How To Choose The Best Wedding Dress For Your Body Type

No matter how beautiful a wedding dress is, it will never look the same on different body types. This is why it’s so important to select a wedding dress for your body type. We come in all different shapes and sizes, and thankfully there are a variety of dress silhouettes available so we can quickly enhance or minimize different features of our bodies. Of course you’ll want to  look (and ultimately feel) your best on your wedding day. When you are shopping for your wedding dress, you’ll want a selection of dresses that play up your best features, so here are some tips for choosing the best wedding dress for your body type.

best wedding dress for your body type - illustration of wedding dress silhouettesPhoto Credit: 160623023 © Yana Lesiuk | Dreamstime.com

The Best Wedding Dress For Your Body Type

Finding the perfect wedding dress for your body type can be easier than you think. And being in tune to your own shape is key. Are there areas you want to play up or enhance? Maybe there are areas you want to diminish or de-emphasize? This in no way means you are trying to show off or hide, instead it is presenting yourself in the best possible light.

Best Wedding Dress For Wide Hips

best wedding dress for wide hipsPhoto Credit: Michelle Yao (CC BY 2.0)

The fullness of a ball gown will help to accentuate your waist while hiding hips. An A-line gown will also do the trick.

Drop waists or basque waists can make you look bottom-heavy.

Instead, try gowns with lovely detailing on the bodice or an off-the-shoulder neckline that will draw attention to the upper half of your body, as will a square or bateau neckline.

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Be careful with trumpet or sheath style gowns, as they may make you look out of proportion.

Best Wedding Dress For A Full Waist

best wedding dress for a full waist - wedding gown dress with basque or drop waist
Photo credit: xubangwen via photopin cc

A drop or empire waist, or an A-line dress will add curves.

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Also look for detailing around the neckline which will draw the eye to the upper part of your body.

wedding gown wedding dress with detail at necklinePhoto credit: WinterStephan via photopin cc

Avoid dresses that are fitted at your natural waistline.

Best Wedding Dress For An Hourglass Figure

best wedding dress for an hourglass figure - trumpet wedding gown wedding dressPhoto credit: AviviJ via photopin cc

This figure has a natural balance – show it off! Many different silhouettes – sheath, trumpet, a-line – will look fabulous on you. Choosing the right neckline and waistline are key.

Avoid high necklines, as open necklines like an off-the-shoulder are more flattering.

Accentuate your waist with a fitted, natural waistline. Stay away from empire, basque, or drop waists. You want to accentuate your real waistline so stay away from high or low waistlines.

wedding gown wedding dress detail at natural waistPhoto credit: WinterStephan via photopin cc

A trumpet skirt or ball gown will also beautifully enhance an hourglass shape.

Avoid spaghetti straps, but if you want a bit of coverage or support, cap sleeves are a good choice.

Best Wedding Dress For A Petite Figure
a-line wedding gown wedding dress Photo credit: janniery via photopin cc

A gown with a subtle silhouette, such as an a-line or a sheath delicately adds length to a petite figure.

An empire waist will also elongate a small frame.

wedding gown wedding dress empire waist Photo credit: WinterStephan via photopin cc

Keep any detailing small and subtle as large decorations will be overwhelming. Depending on the fullness, even long sleeves may be too much. Avoid the bulk of a ball gown or a mermaid silhouette, which are too overpowering for a smaller body type.

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Best Wedding Dress For A Tall Figure

best wedding dress for a tall figure - sheath style wedding gown wedding dressPhoto credit: WinterStephan via photopin cc

A sheath, mermaid or trumpet style is for you, as they add gentle curves. Soft detailing on the bodice or sleeves gives the illusion of width. You’ll want a waistline that is at or close to your own natural waistline.

mermaid style wedding gown wedding dress Photo credit: churcy via photopin cc

Be careful with waistlines that are especially high (empire) or low (drop) as they can add additional height.

A basque waist (natural at the hip and dips down into a “v” or “u”) is also a good choice.

Best Wedding Dress For A Large Bust

best wedding dress for a large bust - halter style wedding gown wedding dressPhoto credit: churcy via photopin cc

If you have a large bust, there is no rule that says you cannot rock a wedding dress with a strapless or sweetheart neckline. Just make sure you choose a gown that offers enough coverage up top. so you won’t spill out.

But if you’ll feel more comfortable with a bit more coverage or support, go for a halter or illusion neckline. V-neck and scoop neck gowns are also flattering.

Avoid an empire waist or a highly embellished bodice as that will only draw more attention to the top portion of your body.

Best Wedding Dress For A Small Bust

best wedding dress for a small bust - wedding gown wedding dress with sweetheart necklinePhoto credit: xubangwen via photopin cc

If you have a small bust, a sweetheart neckline – the neckline is heart-shaped and ends in a point between the breasts – can give the illusion of being larger on top.

Avoid halter or strapless styles. They will only draw attention to your small size. Instead choose bodices with draping, ruching and other details will make you appear more voluminous.

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Best Wedding Dress For A Protruding Tummy

best wedding dress for a protruding tummy - a-line wedding dressPhoto Credit: Michelle Yao (CC BY 2.0)

To hide a little bit of a tummy try a basque waist. Waistlines with soft draping also help hide a protruding tummy. An A-line gown beautifully hides this trouble spot while still showing some curves.

Avoid a bias cut gown, as these are often made of sheer fabrics that tend to cling to every curve and bump.

What do you think of these tips to find the best wedding dress for your body type? Let me know in the comments below.

Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean

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If you have questions or are looking for unique ideas for your wedding contact me at [email protected] or at 937-581-3647!

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