Choosing the best wedding dress
for your figure

Everyone knows that ALL brides are beautiful and that no woman is more beautiful than on her wedding day. No matter what your height or weight, there is a dress out there for you. You will get plenty of help and advice at the bridal shop or the dressmaker, but here are a few tips to help you develop some ideas of what you are looking for before you begin.

If you are short and wish to appear taller, look for a dress with seems and patterns or lace which run vertically or lengthwise. The styles you will be examining are EMPIRE, PRINCESS, OR A-LINE. Small collars and cuffs, and trim at the neck will draw attention to your face.

Tall women who wish to minimize their height should shop for dresses with wrap-around trim, wide belts, large collars and cuffs, flared sleeves, and low necklines.

Full figured women should choose a carefully fitted, solid color gown in the PRINCESS style or any other loosely cut style that skims the body. Look for a V-SHAPED NECKLINE and a full skirt.

If you are slender, look for materials that have texture and/or sheen, or something with horizontal ribbing or pattern. Long, full sleeves and a bloused top will also add to the look.

If you have a thick midriff or waist, go for the slimming effect of a high waistline or A-LINE skirt.

If you have a slender waist, try the shaping effect of a belt or sash at the waistline or some contrasting color.

The broad shouldered women should look for a dress with smooth set-in sleeves, low V-neck, or high covered necks. Narrow shoulders, of course, call for the opposite: a cape or caplets on the shoulder. Gathering sleeves and widely curved necklines also will help.

Big bosom? Try the V-Shape necklines, or a completely covered high neckline. Avoid cinched waists and EMPIRE design. Small bosom? Try the opposite. Look for the high waist and Empire styles which will accentuate the upper body.

Like every other aspect of wedding planning, you need to shop early. You may wish to bring just your mother or an attendant, but make sure it is someone whose opinion you trust. Give yourself plenty of time to make up your mind and have a dress made to order or fitted. When trying on, make sure you have the proper height shoes and right kind of under garments which you plan to wear on your wedding day.

YOUR HEADPIECE

Suiting your headpiece to your dress is the final step in assembling your wedding attire. There are many, many styles from which to choose.  The advice of your dressmaker or bridal salon consultant will be invaluable. They will know which style matches your gown and you will have plenty of time to mix and match and experiment.

YOUR ATTENDANTS DRESSES

In addition to choosing a dress style for your attendants which will complement your own wedding gown, you will likely not only need to choose a style that will look good on several different women of varying heights and weights.

Bridesmaids dresses are designed with to easily translate to any figure and are easily altered and fitted, even at the last minute. Shop by yourself to avoid complications. It is your decision and you can get the dress choice narrowed down to just 2 or 3 before you bring other members of your wedding party to the shop.