped |
| Details | Embellishments, beading, low open back, shimmering pearls, soft sweeping train, scoop neckline |
| Fabric | Tulle, crepe satin, luxurious crepe |
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What You'll Learn
Body type
When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, it's important to consider your body shape to find a dress that accentuates your best features and makes you feel confident and beautiful. Here are some tips for selecting a wedding dress style that complements your body type:
Hourglass Figure
If you have an hourglass figure, characterised by balanced proportions between the bust and hips with a smaller waist, you may want to opt for a fitted style to highlight your curves. Fit-and-flare and mermaid wedding dresses are great choices to emphasise your waist and curves. Plunging V-necklines, wrap dresses, and strapless gowns also beautifully flatter an hourglass figure.
Pear-Shaped Body
A pear-shaped body features a smaller upper body and broader hips. To achieve a balanced look, consider a dress with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flows away from the body, gracefully skimming over the hips. Empire waistlines start just below the bust and flow gently over the hips, elongating your torso and creating a flattering silhouette. A-line dresses are also a good choice as they hug the waist area, creating a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust.
Tall and Slender Body
If you are tall and slender, a sheath gown can accentuate your natural height with its light and airy silhouette. A flowy A-line gown can also add a romantic touch to your look. To further emphasise your height and long legs, consider a gown with a slit in the skirt.
Smaller Bust
For brides with a smaller bust, plunging necklines can add shape and be very flattering. Corseted wedding gowns are another option as they provide padding and add shape. Gowns with ruffles and texture can also enhance your figure without weighing you down.
Apple-Shaped Body
If you have an apple-shaped body, characterised by a larger waist and bust and hips of a similar size, a mermaid wedding dress can be a great choice. This style contours the body at the bodice, waist, and hips, emphasising these areas, and then flares out at the knees.
Broad Shoulders or Inverted Triangle Shape
For those with broad shoulders or an inverted triangle shape, an off-the-shoulder neckline can help soften your upper body and create a flattering look. It's a romantic style that elegantly shows off some skin.
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Bridal style
One popular silhouette is the ball gown, which features a form-fitting bodice and a very full skirt, often achieved with layers of tulle or a hoop skirt. This style is particularly flattering for pear-shaped figures as it accentuates the waist while providing coverage for the hips and lower tummy. If you're seeking a similar effect but with a more subtle silhouette, an A-line gown could be a perfect choice. A-line dresses are fitted at the bodice and flow out to the ground, resembling the shape of an uppercase "A". This style is versatile and universally flattering, suitable for petite curvy figures, as well as bigger busted brides, as it balances out the upper body.
For those who prefer a more modern and romantic look, a column or sheath dress may be ideal. These dresses have a fitted silhouette that accentuates natural curves and often feature a soft sweeping train for an elegant finish. Made from luxurious fabrics like crepe satin, they offer a chic and contemporary option. Another silhouette to consider is the mermaid or fishtail style, which is fitted and flares out at the knee, creating a dramatic and eye-catching effect.
Ultimately, the most important factor in choosing your bridal style is selecting a dress that makes you feel confident and happy. It's essential to stay true to yourself and your unique style, whether that's a traditional, boho, or somewhere-in-between look. Don't be afraid to try on different styles and step out of your comfort zone to discover the perfect dress that captures the essence of your special day.
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Ball gown
A ball gown wedding dress is a classic choice, defined by its fitted bodice and voluminous skirt. This silhouette is princess-inspired, exuding elegance, luxury, and making a statement. It is a versatile option, suitable for various wedding venues, levels of formality, and bridal aesthetics.
When choosing a ball gown wedding dress, it is essential to consider your personal style and what makes you feel happy and confident. A ball gown can be a timeless and traditional choice or a glamorous and iconic statement piece, depending on the specific style and details you select.
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A-line
The versatility of the A-line silhouette means it can be tailored to complement a range of body types, with options to flatter smaller frames or plus-size figures. Necklines, waistlines, hemlines and sleeve choices can all be customised to suit your unique style and enhance your favourite features.
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Hourglass
If you have an hourglass figure, your shoulders and hips should be about the same size, with a noticeably smaller waist. When choosing a wedding dress, it's important to prioritise comfort and how the gown makes you feel. If you want to emphasise your figure, consider a gown that balances the top and bottom in size so that your figure is not visually deformed by the wrong style.
A trumpet dress is a great option for an hourglass figure as it sits tightly around the waist and hips, then expands near the middle of the thigh. This style visually lengthens the legs and adds elegance to the fit. Trumpet fit bridal gowns are sometimes referred to as "fit-to-flare" dresses.
Another option is the iconic mermaid style, which is versatile and can become the most winning option for the owners of hourglass figures. This style of dress will hug your figure and only expand below the knees, creating a dramatic and eye-catching silhouette.
If you want to move away from emphasising your hourglass silhouette, a ball gown style will only highlight your waist and transfer attention, allowing you to experiment with neck jewellery and high hairstyles. For petite brides, a shorter fit-and-flare dress is also a wonderful choice, as it screams sophistication and elegance without overwhelming a petite frame.
Other styles that suit an hourglass figure include A-line and off-the-shoulder gowns. A deep V-neck dress will also draw attention to the torso, highlighting your waist.
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Frequently asked questions
Trumpet and mermaid-style dresses are great for brides who want to show off their baby bump.
If you want to conceal your stomach, you should stick to silhouettes with an empire waist.
If you have an hourglass figure, you can choose from a variety of styles. A fitted style will highlight your curves, and gowns with plunging V-necklines, wrap dresses, and strapless gowns are also fabulous choices.
For athletic body types, an off-the-shoulder or strapless dress will play up your gorgeous arms. To enhance your shoulders, consider a gown with a halter neckline.
