Arguably one of the most important elements of your wedding (besides marrying the love of your life) is obviously what wedding dress you are going to wear. Hopefully by now you have started searching relentlessly through a selection of several bridal magazines. It is easy to get overwhelmed and confused by all the options in the market, so being able to differentiate which type and style of dress will look most flattering on your figure is a good way to start narrowing down the choices. Whether you fall perfectly into one of the categories below or a combination of a few different types, it’s worthwhile checking out our suggestions for what wedding dress to wear with your body shape.

Pear Shaped 

If your hips and backside are wider than your shoulders and your waist is relatively smaller then you, along with Beyonce, Kim K and J Lo, have a pear-shaped body type. If you wish to conceal your “trunk” then we would suggest an A line or Princess dress which flares from the middle that can highlight your waist while concealing your wide hips.

If you want to highlight your pear shape, we suggest a more slim fitted gown that hugs your hips and accentuates your curves.

Big Busted

If you’re someone who has a bigger chest and wants to show it off in a flattering way, then opt for a dress with a low scooped bust line which can show off some cleavage. V-neck and sweetheart necklines are also very flattering while remaining elegant. It’s tricky to cover your cleavage, as completely covering up your chest can make it look bigger. Avoid blunt necklines, as this can make your bust appear shelf like, and be mindful of fabrics such as satin,silk or ruching as this can call for more attention and add unwanted volume. Dresses with a lower waistline, like mermaid dresses or princess line dresses, will suit your silhouette.

Hourglass

The body shape seems to be the one that suits most dresses, but most brides will find that they want to accentuate their small waist and curvy assests. It’s best to avoid empire lines and ballgowns and instead opt for something more flattering to your figure, like corset dresses and bodices. You could follow in the footsteps of one of the most famous hourglass figures, Sophia Vergara, and select the mermaid dress. If you want to show off your curves, a mermaid style dress will taper and hug your curves. If you want a bit more freedom of movement, then opt for a trumpet dress which will still hug you at the waist and hips but allow you to move.

Triangle Shaped

If you have wider shoulders and narrow hips, you may fall in the category of triangle shaped. If you want to draw attention away from your shoulders, thick straps or a single centred strap for one shoulder. Strapless dresses can also draw attention away from your shoulders, or you can embrace them with a halter neck. To balance out your broad top half, you might try a dress with a heavy bottom like a mermaid dress or a trumpet dress. Avoid puffy sleeves or spaghetti straps, and opt instead for a v-neck if you want sleeves.

Apple Shaped

If you are widest around your torso, you may choose to draw attention upwards by selecting a sweetheart neckline or a v-neck that accentuates your shoulders and decolletage. Empire line and A line dresses are the most effective for de-emphasising your waist and slimming your middle. Another method is to wear a lace up corset, as this will gather your waist neatly. Avoid mermaid and ballgowns, as these will accentuate the widest part of your torso.

Plus Sized

Wedding dress shopping can be daunting if you’re a curvy plus sized lady. Never fear, knowing what you’re looking for is half the battle. A dress which cinches just under the bust and has an A-line silhouette will allow accentuate your most flattering features. This can be assisted by a corset bodice to define your shape. A scooped v neckline is also very flattering, and will draw the eye upward.

However, don’t shy away from a style if you really want it – curvy bodies can make a mermaid or trumpet dress look amazing!

Tall 

Tall brides are lucky to have the height and be able to take their pick of wedding dress styles. However, it’s best to avoid styles like empire dresses, which can accentuate your height in an unflattering way. The simpler the silhouette, the more elegant your wedding dress will look. A column style dress on a leaner bride can contour your body, accentuating your statuesque shape. Opting strapless or a scooping neckline can shorten the width of your shoulders. Mixing up fabrics throughout your dress from the bodice to the skirt is another trick to detract from your height. Tall brides can also look amazing in two piece bridal outfits, which are very fashionable at the moment.

Petite

If you’re short and slim, it can be difficult to find a dress that fits both your height and waistline. Petite brides should avoid ballgown dresses and full bodied dresses, which will make them look like they’re being swallowed by the dress, and make them appear shorter. A trumpet style dress or column dress will make you look elegant, but the sheath dress is a clear winner with most petite brides. It makes the bride appear taller and accentuates the silhouette without overwhelming her shape. A dress with an empire waistline will also create the illusion of height, as the it sits higher than your natural waistline and elongates your figure.

If you’re expecting

If you’re going to be pregnant while in your wedding dress, the important thing to look for is comfort. Mermaid dresses and slim fit dresses will be uncomfortable and make your baby bump obvious. If you want to have an elegant and comfortable look, an empire dress or A line dress will accentuate your upper half while disguising your stomach. Choose fabrics that will flatter your shape, like satin, and delicate patterns.

Don’t forget

It’s easy to get swept up in the dress shopping and loving the dress once you find it, but don’t forget that things can go wrong on your big day. Remember to double check the following when deciding which dress you like:

• The way the material sits on your body
• How the waistline feels and if you are able to move
• How the chest area fits and if you need added support
• Any odd bunching, bulging or bunching
• Anything that needs to be secured e.g. beading or embroidery