How to Choose the Right Wedding Dress Style for Your Body Type


Everyone thinks they know how to choose a wedding gown. What most women don’t realize is fabrics, style and measurements can influence the style of wedding dress that best complements a particular body type.

This article will help you choose the right wedding dress style for your own body shape.

The Full-Figured Bride

If you’re a full-figured woman, the best silhouette is the A-line style. A-line style lengthens the whole body without drawing attention to your waistline. The empire waist is another good choice. The empire is narrowest just below the bust, which conceals your waist and hips.

Many plus-sized girls tend to purchase wedding gowns that cover a lot of skin. If religion isn’t an issue, don’t be afraid to show some skin. Skin is sexy, and showing your arms and neckline can often make you appear slimmer.

Deep V-necks and scoop necks flatter curvy figures, and always look best on full-figured women.

The Petite Bride

A-line wedding dresses are also flattering on petite women. As we stated earlier, this style lengthens the body. Sheaths seem to shorten a small body even more, so petite women should avoid sheath-style wedding dresses. Also steer clear of very full skirts, which will make you look ‘bottom heavy.’ You want to keep your wedding dress proportionate to your body.

Be careful with strapless gowns — a petite woman may have to lift her arms to reach up to her new husband (can you say ‘wardrobe malfunction’?). A cap sleeve gives the feeling of a strapless gown, and also serves the practical purpose of holding the gown in place.

The Large-Busted Bride

Off-the-shoulder gowns look wonderful on a full bust. It draws our attention upward, emphasizes the shoulders and minimizes the chest. Keep your skirt narrow. Wearing a full skirt will make you look large both on top and bottom.

The Bottom-Heavy Bride

Women who are larger through their hips and buttocks should look for a wedding dress that focuses on their upper body — preferably with a full skirt.

Show off your arms, back and bustline.

A corset-style bodice with lacing will highlight your upper body. We want to draw attention away from your hips. Avoid pleats or gathered fabric around the waist. An A-line skirted wedding dress always works the best for this body type.

The Warshaw family has been designing, manufacturing and retailing wedding attire since 1951. Ronni Warshaw’s online wedding shop, TheBridalWorld.com, has been helping brides choose the perfect wedding dress since 2001.

938 Responses to How to Choose the Right Wedding Dress Style for Your Body Type  Add a New Comment »

  1. Renay

    Hi,

    I will be getting married in 2 months. My fiance’ and Iwill be having a small family wedding as he is in the Navy. We are planning to have a bigger wedding in Fall of next year. For the small family wedding I would like to wear a tea-length dress and have no idea what to look for. For my formal wedding I would like to wear a gown. I need help as I have no idea of what to do for either wedding. I am 5’2, 36DD (Aug) and 136lbs., 37 yo. I have a background in cheerleading and gymnastics so I am thicker/compact :) Thanks for your assistance ;)

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Renay,
      Would you mind posting a pic so I can see your body type? also some measurements. Thanks!

  2. Amy

    Need help!!! im getting married in April Ive had my heart set on a gown that I saw online back in the spring… Davinci 8009 ( ball gown, off the shoulder with sweetheart neckline and angled waistline)
    I am 5’9″ 200 lbs (currently working on that by way of diet and the gym!!) However, I will still have a large chest and my waist has never been small… Do you think this dress is the right choice according to my body type?? I know I only have 5 1/2 months till my wedding, but I did find my gown locally and was told that this gown had a 1 week delivery and in house alternations… So, I plan to wait till late January before ordering which gives me time to shape up a bit!!

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Amy,
      That dress is stunning, could you post a pic so i coudl see your body type? thanks!

  3. Wendy

    :? I need help finding my perfect dress please help me.
    My jeans are size 26 european sizes which is a size 4 us
    im 120 lbs and im 34D, 5’6
    please help me find my perfect dress

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Wendy,
      What are your measurements? Coudl you post a pic? I wnat to make sure what body type you are.

  4. Betty

    Please help!!! Im getting married March 5th and I am so lost when it comes to my body type. I have big hips, big belly and big shoulders. I dont even know my measurements. I do know i am 5’5″ 230lbs. I attatched a photo of myself at a military ball. Its a size 20. I personally think my shoulders were to big for it and i should have either left my hair down or wore a shall. Anyway I have been looking at this dress and im in love with it, but im not sure if it would be to much lace for my body type, I dont want to look any bigger than I already am. Please help, any suggestions would be soooo much appreciated. :thankyou:

    • Betty

      Here is another photo I found of me at my fiance’s promotion, it doesnt really show my hips though.

      • Stacey@FavorIdeas

        Betty,
        I think the dress would be beautiful on you. I dont think it is to much lace at all. Your at a great height to carry it off. If you give me your measurements, I woudl be happy to help further, if you’d like.

    • Amy

      Thats a beautiful dress!! Love the jacket!!! Seeing your picture I bet that would be gorgeous on you!!!

  5. M Smith

    Hi pllleeease can you hlep im due to get married in july 2011 but i wanna get my dress sorted as soon as after christmas. Ive seen loads of gorgeous dresses but dont have a clue which is the best style for me. Im 5ft 6 10 hlf stone size 10 waist with a 36b cup also fair headed & skin colour

    Can anybody point me in the right direction??? thanx

  6. M.Smith

    Hi Im due to get married next july (2011) im 5ft 6 ish 36b cup size 10 and weigh around 10 hlf stone. But i have no clue what style of wedding dress to go for, im keen to buy from ebay theres some lovely dresses on there and am weary of price can any one help??

  7. KConFidEnTBrOwN

    Hey…..I waz looking 4 dressez n found diz site…Well I got a lot goin on I neva thought dat finding sumwhere to have it at then picking colors n typez of dress 4 ME wud b eazi….WELL.. I waz wrong I’m gettin married in MAY 2012 YEAH….cnt find my colorz r dress…..I’m 5 ft n 38C I just lost weight sooo I’m dwn 2 150 I also wnt my wedding outside…I need 2 wear heelz bc hez 5 11 soooo PLZ HELP n THANX

  8. vikki

    Help! I’m getting married in 4 weeks…I still can’t find a dress. I think ? I’m an a-line but I need help. I’m 5’11′”
    bust- 44
    waist- 44
    hips- 48

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Vikki,
      it sounds like you may be a rectangle body shape or a pear shape. Could you post a pic? So I can be sure.

  9. lindsey

    hi am getting married in 14 weeks, im not sure on a dress type for me i’m a dress size 12 but a 14 in pants im a 36e cup im confused with what style i will need to suit my body type i would say im hour glass but not to sure,

    please help as i want to look great on are special day

    thanxs :D

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Lindsey,
      Could I get your measurements? Then I can determine your body shape. Thanks!! :D

  10. Danielle

    Hi Stacey! Here are a couple of dresses I was extremely interested in, especially the first one. I am 5’9″, 160pnds. I’m buying the dress online but I want to make sure the dress will fit my body type. I am also 7 weeks pregnant. My wedding is in December. Is there anything you can recommend about the size when I order it? I don’t think I will be showing too much by December. Please help! Thanks! :)

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Danielle,
      Both of these dresses would be equally beautiful. With pregnancy you never know what your body may do, so you will want to be prepared.
      * check this out

      I highly suggest to buy it one size larger than you normally wear and then have it altered. This can avoid any issues that could arise in the size. :D Hope this helps and BTW congrats on your wedding and pregnancy!

  11. kristen

    Which dress type fits my body type?

    • kristen

      I am 5’0 tall and weigh 125 pounds. I’m not sure which would be there right dress for me.

      • Stacey@FavorIdeas

        Kristen,
        After looking at your pic, I am thinking an inverted triangle but could I get your measurements to be sure? Thanks!

  12. Amanda

    Oh thank god i found this site, i am going shoppin for dresses on friday and dont even know where to start. im 5’4 weigh around 200 (thanks to having a baby and gaining 40 pounds lol) my measurements are shoulders 45′ Bust 40′ Waist 42′ and hips 49′ (i got some very unflattering love handles, i have been hittin the gym so by the time the wedding rolls around im hoping to lose my baby weight).. if i could get your imput that would be great. im putting on some pics i took today, they arent very good, but i think they will work. Thanks so much in advance. :D

  13. Kaylea

    Stacey,

    I am in desprate need of your help! I don’t know what exactly my body shape is, or what would look good.

    I’m going to attach a picture of my shape and some of the dresses I like, and I was hoping you could tell me what you thing.

    I like the lace dresses, and I would like a halter, or something that will “keep the girls up” :D and I’m definitely open to suggestions.

  14. Maria

    Hi,

    I am having a very small wedding ceremony and need a decent dress. I am 4’11″ and about 125 lbs. My measurements are: Shoulders-41.5, Bust-38, Waist-35, Hips-39. Here is a photo also.

    I look forward to your advice.

  15. Shannon

    i am 5’1″ and about 120 lbs, i raelly want a strapless very poofy bottom ball gown do u think this wil look alright being that i am rather short?

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Shannon,
      A poufy dress is not recommended for a petite body shape, reason being it the dress will wear the bride instead of the bride wearing the dress. Could you post a pic of yourself and the dress if possible? :D

  16. Stacey@FavorIdeas

    Did you also know there is a “right” style bouquet for your body shape and dress style?
    * Here is everything you need to know about bouquets and body shape.

  17. Stacey@FavorIdeas

    Confused which shade goes with what skintone? Well I have the perfect read! :D
    * tips for wedding dress colors and skintone
    * more tips on skintone

  18. Stacey@FavorIdeas

    Not sure what the guys should wear? Check out these *guidelines!

  19. Stacey@FavorIdeas

    For those brides searching for a “high drama” wedding dress, have I found the page for you. Brides.com has a gallery of dresses with loads of style. You gotta check it out! These dresses are unique AND gorgeous!
    * check it out

  20. bridget

    I am renewing my vows in November and all 8 of our kids will be there. I am 37 years old, 5″10 about 200 pounds. I wear a 36 DD but my boobs are very saggy from nursing so many babies so they are not big at all!! :) My waist is a 34 and my hips are a 48. Ughhh. I found this dress I love but I worry that I should have more structured fabric and less flow. I dont want to look pregnant. What do you think???

    • bridget

      What if I add a petticoat to this dress to make it more A Line??? Would that help with my hips being so big?? Just a thought I had!

      • Stacey@FavorIdeas

        Bridget,
        I think the flow of the dress would not be ideal with a petticoat. Could youpost a pic so I can see what your body shape is? thanks! :D

  21. Jarea

    Stacey, I need help picking a dress. I’m 5’6 weigh 190. I’ve uploaded the first dress, that I’m in and the other ones I’m thinking about. Please help me. Unfortunately, I already bought the first dress that I’m in, the poofy one, I’m planning to add 3 broaches to the belt to make it more flattering but I’m having second doubts that it looked good on me. Does it? This pic is without the big thing underneath. Do you think it would look better with it?

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Jarea,
      I think soemthing with a lower waist or an aline would have worked really well, especially to elongnate. Are you wanting to find a completely different dress? If so do you have a pic in your regular clothes with measurements.

  22. Lara

    I am 5’4 my body measurements are 38-28-38 and weigh about 130lbs. I would like a 50′s feel to my dress but not short. I am confused because I am full in the bust area but have very slim arms. I wanted a fuller skirt but you state that this will make me look bigger. I was thinking a sweetheart neckline what do you think?

  23. Arlene

    Good Morning, everyone!

    I posted a while back, but couldn’t find my camera to upload a photo…and you’re gonna wish I hadn’t. :)

    I am 5’5″, 165 pounds. Very broad shoulders and fat tummy….but the rest of me is a size 10! Every dress I’ve tried makes me look pregnant or like I linebacker. Help! :)

    Thanx,
    Arlene

    • Stacey@Favor Ideas

      Arlene,
      Hi!! Actually the pic helps out a bunch.You appear to fall into the rectangle body type. This body type is similar in size form shoulders/waist/hips. The waist has little definition. Just so I can be absolute ( since you said your shoulders are broad) can I get your measurements? Shoulders, bust, hips. I want to make sure you dont also fall into another body type.

      • Arlene

        Sorry it’s taken me so long to respond….

        Shoulders = 45
        Hips = 37
        Bust = 39

        • Arlene

          I forgot to say….I’d love a knee or tea length dress, corset bodice, full skirt. Would this be a good idea? Also, I need one available in colors other than ivory or white.

          Thank you!
          Arlene

    • Carolyn

      I would love to know what information you find. I am built the same way. It makes it hard to look feminine. Good lock to you.

      Carolyn

      • Arlene

        Thank you, Carolyn. Have you found anything pretty? I haven’t had time to read all the posts. :(

        • Stacey@FavorIdeas

          Arlene,
          Actually yes, this would be ideal. It will add curves and balance your body type. If you are wanting a color, then look to bridesmaid dresses. best bridal prices, davids bridal, j crew, jim hjelm, bari jay, dessy, watters, candy anthony,etc. It should be easy to find. Even department stores. Look into 50′s style dresses, which are the rage right now.

        • Arlene

          Thank you, Stacey! I’ll post if I find something wonderful. :)

        • Arlene

          Hi Stacey,

          Problem #2. I found a great dress that was perfect….except one thing. It’s a strapless sweetheart neckline…and I have a tattoo just above my bustline. Can you recommend any specific dresses or ideas that would cover it for me? The dress I found is an a-line that doesn’t really have a waistline or corset….but has a very tight bodice.

          Thank you!
          Arlene

  24. Cha-cha

    me again stacey:
    another topic that catches my attention. i am small 4′ 9″ tall, got bust cap 70A/B (the smallest size), waistline 25-26″, hips/butt 34″. I always have a problem fitting for the right pair of jeans as it will not pass thru my upper thighs to hips area..can you determine my shape? my friend says I am have a pear shape figure..just want to confirm with you if correct..
    i wanted to wear a strapless tube type gown like the attached pics..would this look good? don’t like that heart shape front as i am not bless with that..hehehe..
    also it is a ‘garden’ wedding reception.. will it be ok to wear gown up to my heels..i don’t like to wear knee length, midi or to show some skin.. hope to hear from you..

    • Stacey@Favor Ideas

      Cha-Cha,
      You can definitely wear a longer dress with a garden wedding. For outdoors a lower heel is recommended so the heels wont sink in. Could youpost a pic so I can see what body shape you fall in? it sounds like you may be a pear shape but I want to be sure.

  25. Kristy

    Hi!

    I’m very confused as to what would look best on me. With being on the petite side and having a pear/hourglass figure i dont want the dress to over power me but still “disguise” my larger thighs. I’m 5’1″ measurements are 36″ bust, 29″ waist, 39″ hips, 41″ thighs.

  26. Eve

    Hi Stacey. I found this site while browsing for dresses and I’m finding it very helpful btw. I wanted input on which dress style might fit me well. I am 5’7” Bust: 32DD (abt 36 all around), Waist: 26, midway hips: 37 and thighs: 41. On other sites I see mermaid dresses recommended but I know from experience they look pretty bad on me (due to how tight they are on the thighs). I was thinking about something in a drop waist, flaring out just above where the thighs would become a problem. I like to accentuate the waste and hips but avoid attention to thighs. Does this at all sound like it might work or should I be thinking in another direction entirely? (example dress: http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.aspx?page=5&style=R1083 )
    Thanks so much! -Eve

    • Stacey@Favor Ideas

      Eve,
      Could you post a pic? thanks!!!

      • Eve

        Sure. I figured I might have to but didn’t have any on hand then :) Thanks in advance!

        • Stacey@FavorIdeas

          Eve,
          You are a hourglass. The ruching details on the bodice will make your bust look larger. It is a gorgeous dress with a great shape perfect for your body shape. I would go to a bridal shop and at least try on the ruched bodices or even a department store with a ruched bodice dress. I think something with no ruching would be best, same style dress.
          * look at this
          * this is beautiful

        • Eve

          I didn’t know that about the ruching. I don’t feel the need to minimize the bust, but I definitely don’t want to make it look larger either. Thank you for the tip. I think the fourth dress you posted is just beautiful. I like dresses with some old-world charm, but my fiance isn’t a fan of lace : /
          I’m curious too about a seem under the bust, but in a corset style, not an empire like this: http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/thebridalshop2/47133.jpg
          Is this something that would have an adverse effect on the bust or are they any good for extra support? (the bottom of the dress is not exactly my favorite, but I love corset looks and scalloped necklines). I’m afraid to get something that will exaggerate the body. Thank you again for your time.

        • Stacey@Favor Ideas

          Eve,
          I think this dress is stunning. I love the way it is fitted in the waist. Larger breasts shouldnt wear a empire either. It also makes the bust looks larger and throws the body out of proportion. If you get a corset style make sure it is a one piece dress. Two piece wedding dresses can make a hourglass look out of balance.
          * look at these tips
          * more tips
          * look at this dress
          * something like this would work
          * something like this too
          * had to show you this one.

        • Eve

          That last dress is absolutely beautiful. Ive found a dress shop in the area that sells the line as well. I’ll be looking for it. Thank you so much for the help and all the tips. I have to start looking for dresses very soon and I feel armed with a lot more information and much less lost. Thank you again!
          -Eve

  27. Tabitha

    Hi Stacey,
    I am getting married in 4 months and have gained alot of weight. :(
    Could you please help me? Can you point me in the right direction of what type of dress I should be looking for? I have big breast (40DD) and also big arms and hips :( . It would be greatly appreciated!
    Thank you in advance!! :thankyou:
    Tabitha

  28. Deanna

    Hello, I am getting married very soon this year Oct. 23 and I have been dress shopping every where to fnd nothing I really like so I am looking online. I am needing help on what will flatter my body and not be to much at the same time. I am 5’3 in a half and I weigh about 125-130. I will attach a pic of my body to see what you think. ALso I found a few dress’s I really love but not sure if it will go well on me as I cant try it on since its from online only.

  29. Sherry

    hi stacey.. i’ve been reading most of the comments here and found it so helpful. i hope you can help me… i can’t decide on what dress to buy for my big day.. thanks in advance

  30. joy

    So, here’s me and some wedding dresses I’m trying to choose from. I’m a size 22 and I’m 5’7 (I have my knees bent in the pic because everyone around me was short..lol). I’d love some advice about what to go for….oh! and my wedding is on New Year’s Eve!!!

    • joy

      here’s the other dress i was trying to choose from also, couldn’t get them all to upload together.

    • Stacey@Favor Ideas

      Joy,
      They are all beautiful. I like number 1 but could I get your measurements so I could be absolute? Do you have a pic that has more form fitted clothing? Thank you so much!!!


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