8 Top Tips For Finding The Perfect Figure-Flattering Wedding Dress

We all know that certain styles and cuts of clothing suit certain figures better than others, and this is especially true when it comes to wedding dresses. So, before you start hunting Pinterest and flicking through glossy magazines, make sure you don’t fall in love with the wrong style of dress for your body shape.

By finding a silhouette that highlights your most-loved assets, and conceals your least-favourite ones, you’re sure to wow in the gown of your dreams.

Here are 8 top tips to help you find the perfect gown:

1. Petite
Petite ladies should avoid overly fussy dresses, or those that will drown their smaller frame. Think airy sheath, or form-fitted structure. Simple is the way forward for shorter Brides, and a v-neck style will help elongate your frame.
Check out this beautiful dress at La Boda Bridal in Co Down

2. Curvy
Decide whether you want to streamline your curves, or maximise them! This will have a big impact on the style of dress you choose. Empire waist lines and skater style dresses are great for showing off your best assets. If your tummy area isn’t one you’re fond of, go for neck detailing to draw the eye up, and cinch in that waist.
Like this gorgeous dress from Cutting Edge Brides

3. Athletic
If you have a less defined waist, and more of a sporty frame, you’re going to want to enhance your waistline, and choose a dress that helps create curves. Avoid strapless dresses that can make your shoulders look broader, and go for a dress with a fuller skirt to give the illusion that your hips are wider than they are.
This stunning dress from Serendipity Bridal Couture is perfect for maximising athletic frames

4. Pear-Shaped
For ladies who are smaller on top with larger hips, bums, and legs – avoid loose fitting dresses and empire lines. Although you might be tempted to try and cover your curves up, you’re doing yourself an injustice and will look much more flattering in a more fitted dress. Try a dress with sleeves or shoulder detail to help balance out your hips, and give a fitted fishtail a go.
Here’s another great example from Serendipity Bridal Couture

5. Hourglass
Typically curvy, with shoulders and hips that are well balanced, this body shape had well-defined hips and a cinched waist. Empire line dresses and those with heavy princess-style skirts will actually do you no favours. Instead opt for dresses that have fitted waists, and look for fit and flare styles. Corset style backs will be more flattering than buttons or zips, and you can rock a sweetheart neckline.
Check out this beautiful dress at La Boda Bridal

6. Broad
This body shape is where the shoulders and upper body are broader than the lower body and hips. Steer clear of halter necks and off the shoulder dresses, and instead look for a v-neck style with thicker straps or sleeves. Dresses with more detail on the bottom section, and with an all-over pattern such as lace, will help bring attention to the dress detail and lower sections.
Check out this amazing piece at Castle Couture

7. Oval
Sometimes known as the apple body shape, these ladies tend to have a larger bust and mid-section, with narrower hips. They also tend to have slender arms and legs in comparison to the rest of their frame. Avoid high necklines and keep the definition of the dress away from the waist – look for dresses with a detailed neckline to draw the eye up. Subtly flared skirts and dresses that flow through the waistline are more flattering.
This dress from Castle Couture is perfect for oval shapes

8. Bigger Bust
Brides blessed in the bust department are going to want to avoid low necklines, strapless dresses, and backless dresses. Consider a dress fitted under the bust before flowing out, as well as the popular illusion neckline dresses that have lace panels.
Check out this gorgeous dress at La Boda Bridal

By Rachel Doherty, Excalibur Press