We all have lumps and bumps and bits that we  want to  hide,  very  few  of  us  resemble the  size nothing mannequin  in  the  shop window, but that doesn’t mean your ideal wedding  dress  won’t  look  great, you  just have to pick one to suit your body shape.  

With the help of the right waistline, cut and skirt  you can  add  all  sorts  of  dimensions  to your  body, you  just  have  to  know  where  to look if: 

You’re tall 

You’re one of the lucky ones who can pull off almost  anything,  so  have  a  play  with different styles of bodices, straps and skirts. However,  you  may  want  to  watch  out  for anything  too  little  and  frilly – you  outgrew girlish  styles  a  few  years  (and  25 centimetres) ago. 

You’re a shorty 

If you dream of looking tall, look for A-line or fitted sheath designs since vertical lines elongate the body, 

and keep well away from fluffy ballgowns – lest you get lost in their skirts. 

You’re a stick 

You need to search for something that will give you an appearance of curves. So make up for your lack of 

them with slight layers and opt for a ballgown as it will add a new ‘hip-ey’ dimension to your silhouette. 

However don’t go over the top with the layers, or the wedding dress might end up wearing you! 

You’re curvy 

You  have glorious  curves – show  them  off!  An  A-line  dress  with  a  v-neck  bodice  is  the  ideal  thing  to accentuate your best assets. 

You have a large chest 

A V-neck bodice will best compliment your bust, but just be careful to preserve your modesty – if your 

wedding dress shows off too much cleavage no one will look into your eyes. Also make sure you pair your 

gown with a good supportive bra. 

You have no chest 

Lingerie is your friend, so invest in a good quality push-up bra, some chicken fillets or a padded bodice. 

The best style for you is a fitted gown to show off your figure, but one that has frills or detail around the 

bust to make it look bigger. 

You have a bit of a tummy 

The best way is to draw attention to another part of your body – go for a flattering A-line skirt and couple 

it with a bodice that emphasises your cleavage, shoulders or neck.

You have large hips 

A  simple  A-line  wedding  dress  will  do  wonders  to  emphasize  your  small  waist,  while  hiding  all  that lies below. If you pair this with a slightly raised or undefined waistline it will help to minimize your  hips as 

well. 

Bridal Gown shapes 

Now that you know your body shape a little better, it’s time to acquaint yourself with the shape of your 

material compatriot… 

Ballgown 

Think Cinderella – fitted bodice that flows out into a full skirt. 

A-line 

A gown with a skirt that flares out like the legs of the letter ‘A’. It has vertical seams running from the 

shoulders to the hem. 

Column 

This gown incorporates straight lines from the waist downwards. 

Mermaid 

A sexy style that involves the skirt flaring out below the knee in a feminine curve. 

Fishtail 

Think column with a twist – an extra panel of fabric fans out at the back of the skirt. 

Empire Line 

An elegant gown with the waistline pilled up right under the bust. 

Sheath 

A modern and sexy silhouette with no waistline – the skirt falls straight to the floor. 

Images: Gown by Rhonda Hemmingway Couture, Photography Justin Aveling. 

Source : Modern Wedding Magazine