A Dress for Every Figure

Does the thought of shopping for your wedding dress fill you with dread? Aren’t sure if you will ever find the perfect dress for your big day? There is no need to worry any longer, because with this simple guide all of your questions will be answered!
There is a dress out there to flatter every figure, no matter what yours may be. The key to selecting the dress that will have you looking your best is to decide what parts of your body you would like to draw attention to, and which you would rather divert focus from.
• For the Slim Bride:
Aim For: A Ball-gown style dress, which will give the impression of a curvier figure while accenting a trim waistline. A Sheath, Mermaid, or A-line dress will also flatter a slim figure if you would prefer to showcase your trim physique. Jeweled or decorated necklines will create the look of an ample bust.
Stay Away From: Spaghetti or very thin straps and low necklines, as these will let slim arms and torsos take the spotlight. Also avoid dresses that have a drop waistline, wide skirt, or sweetheart necklines (these focus too much attention on your bust).
• For the Bride with a Small Bust Line:
Aim For: A “V” shaped neckline or bateau neckline (both give the impression of a larger bust). Flattering gown styles include strapless and sleeveless. Bodice decoration will also help draw attention to your upper half.
Stay Away From: Drop-waist styles (which will make you appear shorter) and dresses with large skirts, as these will overwhelm your figure and focus too much attention on your lower body.
• For the Petite Bride:
Aim For: A dress that employs a princess, sheath, or A-line style if you have a figure that is on the trim side and would like to look a little taller. Empire waists, higher necklines, and short-sleeved or sleeveless gowns (add long gloves for an elegant, timeless look) are more flattering to the petite bride with a few curves.
Stay Away From: Full-skirted or excessively puffy dresses because these will draw attention to the wearer’s height. Avoid extra detailing such as lace or beadwork on the lower half of the gown as this decoration will also focus attention on the bride’s height.
• For the “Hourglass” Bride:
Aim For: An A-line, strapless, or mermaid-style dress with a portrait or “V” shaped neckline. These gown styles will emphasize your curves while the neckline will call attention to your shoulders and your bust.
Stay Away From: Anything that gives the impression of being unbalanced. Lots of beadwork or other ornamentation on either the top or the bottom of the gown will focus too much attention on any one area. Full-shirted or ruffled gowns will make a woman with an hourglass figure appear heavier than she is. Puffed sleeves will call too much attention to the upper half of your body.
• For the Bride with a Full Bust Line:
Aim For: An A-line or strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline (this will showcase the bust). Also consider a basque waistline, as this will slim the waist and allow for a little bit of flair at the hip.
Stay Away from: Heavily jeweled or decorated necklines, as these will make a generous bust appear even larger. Steer clear of spaghetti straps, strapless, and empire waist styles because these will only bring more focus to the upper torso.
• For the Bride with a “Pear Shaped” Figure:
Aim For: A dress with a wide skirt that will accentuate your waist while it also camouflages your hips. Off-the-shoulder necklines (possibly with a slightly puffed sleeve) will help make your body appear more proportional while drawing attention to your upper half.
Stay Away From: Any ornamentation (such as a bow) that is located on the waist or hip areas which will help draw the eye to the lower half of the body. Avoid excessively puffy skirts and those with side panels since these could bring too much attention to your body below the waist.
• For the “Full Figured” Bride:
Aim For: A dress with an A-line silhouette and an open neckline (think a “V” or square shape) will allow the dress to display your curves to their advantage. Basque waistlines will enhance this look by cinching the dress in just a bit at the waist, giving an impression of balanced proportions. Long sleeves can also be added to disguise heavy arms, and ornamentation around the neck of the gown will draw attention to the bride’s face.
Stay Away From: Dresses with thin or spaghetti straps or puffed sleeves. Also avoid any fabrics which tend to cling to your body. Gowns with large, ruffled, or tulle skirts will make you look bottom-heavy and should also be overlooked.
There is so much variety to be found in the modern bridal shop that every woman is sure to find a lovely dress, no matter her shape. Be sure to listen carefully to the salespeople who are helping fit you for your gown; most shops will train their staff to recognize which dress is best suited for each body type. Also remember that these are only suggestions and there will always be at least one exception to every rule. Keep looking for that perfect dress, and you might be pleasantly surprised with what you find.