Body Shapes

When you first go shopping for wedding dresses, it can be a daunting task. Shops full of beautiful dresses, all sparkling and gorgeous. How do you decide where to start never mind choosing The One?

A good way to do this is to be mindful of your frame and dress to your body shape. Here’s a handy guide to flaunt what you’ve got.

Petite

If you’re petite, the last thing you want is to swamp your frame with too much embellishment or heavy materials. Stay away from 3D designs in favour of lace or beading which will have the same effect without dragging you down.

An empire waistline is also a great choice. It gives the illusion of longer legs or opt for a sheath with its smooth lines to give you the impression of height.

Curvy

There are two approaches for those of us with bigger frames; concealment or celebration.

Again, opt for beading and embroidery over 3D, so you’re not adding extra bulk to your frame. Using embellishment across your midriff will draw the eye in, giving you a waistline and celebrating your hour glass figure.

Chiffon skirts are a dreamlike way of hiding anything you don’t like.

Don’t forget a low neckline to show off your chest.

However, if you don’t want your breasts in everyone’s face then a subtle dip instead of a plunging V-neck or a high lace neck line will draw attention elsewhere.

Trumpet or mermaid tail dresses are the perfect dress for an hourglass figure, following your curves and still giving you a flared skirt.

Slim

Floor length sheath dresses are perfect for those with slimmer figures, accentuating all your favourite features.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to embellishment. 3D designs, beading and embroidery are all your friends. Any of these will draw the eye to the area you most want to accentuate.

And if you want to go over the top, you have the right figure for full skirts. They won’t over-encumber you but give you the illusion of curves if that’s what you want.

Tall

And if you’re one of those lucky women with height, then the sky’s the limit, literally. No style is out of bounds because your height will help you pull off all looks.

You could consider dresses with slits to show off your legs.

While you can have anything you want, less is more. While shorter brides look to empire waistlines to give them height, you don’t need this. It will just break up your height and why do that? Your height is something that should be celebrated, not hidden.