How To Choose The Right Wedding Dress For Your Body Shape

Step 1: Keep an Open Mind

Unless you make a habit of wearing extravagant frocks you probably won't know which shape suits you best. Many brides end up wearing something they would never have picked out in a shop but which looks amazing on, so allow plenty of time and don't be afraid to try on several different styles. Take someone with you whose advice you trust!

Step 2: Dress Shapes

There are six basic traditional wedding dress shapes:

Sheath dresses are simple, close-fitting and usually unstructured. Most come in soft, flowing fabrics like georgette and crepe. These are definitely best for tall slim brides.


An A-Line or Princess shape dress has fitted vertical seams running from the shoulders down to a flared skirt, which creates an “A” shape. It's best for brides with small waists and those wanting to hide broad hips and large thighs.

An empire line dress has a high waistline and a seam just underneath the bust.It's best for small busted brides and it makes petite brides look taller.

The traditional ball gown wedding dress has a fitted bodice and a floor-length skirt, and usually suits a more formal setting such as a church. This style of dress is best for brides with slim waistlines, and is great for hiding full hips.


A mermaid or fishtail dress is a narrow fitted dress with a flared hem. This style is great for making petite brides look taller; and if you're tall and slim, it'll give you curves.

Step 3: Remember comfort!

When you've found the style that suits your body shape best, make sure that you can move around in it easily and sit and stand in it with comfort. And watch out for unsightly bulges which appear when you sit down! If you're thorough, you'll find that perfect dress for your special day. Congratulations now you know how to pick the right dress for your body shape.