the perfect wedding dress

Body shape special

Whatever your shape, our advice will help you find the perfect wedding dress to suit your figure

 Finding the right wedding dress is probably the most crucial thing for any bride-to-be. Unfortunately, the search for the perfect dress is both tricky and frustrating – often because brides are not really sure which type of dress they should be looking for.

To get a dress with the perfect fit, it’s essential to choose one which suits your body shape and flatters your figure. This will not only make you more comfortable, but you’ll also look and feel more beautiful.
Click through to find out which wedding dress styles will best suit your shape.
This Constantina trumpet dress is ideal for hourglass girls.

An hourglass figure is one where your top and bottom halves are perfectly balanced, with a very defined waist.
Dress Dos: Often seen as a body shape which can wear anything, it’s still best to pick a dress that accentuates your waist, as this will show off your best asset. Two-piece gowns, like this one from Amanda Wyatt, will enhance an hourglass figure. Dress Don’ts: As your chest and hips are already balanced it’s best not to add weight to either half. Avoid empire-line silhouettes and ball gowns.

Dress Dos: Hourglass figures also look great in corset dresses, like this one from Charlotte Balbier.

Dress Dos:  Sweetheart necklines and bodices emphasis a fuller bust.

Try this one from Tia.

Dress Dos: If you’re a bit more curvaceous, try a mermaid or trumpet style dress, like this one from Blue by Enzoani.

Tall brides

The height of a catwalk model, you tower above your friends.
Dress Dos: Tall brides can carry off almost any dress style. Just pick the best for you. This Benjamin Roberts ball gown is gorgeous.
Dress Don’ts: Stay away from empire line dresses, which risk looking almost tent-like on willowy frames.

Tall brides

Dress Dos: This Claire Pettinbone mermaid dress is ideal for tall brides.

Apple shapes

Dress Dos: A ball gown will cover up all the bad bits. We love this one from Stephanie Allin.

Slim brides

Dress Dos: Slim is one of the few shapes that get away with a fitted dress with a high neckline, like this from Amanda Wyatt.

Hourglass figure

Dress Dos:  Sweetheart necklines and bodices emphasise a fuller bust.

Try this one from Tia.

Triangle shape

Dress Dos: Add interesting details, such as embroidery and bows, around the middle and bottom of your dress, as this forces the eye downwards.
We love the bow on this dress from Alan Hannah.

Triangle Shape

Dress Dos: Scoop necklines can also work well on triangles. This Pronovias one looks great with a jacket too if you want to cover up the tops of your arms.

Pear shapes

Just like the fruit, you’re smaller on top than the bottom, with hips wider than your shoulders.
Dress Dos: Princess style dresses disguise fuller hips and put the focus on your better half, balancing your torso and bust. We love this one from Phillipa Lepley.
Dress Don’ts: Avoid tiered, trumpet and mermaid style dresses which draw attention to your bottom. Sheaths are also unflattering.

Slim brides

Dress Dos: Delicate embroidery and beading in the right places, as seen in this Jenny Packham Narnia dress, can also create curves.

Triangle shape

Dress Dos: Sleeves are great for covering wider shoulders, and are perfect for winter weddings.
The lace ones of this Benjamin Roberts dress look fab.

Hourglass figure

Dress Dos: If you’re a bit more curvaceous, try a mermaid or trumpet style dress, like this one from Blue by Enzoani.