Every bride deserves to feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable on her wedding day, and that's why it's so important to find a wedding dress that you love how you look in it! With so many styles, silhouettes, and details to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this blog post, we'll give you more information on figuring out your body shape and what styles compliment it. By understanding your body shape and considering key design elements, you'll be able to find a gown that flatters your figure and makes you feel like a radiant bride.
Identify Your Body Shape: Understanding your body shape is the first step in finding a dress that accentuates your best features. Common body types include hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, and inverted triangle. Take a moment to assess your proportions and identify which category best represents your figure.
Highlighting Your Best Features: Once you know your body type, it's time to highlight your best features. If you have an hourglass figure, consider a mermaid or trumpet silhouette to showcase your curves. For pear-shaped bodies, A-line or ballgown styles help balance the hips and accentuate the waist. If you're an apple shape, empire waistlines or dresses with rouching can create a flattering silhouette. Rectangle shapes can benefit from fit-and-flare or sheath dresses that create the illusion of curves. Inverted triangle figures can opt for ballgowns or dresses with detailed skirts to balance broader shoulders.
Consider Necklines: The neckline of your wedding dress can greatly impact your overall look. If you have a smaller bust, sweetheart or plunging V-necklines can create the illusion of more volume. Brides with a larger bust may feel more comfortable and supported in a scoop neck or illusion neckline. Halter necklines work well for broad shoulders, while off-the-shoulder or cap sleeves can soften a strong shoulder line.
Play with Skirt Styles: The skirt of your wedding dress can enhance or downplay certain aspects of your figure. A-line skirts are universally flattering and work well for most body types. Ballgowns can create a dramatic and fairytale-like effect, particularly for hourglass or pear-shaped figures. Fit-and-flare or trumpet skirts hug the curves, making them a great choice for hourglass or rectangle shapes. Sheath dresses offer a sleek and elongated silhouette, perfect for petite or rectangle figures.
Pay Attention to Waistlines: The waistline of a dress can emphasize your natural curves and create a visually pleasing shape. Empire waistlines sit just below the bust, accentuating the smallest part of the waist and flattering apple or rectangle shapes. Natural waistlines define the waist and work well for hourglass and pear-shaped figures. Drop waistlines sit lower on the hips, elongating the torso and adding interest to rectangle or apple shapes.
Don't Forget About Fabrics: Different fabrics drape and cling to the body in various ways, affecting the overall look and feel of the dress. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon or tulle can create a soft and romantic effect, while structured fabrics like satin or Mikado provide a more defined silhouette. Stretchy fabrics, such as jersey or stretch lace, offer comfort and ease of movement.
Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, the most important factor in choosing your wedding dress is how the dress makes you feel. If you put it on and you feel beautiful and feel like a bride than that is the most important factor of all! Your wedding dress is the one time you can wear whatever you want and no one can say anything about it!
When shopping for your wedding dress it is great to have an idea of what style would look best on your body but always be open to trying on other shapes because sometimes knowing what you don't want is as important as knowing what you want and sometimes a dress may surprise you. Also be open to the expertise of your stylist! They work with many different body shapes and sizes and they could pull you a dress that wouldn't even cross your mind but may end up being the one. Ultimately what makes your feel like a bride and what you want to get married in is up to you and if you love it you will be a beautiful bride on your wedding day!