Have a wish list for your wedding gown but don’t know how to choose? These How to Choose Your Wedding Dress by Body Type: 6 Important Tips will help.

You’re probably so excited, you just can’t wait to try on every dress you can get your hands on. But choosing the perfect gown for you is really important. Wedding dresses aren’t like regular clothes, but your body shape and silhouette still count.

The good news is, it’s easy if you’re one of the Classic Fabulous Fruits—Apple Shape, Pear, Hourglass. Rectangle, sometimes called Banana, has gained popularity thanks to stars like Meryl Davis, the ice dancer.

You’ll also find wedding gowns that flatter a combination shape.

Whether wedding dress shopping is at the top of your priority list, or put it off until 2 weeks before your wedding day, choosing a wedding gown is never an easy task. Some girls know what they’re looking for and can purchase a gown in a snap. Others struggle to find a dress that brings out their personal style, and that best flatters their figure.

Not to worry, though. We’ve made it easier for you to choose the perfect wedding dress for your body type. Read on!

 

How to Choose Your Wedding Dress by Body Type: 6 Important Tips – Best Silhouette for Your Shape

Brides come in all different shapes, sizes, and preferences. Some are fairly certain that they know what’s best for them.

Others make multiple wedding dress appointments, try on dress after dress, but still never find The One. Whatever type of bride you are, though, we want you to look good, but most of all, feel good on your big day.  

One simple way to limit your dress options is to find the best silhouette to fit your shape. Specifically, you want to complement your assets and downplay whatever you’re not thrilled with. So to start, let’s figure out what body type you are:

Pear, Apple, Hourglass?

Tall, Slender, Petite, Busty?

Not to worry if you don’t know the answers. Here’s our premiere guide to help you find your perfect silhouette.

 

How to Choose Your Wedding Dress by Body Type: 6 Important Tips – Petite or Pear 

• Petite

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50613

 

Most petite brides aim for a dress silhouette to give the illusion of being a few inches taller. If this is you, opt for a modified A-line gown with a waistline slightly above your natural waist. This makes the skirt of the dress longer than the bodice.

A gentle fit and flare gown is another go-to option for your body type. This is especially true if you can wear a shoe with a bit of a heel.

Some bridal stylists recommend floaty, chiffon goddess-style wedding gowns with unbroken lines to elongate your frame. For some flair, try adding some beading or floral details to your dress!

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #8465

 

You might want to avoid a noticeably dropped waist, as it will shorten your legs. A classic Cinderella ball gown can also have a shortening effect unless you’re comfortable in very tall heels.

One stunning option is a short dress worn with pumps or sling backs. The short hem will show off your slim legs. The low vamp shoes will lengthen.

Click HERE for Informal by DaVinci Style #F7065

 

This same dress has a fluffy, removable skirt so you get the best of both worlds!

 

Tip: If you’re a petite bride who still craves a sweeping train, order a “cathedral length” veil. Keep the bulk of the veil sheer but add beautiful lace embellishments if you wish.

The veil can be swept out in front of you for formal pictures and then be removed so you can move more freely at your reception.

Find inspiration for this in Witney Carson’s wedding video on YouTube. She’s only 5-foot-3 but look at that veil!

Witney Carson Wedding Video

 

• Pear

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50617

 

If you’re a luscious Pear body type, you have wonderfully generous hips. Depending on your preference, you can either flaunt your curves in a mermaid or fit and flare gown. Then choose any neckline, fabric, and hemline that you please.

 

Or if you want to downplay that area, look for an A-line gown with a slightly higher waistline. The flared skirt narrows your waist, flowing away from the hips and lower body.

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50541

 

If you feel an A-line is a bit too much on the formal side, you can dress it down with a chiffon overlay or a more casual lace.

As for the neckline, you could opt for a strapless gown. But if you want to slenderize your upper body, go with a spaghetti strap or V-neckline.

All that taken into consideration, a beautiful Pear such as yourself can glow in a dress with as much generous detail and texture as you want. Your dress will still slenderize your silhouette.

 

 

How to Choose Your Wedding Dress by Body Type: 6 Important Tips – Busty or Plus

 

• Generous Bosom

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50441

 

Most women, no matter their shape, tend to dress a bit more conservatively for their wedding. Some even go for styles that either minimize their bust or hide it completely. It’s all up to personal choice.

This body shape is sometimes called an Inverted Triangle. Therefore, if you want a little more coverage, a dress with a scoop neck may be perfect choice. A scoop shows less cleavage but is still elegant.

 

Yes, you can wear off-the-shoulder!

Click HERE DaVinci Bridal Style #50577

 

You might also prefer a gown in silk, satin or organza that are more constructed fabrics. Consider straps or sleeves for added support and to help highlight your shape in all the right places.

 

Yes, you can wear a deep, deep V-neckline!

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50561

 

Consider opting for a sweetheart neckline or a wide V-neckline, as straight necklines sometimes aren’t quite as flattering.

Also, keep in mind that you’ll want a fitted bodice with good interior structure for a beautifully polished look.

 

• Plus Size

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50365

 

Plus sized brides sometimes find their sample choices limited due to most bridal boutiques’ limited selection. However, you should still be able to find some basic silhouettes.

Consider an empire gown with a skirt that flows from just below the bust into a floor length A-line. This will give you height and a sleek line. Too much ruching can add bulk, but well-placed diagonal ruching can be stunning.

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50092

 

Be wary of under-the-bust vertical pleats or gathered fabric lines. And unless you love the unfettered goddess look, consider styles and fabrics with more construction.

It takes a very special bride to do justice to this unbelievable one of a kind designer wedding gown!

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #8230

 

One more beautiful looks is an empire waistline with an A-line skirt of any style (fluffy or sleek) and a bolero, sleeved jacket, or shrug.

Click HERE or on the image below to see our collection that can be customized for brides and bridesmaids:

 

Remember, though, it’s entirely up to you whether you want a dress that’s loose and flowing or a more formal gown that’s sleek and constructed.

 

How to Choose Your Wedding Dress by Body Type: 6 Important Tips – Tall or Hourglass

 

• Tall

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50621

 

If you’re a beautiful bride on the tall side, keep the dress silhouette simple to emphasize your shape. Look for a gown with a drop waist and a floor-sweeping hem to balance your legs and torso. Then, if you wish, go all out and add as long a train as you dare.

You might want to be careful of embellishments so as not to look too costume-like. But a dramatic cape sweeping from your shoulders can be breathtaking.

If you want long sleeves, make sure they’re hemmed past your wrists:

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50610

 

Also, if you wish to highlight your throat and décolleté, choose either a sleeveless gown or one with spaghetti straps.

 

• Hourglass

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50602

 

Just about any silhouette looks beautiful on an Hourglass bride. With shoulders and hips in perfect balance, a sheath will show off your figure’s assets. It’ll also still streamline you from head to toe making you look tall and sleek.

You can go all out & be a fairytale princess or choose an elegant, classy queen vibe in a full ball gown complete with a bell skirt and an embellished bodice:

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50282

 

However, for brides who want to really rock their curves, nothing beats a mermaid or trumpet gown. This body-hugging, waist-accentuating silhouette will be beautiful in all the right places.

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50573

 

The only caution for Hourglass brides is to avoid an empire waist gown. It won’t show off your beautifully slim waist to best advantage. Also, if you prefer to draw less attention to your bust line, choose something other than a sweetheart neckline.

 

How to Choose Your Wedding Dress by Body Type: 6 Important Tips – In the End, Your Heart Wins!

Whatever your body style, remember that your preference rules. Don’t let family, friends, or even your fiancé override your heart. Not all brides believe they know what looks best for them, so start by trying on dresses of your personal choice.

If you begin to feel your choices aren’t working, then do solicit opinions from professionals like your bridal retail consultant.

The most important factor when it comes to your wedding gown is your heart. Wear the dress that feels fabulous on your body and that makes you feel beautiful when you look in the mirror.

 

REMEMBER: Our guidelines are just guidelines not rules

We’re only relating what has worked well for others with particular body types. But don’t take just our word for it. Get out there, do your own research, dive into the chase. Try on as many different dresses as you want.

You never know—maybe you’ll find that The Perfect Wedding Dress for You wasn’t anything at all like you expected!

 

To see our custom DaVinci Style guide, Click HERE or on the image below: 

 

 

For a detailed study guide on combination body shapes, Click  HERE or on the image below to read the article by Shop Your Shape:

 

 

For more inspiration on styles, planning & all things wedding, Click  HERE or on the image below for our premiere DaVinci Bridal Blog: