The Best Wedding Dresses for Your Body Shape

What is your body shape? No girl should show off parts of her body that she is not entirely happy with so your dream wedding dress should cover any lumps, bumps or skin problems that have made you self-conscious in the past.  The rule of thumb is to go for a dress that elongates you elegantly, enhances the best parts of your body and forgives any shortcomings.  This article should help you in determining what wedding dress styles go with your shape; hence, saving you a tonne of misery from trying on unflattering dresses.

Four Most Common Female Body Shapes

Picture from http://www.caribbeanswimsuit.com

Banana

Rectangular or straight body shape; quite evenly proportioned.

Apple

Broad upper body and narrow hips; may be quite busty or have wide shoulders

Pear

Triangular body shape; hips are relatively wider than bust and shoulder width.

Hourglass

Narrow waist and equally proportioned bust and hips. 

Wedding Dress Silhouettes and Necklines

(All Sketches are of Estilo Moda Designs)

WEDDING DRESS SKIRT SHAPES

A-Line Dress

Characterised by a gentle and gradual flare from the waist to the hemline 

Suits Who

All body shapes

Ball Gown 
Characterised by a very full skirt.  Another variation of the ball gown is gathered at the waist.

Suits Who
All body shapes (too full/wide skirts not great for petite brides)

Sheath 
Characterised by a close fitting straight skirt, flaring out very gently right at the bottom.

Suits Who
Banana, Hourglass (but looks best on very slim body shapes)

Empire Waist Dress
Characterised by a longer skirt that starts from underneath the bust to the hemline

Suits Who
Apple (also perfect for pregnant brides or midriff body sins)

Mermaid/ Trumpet/ Fishtail Dress

Different variations of the same silhouette characterised by a body hugging skirt flaring from the thighs or knees, gradually wider until the hemline

Suits Who
Mermaid, Hourglass (not great for far too disproportional bust and waist measurements)

 WEDDING DRESS BODICE SHAPES

One Shoulder 

Suits Who 
Hour Glass, Pear, Banana (If you are mindful of your arms, then this may not be the bodice shape for you.  It is also not great for covering those fleshy armpit bits we all hate)

Sleeveless

Suits Who 

Pear, Hourglass, Banana (The same rules apply here with regards to arms.  Sleeveless wedding dresses are built to show off toned arms that you are proud to display so if you are arm conscious  then steer clear. or look for an accessory such as a bolero, shrug or wrap that can disguise the parts you want to hide beautifully)

Base Strapless 

Suits Who 

Pear, Banana, Hourglass (If you've got a sizable bust and would still like to wear a strapless dress, then a base strapless might work well to hold your glorious chest adequately.  There are many variations and interpretations of the base strapless neckline by designers all over the world so don't consider it a boring option. 

Bateau

 This is a wide neckline wedding dress that runs horizontally, front and back, almost to the shoulder points, across the collarbone

Suits Who 

Pear, Hourglass, Banana (This style of bodice is amazing for girls with a larger bust but not great for girls with a small bust as it makes the chest area look smaller)

Plunging V

Suits Who 

All Shapes but must not be too deep for large busts to prevent unsightly cleavage spillage or cleavage kissing neck :)

Sweetheart Strapless 

Suits Who 

Hourglass, Pear, Banana (If you have a very large bust, then this may not be the style for you as it has been known to cause the worst cases of disastrous cleavage spillage and your wedding day is not the day to expose the twins to all and sundry.  You want a more demure and tasteful look for such a special day to be remembered forever)

Sleeves

Suits Who 

All shapes and sizes especially girls like me who are not the biggest fans of their arms. 

Halter 

Suits Who 

All Shapes but if you have what is sometimes referred to as swimmers arms, then a halter neck wedding dress may make your shoulders look even wider.  Also, if you have a boyish sort of apple figure, then you may wish to go for an off shoulder style instead. 

Now while I haven't been able to go over every single wedding dress style, design or shape, I feel that there's enough here to set you on your way.

Remember, first of all determine your body shape, take note of the skirt and bodice shapes that will work for your shape and march into those bridal shops (hopefully, ours in Milton Keynes first) and get searching for that dream wedding dress.

Very many blessings,

Lisa xx

Have you got any tips that you wish to add to these, please post your comments to help other brides as well choose their dream wedding dress. We hope you enjoy reading this article and we would love to see your comments. 

This blog entry comes free to you courtesy of Estilo Moda Bridal and Occasional Wear. Estilo Moda are designers of stunning bridal wear to suit your budget and taste. Other designers create a dress which you can decide is your dream dress. We create your exact dream dress and you decide every single detail and we achieve perfection every time. We are based in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England. www.estilomoda.co.uk. Bridal Shop in Milton Keynes. Wedding Dress Shop in Milton Keynes

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