A-line, empire, ball gown, trumpet… ugh, all of these terms can be confusing and overwhelming to a bride searching for the perfect wedding dress to accommodate her body! I know it can be frustrating when every photo and every sample size out there only seems to fit one body type. My goal is to give you a practical guide on how to shop for a wedding dress and find the perfect fit for your body type!
There are a ton of guides on shape versus body type that can be helpful tools out there but I find them sometimes flawed. Often, you will see a dress online or in a picture and by standard it “should” fit your body type but then you go in the boutique to try it on and it looks horrible on you. The best advice that I can give you is to try on! You may have a vision or and idea of what type of dress will look good on you but it may be totally the opposite. If you try and stay parallel to the types of clothing that usually are flattering on you in everyday life, that is a better clue to what type of wedding gown would look best on your body type!
Below, I have outlined what dresses “typically” fit certain body types. Remember, this is just a guide and the true way to tell is to try the dress on!
Show off your curves with the following styles…
This dress would work great for the full-figured bride that is not afraid to show off her curves! Although the model is….well….model – size, pay attention more to how the dress falls from under the bust and down. the more frill, lines and swags, the better it shows off your curves. I would not recommend this dress however for a bride that is a little bustier.
Pictured directly above would be stunning on a bride that is a little more curvy or full – figured and bustier bride. The beautiful cap sleeves provide support for the those that are well-endowed and it is also very flattering on the shoulder area. The empire waist and free-flowing bottom provide an elegant and effortlessly stunning look!
This beautiful gown would be perfect for a bride that has a small bust! Notice the swooping neckline paired with the texture and volume on the bust. The volume and scrunching effect gives the illusion of a bigger bust.
Another great example of how detail and a swooping neckline works well for those with a smaller chest.
A dress like the one shown works well for those that have a big bust paired with a small framed figure. The high top and detail provide support and coverage which is a must on your wedding day!
I chose this dress as the last one because it is the perfect wedding gown for ANY body type! The beautiful sheer and detailed cap sleeves give the most flattering arm angle. The volume yet still plunging neckline keep it feminine and provide flattering coverage for the small, medium and big bust! What I love also is the beautiful detail on the empire waistline that truly is flattering on anyone. This waist line in particular comes in just a little bit and flows down beautifully so that your body looks evened out and sleek! Finding a style like this one will be a sure win for any bride!
Picking out a dress can be so stressful and I hope I was able to provide some new insight on making your decision and easier one.
Happy Planning!