Let’s talk about styles and silhouettes!
One of the most important parts of planning a wedding for any bride-to-be is finding the perfect bridal gown. There are many different bridal gowns available to suit every individual body type. Finding the right wedding dress to flatter a particular body type can be challenging. You must know what style of dress is most appealing depending on your specific body type.
Body Type:
Petite brides should look for a wedding dress that is simple and close fitting, which can make them appear taller. The Princess Bridal Gown lines can be very flattering for a petite bride. An A-line wedding dress has an A shape with the skirt flaring out from the waist and is also very suitable for the petite bride. Stay away from a wedding gown that is too elaborate or full because this can overwhelm a smaller frame. Also, avoid low waists because they can make a shorter frame look as if it’s cut in half. If you are petite and comfortable with the shape of your body, a sheath wedding dress can also be an excellent option for you to consider.
Tall brides may want to choose a wedding dress with a fuller bodice. A strapless wedding dress would be ideal for longer, thinner arms. If you have long legs and want to show them off, you can do so with a skirt that falls above the knee. A longer, closer fitted skirt will also accentuate long legs. Almost any style bridal gown or wedding dress will suit a taller frame.
Thin brides who want to appear curvy can opt for a wedding ball gown because it gives the illusion of an hourglass figure. Stay away from very full skirts and try a semi-full skirt for a smaller frame. A sheath wedding dress is also ideal for thinner figures.
Silhouette:
Ball Gown
The ball gown is the most romantic of all bridal silhouettes. It features a small waist (natural or dropped) and a voluminous skirt with petticoats. Most flattering to women of at least average height with hourglass or full figures, this style’s skirt will overwhelm a petite or a particularly buxom bride. Depending on the fabric, the skirt can appear weightless or heavy.
A-Line/Princes
This enduring style’s name comes from the triangle or “A” shape between the narrow bodice and outer edges of the wide, smooth skirt. Suitable for a variety of fabrics, the A-line is versatile: it may or may not have a seam at the waist, which may be higher or lower than the natural waistline and the close-fitting bodice may be strapless or have any type of neckline. Flatters most body shapes including Petites and full figures, bad for almost no one.
Sheath
If you are comfortable with showing off your curves, consider the slightly constructed sheath, popularized in the 1950s by Marilyn Monroe. This body-hugging profile is artfully sculpted with darts, tucks, and seams. The effect will differ depending on the weight and drape of the fabric. A great choice for a tall, slim-hipped woman, the sheath is equally becoming to a petite, slender bride. Avoid this style if you have narrow shoulders and wider hips.
Mermaid
A body-hugging silhouette with a skirt flaring out at the knees or just below them. Flatters the tall and hourglass figures, not recommended for the pear shape.