What Shape of Wedding Dress is right for me?

 

We’ve all been there, agonising in the mirror, wondering this outfit or that? And the choice of outfit you wear on your wedding day is one choice we want you to be sure of. Often brides are unsure of what they’re looking for and this can cause extreme stress faced when with the pressure of the bridal boutique.

Whether tall, small, petite or curvy here at Your Wedding Guide we’ve created the ultimate wedding dress guide to help you find the “the one” (after your fiancé, that is).

Hourglass

Many women crave an hourglass shape, your hips are balanced with your bust with a defined waist in the centre.

Dos

The hourglass shape suits almost any silhouette, with your waist often being described as your best asset. Pick a gown that accentuates this.

A corset will nip in your waist making the most of your killer curves

Sweetheart necklines and bodies flatter a full chest

A –line and mermaid style gowns will wow your groom by highlighting the curve of your hips

don’ts

Hourglass figures should avoid ball gowns and empire silhouettes if they want to show off the beautiful balance of their hips and chest

Source: Vera Wang

Triangle shape

Triangle figures have slim hips and am ample bust, many triangle shapes are blessed with shapely long legs

Dos

V-neck dresses flatter wider shoulders, for those who may want to cover their arms during parts of the celebration a bolero can be added and removed as needed.

Bateau or scooped necklines also work fabulously on triangle silhouettes

Long sleeves are ideal for those getting married in winter months and cover arms elegantly.

Draw the eye downwards to your stunning legs with embellishments and embroidery towards the bottom of your gown.

Don’ts

Halter-necks and one-shouldered gowns may draw attention to areas you prefer to cover up, to draw eyes away from a full chest leave this area embroidery free.

Source: Tony Ward

Apple shape

Apple shaped women have full breasts and round hips and stomach with shapely legs

Dos

Empire line dresses skim flatter your silhouette and make you look slender.

Ball gown designs create a stunning full skirt and can cover any areas you’d prefer to cover.

A-line gowns suit almost every shape, apple silhouettes are no exception, this style draws the eye down away from your heavier stomach.

Don’ts

Halter necks and puffy sleeved dresses might make your figure appear fuller than it is.

Source: Darius Cordell

Pear shape

Pear shaped bride’s widest body part is below their waist and often have fuller hips and slight shoulders.

Dos

Princess style wedding dresses disguise fuller hips and balances your bust beautifully.

Pear shaped women suit strapless shapes as attention is drawn to your slight shoulders and décolletage.

Empire-line gowns emphasise the slimmest part of your body.

Don’ts

Pear-shaped brides tend to steer away from mermaid style gown, which draws the eye down to the hips.

Source: Inbal Dror

Tall figure

Tall women are often the envy of their friends and suit most wedding gown styles

Dos

Princess style wedding gowns look stunning on tall brides.

A-line wedding dresses flatter almost every shape, with tall brides looking fabulous in the design.

Don’ts

Tall brides run the risk of looking “tent-like” in empire dresses, so it’s best to avoid this silhouette

Stay away from empire line dresses, which risk looking almost tent-like on willowy frames.

Source: Madeline Gardner

Slim figure

Short or tall, many people compare your figure to that of a ballerina.

Dos

A sheath or empire line gown will flatter your slender shape.

Create the illusion of curves with a ball gown design

Slim body shapes are one of the few silhouette’s that can carry off a high neckline.

Add embroidery and beading to your gown to add drama and create curves.

Don’ts

Halter necklines and off the shoulder designs may look severe on very slim body types.

Source: Jenny Packham

Petite

This body shape is similar to slim, but for women under 5’1.

Dos

Empire lines and sheath gowns flatter your petite frame.

A-line dresses flatter most shapes and you are no exception.

Don’ts

Ball gowns may overwhelm your small body.

Source: Limor Rosen

The Dress Directory

 

Ball gown

• Ball gown designs slim cut bodice trims your waist.
• The full bell shape is breath-taking and forgiving to most figures.
• Beautiful layers of fabric create flowing shapes down the aisle.

 

Sheath

• Suits a slim silhouette.
• The design follows natural body shape.
• Sheath dresses are effortless and modern.
• This gown type lengthens your body.

Mermaid

• Mermaid gown fit and flare glamorous amplifies curvy shapes.
• The elongated bodice hugs your figure creating a stunning shape.
• This design can flare at thighs or knees to suit your taste.

A-line

• A-line subtle lines suit almost every body shape.
• This gown will emphasise your waist as the fitted waist emphasises your narrowest point.
• A-line dresses flare out in the shape of A and can be structured or flowing to suit your taste.