Her Wedding Guide

It can be difficult to find a flattering bridal gown, even if you’re tall and thin. If you’re less stylishly shaped, like a pear shape, hourglass, or apple, or if you’re petite, finding the right dress can be a real trial.

If you’re plus sized, an unusual shape, or just can’t find anything that fits, there’s still hope. Specialty boutiques and other stores, plus a good knowledge of what suits you and what doesn’t will help you find the perfect bridal gown for your wedding. Here are the shape categories that most women fall into, and information about the styles that flatter each.

Hourglass – If you’re a classic hourglass, you have similar hip and bust measurements with a strongly defined waist. Most women who are shaped like this are more than a size fourteen, which can make it hard to find the perfect gown. In good news, however, lots of styles work well for this shape, even strapless ones if they’re well designed.

Pear shape – A smaller bust and larger hips is referred to as a pear or spoon shape. The goal when buying a gown for this figure is to balance the top half of the body with the larger half. Do this by choosing a bridal gown with more detailing in the bodice to bring the eye upward.

Apple shapes – If you tend to have similarly sized hips and bust, but have a poorly defined waist, your shape is called an apple. Empire waists, when used with long full skirts, can help you de-emphasize your waist and hips. Don’t choose a short bridal gown in this style, however – you could look pregnant!

Petite – Women under 165 cm tall are considered petite, and have their own set of bridal gown challenges. Look for a gown that doesn’t overwhelm you with detailing and ruffles, and avoid very slim, straight dresses. If you do choose a simple dress of this kind, think about wearing a more elaborate headdress to go with it.

Plus size – Plus sized women have a lot of trouble finding bridal gowns that aren’t just sized up from other patterns for smaller women. These dresses almost always have fitting issues. Skip them, and look for a bridal gown boutique that specializes in your size – you’ll find them online and in larger cities.

The basic rule when choosing bridal gowns is to know what flatters you and what to avoid. However, that’s not all there is to it – different designers use different fit models, so one line may tend to flatter a particular shape. When trying on dresses, keep track of the brand and see if there are similarities throughout it.

Still having trouble? Think about getting your gown customized or made to fit. This is a lot less expensive than you’d think it would be, and is one sure way to get a flattering bridal gown. Just make sure to talk to your tailor or seamstress well before the wedding. You should give them as much as a year to make a great dress for your big day.

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