2024 Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Dress by Body Type

Dresses

2024 Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Dress by Body Type

StandardSeptember 17, 2024by Manager

Have a wish list for your wedding gown but don’t know how to choose? This 2024 Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Dress by Body Type 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!

2024 Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Dress by Body Type: 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.

2024 Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Dress by Body Type: Petite

Modified A-Line

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.

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50883

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50760

Gentle Fit & Flare

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.

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50880

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50846

Floaty Chiffon Goddess Style

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 Informal by DaVinci Style #F163

Click HERE for Informal by DaVinci Style #F7071

Petite Brides: What to avoid

A noticeably dropped waist can shorten your legs
A classic Cinderella ball gown can also have a shortening effect unless you’re comfortable in very tall heels.

Another stunning Petite option: 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!

Tips for Petite brides:

If you crave 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

2024 Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Dress by Body Type: Pear Shape

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, trumpet or fit and flare gown. Then choose any neckline, fabric, and hemline that you please.

Classic Mermaid

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50765

Modern Mermaid

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50802

Dramatic Trumpet

Click HERE for Informal by DaVinci Style #F160

Demure Trumpet/Fit & Flare

Click HERE for Informal by DaVinci Style #F166

To downplay your hips:

Take a cue from petite brides & 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 Informal by DaVinci Style #F130

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50720

If an A-Line feels too formal:

Dress it down with a chiffon overlay
Choose a style in a casual lace

Necklines for Pear body types:

Classic strapless
To slenderize your upper body, go with a spaghetti strap or V-neckline.

Go for detail & texture

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.

2024 Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Dress by Body Type: Generous Bust

Generous Bosom

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.

Scoop & Round Neck Styles

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50851

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #F155

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50669

**Yes, you can wear off-the-shoulder!**

Click HERE Informal by DaVinci Style #F7082

Click HERE DaVinci Bridal Style #50762

Click HERE DaVinci Bridal Style #50819

Fabric suggestions:

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 #50832

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50457

Click HERE for Informal by DaVinci Style #F7078

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50561

More Tips:

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.

2024 Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Dress by Body Type: Plus Size

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. Here are a few slimming silhouette possibilities:

Empire waist
A-Line
Wrap dress
Hi-Low hemline
Pleats vs gathers
Flowing chiffon
Ruching

Empire styles

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50726

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50706

Wrap Styles

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50697

Click HERE for Informal by DaVinci Style #F7004

Hi-Low Hemline

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50856

Ruching:

Too much ruching can add bulk.
Well-placed diagonal ruching can be stunning.

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50715

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50833

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50844

Pleats vs Gathers

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50690

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50599

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50636

Pleated Chiffon

Click HERE for Informal by DaVinci Style #F168

Careful with these details:

Under the bust vertical pleats
Gathered fabric lines
Too casual a fit – look for fabrics & styles with more construction

One more beautiful look:

To any wedding gown with an empire waistline & an A-line skirt of any style – fluffy or sleek
Add 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.

2024 Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Dress by Body Type: Tall

If you’re a beautiful bride on the tall side, keep the dress silhouette simple to emphasize your shape.

Dropped Waist

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50889

Long Train

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

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50894

Click HERE or on the image below to check out our amazing collection of Wedding Dresses with Sheer Trains:

Dramatic Details

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50806

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50875

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50834

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50712

2024 Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Dress by Body Type: Hourglass

Just about any silhouette looks beautiful on an Hourglass bride.

A sheath will show off your figure’s assets & streamline you from head to toe making you look tall and sleek.
You can go all out & be a fairytale princess.
Choose an elegant, classy queen vibe in a full ball gown complete with a bell skirt and an embellished bodice:
Rock your curves in a mermaid or trumpet gown.

Sheath

Click HERE Informal by DaVinci Style #F153

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50776

Fairytale Princess

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50862

Queen Vibe

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50713

Mermaid & Trumpet

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50816

Click HERE for DaVinci Bridal Style #50653

One caution for hourglass brides: avoid an empire waist

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.

2024 Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Dress by Body Type: **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!