Know the Shapes
Walking into a bridal boutique can be quite a daunting experience for any bride-to-be. All those white and ivory gowns hanging beautifully on the rails! But where and how do you begin?
It is useful to know the shapes, or silhouettes, of the wedding dresses as well as your own shape and body size when considering which style would be best for you.
The Gown Shapes:
Wedding gowns and dresses fall into six basic silhouettes, namely Ball Gown, Empire Line, A-line, Sheath, Mermaid and Trumpet.
Ball Gown: this gown has a fitted bodice and waistline with a very full skirt which usually has numerous layers of petticoats.
Empire Line: a high waist, just under the bust-line, with a slim-line skirt is the characteristic of this style of dress.
A-Line: An A-line or Princess shape is cut close to the hip with a slight flare at the hem creating an A-shape.
Sheath: This slim style closely follows the lines of the body
Mermaid: A body-hugging silhouette that flares below the knee.
Trumpet: The fit-and-flare trumpet skirt gradually flares at mid-thigh.
To get a wedding dress with the perfect fit, it is important to choose the most flattering shape for your figure. Not only will you be more comfortable on your wedding day, you'll also look and feel your best.
Your Shape:
Hourglass
Hourglass figures have curves in all the right places! You have a big chest, big hips, and a thin waist
Wedding Dress Dos: A dress with an A-Line has a dropped waist will show off your figure. Together with a sweetheart neckline to show off your chest. For a more curvaceous look, try a fit-and-flare gown like a mermaid or trumpet style
Wedding Dress Don'ts: A ball gown or Empire-waist silhouette may make you look out of proportion.
Short Waist
Your body is naturally proportioned, except for the small distance from your ribs to your hips.
Wedding Dress Dos: An A-line silhouette -- fitted at the bodice and opening up gradually to a full skirt -- elegantly elongates your figure; if you love your shoulders, try a halter neckline. A slightly dropped-waist gown will also lengthen your torso.
Wedding Dress Don'ts: A sheath will make your short waist more obvious.
Thick Waist
This shape has an undefined waistline
Wedding Dress Dos: An Empire Line weddings dress will take the emphasis away from your waistline and give you a long, lean look.
Wedding Dress Don'ts: An A-line or basque waist will draw too much attention to your middle.
Full Figure
A voluptuous figure with full breasts, a bit of a tummy, and round hips and butt.
Wedding Dress Dos: A ball gown will hide quite a bit, and an A-line silhouette looks great on everyone.
Wedding Dress Don'ts: A sheath will make you look heavier than you are; avoid spaghetti straps.
Pear Shape
You're small on top and heavy on the bottom.
Wedding Dress Dos: A basque waist or strapless ball gown will cover your bottom half and put the focus on your better half; an Empire dress will hug the tiniest part of your body and disguise your lower half.
Wedding Dress Don'ts: A sheath will be unflattering and a trumpet- or mermaid-style gown will draw attention to your bottom.
Thin
Short or tall,. You boast that certain kind of ballerina beauty whether you are tall or short.
Wedding Dress Dos: A ball gown will make you look like a fairy-tale princess, and a sheath would be perfect for you.
Wedding Dress Don'ts: Almost all silhouettes will flatter your figure, but stay away from off-the-shoulder or halter necklines if your collarbones are too bony.
Petite
You have a tiny frame and are not very tall.
Wedding Dress Dos: It's best to keep it simple -- when you're small, a big, elaborate gown can sometimes look as if it's wearing you rather than the other way around. A sheath or A-line dress will work well.
Wedding Dress Don'ts: Almost all silhouettes will flatter your figure, though a big ball gown may be overwhelming.
But the most important thing to remember, whatever your shape or size, is to have tons of fun picking out the perfect wedding gown for you!
Source: TheKnot
