Choosing a Wedding Dress for Your Body Shape

Like any bride-to-be, it's easy to fall in the trap of having to find the perfect dress for your wedding day. Does such a thing exist? Yes, but it's wise to remember that you'll go through piles and piles of dresses to find the right one. The pressure of choosing a wedding dress is a common scenario that plays out in many bridal stores, and you're not alone. As with any article of clothing, however, choosing the appropriate dress for your body shape is important. And if that dress is your wedding gown, there's added incentive to find the right one.

Few dresses are ideal for everyone – and there are obviously assets you would like to emphasize and others you'd prefer to downplay. Usually, the sales associate at most bridal boutiques or stores will be able to offer an accurate analysis of the dresses you've selected, though you can also have your gown altered to make sure it 'hugs' you in the right places. While no body is alike, the following guidelines on choosing a wedding dress are designed to help you stick to the right style when browsing through the racks, online, or even having a dress specially made.

The Right Dress for Your Wedding Day

If you're like most women, you've been dreaming about your wedding day since you were a little girl, imagining a beautiful, fluffy white ball gown. Choosing your wedding dress may not be so simple. Today's bride has a plethora of gown options available to her, including A-line, sheath, mermaid, empire, and ball gown silhouettes. Though fitting sessions are the only way to tell what works best for you, the following body shape tips are meant to help you sort through the pile.

Hourglass: This shape is, by far and large, considered the ideal of feminine beauty. Ball gowns are perfect for those with smaller waistlines, while form-fitting gowns work just as well and cleverly show off your curves. Choosing a wedding dress like a dropped waist wedding gown, an updated look from the 1920s that's becoming very popular, works well for those with longer torsos and some height to them. Hourglass-shaped women are usually on the bustier side, so you'll want to avoid the harsh straight lines of some strapless gowns; instead, opt for sweetheart necklines or something with a little twist.

Rectangular: Finding a dress for your wedding day is all about knowing your body shape. The idea here is to look for gowns that create curves even if you don't have them. Elegant sheath dresses cut on the bias or bust-enhancing necklines create curves where none exist. A cinched waist dress on your wedding day, one with slightly puffier skirts, will similarly capitalize on your small waist and create volume.

Slim: A mermaid or trumpet dress for your wedding day is perfect for the slimmer bride with smaller hips, though this style can favor anyone on the slender side. A dress with a ruched bodice will create the appearance of a larger bust line, and, again, add curves where needed. Modified A-line gowns with slightly higher waist lines will make you appear taller as well.

Oval: Oval-shaped and plus-sized brides benefit from the classic lines of empire dresses; whether simple or jazzed up with some embellishments, this dress (a wedding day classic) hides numerous figure flaws and enhances the bust line. When choosing a wedding dress in the empire style, remember that it should be somewhat fitted, since a gown that's too loose can become billowy.

Show Off Your Wedding Day Style

As a last note, an A-line dress on your wedding day is more often than not universally flattering. Tall brides should keep the lines, detailing, and fabric simple, though smaller brides can pull off fabrics with high sheen; however, they, too, should avoid decked-out gowns, opting instead for nice touches at the neckline or the bust line to draw the eye up. Choosing a wedding dress in this style hides a lot of flaws, but still offers that big skirt appeal from your girlhood days in a stylish way. Sheath gowns, too, offer the same benefits as A-line gowns, meaning they camouflage many of the flaws you're looking to hide. In this case, however, differentiating between constructed (more curvy brides) and loose sheaths (slender brides) makes the difference when choosing a wedding dress.

Also, consider trying out this handy dream wedding gown creator (http://weddings.ivillage.com/bridalfashion/0,,c19l2h8c,00.html) that walks you through your unique body type and which styles would suit your shape best. It's easy to use and provides some tips that will pay off during your shopping trips!

About the Author

Cherie Johnson is the founder and owner of Creative Wedding Favors, the premier site for unique anniversary, baby and bridal shower, graduation, quinceañera, and wedding favors. Her wedding ideas have also benefited readers of many websites, including Women Of, Wedding Lenox, and The Wedding Guide. Before establishing Creative Wedding Favors in 2006, she worked as a professional wedding photographer, capturing all the special moments of the nuptials and ceremony. Search for fun, festive favors by visiting www.CreativeWeddingFavors.com.
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