How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Dress for Your Body Shape

Brides with an hourglass body shape usually have a narrow waist, while the bust area and hips are wider and have almost the same size. It’s a lovely curvy figure and most clothes would fit this body shape well.
What works for your figure: Look for dresses that hug and show off your curves, such as a silhouette or mermaid style. A sweetheart or plunge neckline works better than for example a halter or high neck dress, as this will let you look more balanced.
Stay away from: Ball gown, empire or princess-style dresses with fuller skirts, as this could make you appear bigger around your bust and hips.

Pear body shapes tend to have hips that are wider than the bust area and a fairly defined waist. They often have very feminine neck and shoulders and are smaller in the chest area.
What works for your figure: Wedding dresses like sleek silhouette or mermaid dress. Dresses with sleeves are also a good option to balance out your smaller shoulders with your wider hips.
Stay away from: Empire dress styles may hide your dainty figure and make you appear bigger than you are.

This body shape name means the shoulders and upper body are proportionally bigger than the lower body. The bride may have broad shoulders with a slimmer waist and smaller hips.
What works for your figure: A symmetrical or v-neck style works perfectly with the inverted triangle shape. Fuller straps and sleeves also make your shoulders look more subtle. You could look for dresses with more detail such as lace as this will help your shape appear more fully balanced.
Stay away from: Off-the-shoulder, strapless or halter neck dresses would highlight and exaggerate your wider shoulders too much.

Having a rectangle body type, means a straighter figure with shoulders, waist and hips of similar width. Sometimes these brides are also tall, have little waist definition and a smaller bust, looking a bit “straight up and down”.
What works for your figure: A-line, empire, ball gowns and princess-style dresses are great. Any these styles with a fuller bottom gives more definition and adds curves to your shape.
Stay away from: Try to avoid figure hugging dresses such as mermaid, fishtail or silhouette styles as these will accentuate your straight shape and give less definition. High necklines may also make you appear even taller.

Petite is not really considered a body type or figure, but being shorter can also affect how certain dresses look on you. In the world of fashion, “petite” describes a woman who is shorter than 163 cm.
What works for your figure: In the case of smaller brides, it’s always a matter of the simpler the better. A simple, structured lining will be flattering, without overpowering your small frame. An empire waistline works well, by making your legs appear longer.
Stay away from: Avoid dresses with high necklines, full sleeves, and stay away from too much billowing fabric to get lost in.