Wedding Dress Styles for All Body Types
- serena9995
- Feb 24
- 4 min read
You've found your perfect partner — now it's time to find the perfect wedding dress! While dress shopping is undoubtedly one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning, the sheer number of styles and silhouettes can feel overwhelming.
Don't worry, though! We're here to help you navigate the wonderful world of wedding dresses. This guide has everything you need to get started and find your match!
First, Know Your Silhouettes
Before diving into specific body types, let's quickly cover the main wedding dress silhouettes you'll encounter.
The A-line dress gradually flows out from a fitted bodice, creating an "A" shape that flatters nearly everyone.
Ball gowns feature a fitted bodice and full skirt to emulate that classic princess look.
For those wanting to show off their curves, the mermaid style hugs your body before flaring out at the knee.
The sheath dress follows your body's natural line for an effortlessly elegant look.
The empire style floats away from the body just below the bust.
Now that you know the silhouettes, it’s time to see which wedding dress style flatters your beautiful shape most!
Your Body Type Guide
Curvy Brides: Embrace Those Beautiful Curves
Most silhouettes compliment curves, but the key is in the construction. Look for dresses with strong internal structures that offer great support while highlighting your shape.
A mermaid wedding dress style can be absolutely stunning, especially when paired with a plunging or sweetheart neckline. Want something equally striking but with more movement? Try an A-line dress with a structured bodice.
The right construction will hug you in all the right places while providing comfortable support throughout your special day.
Pear-Shaped: Creating Beautiful Balance
If you're pear-shaped, you've got fantastic options for creating a beautifully balanced silhouette. Ball gowns and A-line dresses are your natural allies – they highlight your waist while their flowing skirts create an elegant, proportioned look.
Want to create an hourglass effect? Consider fitted dresses with off-the-shoulder necklines.
If you'd rather draw attention upward, look for wedding dress types that have detailed bodices. This could include intricate beading, delicate lace, or even an eye-catching neckline. You can also achieve this look with accessories like a statement necklace or an elegant headpiece!
Petite Brides: Elongate and Elevate
When you're petite, the key is finding a dress that enhances your natural proportions rather than overwhelming them. Look for dresses with vertical elements (straps, deep V-necklines, or beautiful open-backs). These details create the illusion of height while maintaining proportion.
Avoid designs with awkward cutting points (like some mermaid styles) that might visually "chop" your height. Flowing, continuous lines are likely to compliment your shape best.
Likewise, a sheath dress or modified A-line can be particularly flattering, especially when paired with the right heels or shoes!
Athletic Builds: Creating Soft Curves
If you have an athletic build, look for dresses that can create curves while celebrating your toned figure. Trumpet gowns, fit-and-flare styles, and sweetheart necklines are all incredibly flattering, especially when they feature details like ruching or layered skirts.
Other ways to show off your shape can include corset-style bodices, which create subtle curves, or ruffles and lace to add some dimension!
Apple-Shaped: Defining and Elongating
For apple-shaped brides, empire waist gowns can be incredibly flattering! V-necklines are also beautiful for this shape as they elongate your torso, while diagonal draping or details create beautiful visual lines.
A modified A-line wedding dress style can also be stunning, especially when it features strategic seaming or draping that creates definition at your natural waist!
3 Tips for Every Bride
Remember, these are guidelines, not rules. Ultimately, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable AND beautiful on your big day! Once you have a good feel for your style, here are a few other things to consider when wedding dress shopping.
When to Start Dress Hunting
The best time to start shopping is typically 9-12 months before your wedding. It may sound early, but it takes time to find the right fit. Not to mention the weeks it takes for alterations.
When planning your timeline, we recommend adding some buffer space. You want to have plenty of room to enjoy the wedding planning process without feeling rushed into decisions.
Finding Your Dream Bridal Boutique
Finding the right bridal boutique is key to a good shopping experience. While it's tempting to book appointments at every shop in town (so you can explore all the possibilities), don’t rush into it.
If you’ve built out a wedding dress shopping timeline, you have space to do some research first, saving you time going from shop to shop. Look for boutiques that align with your style and budget, and when in doubt, don’t be afraid to call ahead with your questions!
Alterations Are Your Secret Weapon
Having a good seamstress can make all the difference in the final look. While many shops offer in-house alterations, don't feel obligated to use them. It’s more than okay to go with your own choice!
Ask recent brides for recommendations, check local wedding groups, and, most importantly, look at examples of their work. And be sure to plan out time for multiple fittings, as it may take a few rounds to get everything just right!
I Do Arizona: Your Go-To Local Guide
Dress shopping is one of the most important and most FUN parts of the wedding planning process. So don’t forget to stop and smell the roses along the way. Half the fun is building up anticipation for the big day, after all!
For more wedding planning tips, check out the blog here. Or feel free to get in touch! As your local Arizona wedding resource, we have plenty of vendor contacts to help you plan your dream wedding. From caterers to photographers, we have you covered!
