Our Expert Guide To Finding A Wedding Dress That Flatters Your Body
After you get engaged the first thing you will likely do is jump straight into wedding dress shopping, and we don’t blame you! We all want that fairytale feeling of floating down the aisle in a magical wedding dress, so YES you should start shopping right away. But with millions of wedding dresses to choose from, how do you find one that will look good on you and flatter all “your” curves (or lack of)? Today we’re gonna put all the talk to rest, and tell you how to find the perfect wedding gown for your body.
After all, every woman’s body is unique, beautiful, and priceless! Not to mention, personalities and confidence vary for each bride as well, so maybe these stereotypical “body categories” are just garbage.
Let’s look into what wedding dress designers think you should wear based on your body type. Then we’ll get into what you CAN wear.
Here are The Easiest Ways To Find The Perfect Wedding Gown For Your Body Type
1. Define Your Shape
Hey, girl, we know your shape does not define who you are, but when it comes to finding your wedding dress, many “fashion experts” say you need to know which “category” your curves put you in. This is because “they” think certain body styles should only wear certain silhouettes.
Huh? The staff at The Aisle Wedding Directory spent over 17 years managing bridal boutiques, and we’re here to tell you that is HOGWASH!!
There are no “absolute rules” in fashion, but any half-decent wedding dress designer will tell you some shapes and cuts go well with certain body types, and some do not.
Here’s how the “fashion industry” categorizes a woman’s body into shapes.
2. Pear-Shaped
Pear body types need not worry about peer pressure (pun intended), you’re still as lovely as everyone else. Ballgowns are your dress style of choice as they add an appealing and pleasing overall silhouette. The wow-factor is apparent with dresses that draw the eye to the waist and hips but also showcase the top with bodice like cuts.
3. Straight Yet Funky
Brides that have a straight body type (which means that your hips, waist, and upper body are roughly the same width) can have an easier time finding the perfect dress. The straighter body types might find it most appealing to opt for bridal dresses that cling to the body.
A fitted silhouette will accentuate your best parts and also make you seem a tad bit curvy which photographs well! Although a fitted dress can also not look the “best” on a bride without curves. You see, a fitted silhouette accentuates the hourglass figure of a woman. If you don’t have curves you may not like how these mermaid or trumpet-shaped wedding dresses look on your body. This is why it is so essential to try on a variety of different styles and silhouettes.
Photo By: MoriLee 5861
4. The ‘Apple of My Eye
For apple body types (upper body is generally wider than legs and torso), then dresses especially frill-type ones that add volume and weight to the lower part of the body fare better. Now don’t jump to wearing a Cinderella ballgown but a simple well-cut dress that has greater detailing on its lower half will go a long way in making sure you’re dressing to look your best.
We suggest that you try on wedding dresses that are referred to as “fit-and-flare”. This beautiful wedding dress style is fitted through the upper thigh which shows your curves and then flares out into a soft tulle or ruffled skirt. A wonderful option to balance out your body and show a beautiful hourglass shape.
Another great option for a bride with an “apple shape” is a modified A-line wedding dress.
We Reveal A Little Known Secret About The Perfect Wedding Dress For Your Body Type
5. Invert That Triangle
Inverted triangle body shapes (broader shoulders, narrower and slimmer lower body) can look their most gorgeous if they opt for mermaid gown style bridal dresses or any dress style that accentuates the hip area. You’ll look like a Disney princess, promise!
A deep neckline and a low cut back can also add some glamour to the whole look and create some interest. Make sure you plop on the highlighter on the décolletage, cheekbones, and shoulders!
6. Hourglass
No, the clock isn’t ticking! Hourglass body types (wider top body and lower body with a narrow waist) look beautiful with mermaid gowns, skirts, and any dress style that focuses on the waist. Wearing a bra like a minimizer will also add a hint of cancellation effect so that your hips are the main star of the show.
Ready for our little secret? When you start shopping you don’t have to go into it looking for the perfect wedding gown for your body type. These “body type” categories are bogus and should not be regarded as the “guide to wedding dress shopping”. We believe that each and every bride is special, beautiful and can wear any damn thing she wants on her wedding day.
So, if you are a curvy bride don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot wear a fitted or sheath wedding gown. It just isn’t true. Matter of fact, mermaid and trumpet wedding gowns look AMAZING on curvy or full-figured brides. Wanna know why? Because curvy brides have “curves”. Crazy, huh? A fitted wedding gown needs someone that can fill it out, the beloved hourglass shape. Instead of dreading wedding dress shopping, celebrate your curves and wear what you want.
The other mistruth we can let you in on…don’t let anyone (not family and friends or bridal stylists) tell you that you cannot wear a ballgown on the beach or a short dress in a church. It’s your wedding, your memories, and your photos. Wear what you want and enjoy the most unforgettable wedding day ever!
Ready to find the perfect wedding dress for your day. Shop the Fall 2020 Wedding Dresses.
