Choosing a wedding gown that fits and flatters no matter what your body shape.
Ask any bride and she'll tell you that one of the most exciting parts of organizing a wedding is choosing that all-important dress. Since the first time you hung a pillowcase off the back of your head and pretended to marry your favourite teddy bear, you've probably been dreaming of the moment you'll walk down the aisle to gasps of awe from family and friends as they catch a glimpse of your wedding gown for the first time.
Choosing a dress that really flatters your body type and gives the wow factor' means being brutally honest with yourself about your shape, and developing a critical eye when it comes to browsing through brochures and magazines for dresses you like. A dress that looks ethereal and gorgeous on a willowy size 6 model may not look quite the same on a bootylicious size 14 bride. Likewise a corseted style with lots of detail will probably swamp a bride with a Kate Moss-esque physique. That doesn't mean you won't find a dress that makes the absolute most of your best assets it just means you need to know what you're looking for in the first place. Read on for our guide to some common body hang-ups and the dress styles that will flatter them best…
Skinny Minnie
If you've got a lean, boyish figure that lacks curves, you need to find a gown that will give the illusion of shape and add some bulk to your frame. Dresses that skim the figure without clinging too tightly are flattering and textured fabrics like lace or light-reflecting taffeta and satin can create curves where none exist. Avoid going too bare over shoulders and collar bones, which can make you look bony delicate straps or a lace shrug will take the emphasis off while adding an extra element to your look. Stay away from huge skirts and long trains which will drown your delicate frame, and instead opt for styles with ruching, tiers and romantic ruffles.
Plus size gorgeous
Bigger brides needn't dread going shopping for a gown dressing a plus size figure with aplomb is easy when you know how! A dress with plenty of structure will define your shape and create curves in all the right places so avoid anything too floaty, and make sure the dress will accommodate your bridal lingerie if you're blessed in the bust department. A boned bodice can be a bigger bride's best friend, but make sure it fits like a glove flesh spilling over the top is NOT a good look! And like skinny brides, you should avoid massive skirts as they'll add unnecessary bulk to your figure. As far as fabrics are concerned, avoid anything shiny which will make you look bigger; opt instead for classy raw silk, or super-flattering crepe which drapes beautifully and won't cling to problem areas.
Bottom-heavy?
If you're a classic pear shape you might think you can just hide your hips and bum under a huge skirt and no-one will ever know the difference but you'd be wrong! The classic pear often has narrow shoulders and a fairly small bust as well so you should aim to give balance to your shape by choosing a dress with more detail at the top beading, ruching, ruffles, boat necks and even sleeves can all work wonders! And don't forget accessories, which will draw the eye upwards and away from the bits you'd rather not show off.
Pretty Petite
If you're under 5'4 then finding your dream dress can seem like a tall order petite brides may struggle to find an off the peg' gown that fits well enough, so if you're really struggling and time is on your side, a bespoke wedding dress might be worth considering. To create the illusion of height, choose slim-fitting gowns that elongate your body, but avoid dropped waists and two piece gowns which can make your legs look short empire lines are much more flattering. Keep fussy detailing to a minimum and think carefully about accessories make sure you're wearing them and not the other way round! If you're after a more unconventional look, why not consider a short wedding dress? Slim, petite brides are among the few who can really carry this look off add a pair of statement high heels to complete the look.
