The perfect wedding dress for every figure

Brides come in all shapes and sizes, and so do wedding dresses! First determine what figure you have, and find the dress that fits you best.

Photo (above from left to right): Wedding dress: Maxim's Couture / Wedding dress: Sikkema - Photographer: Elke Van Den Ende / Wedding dress: Cermo Concept

1. You are pear-shaped

Do you have a slim upper body and a fine waist, with a fuller lower body?

DO: Your perfect wedding dress is an A-line gown. Because the bodice is tight at the waist and the skirt flares wider, this way you emphasise your slimmest point. Strapless, delicate ribbon straps or a V-neckline will highlight your slender upper body. If you don't want to emphasise your curves, firmer fabrics such as Duchesse satin and taffeta are ideal.

DON'T: Close-fitting wedding dresses or a mermaid model.

Photos: Dianna David

2. You are apple-shaped

Do you have a rounder upper body with larger breasts and slim legs?

DO: Your perfect wedding dress is an empire dress. This is a dress that is tight around your breasts, and flares out wider just below. This dress accentuates your waist without emphasising your tummy and highlights your slim lower body. Would you like to show off your long legs? Then go for a pretty slit! A deep V-neck for the bodice is best or go for strapless.

DON'T: Bodices with delicate ribbons or collars. High-necked tops also accentuate a rounder upper body.

Photo: Louise Mariage

3. You have a slim figure

Are you slim, with smaller breasts and fewer curves?

DO: Your perfect wedding dress has a lot of volume. Think a princess dress, babydoll or A-line dress with tulle and lace. A halter top, V-neckline or textured top will make your breasts look bigger.

DON'T: A smooth bodice, without texture, and a strapless wedding dress will make your breasts look smaller.

Photo: Cermo Concept

4. You have long legs

Are you tall with long legs?

DO: Your perfect wedding dress is very simple, both by silhouette and fabric choice. A bohemian model or empire dress is ideal. A short dress is also perfect if you want to highlight your long legs.

DON'T: Too much frills, ruffles and accessories might take away from your glamorous or stylish look....

Photo: Karolien Verstraeten - Photographer: LUX Visual Storytellers

5. You are small

Are you petite with shorter legs?

DO: Your perfect wedding dress is a short babydoll, princess dress, mermaid skirt or an A-line. Lots of choices, the most important being that the waistband of your dress comes higher than your natural waist. This will make your lower body look longer. Go for even colours and clean lines and make sure your dress is one-piece, as this will also make you look taller.

DON'T: Bows and very large accessories. If you do want something more than a simple dress, limit details (such as lace, ruffles, bows and so on) to the bodice.

Photos: Atelier Exc

6. You have an hourglass figure

Do you have full breasts, a narrow waist, rounder hips and slim legs?

DO: Your perfect dress is close-fitting and has a long bodice or corset. Emphasise your waist and bottom. A mermaid model will look beautiful on you!

DON'T: Even though an hourglass figure can wear any wedding dress, avoid an empire model because it hides your beautiful waist. The same goes for a straight, long dress.

Photos: JB Couture


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