Choosing the Right Style of Wedding Dress for your Shape

Your ideal dress should say something about your own individual style

The overall style of the dress should ideally reflect who you are in some way. If you’re a classic English rose who loves feminine dresses and always wears heels then your bridal gown should perhaps be a traditional, full-skirted style; whereas if you’re a grungy tomboy type who tends to sport a mini skirt more than any other type of dress then perhaps your style will be more contemporary. Stylish old Hollywood inspired brides may want more of a Grace Kelly, look complete with ivory chiffon scarf thrown elegantly backwards over their neck for the reception (and worn more conservatively over their shoulders for the ceremony perhaps.) If you like to break the rules then who says you have to wear white? Rebels should consider coloured or short-skirted bridal gowns – very modern and ‘uber cool.’. Red dresses are also an incredibly popular choice for brides who just want to do something that little bit different.

Know your shape and what suits you best

There are a few tried and trusted rules when it comes to choosing outfits for your body shape. Most girls know whether they are a classic English pear shape, the most common female body shape in the UK, or a rounder plus size or more perfect hourglass. It helps to know which dress styles and necklines will be most flattering to your overall shape, whether you are petite or tall, flat-chested, big busted or a plus size. Whatever shape you are the right dress is sure to make you look amazing.

The main aspects to consider when choosing your ideal dress are:

  • the neckline – does it flatter your body shape and enhance your bust or just serve to highlight what’s missing?
  • the material – does it cling unforgivingly to every lump or skim your line to perfection?
  • the length – does it elongate you if you are on the short side or serve to make the most of your elegant stature if you’re tall?
  • the skirt shape – does it fall elegantly to the floor, giving the illusion of perfectly curvaceous hips or cruelly accentuate your heavy thighs and saddlebags?
  • the colour – does it lift your skin tone and make you look like a well-lit film star or drain you of colour and leave you looking unwell?
  • the detail – do you want to sparkle with beading and crystals or is your dress so heavily embroidered and busy it’s wearing you?