Flattering Wedding Dress Styles

Flattering Wedding Dress Styles. For every bride-to-be, finding the style of wedding gown that best suits her body shape is quite a task. You will most likely try on many different styles before you find the wedding dress just for you. Varying body types (petite brides vs. tall and athletic brides) require varying wedding gown styles. A good idea is to visit a local wedding gown salon for advice from knowledgeable staff members who may recommend certain styles for you to consider. Also, if you are having your wedding dress designed and sewn by a couturier, they will help to design a one-of-a-kind creation that will highlight your best qualities and downplay those for which you wish you could change. Don't buy a wedding dress that is too small and hope that you can fit into it with a crash diet. Minor alterations can make a wedding dress that is a little too large fit properly but, most wedding dresses can not be increased in size. You will be wearing this wedding dress all day so find something that is comfortable! The following list contais a general guideline of different body styles and wedding dress styles to consider.

* Hourglass-shaped Brides

Brides with an hourglass shape may want to accent the curves of their bodies. A wedding dress with fitted or corset-style bodice and a "V" waist line will help to accentuate the lines of the body. A full skirt or slim straight skirt can both be flattering, paired with a fitted bodice. If the hourglass shaped bride wants to really follow the shape of her curves, the mermaid style gown can be very flattering also.

* Pear-shaped Brides

For the pear-shaped bride, a wedding gown which draws attention to the upper body and creates a look of balance between the shoulders and fuller lower body is best. A tank-style bodice, an off-the-shoulder wedding gown, or a sweetheart neckline with textured surfaces and decoration on the edges all help draw the eye upward. If the pear-shaped bride's waist is narrow, then she may consider a drop waist bodice with beaded trim to further minimize the hips. Pear-shaped brides should probably avoid clingy fabrics and straight wedding gown styles which will only enhance the imbalance between the shoulders and hip-line.

* Petite Brides

Petite brides are best suited for simple line wedding dresses which help give the illusion of length and height. A close fitting sheath design follows the natural lines of the body and makes the bride look taller. A princess line wedding gown is also another option for adding the appearance of height. If the fullness of a ball gown is desired, a petite bride should consider the A-line wedding dress. Because the A-line shape does not gather in at the waist but rather hugs the body tightly until it flairs out into a full skirt, the waist and upper body appears elongated and not "chopped in two" at the waist. Petite brides should generally stay away from very elaborate, full gowns which may appear to swallow them whole - the bride should be the focus not just the wedding dress!

* Plus-size Brides

The Plus-size bride has many options of wedding dresses. There are now specialty bridal shops who carry wedding dresses in plus 20 sizes and bridal designers can accommodate fuller body types if the wedding dress is being produced from scratch. Consider ball gown style skirts with bustles with open neck lines which will show just a touch of cleavage and a look of femininity. A drop waist wedding dress with a beaded V-shape will help de-emphasize lager hips and long tapered sleeves will camouflage fuller arms. The Plus-size bride should not shy away from showing her figure but should avoid clinging fabrics and straight wedding dress styles such as a silken sheath.

* Tall Brides

Tall brides may want to accentuate their stream lined bodies by wearing a straight design like a sheath wedding gown. A strapless wedding gown or one with small straps will also show off long, thin arms. If a tall bride really wants to show her legs, a skirt above the knees may be worn with a bustled back. A close-fitting long skirt would also accentuate the legs with a more formal look.
By: Annette Durrett