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.
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
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.
Be careful with trumpet or sheath style gowns, as they may make you look out of proportion.
Best Wedding Dress For A Full Waist
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A drop or empire waist, or an A-line dress will add curves.
Also look for detailing around the neckline which will draw the eye to the upper part of your body.
Avoid dresses that are fitted at your natural waistline.
Best Wedding Dress For An Hourglass Figure
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.
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 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.
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.
Best Wedding Dress For A Tall Figure
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.
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
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
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.
Best Wedding Dress For A Protruding Tummy
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
If you have questions or are looking for unique ideas for your wedding contact me at jean@weddingsfromtheheart.net or at 937-581-3647!