Find the Perfect Wedding Dress for Every Body Type

According to a wedding attire by the popular wedding website The Knot, nearly all brides these days are choosing a classic gown style. Brides chose floor-length dresses 97 percent of the time, with the fit-and-flare silhouette the most popular style. A-lines came in at second with ball gowns ranked third. Find the perfect dress for you. Select one that flatters your body type!

Regardless of the most popular style, the best wedding dress style for you really depends on your body type to ensure the most flattering fit, and there’s something out there for everyone.

Petite/Short Brides

When searching through wedding dresses for short women, the A-line with a V-neck is the way to go. They really compliment a smaller frame by providing definition to the bust and waist. And, if you’re 5’4″ or under, the V-neck helps to add height by creating the illusion of a longer torso. A sheath silhouette can also work well, following the body’s natural line without flaring out, helping to add length. Think simple, avoiding dresses with large bows or elaborate beading. If you’re going to wear a veil you’ll want something shorter that doesn’t overwhelm.

Tall Brides

On the opposite end of the spectrum, while a ball gown would swallow up a petite bride. If you’re tall, embrace your height and feel as if you’re in a fairytale by choosing this style. It’s most distinguishing trait is a very full skirt – it’s also cinched at the natural waist and has a fitted bodice, which is ideal for a more boyish figure as it enhances curves. At the same time, if you’re pear-shaped, it looks great too, skimming over the hips and defining the waist.

Hourglass-Shaped Brides

A gown with a mermaid silhouette is great for brides with an hourglass figure as it has a tapered, slim skirt that hugs curves, following the line of the thighs and hips while flaring just below the knees. Trumpet and bias-cut gowns are also great choices – the key is to embrace and celebrate curves. You don’t want too much volume that hides a beautiful figure.

Apple-Shaped Brides

For those with an apple shaped body type. Typically with shoulders, waist, and bust more uniform, give your waist more definition. This can be accomplished with a style that has a deep v-neckline which draws the eye up, a skirt with some extra volume like a tiered ball gown and/or diagonal ruching details. Ruffled chiffon or layers of flowy tulle will look great too.

Pear-Shaped Brides

Do you have a body type with a smaller chest and shoulders, wider hips and thighs? You can help balance things out and pull the eyes upward by choosing a dress with a high neckline. An off-the-shoulder gown is a good option that creates a classic, romantic look, or you might go with a halter top for something more trendy. Look for dresses in a skirt style that focuses on your natural waistline while skimming your hips, like a fit-and-flare or a-line gown. Avoid a very voluminous skirt that flares at the hips as it will have the opposite of the desired effect, making you look wider in the middle.

And when you’re ready, this is the best way to protect your dress for posterity. WEDDING DRESS PRESERVATION