With all eyes on the bride during one of the most important walks she’ll make in her life, she’ll want to have the right gown for her figure. As difficult as it may be to find the perfect dress, starting out armed with knowledge of wedding dress styles and how they work on her figure type will make the process less frustrating.
Bridal Gown for the Pear Shape
For the woman who has a pear shape, with a smaller top and larger bottom, a fitted bodice with a fuller skirt will disguise the hips and pull attention to the upper part of the body. The skirt may be pleated, gathered or A-line for the best look. A fitted or accented waist is the ideal choice for the bride with a tiny middle section. Pear shaped brides need to avoid a gown that is fitted from top to bottom.
Wedding Dress for the Bride with Broad Shoulders
If the woman has broad shoulders, a scoop neck or spaghetti strapped dress will help give the impression of having narrower shoulders. A strapless wedding dress is also good. The bride should consider a longer bodice with a drop waist. Brides with broad shoulders should avoid puffed sleeves, ruffles at the sleeve, a halter bodice or an off-shoulder sleeve.
Bridal Dress for the Petite Woman
Small brides should avoid wedding gowns with excessive fabric, or they’ll look lost. This includes full skirted gowns with an abundance of pleats or gathers. The ideal look for a petite bride is an A-line bridal dress with a natural waist. A dropped waist is likely to make her look even shorter.
Wedding Gown for the Tall Bride
Most tall women can carry off almost any of the bridal gown styles. The taller brides look good in the sheath style of gown, which is fitted equally fitted from top to bottom. Another style she might consider is an A-line dress or mermaid gown. However, empire waist dresses may not be the most flattering.
Dress for the Bride with the Hourglass Figure
The ideal bridal gown for the woman with an hourglass body type is an A-line or a drop waist dress. She might also want to consider a two-piece gown or corset style dress to accent the smaller waist.
Bridal Gown for Full Busted Women
Women with a fuller bust look their best in dresses with straps that are set widely apart. Some strapless dresses are suitable, but it all depends on the style. Scoop and square necklines enhance bust lines, so for the woman who wants to de-emphasize the bust, these are not good choices.
Wedding Dress for the Bride with Fuller Arms
Brides who want to disguise larger arms may find that off-shoulder straps will flatter them. Other options they should consider are three-quarter or long sleeve dresses. Another option is to wear a dress with sheer sleeves.
Bridal Gown for Women with Thick Waistlines
Women who have thicker waistlines may want to try on empire dresses that cinch them directly below the bust line. They may also like the look of a princess style or drop waist. Adding higher heels and jewelry at the neckline will pull attention away from the thicker waist.
Knowing what to look for before starting her search for the perfect bridal wear will eliminate many frustrations. As the bride looks through the racks at dress after dress, she’ll be able to spot the one that will make her look her very best.
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