If you've ever felt utterly overwhelmed with the prospect of choosing your wedding dress, you're not alone! It may sound like a simple enough task, but once you start looking you will probably realise that it will take a lot of time, energy and effort to find the right dress for you. So how do you know where to start looking? Well, your body type says a lot about what kind of styles suit you best, and that's why we're going to share with you the best choices for many common body types!
Looks best on: Almost anyone.
Not so good on: Some A-lines have a very fitted top, which will not be comfortable for everyone — especially those with bigger busts.
Morrill says, "An A-line dress is great for enhancing small busts, and for slimming larger hips. It is flattering on everyone. Additionally, the dress is not so huge as to be uncomfortable or a burden on a warm day or at an outside wedding."
Looks best on: Tall brides and brides who are heavier on bottom than on top.
Not so good on: Shorter brides can get overwhelmed by the full skirt. If you're a shorter bride and you have your heart set on a ball gown, make sure to get it altered to fit you.
Morrill says, "Ball gowns really show off a small waist. They are wonderful for formal weddings, but be sure the folks doing the alterations install a strong and sturdy bustle. I would avoid a ballgown that has extensive ribbing for a warm weather wedding as the heat can make everything swell and be uncomfortable."
Looks best on: Shorter women with stellar calves and women with broad shoulders. The full skirt will work to balance your upper and lower body for a proportional appearance.
Not so good on: If you have thick ankles or calves, avoid this style. Taller brides might also find this style to fit them awkwardly.
"Ballerina gowns are fantastic for gals with incredible legs," Morrill explains. "The dresses also make it easy and comfortable to spend your reception dancing the night away."
Looks best on: Short-waisted women, tall thin women, heavy-set women with apple shapes — it will create a slimming affect.
Not so good on: Women who are fall somewhere in the middle of thin and curvy extremes
For women with an apple shape, wardrobe stylist Melissa Bessey recommends, "Look for dresses with an empire waist and pair them with a bra that offers good lift."
Additionally, an empire waist gown can accentuate the bust while delicately flowing over the stomach and hips, making it a versatile and forgiving option for various body types. *This style creates an elongated silhouette and can balance proportions effectively*. **Jennifer Scott, a bridal fashion consultant, advises**, "Opt for lightweight fabrics like chiffon or silk to enhance the ethereal quality of the empire dress." Moreover, **empire waist dresses can be dressed up or down** with the right accessories, making them perfect for weddings of any style, from boho chic to classic elegance.
Looks best on: Tall women and shapely, curvy women with hourglass or petite figures.
Not so good on: If there are any parts of your figure that you like to minimize, this is not the dress for you. If your ceremony requires kneeling, this dress may not work for you either.
"Fitted dresses are great for women with hourglass shapes because they accentuate your natural curves," says Bessey.
Looks best on: Almost everyone.
Not so good on: It's a classic, feminine look that may not suit everyone's taste.
Morrill advises, "Princess gowns are for brides with a romantic, formal style who also value comfort. Again, be sure the train has a sturdy bustle. I also recommend avoiding princess gowns if you have a lot of bridesmaids, or if you want to have custom seating (like a vintage chair) as the gown takes up a fair amount of space." Bessey points out that a gown with a V-neckline can also lengthen a shorter torso.
Looks best on: Very tall or very petite brides or brides with an hour glass figure.
Not so good on: Short-waisted brides, full-figured brides, brides that are heavier on top than on bottom.
"Sheath gowns really can show off a tall bride's height. They are great for warm weather weddings or for outdoor venues," Morrill says.
Looks best on: Thinner women with small chests.
Not so good on: Hourglass shapes — it could drown your curves and make them look awkward where a dress in the mermaid-style gown will bring the best out in your curves.
And according to Morrill, "A slip style creates a sexy shape for a slender bride. Again, a great choice for warm weather weddings."
Make a Note: These terms are just to give you a head start on your wedding dress shopping. If you love a dress, try it on. A dress you love will always look 20 times better on you than a dress you think you're supposed to love! So while it's important to consider your body type, it's even more important to choose a dress you love over a dress you're told to love.