If you don't know where to start when searching for your dream wedding dress, consider styles that will best flatter your body shape
Image gallery
Image gallery
Wedding dress shopping can be an overwhelming experience, especially when you haven't shortlisted styles to try on. It's always best to attend your wedding dress appointments with wedding dress designs in mind so that you can quickly establish your preferences when you see the gowns in person.
Whether or not you've got a style of dress in mind – be that an A-line, fishtail or ball gown, your body shape can provide the perfect starting point in determining which dresses will suit you best.
Pear
Bottom-heavy, the small waist and bust of a pear body shape should be celebrated. Classic A-line dresses cinch in at the waist to highlight the bride's most dainty dimensions. Necklines are vast and varied; consider a straight-cut, high neck or off-the-shoulder design. Sleeved dresses can also serve to balance your figure, while corseted styles can add shape and structure to a smaller bust.
Above: Georgie by Sassi Holford
Hourglass
Curvy brides with a fuller bust and hips shouldn't shy away from wedding dresses which draw attention to their best assets. Sweetheart necklines with cap sleeves and trumpet or mermaid gowns will accentuate curves in a demure way.
Above: Imelda by Pronovias Privee
Petite
Avoid dresses that can swamp a petite frame, such as ball gowns with ruffled skirts. Instead, look to tea-length dresses or separates. A-line or sheath wedding dresses can make petite brides look taller by elongating their frame. Bateau necklines and strapless styles will serve to highlight your delicate appearance.
Above: Missy by House of Mooshki
Athletic
This body shape can also be referred to as 'rectangle', characterised by equal bust, waist and hip measurements. Celebrate your long legs, toned arms and slim torso with a minimalist, cami slip, silk dress or fishtail style with a V-neckline. Alternatively, add curves with an A-line gown.
Above: Valentina by Grace Loves Lace
Inverted triangle
An 'inverted triangle' body shape is where the shoulders are wider than the hips. Brides with broad shoulders will naturally gravitate towards halter-neck styles, which serve to slim the shoulders and balance the body's proportions.
Above: Opal by Grace Loves Lace
Apple
An apple shape typically has similar bust and waist measurements, but the shoulders and hips may be slightly narrower. As such, a mermaid wedding dress will balance your body ratios, with a form-fitting silhouette that contours the chest and waist and flares from the mid-thigh. If you don't like your lower half, an A-line or princess-style ball gown might be the perfect option. Lower necklines will also draw the eye upwards and away from your mid-section.
Above: April PS by Justin Alexander
