How to Select the Right Style of Wedding Gown

Choose a wedding dress that works best for your body type.

Looking and feeling great in your wedding dress are important for your wedding day. Choosing the right style of wedding gown for your special day will help achieve both. There are several different body types, and each type and shape looks best in a different style wedding dress. Once you know what body shape you are, you will be able to pick the best dress that will not only flatter your body but will help you feel great as well.

Instructions

1. 

   Choose a dress with strapless or off the shoulder straps.

   Emphasize you waste if you have an hourglass figure. Many women with an hourglass figure are larger sizes with a large bust and large hips, but a defined waist. Choose a one piece dress (as opposed to a dress that has a separate top and bottom) that has a strapless, v-neck or scooped off the shoulder top and an A-line skirt.

2. 

   An empire waist wedding dress can hide larger hips by drawing attention up to the bust.

   Draw attention to your top half if you are pear shaped. This means you are smaller on the top than you are at the waist and hips. Empire waist wedding dresses pull the waist line up under the bust and will help hide wider hips. A strapless top can be flattering as well.

3. 

   The more traditional ball gown style wedding dress works well on full figured women.

   Choose a ball gown style or A-line style wedding dress if you are full-figured. Full-figured means you have a large bust, hips and waist. The ball gown dress is fitted in the top and middle with a flare to the floor that can disguise your hips. Likewise, an A-line dress fits in the waist and draws out to the floor like the shape of an A. Avoid wearing spaghetti straps as this will add emphasis a larger size.

4. 

   A simple A-line wedding dress can flatter the petite bride.

   Wear a simple wedding gown if you are petite. Petite women are often short and thin and wearing something with a full skirt or with multiple gathers can look overwhelming. The best skirt shape is the A-line as it has less fabric. While you should avoid large elaborate dresses, you should also avoid a straight sheath style dress as it will minimize your small size.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a dress that you are comfortable in given the style of wedding, time of year and location of the wedding.

References

• The Knot: Your Wedding Dress: Find the Right Fit for You
• Wedding Central: Help! I Can't Find the Right Wedding Dress to Suit My Figure
• Perfect Wedding Zone: How To Find The Right Wedding Dresses That Suits Your Personality And Style?